Throughout his career, Kumar portrayed – and occasionally directed – films that emphasized unity and national pride.
Kumar passed away in Mumbai due to heart-related complications on Friday, as informed by his son Kunal Goswami to India’s ANI news agency.
“He had been dealing with health problems for a long time. It’s by God’s grace that he left this world peacefully. His last rites will be performed tomorrow [Saturday],” Goswami said.
Throughout his career, Kumar was recognized for his roles – and occasionally directing – in films that focused on unity and national pride, often earning him the title “Bharat” Kumar, a reference to the ancient Sanskrit term for India.
Born as Harikrishan Goswami, he adopted the stage name Manoj Kumar in the tradition of Bollywood.
He began his career in Indian cinema in the late 1950s and went on to feature in numerous films with patriotic themes, such as Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Pachhim (1970), and Kranti (1981).
Kumar was honored with several national awards, including the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honor in Indian cinema.
He was also a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Modi offered his condolences, stating that Kumar was an “icon” of Indian cinema whose work “ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations.”
India’s President Droupadi Murmu expressed her sadness over the actor’s demise, stating that he had left an “indelible mark” on Indian cinema.
“He has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema,” she wrote.
In a tribute, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar reflected, “I grew up learning from him that there’s no emotion like love and pride for our country. And if we actors won’t lead in portraying this emotion, who will? Such a fine person and one of the biggest assets of our community,” Akshay Kumar posted on X.
