Legendary actor & filmmaker Manoj Kumar passes away at the age of 87

Veteran actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on Friday. His son, Kunal Goswami, confirmed the news and stated that Kumar breathed his last at around 3:30 am after a prolonged battle with health issues. His mortal remains have been kept at his residence in Juhu, and his cremation will take place at Pawan Hans Crematorium on Saturday.

Known for his patriotic films, Manoj Kumar was popularly referred to as ‘Bharat Kumar’. Some of his iconic films include ‘Purab Aur Paschim’, ‘Kranti’, ‘Roti, Kapada Aur Makaan’, and many more. His contribution to Indian cinema earned him seven Filmfare Awards and a National Film Award. In recognition of his remarkable work, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri in 1992 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015.

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit mourned his demise, calling it a huge loss to the film industry. "Sad to inform you all that legendary Dadasaheb Phalke award winner, Shri Manoj Kumar ji, is no more. He breathed his last at the Kokilaben Hospital in Andheri," he said. Pandit also recalled Kumar as a joyful and inspiring presence in the industry, stating that his impact will never be forgotten.

Born as Harikrishan Giri Goswami in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan) in 1937, Manoj Kumar and his family moved to Delhi during the Partition. He made his Bollywood debut in 1957 with ‘Fashion’, but it was ‘Kanch Ki Gudiya’ that gave him his first major break. Throughout his career, he not only acted in films but also directed, wrote scripts, edited, and even penned lyrics for his films.

Apart from acting, Manoj Kumar directed several classics such as ‘Upkar’, ‘Shor’, and ‘Jai Hind’, which are still remembered as cinematic masterpieces. He was known for working alongside actors like Prem Nath, Prem Chopra, Kamini Kaushal, and Hema Malini, among many others.

As the film industry and fans mourn the loss of this legendary artist, his legacy in Indian cinema, particularly in patriotic storytelling, remains unparalleled. His passing marks the end of an era in Bollywood, but his contributions will live on forever.