Bollywood Mourns the Loss of Manoj Kumar—A Pillar of Patriotic Cinema
Legendary Bollywood actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, beloved for his iconic roles in patriotic films, passed away at the age of 87 due to heart-related complications. He breathed his last at 3:30 AM on Friday at the Kokilaben Dhirubai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. His passing was also attributed to decompensated liver cirrhosis, as noted in the medical certificate provided by the hospital.
Manoj Kumar’s son, Kunal Goswami, confirmed the news, sharing that his father had been battling health issues for a long time. “It’s the grace of God that he left us peacefully,” Goswami said in an emotional interview. The veteran actor, known for his evergreen patriotic roles, will be cremated on Saturday morning.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media X (formerly Twitter), remembering Manoj Kumar as a “legendary actor and filmmaker.” Sharing two pictures with the actor, PM Modi wrote, “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 during this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”
Born in 1937 in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Manoj Kumar, originally named Harikrishnan Goswami, embarked on his acting career in Bollywood in 1957 with Fashion. However, it was his breakthrough role in the 1961 film Kanch Ki Gudiya that marked the start of his rise to stardom. His career truly took off with the thriller Gumnaam (1965), one of the highest-grossing films of that year, grossing Rs 2.6 crores. In the same year, he starred in Shaheed, a film that depicted the life of the freedom fighter Bhagat Singh.
But it was his portrayal of patriotic characters that solidified his place as one of Bollywood’s most cherished actors. Films like Upkaar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), and Kranti (1981) earned him the title ‘Bharat Kumar.’ His patriotism wasn’t just restricted to his acting; he also directed and produced films that celebrated India’s national pride, such as Shor (1972), which he both directed and starred in.
Apart from his acting, Manoj Kumar was a versatile filmmaker, winning the Filmfare Award for Best Director in 1975 for his film Roti Kapada Aur Makaan. His work in the film industry earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Padma Shri in 1992 for his contributions to Indian cinema. He also received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999 and was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015.
In addition to his cinematic legacy, Manoj Kumar had a brief political association, joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the 2004 general elections.
Through his iconic roles, Manoj Kumar became a beacon of patriotism in Bollywood. His films, filled with national fervor, encouraged audiences to reflect on the values of unity, pride, and sacrifice, making his work timeless and relevant for generations to come. His films continue to inspire generations, and his legacy will be cherished by fans across the globe.
