Veteran Actor Manoj Kumar Passes Away, PM Modi Expresses Grief
Mumbai : Legendary film actor and acclaimed director Manoj Kumar has passed away at the age of 87. He breathed his last at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. The entire nation knew him for his iconic patriotic films and fondly referred to him as ‘Bharat Kumar’. His demise has left not only the film industry but the entire nation in deep mourning. According to the hospital authorities, he was admitted due to age-related health complications and passed away at 3:30 AM today.
PM Modi Mourns the Loss
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief over the passing of Manoj Kumar. In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“Saddened by the demise of the great actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. He was a cinematic icon, especially remembered for the spirit of patriotism that reflected in his films. His work awakened a sense of national pride and will continue to inspire generations. My condolences to his family and admirers during this difficult time. Om Shanti.”
Born in Pakistan, Heart Beat for India Till the End
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit said:
“Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner, our inspiration, and the ‘Lion’ of Indian cinema, Manoj Kumar Ji is no more. It’s a huge loss to the industry, and he will be remembered by all.”
Born as Harikishan Giri Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (then part of British India, now in Pakistan), Manoj Kumar moved to Delhi with his family after the Partition. He witnessed the trauma of Partition firsthand. A passionate admirer of Ashok Kumar, Dilip Kumar, and Kamini Kaushal, Manoj Kumar developed a love for acting from a young age.
Entered Films in 1957 with Fashion
He started his acting career with the 1957 film Fashion. His breakthrough came with Kaanch Ki Gudiya in 1960, where he played the lead role. Manoj Kumar went on to deliver iconic films like Upkar, Patthar Ke Sanam, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, Sanyasi, and Kranti. In most of his patriotic films, he portrayed characters named “Bharat,” earning him the nickname ‘Bharat Kumar’.
Upkar – Made at Lal Bahadur Shastri’s Request
Manoj Kumar had good relations with several political leaders. After the 1965 India-Pakistan war, he met then-Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, who encouraged him to make a film about the struggles of war. Taking inspiration from Shastri’s slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” Manoj Kumar created the film Upkar, which received immense love from audiences and became a classic.
Tensions During Emergency Displeased Indira Gandhi
The period of the Emergency was particularly challenging for Manoj Kumar. Although he had cordial relations with Indira Gandhi, his opposition to the Emergency led to a fallout. When he planned to re-release his hit film Shor in theaters, Doordarshan preemptively aired it. Additionally, his film Dus Numbri was banned by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
Told Amrita Pritam: “Has the Writer in You Died?”
It is said that the government once proposed that Manoj Kumar direct a documentary on the Emergency, with a script by Amrita Pritam. When she declined, Manoj Kumar reportedly called her and said, “Has the writer inside you died?” Embarrassed by the remark, Amrita Pritam eventually agreed to scrap the script at his request.
Manoj Kumar’s legacy will live on through his films, which inspired generations with themes of patriotism, national pride, and social justice. The Indian film industry and millions of fans bid a tearful farewell to one of its greatest sons — ‘Bharat Kumar’.