Bollywood lost one of its most celebrated actors, Manoj Kumar, on Friday, April 4, 2025. He passed away at the age of 87 at Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubai Ambani Hospital at 4:03 AM. According to reports, the cause of his death was a heart attack (acute myocardial infarction), leading to cardiogenic shock. The veteran actor had been battling liver cirrhosis for several months, which had caused various health complications. He had been admitted to the hospital on February 21, 2025, due to worsening health conditions.
Final Rites and Public Tribute
Manoj Kumar’s mortal remains will be kept at his residence in Juhu, allowing his friends from the film industry and his fans to pay their last respects. The cremation is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025.
Bollywood Pays Tribute to Manoj Kumar
Several Bollywood celebrities expressed their sorrow over his passing.
- Akshay Kumar shared on social media, “I grew up learning from him that love and pride for our country are unmatched emotions. He was a fine person and a great asset to our film industry. RIP Manoj Sir. Om Shanti.”
- Director Vivek Agnihotri honored him, saying, “Manoj Kumar was India’s first truly original and committed Indic filmmaker. He made patriotism cinematic and nationalism poetic. His legacy will live on.”
- Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar recalled his contributions, stating, “His storytelling and song picturization inspired national pride and will continue to resonate for generations.”
- Aamir Khan paid tribute by calling Manoj Kumar an “institution” whose films carried important social themes that resonated with the common man.
- Manoj Bajpayee wrote, “With the loss of Manoj Kumar Sahab, we bid farewell to a pillar of Hindi cinema. His art celebrated the spirit of India like no other.”
PM Modi’s Tribute to the Icon
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his grief, stating, “Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. His films reflected patriotic zeal and ignited national pride. His legacy will continue to inspire generations. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Manoj Kumar’s Legacy in Indian Cinema
Manoj Kumar, often referred to as “Bharat Kumar,” was known for his patriotic films. Born on July 24, 1937, in Amritsar, Punjab, his real name was Harikishan Goswami. He began his journey in Hindi cinema in 1957 with the film Fashion and gained recognition with the 1961 movie Kanch Ki Gudiya.
His 1965 thriller Gumnaam became one of the highest-grossing films of that year. He also received critical acclaim for portraying freedom fighter Bhagat Singh in Shaheed (1965). Some of his other iconic films include:
- Yaadgar
- Kalyug Aur Ramayan
- Patthar Ke Sanam
- Purab Aur Paschim
- Kranti
- Grahasti
- Aadmi
- Anita
His immense contribution to Indian cinema earned him the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honor in the film industry.
A Fond Farewell
Manoj Kumar leaves behind a rich cinematic legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. He is survived by his wife, Shashi Goswami, and their three children. His movies, filled with patriotism and meaningful storytelling, will remain a source of pride for Indian cinema.
As the film industry and fans mourn his loss, his spirit will live on through the films that defined an era of nationalism and heartfelt storytelling.
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