Fri Apr 04 02:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Legendary Bollywood Actor Manoj Kumar Passes Away at 87

**MUMBAI, INDIA** – Veteran Bollywood actor Manoj Kumar, renowned for his patriotic films and affectionately known as “Bharat Kumar,” passed away at the age of 87 on Friday morning. He died at Kokilaben Dhirubai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai due to heart-related complications, with decompensated liver cirrhosis listed as a secondary cause.

Kumar, born Harikrishnan Goswami in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), began his acting career in 1957. He rose to prominence with films like *Gumnaam* (1965) and *Shaheed* (1965), the latter a biographical film about freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. His portrayal of patriotic themes in movies such as *Upkaar* (1967), *Purab Aur Paschim* (1970), and *Kranti* (1981) solidified his image as a symbol of national pride. He also directed and acted in several films, winning the Best Director Filmfare Award in 1975 for *Roti Kapada Aur Makaan*.

Kumar’s contributions to Indian cinema were widely recognized. He received the Padma Shri in 1992, the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999, and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015. Before the 2004 general elections, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

News of his death prompted an outpouring of grief from across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute on social media, describing Kumar as “an icon of Indian cinema” whose work ignited a spirit of national pride. Union Minister Rajnath Singh and filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri also expressed their condolences.

Kumar’s son, Kunal Goswami, confirmed the actor’s peaceful passing and stated that the cremation will take place on Saturday morning. The nation mourns the loss of a cinematic legend whose impactful films continue to resonate with audiences.

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