Manoj Kumar:famously known as “Bharat Kumar” passed away

Mumbai, Apr 4: Manoj Kumar, the legendary actor and filmmaker who etched his name in the annals of Indian cinema, passed away at 87. The actor, famously known as “Bharat Kumar” for his patriotic roles, died at 4:03 am on April 4, 2025, at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai.

His death was attributed to cardiogenic shock following an acute myocardial infarction. Additionally, Kumar had been struggling with decompensated liver cirrhosis for several months, which contributed to his deteriorating health.
He was admitted to the hospital on February 21, 2025, and has since been under medical care.
Born Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), Kumar’s journey from a young, aspiring actor to a celebrated film personality is remembered today. Although his career began in the late 1950s, it was in the 1960s and 1970s that he truly emerged as one of Bollywood’s biggest stars. His portrayal of patriotic characters in films like Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Shaheed made him a national icon, earning him the nickname “Bharat Kumar.”

Throughout his illustrious career, Kumar not only acted but also directed and produced numerous successful films, many of which resonated deeply with the Indian audience’s sense of nationalism and pride. His most notable achievements include his directorial debut Upkar (1967), which was a massive success and won him the National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film. Kumar’s directorial skills were further showcased in films like Purab Aur Paschim (1970) and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), both of which were critical and commercial triumphs. Over the years, Kumar won several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 1992, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015, and numerous Filmfare accolades. His contributions to Indian cinema have left an indelible mark, with his films continuing to inspire filmmakers and actors alike.

Kumar’s legacy is not just confined to the silver screen. His films celebrated the values of patriotism, integrity, and national unity, themes that resonate with cinephiles even today. As an actor, director, and lyricist, he defined an era of Indian cinema that transcended borders and left an everlasting impact on generations of moviegoers. Manoj Kumar’s death marks the end of an era in Bollywood. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and audiences. Kumar also chose to pursue a career in politics after his retirement. Ahead of the 2004 general elections in India, he formally became a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

 Interesting Facts About Bharat Kumar’s Life That You Must Know

1 – Manoj Kumar, born Harikrishna Giri Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), spent his early years in the same city where Osama Bin Laden was killed decades later in 2011.

2 – Inspired by his favorite actor Dilip Kumar’s character in the 1949 film Shabnam, Manoj Kumar decided to change his stage name.

3 – At the tender age of 10, he and his family were forced to flee to Delhi after the Partition. Amid the chaos, he suffered a personal tragedy—losing his infant brother to the violence.

4 – The veteran star made his acting debut in the 1957 film Fashion, where he played a beggar, but the film didn’t help him gain any recognition.

5 – During his early days, Manoj Kumar worked as a ghostwriter in various studios, where he earned just Rs 11 per scene.

6 – After the 1965 Indo-Pak War, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri encouraged Manoj Kumar to create a film based on the slogan Jai Jawan Jai Kisan and this led to his directorial debut Upkaar in 1967.

7 – In 1989, Manoj Kumar made a bold move by casting Pakistani actors Mohammad Ali and Zeba in his film Clerk.