Art & Entertainment

Veteran Actor Manoj Kumar Passes Away At 87; PM Modi Calls Him 'Icon Of Indian Cinema'

He was admitted at Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai where he breathed his last.

actor Manoj Kumar passes away
actor Manoj Kumar passes away Photo: Getty Images
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Veteran actor Manoj Kumar died at 87 due to a severe heart attack. He was admitted at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai where he breathed his last.

Manoj Kumar was known for his performance in 'Purab Aur Paschim, 'Kranti' and 'Roti, Kapada Aur Makaan'. Kumar was awarded Dadasaheb Phalke award by the then President Pranab Mukherjee in 2015.

What Happened To Manoj Kumar?

According to medical reports verified by ANI, the cause of his death was identified as cardiogenic shock due to acute myocardial infarction, a severe heart attack.

The reports also confirmed that Kumar had been battling decompensated liver cirrhosis in the past few months, which contributed to his declining health.

He was admitted to the hospital on February 21, 2025, after his condition worsened.

Manoj Kumar's Life

Manoj Kumar was born as Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Amritsar, Punjab.

His unforgettable and iconic roles in films like Shaheed, Upkar, and Rang De Basanti made a mark in the hearts of the Indian audience.

He was affectionately known as 'Bharat' Kumar for his roles in patriotic films.

Kumar's contributions to Indian cinema earned him several prestigious accolades, including a National Film Award and seven Filmfare Awards in different categories.

The Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri in 1992 and later he was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015, the highest recognition in Indian cinema.

PM Modi Expresses Condolences, Shares Old Photo

PM Narendra Modi took to Twitter to express his condolences for the passing of the actor and he shared two photos with him while one of them features younger selves of the two figures.

He wrote, "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 continue to inspire generations. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti."

Union Defence Minister also shared his message on X, he wrote, "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 across generations. His cinematic legacy will live on through his works. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti."

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit reacted to Kumar's death, saying, "...The legendary Dadasaheb Phalke award winner, our inspiration and the 'lion' of the Indian film industry, Manoj Kumar Ji is no more...It is a great loss to the industry and the entire industry will miss him..."

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