End of an Era: Manoj Kumar, the 'Bharat Kumar', Bids Farewell at 87!

Friday Apr 04, 2025

Celebrated for his iconic roles in patriotic classics like Purab Aur Paschim and Kranti, legendary actor Manoj Kumar died in Mumbai at the age of 87. He passed away from heart-related issues while receiving treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. Decompensated liver cirrhosis was identified as a secondary cause of death on the hospital's medical certificate.

 

Born in 1937 in Abbottabad, a small town in British India's North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan), Manoj Kumar was originally named Harikrishnan Goswami.

 

His first movie, Fashion, released in 1957, marked his entry into Bollywood. He costarred with Sayeeda Khan in Kanch Ki Gudiya (1961), which was his big break a few years later.

 

Gumnaam, a suspense thriller starring Manoj Kumar, made over Rs. 2.6 crores in 1965, making it one of the highest-grossing movies of the year. His portrayal of independence fighter Bhagat Singh in Shaheed that same year solidified his reputation as a nationalist.

 

He became known as "Bharat Kumar" because to his strong performances in patriotic movies like Purab Aur Pachhim (1970) and Kranti (1981). He also directed and starred in Shor (1972), showcasing his filmmaking abilities.

For Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, Kumar received the 1975 Filmfare Award for Best Director. In 1992, the Government of India gave him the Padma Shri in recognition of his contributions to Indian film.

 

Kumar became an official member of the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) prior to the 2004 national elections.

In addition to expressing sympathy to the family and fans, Union Minister Rajnath Singh lamented the passing of a "versatile" performer. Recalling Kumar's efforts, Mr. Singh wrote: "Shri Manoj Kumar ji was a versatile actor, who would always be remembered for making films full of patriotism."

 

He wrote in his tweet that Manoj Kumar, often referred to as "Bharat Kumar," made a lasting impression on Indian cinema with his iconic performances in Purab Aur Paschim and Upkaar.

He pointed out that Kumar had gained respect from all generations and that his achievements had significantly enhanced the cultural environment of the country. In addition, he offered his family and fans his condolences and said that the actor's body of work would continue to carry on his cinematic legacy. He ended with "Om Shanti."

 

 

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