Bollywood actor-director Manoj Kumar passed away on Friday at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, as per the BBC. Born Harikrishan Goswami, Kumar was 87 years old and died of "age-related health issues", according to Dr Santosh Shetty.
The cause of death was cardiogenic shock following an acute myocardial infarction. His son, Kunal Goswami, confirmed that Kumar had been suffering from health issues for a while now.
Bollywood mourns
Many industry peers rushed to mourn Kumar's demise. Renowned actor Akshay Kumar, who is currently promoting his film Kesari Chapter 2, wrote on Instagram Stories, "I grew up learning from him that there's no emotion like love and pride for the country. And if we actors won't take the lead in showing this emotion, who will? Such a fine person, and one of the biggest assets of our fraternity. RIP Manoj Sir. Om Shanti."
As per India Today, Dangal star Aamir Khan offered his condolences in a statement. "Manoj Kumar was not just an actor and filmmaker, he was an institution. I have learnt so much watching his films. His films were often based on important social themes, which brought him really close to the common man. My heartfelt condolences to his family (sic)," he said.
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara actor Farhan Akhtar dedicated an Instagram post to the late actor's legacy, listing films that influenced the latter's stardom. "Woh Kaun Thi?, Gumnaam, Shaheed, Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Kranti - the list goes on and on. Thank you for the entertainment and for inspiring generations that followed you. RIP Manoj Kumar ji," Akhtar wrote.
Singham star Ajay Devgn penned a heartfelt note for Kumar on Instagram. "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."
Like Akhtar, Devgn also reflected on Kumar's filmography. "Manoj ji's films — Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Shor, Kranti — weren't just films, they were national emotions. His creative genius, unwavering patriotism, and storytelling depth set a benchmark that very few have matched."
Devgn concluded, "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. Om Shanti."
Famed filmmaker Karan Johar also tributed Kumar on Instagram Stories. "Today, we lost a Hindi cinema legend — Shri Manoj Kumar. It took me back to a screening of Kranti that I watched as a child, sitting excitedly on the floor with other kids and a packed screening room of filmmakers, actors, and industry giants," Johar reminisced.
"This was the rough cut of the film — a 4-hour long version. Manoj ji was sharing his film at such an early stage, seeking feedback, seeking opinions for his ambitious motion picture. The film went on to create history at the box office," Johar wrote.
The deceased veteran actor, popularly known as 'Bharat Kumar', is recognised for his patriotic contributions to the Indian cinema in 1960s and 1970s
His mark on Bollywood earned him various accolades over the years, including the Padma Shri — the fourth highest civilian award in India. Kumar is survived by his wife, film producer Shashi Goswami, and two sons, Kunal and Vishal Goswami.
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