Indian actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar passed away at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai on Friday. He was 87. Coincidentally, his co-star and actress Aruna Irani, who was hospitalized at the same facility, shared memories of his final days in a conversation with eTimes.
His lungs were filled with fluid, and he had to spend a few days in the hospital before he returned,” revealed Irani, who could not visit Manoj Kumar due to her health issues.
Talking about her long association with Manoj Kumar and his family, Irani revealed, “His wife (Shashi Goswami) was always good to us, and we got special treatment from both of them, and I worked in most of his films.” The two actors collaborated in several notable projects including Upkar (1967), Roti Kapada and Makan (1974), and Pathar Ke Samaan (1967).
She added, “He was a great man with a kind heart, and when you share that bond with someone, you remember not only the pictures you made together, but all the memories you made while working with them.”
The Indian film industry has lost one of its most iconic stars with the passing of Manoj Kumar, the legendary actor-filmmaker who epitomized patriotism and idealism in Bollywood. Known as “Bharat Kumar” for his roles celebrating Indian values, his demise marks the end of an era in Hindi cinema.
Manoj Kumar, born Harikrishna Giri Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), was a towering figure in Indian cinema, leaving behind a legacy of films that blended entertainment with nationalism. From classics like Shaheed (1965), Upkar (1967), and Purab Aur Paschim (1970) to his later directorial ventures, his work resonated deeply with audiences across generations.
Manoj Kumar’s family migrated to Delhi during the Partition of India in 1947. Inspired by Dilip Kumar’s performance in Shaheed (1948), young Harikrishna decided to pursue acting and adopted the screen name Manoj Kumar—reportedly inspired by Dilip Kumar’s character in Shabnam (1949).
His debut film was Fashion (1957), but his breakthrough came with V. Shantaram’s Do Badan (1966), where his performance earned critical acclaim. However, it was his role as Bhagat Singh in Shaheed (1965) that cemented his place as a leading actor who could carry patriotic themes with conviction.
Manoj Kumar became synonymous with patriotic films, earning the nickname “Bharat Kumar” after his role in Upkar (1967), a film that celebrated Indian farmers and soldiers His directorial debut, Upkar, was a massive success and won him the National Film Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration. The film’s themes of agrarian struggles, patriotism, and social justice struck a chord with audiences, making Manoj Kumar a symbol of Indian values in cinema.
One of his most influential films was Purab Aur Paschim (1970), which contrasted Indian traditions with Western influences. The film, which he wrote, directed, and starred in, became a cultural touchstone, addressing themes of identity, morality, and the Indian diaspora. His portrayal of Bharat, a proud Indian navigating Western society, reinforced his image as a flag-bearer of Indian ethos.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Manoj Kumar continued to act and direct, though his films did not achieve the same commercial success as his earlier works. Movies like Kranti (1981) and Clerk (1989) kept him relevant, but his style of filmmaking gradually faded as Bollywood evolved.
Interestingly, he also ventured into politics, joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 1990s, though he remained more influential in cinema than in politics.
Manoj Kumar received numerous accolades, including:
- Padma Shri (1992) for his contributions to Indian cinema.
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2016), India’s highest film honor.
- Multiple Filmfare Awards for his acting and direction.
Despite his success, he remained a humble and disciplined artist, often avoiding the glitz and glamour of Bollywood.
In his later years, he lived a quiet life, occasionally appearing at film events. His health had been declining, and he passed away on [Date], leaving behind a void in Indian cinema.
Manoj Kumar’s films were more than just entertainment—they were a reflection of India’s post-independence identity. At a time when Bollywood was dominated by romance and drama, he carved a niche with socially relevant and nationalistic themes.
His influence can be seen in modern films like Rang De Basanti (2006) and Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019), which carry forward his legacy of patriotic storytelling.
Bollywood celebrities and politicians paid heartfelt tributes:
- Amitabh Bachchan: “A true legend who defined patriotism in cinema.”
- Anupam Kher: “An era of meaningful cinema has ended with his passing.”
Manoj Kumar was not just an actor; he was an institution. His films shaped the consciousness of a nation, blending entertainment with social messages. As Bollywood evolves, his contributions remain timeless, reminding us of an era when cinema was not just about box office numbers but also about values and ideals.
With his passing, Indian cinema has lost one of its brightest stars, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Rest in peace, Bharat Kumar