VETERAN BOLLYWOOD STAR MANOJ KUMAR DIES AT 87 AFTER PROLONGED ILLNESS

April 4, 2025

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Manoj Kumar, an Indian actor best known for his parts in patriotic Hindi-language films, passed away on Friday at the age of 87.

Tributes from all over the nation were prompted by the passing of the man known as “Bharat” Kumar, a reference to the old Sanskrit term for India that is rich in Hindu religious meaning.

Kumar, who was also a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governing Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), died in Mumbai owing to heart-related issues.

Calling Kumar an “icon” of Indian cinema, Modi led the tributes, stating that his films “ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations.”

Throughout his career, Kumar was known for acting — and at times directing — films that had a focus on unity and national pride.

In keeping with Bollywood custom, he changed his name from Harikrishan Goswami to Manoj Kumar.

He received a number of national honors, including India’s highest film honor, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

In the late 1950s, Kumar made his feature film debut in India.

He later starred in a number of patriotic-themed movies, such as “Upkar” (1967), “Purab Aur Pachhim” (1970), and “Kranti” (1981).

AFP