Renowned Bollywood actor and filmmaker, Manoj Kumar has died at 87 in Mumbai, India’s entertainment and financial hub.
Dr. Santosh Shetty of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, where the veteran actor was receiving treatment, confirmed that he succumbed to complications arising from age-related health conditions.
His son, Kunal Goswami, also shared with the ANI news agency that Kumar had been dealing with health challenges for an extended period.
Widely celebrated for his patriotic roles, Kumar rose to stardom during the 1960s and 1970s. His impactful storytelling and iconic performances left a lasting legacy in Indian cinema, particularly through films that stirred national pride.
Born in 1937 in Punjab as Harikrishan Goswami, he earned critical and popular acclaim through landmark films such as Shaheed, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, and Kranti. These works, known for their strong patriotic message, struck a powerful chord with Indian audiences.
Throughout his illustrious career, Kumar received numerous honors, including the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. His lifelong contribution to film was further acknowledged with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the most prestigious recognition in Indian cinema.
Following the news of his passing, heartfelt tributes poured in across social media platforms.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered him as a cinematic legend, stating on X (formerly Twitter):
“Manoj Ji’s works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations.”
