Manoj Kumar, Bollywood’s Patriot Star and Iconic Filmmaker, Passes Away at 87

Manoj Kumar (1937–2024), the legendary Bollywood actor and filmmaker, passed away at 87 in Mumbai on Friday at 3:30 am due to heart-related complications, with decompensated liver cirrhosis as a secondary cause. Renowned as ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his patriotic films, he gained fame with Gumnaam (1965) and Shaheed (1965) before directing and starring in classics like Upkaar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), and Kranti (1981). His film Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1975) won him the Filmfare Award for Best Director. Honored with the Padma Shri (1992), Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1999), and Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2015), he was a towering figure in Indian cinema. In his later years, he joined BJP before the 2004 elections. His passing marks the end of an era, but his cinematic legacy remains immortal. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the news of the death of the "legendary actor and filmmaker" on social media X (formerly Twitter). Sharing two pictures with the veteran actor, PM Modi wrote, "He was an icon of Indian cinema, who was particularly remembered for his patriotic zeal, which was also reflected in his films. Manoj Ji's works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti."

Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. He was an icon of Indian cinema, who was particularly remembered for his patriotic zeal, which was also reflected in his films. Manoj Ji's works ignited a spirit of national pride and will… pic.twitter.com/f8pYqOxol3

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2025

Mr. Kumar had been struggling with health issues for a long time, his son Kunal Goswami shared in an interview. "It's the grace of god that he bid adieu to this world peacefully. His cremation will take place tomorrow morning... He was happy. Just a little unwell." he said.

Union Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his sorrow over the passing of the versatile actor and extended his condolences to Manoj Kumar's family and admirers. Reflecting on Kumar’s contributions, he honored his legacy and impact on Indian cinema, emphasizing how his patriotic films resonated across generations. 

Shri Manoj Kumar ji was a versatile actor, who would always be remembered for making films full of patriotism. Popularly known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ his unforgettable performances in films like ‘Upkaar’, ‘Purab and Paschim’ have enriched our culture and have endeared him to people…

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 4, 2025

India’s first truly original and committed Indic filmmaker, Dadasaheb Phalke awardee Shri Manoj Kumar ji, left us today.

A proud nationalist.
A staunch Hindu at heart.
A visionary director who gave Indian cinema a new grammar — of song picturisation, of meaningful lyrics, of… pic.twitter.com/Te8PNBbIv5

— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) April 4, 2025

"Patriots and artists like him never die," wrote film director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri.