Legendary Actor Manoj Kumar Passes Away at 87 in Mumbai
Manoj Kumar, popularly known as 'Bharat Kumar,' passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai due to a severe heart attack. He was an iconic actor and filmmaker known for his patriotic films and had received numerous awards for his contribution to Indian cinema.
Bollywood lost its legendary actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar recently. Popularly known as ‘Bharat Kumar,’ Manoj Kumar passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai due to a severe heart attack. He had been suffering from decompensated liver cirrhosis for the past few months before a severe heart attack took his life.
The iconic actor, known for his patriotic zeal, was honored with the National Film Award, Padma Shri in 1992 and Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015. Manoj Kumar delivered several Bollywood blockbusters such as Shaheed, Yaadgaar, Pehchaan, and Mera Naam Joker.
His notable directorial ventures include Upkar, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, Purab Aur Paschim, and Kranti.
Manoj Kumar was born into a Punjabi Hindu Brahmin family in present-day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, previously Abbottabad provincial town of Pakistan. During the time of partition, he migrated to Delhi with his family at the age of 10 from Jandiala Sher Khan.
After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hindu College, he pursued a career in acting. Inspired by superstars Dilip Kumar, Ashok Kumar, and Kamini Kaushal, he decided to name himself Manoj Kumar. His breakthrough in the career came in 1962 with Vijay Bhatt’s Hariyali Aur Raasta.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the news of Manoj Kumar's death and stated, “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.”