Veteran Actor and Filmmaker Manoj Kumar Passes Away at 87

Mumbai: Renowned actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, celebrated for his patriotic films and impactful performances, passed away on Friday at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. He was 87.

According to medical reports, Manoj Kumar succumbed to cardiogenic shock resulting from an acute myocardial infarction. The reports also indicated that he had been battling decompensated liver cirrhosis, which had progressively worsened his health in recent months. The veteran actor was admitted to the hospital on February 21, 2025, after his condition deteriorated.

Dr. Santosh Shetty, CEO and Executive Director at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital, confirmed his passing in an official statement, saying, “Veteran actor Shri Manoj Kumarji passed away peacefully at the Kokilaben Ambani Hospital early this morning at around 3:30 AM, due to age-related health issues. He had been hospitalized for the past few weeks.”

Following the news, an outpouring of tributes from fans, celebrities, and political leaders flooded social media. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his grief, tweeting, “Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. He was an icon of Indian cinema, remembered for his patriotic zeal, which was reflected in his films. Manoj Ji’s works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”

Born as Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Amritsar, Punjab, Manoj Kumar became a stalwart of Hindi cinema. His cinematic legacy is defined by his powerful performances in films such as Shaheed, Upkar, and Rang De Basanti, which resonated deeply with the Indian audience. Affectionately known as ‘Bharat Kumar,’ he carved a niche for himself with his patriotic themes and compelling storytelling.

A prominent figure in Bollywood during the 1960s and 70s, Manoj Kumar starred in several iconic films, including Shor, Do Badan, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, and Purab Aur Paschim. Apart from acting, he was also an accomplished director and producer, helming classics like Upkar, Kranti, and Clerk.

Beyond the film industry, Manoj Kumar had a brief stint in politics, officially joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after retiring from cinema.

The legendary actor’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, but his films and contributions will continue to inspire generations to come.