"He was an icon of Indian cinema."
Manoj Kumar sadly passed away on April 4, 2025, due to chronic heart-related complications.
He was 87 years old. He was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai.
Kumar was born on July 24, 1937, as Harikrishan Giri Goswami.
Before entering the film industry, he gave himself the screen name of Manoj Kumar after Dilip Kumar’s character in Shabnam (1949).
After making his debut in Fashion (1957), Kumar’s big break came with Kaanch Ki Gudiya (1961).
His first major success as a leading actor was in Raj Khosla’s mystery thriller Woh Kaun Thi (1964).
Kumar’s career prospects improved from the mid-1960s. He received acclaim for the patriotic drama Shaheed (1965), which was based on the life of Bhagat Singh.
The film showed traces of the patriotic performer Manoj Kumar would become famous for in later years.
Kumar went on to make his directorial debut with Upkar (1967). One of Bollywood’s enduring classics, the film featured the chartbuster ‘Mere Desh Ki Dharti‘, sung by Mahendra Kapoor.
Manoj Kumar continued to make patriotic and socially-relevant cinema which included films like Poorab Aur Paschim (1970), Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974), and Kranti (1981).
This earned him the nickname of ‘Bharat Kumar’.
As an actor, he also mused well with the playback singer Mukesh, who sang evergreen songs for Kumar including ‘Ek Pyaar Ka Nagma Hai’ from Shor (1972).
In 1973, Kumar won the Filmfare ‘Best Actor’ award for his performance in Be-Imaan (1972). He also won ‘Best Director’ accolades for Upkar and Roti Kapada Aur Makaan.
Since the news of his sad demise, tributes poured in for Manoj Kumar on social media.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “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.”
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
Ajay Devgn wrote: “Manoj Kumar Ji was not just a cinematic icon – he was a personal milestone in my family’s journey.
“He gave my father, Veeru Devgan, his very first break as an action director in Roti Kapada Aur Makaan.
“From there, their collaboration continued all the way to Kranti, creating moments that are now part of Indian cinema’s golden history.
“Manoj Ji’s films – Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Shor, Kranti – they weren’t just films. They were national emotions.
“His creative genius, unwavering patriotism, and storytelling depth set a benchmark that very few have matched.”
“As Indian cinema bids farewell to its Bharat Kumar – a storyteller, a patriot, and a legend, I also wish to say thank you for shaping my father’s journey and for inspiring countless storytellers like me.
“Your legacy, Manoj Ji, is eternal.”
Manoj Kumar ji was not just a cinematic icon – he was a personal milestone in my family’s journey. He gave my father, Veeru Devgan, his very first break as an action director in Roti Kapda Aur Makaan. From there, their collaboration continued all the way to Kranti, creating… pic.twitter.com/1SiKmrpfpQ
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) April 4, 2025
Sunny Deol said: “Manoj Kumar Sahab gave us characters that were both heroic and human.
“His films reflected love for the country and its people.
“An irreplaceable loss for the world of cinema. End of an era.”
Manoj Kumar made his final film appearance in Maidaan-E-Jung (1995) and in 2015, he was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his contribution to Indian cinema.
DESIblitz pays tribute to a wonderful actor and a skilled director, while also sending condolences to his family and admirers.
Loading ...