Veteran actor-director Manoj Kumar, known for his deeply patriotic films and meaningful storytelling, passed away on April 4, Friday, at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. He was 87. As per reports by news agency ANI, Kumar succumbed to cardiogenic shock following an acute myocardial infarction, while already grappling with decompensated liver cirrhosis. His son shared a heartfelt note, saying, “It’s the grace of God that he bid adieu to this world peacefully.” His cremation is scheduled for Saturday.
As the news broke, condolences poured in from across the nation. Akshay Kumar, sharing a vintage photo of the late actor, wrote, “I grew up learning from him that there’s no emotion like love and pride for our country. And if we actors won’t take the lead in showing this emotion, who will? Such a fine person, and one of the biggest assets of our fraternity. RIP Manoj Sir.”
I grew up learning from him that there’s no emotion like love and pride for our country. And if we actors won’t take the lead in showing this emotion, who will? Such a fine person, and one of the biggest assets of our fraternity. RIP Manoj Sir. Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/sr8U4Wkqgq
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 4, 2025
Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri paid tribute, calling him a “visionary director,” and adding, “He made patriotism cinematic, without noise. He made nationalism poetic, without apology… In a time of borrowed voices and secondhand aesthetics, he dared to be rooted.”
India’s first truly original and committed Indic filmmaker, Dadasaheb Phalke awardee Shri Manoj Kumar ji, left us today.
A proud nationalist.
A staunch Hindu at heart.
A visionary director who gave Indian cinema a new grammar — of song picturisation, of meaningful lyrics, of… pic.twitter.com/Te8PNBbIv5— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) April 4, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his condolences, acknowledging Kumar’s immense contribution to Indian cinema and national identity.
Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. He was an icon of Indian cinema, who was particularly remembered for his patriotic zeal, which was also reflected in his films. Manoj Ji’s works ignited a spirit of national pride and will… pic.twitter.com/f8pYqOxol3
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2025
From Harikrishan Goswami to Manoj Kumar: A Star Is Born
Born as Harikrishan Giri Goswami in Abbottabad—now in present-day Pakistan—Manoj Kumar was a child of Partition. His family migrated to Delhi after Independence, and it was during these early years of hardship and hope that the seeds of patriotic spirit were sown. But how did Harikrishan Goswami become Manoj Kumar?
As the story goes, young Harikrishan was deeply inspired by Dilip Kumar, especially his portrayal in the film Shabnam (1949). In the movie, Dilip Kumar played a character named Manoj—a name that struck a chord with the aspiring actor. Enamored by both the name and the persona, he decided to adopt Manoj Kumar as his screen name when he entered the world of cinema. It was a fitting tribute to the legend who shaped his dreams—and ironically, he too went on to become a legend in his own right.
The Journey to Stardom
Kumar’s film career began in 1957 with Fashion Brand and small roles in films like Sahara, Chand, and Honeymoon. However, these early roles failed to gain much attention. His breakthrough came in 1961 with Kaanch Ki Gudiya, followed by a string of hits that truly launched his career—Hariyali Aur Rasta (1962), Shaadi, Dr. Vidya, and Grahasti. His performance in Raj Khosla’s mystery thriller Woh Kaun Thi? (1964) established him as a leading man with serious screen presence.
But it was his unique brand of cinema—rooted in patriotism and social relevance—that made Manoj Kumar a name etched in India’s cinematic memory.
Bharat Kumar: The Patriot on Screen
Manoj Kumar’s image as “Bharat Kumar” took shape through a string of iconic patriotic films—Shaheed (1965), Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), and Kranti (1981). These films didn’t just entertain—they inspired a generation. Whether it was the portrayal of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh or a farmer-soldier in Upkar, Kumar portrayed Indian ideals with honesty and conviction.
Upkar, in fact, was a turning point. The film was inspired by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan, “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”, and became a box-office blockbuster. Kumar not only acted in the film but also wrote and directed it. The success of Upkar earned him the National Film Award and cemented his legacy as a filmmaker with a purpose.
Awards and Recognition
Over the course of his career, Manoj Kumar received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 1992. In 2016, he was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest cinematic honor, recognizing his lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.
Legacy Beyond the Lens
While many actors fade with time, Manoj Kumar’s films continue to resonate—especially in today’s age of identity, nationalism, and cultural storytelling. He stood for cinema that was rooted, reflective, and relevant. He stood against the tide during the Emergency, refusing to bow to authoritarianism, earning admiration and respect beyond the film industry.
He made patriotism cinematic—not jingoistic, but soulful. He made the common man a hero and made every Indian see themselves on screen.
