Veteran actor Manoj Kumar, known for his roles in patriotic films such as Purab Aur Paschim and Kranti, dies at 87 in Mumbai. Kumar was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, where he died due to heart-related complications. The secondary cause of death is decompensated liver cirrhosis, as per the medical certificate issued by the hospital.
Kumar was born in Abbottabad, a small town in the North-West Frontier Province, British India (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan), in 1937 and was named Harikrishnan Goswami.
Kumar debuted in Bollywood in 1957 with the film ‘Fashion’. He then got his break in Kanch Ki Gudiya (1961), where he acted with Sayeeda Khan.
His thriller, Gumnaam (1965), was one of the highest-grossing movies that year, earning Rs. 2.6 crores. In the same year, Kumar starred in Shaheed, which explored the life of the freedom fighter Bhagat Singh.
His roles in patriotic films like Purab Aur Pachhim (1970) and Kranti (1981) got him the nickname ‘Bharat Kumar’. He also directed and acted in Shor (1972).
Kumar won the Best Director award at the Filmfare Awards in 1975 for his movie Roti Kapada Aur Makaan.
Kumar was conferred the title of Padma Shri in 1992.
Before the 2004 general elections, Kumar officially joined the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP).
Union Minister Rajnath Singh mourned the loss of a “versatile” actor and expressed condolences to the family and admirers. Mr Singh recalled Kumar’s work and wrote: “Shri Manoj Kumar ji was a versatile actor, who would always be remembered for making films full of patriotism. Popularly known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ his unforgettable performances in films like ‘Upkaar’, ‘Purab and Paschim’ have enriched our culture and have endeared him to people across generations. His cinematic legacy will live on through his works. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Shri Manoj Kumar ji was a versatile actor, who would always be remembered for making films full of patriotism. Popularly known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ his unforgettable performances in films like ‘Upkaar’, ‘Purab and Paschim’ have enriched our culture and have endeared him to people…
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 4, 2025