Veteran actor-director Manoj Kumar dies at 87 in Mumbai
He helmed iconic films such as Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), and Kranti (1981), leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema
Veteran actor Manoj Kumar, known for his roles in patriotic films such as Purab Aur Paschim and Kranti, has passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai.
Kumar was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai 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.
Also read: Is cinema losing its freedom? Empuraan controversy riles Kerala
Manoj Kumar made his debut in Bollywood in 1957 with the film Fashion. He then got his break in Kanch Ki Gudiya (1961), where he acted with Sayeeda Khan.
He helmed iconic films such as Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), and Kranti (1981), leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema. His portrayal of nationalist characters on screen earned him the revered title of ‘Bharat Kumar.’
PM Modi pays tributes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid rich tributes to the noted actor, lauding him as an icon of Indian cinema.
PM Modi said on X, "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." Modi said Kumar's films ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations.
On his demise, filmmaker Ashoke Pandit said, “The legendary Dadasaheb Phalke award winner, our inspiration and the 'lion' of the Indian film industry, Manoj Kumar Ji is no more...It is a great loss to the industry and the entire industry will miss him...”