Veteran Actor Manoj Kumar Passes Away at 87 in Mumbai

Photo: AFP

Famous Bollywood actor and film director Manoj Kumar has passed away at the age of 87. He died early Friday morning in Mumbai at 4:03 am at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, according to news reports.

His body will be kept at his Juhu residence on Friday afternoon so that fans and people from the film industry can come and say their final goodbye. The cremation is expected to take place on Saturday.

What caused his death?

Doctors have said that Manoj Kumar died due to cardiogenic shock caused by an acute heart attack. He was also suffering from liver problems for the past few months, which had made his health worse. He was admitted to the hospital on February 21, 2025, when his condition became serious.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel  

A Legend Called 'Bharat Kumar'

Manoj Kumar was very well-known for acting in patriotic films—movies that showed love and pride for India. Because of this, people lovingly called him ‘Bharat Kumar’.

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit pays tribute

Director and producer Ashoke Pandit spoke about Manoj Kumar’s death and said,"It is very sad to share that our legendary actor and Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner Manoj Kumar ji is no more. He was not keeping well for a very long time. He passed away in Kokilaben Hospital, Andheri. The whole film industry has lost a great person. We all used to meet him from time to time. He was always smiling and full of life. A big heart like his, and a filmmaker like him, is very rare."

His life and career

Manoj Kumar was born as Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Amritsar, Punjab. He became one of the biggest names in Hindi cinema, acting in many popular movies that touched the hearts of Indian audiences.

Some of his most famous films include Shaheed, Upkar, and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan. His movies always carried strong messages about national pride and unity. Not only was he a great actor, but he was also known for his directing skills.

He won several big awards during his career, including a National Film Award and seven Filmfare Awards. In 1992, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri, one of the country’s top civilian awards. Later, in 2015, he was given the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest award in Indian cinema.

A big loss for Indian cinema

His death has left many people in shock. Actors, filmmakers, and fans are mourning the loss of a man who gave so much to Indian films and inspired generations with his patriotic roles.

Manoj Kumar will always be remembered as a legend who used cinema to celebrate India and its people.