CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Renowned film actor and veteran director Manoj Kumar (87) passes away

Famous film actor and legendary director Manoj Kumar has passed away at the age of 87. He breathed his last at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. The entire nation remembers him for his iconic patriotic films, earning him the affectionate title ‘Bharat Kumar’. His passing has left not just the film industry, but the whole country in deep mourning.

The hospital administration confirmed that he had been admitted due to age-related health issues, and he passed away at 3:30 AM.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the actor’s demise. On X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:

“Saddened by the demise of the great actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. He was a cinematic icon, especially remembered for his passion for patriotism reflected in his films. His work stirred feelings of national pride and will continue to inspire generations. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this difficult time. Om Shanti.”

Born in Pakistan, his heart beat for India till the end

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit said, “Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner, our inspiration and the ‘Lion’ of Indian cinema, Manoj Kumar Ji is no more. It’s a huge loss to the film industry, and he will be dearly missed.”

Manoj Kumar’s real name was Harikishan Giri Goswami. He was born on 24 July 1937 in Abbottabad, which became part of Pakistan after Partition. His family chose to move to India, settling in Delhi. He witnessed the pain of Partition firsthand and developed a love for acting from a young age, idolizing Ashok Kumar, Dilip Kumar, and Kamini Kaushal.

Acting debut in 1957 with the film ‘Fashion’

During his college days, he was active in theatre and eventually moved from Delhi to Mumbai. He made his acting debut in 1957 with the film ‘Fashion’. His breakthrough came in 1960 with ‘Kaanch Ki Gudiya’, where his performance as the lead was appreciated.

He went on to deliver classics like Upkar, Patthar Ke Sanam, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, Sanyasi, and Kranti. In most of these films, his character was named ‘Bharat’, earning him the iconic nickname Bharat Kumar.

Created ‘Upkar’ on Lal Bahadur Shastri’s request

Manoj Kumar shared close ties with political leaders. After the 1965 Indo-Pak war, he met Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, who requested him to make a film highlighting the struggles caused by war. Inspired by Shastri’s slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, he created ‘Upkar’, which became a huge success and received immense public love.

Clashed with Indira Gandhi over Emergency

The Emergency era was a challenging period for Manoj Kumar. Despite good relations with Indira Gandhi, he opposed the Emergency, which upset her. As a result, when he planned a re-release of his hit film ‘Shor’, it was instead aired directly on Doordarshan. His film ‘Dus Numbri’ was also banned by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Stood firm with writers, confronted Amrita Pritam

It’s said that the government once offered him a project to direct a documentary on the Emergency, with a script written by Amrita Pritam. When she backed out, Manoj Kumar reportedly called her and asked, “Have you killed the writer within you?” The remark left her embarrassed, and he told her to tear up the script.

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