Indian cinema veteran actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar died on April 4, 2025 at the age of 87. Actor, known as “Bharat Kumar” for patriotic roles in many films, breathed his last at 4:03 am at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai.
In an emotional message on his X (East Twitter) handle, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief, writing, “The death of great actor and filmmaker Mr. Manoj Kumar ji was very sad. He was a symbol of Indian cinema, especially remembered for his patriotic enthusiasm, which was also reflected in his films.”
He wrote, “Manoj ji’s actions have ignited the spirit of national pride and it will continue to inspire generations. My condolences in this hour of grief are with his family and fans. 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 remumbered 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
According to medical reports, the cause of his death was described as acute myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock due to a severe heart attack.
Reports also confirmed that Kumar had been struggling with decomponed liver cirrhosis for the past few months, causing his health to deteriorate. On 21 February 2025, he was admitted to the hospital when his condition deteriorated.
Talking to ANI, his son Kunal Goswami shared the sad news and said, “Hello, I am Kunal Goswami. Unfortunately, my father Manoj Kumar has died in Kokilaben Ambani Hospital at around 3:30 pm today. He was unwell for a long time, but he has crossed everything with great intensity. Thank you.”
Kunal Goswami further stated that his father, who would have been 88 years old in two months, was falling in peace with his loved ones, especially his grandchildren, and small relatives.
He said, “He was very happy, although he was a little unwell due to his age.” He added, “His funeral will be tomorrow (Saturday, April 5, 2025).”
The actor’s cousin Manish R Goswami also expressed grief, saying, “This is a sad news for the whole country. The era of making films on patriotism has ended today. It is the end of the era of true Indian and true patriotism.”
Born on July 24, 1937 in Amritsar, Punjab as Harikrishna Goswami, Manoj Kumar made a separate place for himself in Hindi cinema.
His prestigious roles in films like Shaheed, Upkar and Rang De Basanti were deeply associated with the feelings of patriotism of the Indian public. Throughout his career, Kumar was known for his acting and direction in films focused on the spirit of national pride and unity.
He received several prestigious awards for Kumar’s contribution to Indian cinema, including a National Film Award and seven Filmfare Awards in various categories.
Honoring his great contribution to Indian art, the Government of India honored him with Padma Shri in 1992. His legacy was further strengthened when he was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honor of Indian cinema in 2015.
The news of his death has raged a wave of mourning in the film industry, many people have expressed their grief and honored his legacy. Filmmaker Ashok Pandit also expressed grief over the death of the great actor.
Talking to ANI, he said, “You all are sad to tell that the great Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner, our inspiration, Indian film industry veteran, Mr. Manoj Kumarji is no longer. After being unwell for a long time, he breathed his last in Kokilaben Hospital in Andheri. It is a great loss for the industry, Manojji will remember you.”
He said, “We all used to meet him occasionally. He was always lively, always happy and the whole industry would remember him. The great soul like him, a great producer like him, will never be in our industry. Goodbye Manojji, goodbye.”
Manoj Kumar has left a rich cinematic heritage behind him which has touched the hearts of millions.
