MUMBAI, India — Veteran Bollywood actor and director Manoj Kumar, popularly known as ‘Bharat Kumar’, don die for age-related health issues at the age of 87 on April 4, 2025. According to Dr. Santosh Shetty from Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, where he dey receive treatment, Kumar’s health had been declining for some time.
His son, Kunal Goswami, tell ANI say, “My papa don dey battle health issues for long. E get grace of God wey make him leave this world peacefully.” E also confirm say dem go hold his cremation on April 5.
Kumar’s legacy as one of Bollywood’s most iconic figures begins as he dey known for patriotic films wey touch the heart of many Indians in the 1960s and 1970s. Some of his best-known films include classics like ‘Shaheed’, ‘Roti Kapada Aur Makaan’, and ‘Kranti’. His movies dey explore themes of love for the country and the struggles of farmers and freedom fighters, resonating deeply with an audience still healing from British colonial rule.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi express his condolences, calling Kumar an “icon of Indian cinema”. Modi write for X, “Manoj Ji’s works ignite national pride and go still dey inspire generations.”
Contemporary actors like Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn also praise Kumar’s influence. Akshay talk say, “I grow up dey watch his films, wey teach me love and pride for our nation.” Devgn add say, “Kumar craft moments wey don become part of Indian cinema’s golden history.”
Kumar, wey originally name be Harikrishan Goswami, don establish him place for Hindi film industry with a unique ability to blend entertainment with meaningful messages. E born for 1937 for Punjab, India, before his family relocate to Delhi after Partition. E go study for Hindu College, Delhi University before starting him film career in the late 1950s.
His directorial debut, ‘Upkar’, wey come out in 1967, remain an important film wey bring nationalistic themes to the front. The slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” (Hail Soldier, Hail Farmer) come resonate with many as Kumar address national identity through his works.
As Kumar dey celebrated for him contributions to cinema, e still dey receive many awards for him impactful works, including the Padma Shri in 1992 and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015, wey dey recognize him immense contributions to Indian cinema.
Tributes continue to pour in as fans and fellow filmmakers reflect on him remarkable impact on Indian culture. Kunal speak about the last moments with him father, saying, “I dey thank God for the way him pass. E no suffer long.”
As Kumar’s films continue to inspire both old and new generations, the film community dey prepare to bid farewell to dis iconic figure, with his cremation scheduled for tomorrow, April 5, 2025. His works, wey include timeless classics like ‘Purab Aur Paschim’ and ‘Gumnaam’, will forever hold a special place in the hearts of many, ensuring his legacy as a true cinematic legend lives on.
