Bharat Kumar No More: Legendary Actor Manoj Kumar Passes Away at 87

April 4, Mumbai: Legendary Bollywood actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, renowned for his powerful patriotic films, passed away early Friday morning at the age of 87. The veteran star died at 4:03 am at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai due to cardiogenic shock following a severe heart attack (acute myocardial infarction), according to medical reports.

Born Harikrishan Goswami, Kumar had been battling serious health issues and was admitted to the hospital on February 21, 2025. Doctors also confirmed that he had been suffering from advanced liver cirrhosis in recent months.

Lovingly referred to as ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his deep-rooted nationalistic themes in cinema, his death has left a huge void in the Indian film industry. His mortal remains will be kept at his Juhu residence on Friday afternoon, allowing friends, fans, and members of the film fraternity to pay their final respects. The cremation is scheduled for Saturday.

Tributes Pour In for a Cinema Legend

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit paid a heartfelt tribute, saying, “Sad to inform you all that the legendary Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner, our inspiration and the ‘lion’ of the Indian film industry, Manoj Kumar ji is no more. This is an immense loss. He was always vibrant, full of life and positivity. We will truly miss him.”

A Cinematic Journey Rooted in Patriotism

Born on July 24, 1937, in Amritsar, Punjab, Manoj Kumar carved a niche in Indian cinema through films that highlighted social issues and national pride. His timeless classics like Shaheed, Upkar, and Purab Aur Paschim became cornerstones of patriotic storytelling in Bollywood.

Over the course of his illustrious career, Kumar received numerous accolades including a National Film Award and seven Filmfare Awards. His contributions were further recognized by the Government of India with the Padma Shri in 1992 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015 — India’s highest honor in cinema.

As news of his demise spread, heartfelt tributes flooded in from all corners of the country. Manoj Kumar’s unmatched legacy as a filmmaker, actor, and symbol of patriotism continues to resonate with audiences even today.