Mumbai: Veteran Bollywood actor Manoj Kumar passed away at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai at 3.30 am today following heart-related complications. He was 87. The secondary cause of death is decompensated liver cirrhosis, as per the medical certificate issued by the hospital.

Kumar was battling health issues for a long time, said his son, Kunal Goswami. “It’s the grace of God that he bid adieu to this world peacefully. His cremation will take place tomorrow morning. He was happy. Just a little unwell,” he added.

A legendary name in Hindi cinema, he was best known for his patriotic films including Shaheed (1965), Upkar (1967) and Purab Aur Paschim (1970). He received Padma Shri Award in 1992 for his contributions to Bollywood and was later honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015. He won the Best Director Award at the Filmfare Awards in 1975 for his movie Roti Kapada Aur Makaan.

Known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his patriotic films, he also made a mark with classics like Hariyali Aur Raasta, Woh Kaun Thi, Himalaya Ki God Mein, Do Badan, Patthar Ke Sanam, Neel Kamal and Kranti.

Kumar debuted in Bollywood in 1957 with the film Fashion. He then got his break in Kanch Ki Gudiya (1961), where he acted with Sayeeda Khan. His thriller, Gumnaam (1965), was one of the highest-grossing movies of that year, collecting Rs. 2.6 crore. In the same year, Kumar starred in Shaheed, which explored the life of the freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. 

Born in present-day Pakistan, Manoj Kumar’s birth name was Harikrishan Giri Goswami. In addition to being an actor, he was also a filmmaker.

“I never intended to be a director in the first place. I became one by default when during Shaheed I had to direct the film unofficially. Then Lal Bahadur Shastri raised the slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan.’ That’s how I made Upkar,” he had told in an interview.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the news of the death of the “legendary actor and filmmaker” on social media X (formerly Twitter). Sharing two pictures with the veteran actor, PM Modi wrote, “He was an icon of Indian cinema, who was particularly remembered for his patriotic zeal, which was also reflected in his films. Manoj Ji’s works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”