Veteran actor Manoj Kumar passed away at the age of 87. He took his last breath at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. Best known for his patriotic films, he gained the nickname ‘Bharat Kumar’. Apart from acting, he was also a film director, screenwriter, lyricist and editor. In 1992, he was honoured the Padma Shri in 1992 and Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015.
He was best known for his roles in Upkar, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, Purab Aur Pachhim, Woh Kaun Thi?, Gumnaam, Kranti, Mera Naam Joker, Patthar Ke Sanam, Shor and many more.
Indian actor and film director Manoj Kumar, particularly known for his patriotic films and the nickname 'Bharat Kumar', passes away at the age of 87 at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. pic.twitter.com/nHvvVDT2CY
— ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2025
Manoj Kumar worked with several veteran actors like Hema Malini, Dilip Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Parveen Babi, Shatrughan Sinha, Saira Banu, Dharmendra, Sadhna, Asha Parekh, Ashok Kumar, Prem Chopra, Rekha, Mithun Chakraborty, and many more.
He also directed seven movies including Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Shor and others. His last work in acting was ‘Maidan-E-Jung’ in 1995. He was best known for his patriotic films and later received the nickname ‘Bharat Kumar’. On being called ‘Bharat Kumar,’ Manoj once said, “Bharat ka to taaj yeh jo bharatwashiyon ne mujhe pehnanya hai woh filmon aur vyaktigat jeewan mein nibhana bahot bada bhoj aur zimmedari hai. Yeh bada upkar hai unka mujpar. Main kitna safal aur asafal hua, woh mere deshwashi jante hai. Main ek sadharan sa nagrik hoon.”
The actor was born as Harikrishna Giri Goswami in 1937 in Lahore’s Abbottabad, in the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan. However, he changed his name to ‘Manoj Kumar’ after reportedly being inspired by Dilip Kumar and was a big fan of the late actor. Manoj Kumar was the name of character that Dilip Kumar had played in the 1949 film ‘Shabnam.’
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