Manoj Kumar Biography – Age, Wife, Family, Films and Awards

Manoj Kumar was a famous Indian actor, director and writer known for his patriotic films. Born on 24 July 1937, he earned the nickname “Bharat Kumar” because of his love for India, reflected in his movies. He won many awards, including the Padma Shri and Dadasaheb Phalke Awards. His film inspired generations, and he remains a legendary figure in Indian cinema.

Manoj Kumar – Early Life and Education

Manoj Kumar was born as Harikishan Giri Goswami in Abbottabad, British India (now in Pakistan). After the partition of India in 1947, his family moved to Delhi, where he completed his education at Hindu College. Inspired by Dilip Kumar, he changed his name to name to Manoj Kumar after a character played by the legendary actor.

Manoj Kumar – Films

Manoj Kumar was a legendary actor and director known for patriotic films. Know about his career in film industry:

Early Years (1957-1964)

Manoj Kumar began his acting journey in 1957 with Fashion Brand. His first big hit was Hariyali Aur Rasta (1962), followed by Woh Kaun Thi? (1964), which made him a recognized star.

Peak of Stardom (1965-1981)

In 1965, he played Bhagat Singh in Shaheed, earning widespread fame. His biggest success came with Upkar (1967), a patriotic film inspired by Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan Jai Jawan Jai Kisan. This film earned him National Film Award and Filmfare Awards.

He continued delivering classics like Purab Aur Paschim (1970), Shor (1972), Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974) and Kranti (1981). His movies often carried strong nationalist themes.

Later Career (1987-1999)

After Kranti (1981), his success declined. Films like Clerk (1989) and Jai Hind (1999) failed at the box office. His last acting appearance was in Maidan-E-Jung (1995).

Political Career of Manoj Kumar

Manoj Kumar joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2004 after retiring from films. Though he did not actively contest elections, he supported the party’s patriotic ideals. His contributions to Indian cinema earned him respect in political circles.

Death of Manoj Kumar

Manoj Kumar passed away on 4th April 2025 at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, due to heart and liver complications. He was 87 years old.

Manoj Kumar – Awards and Honors

Here is the list of awards received by Manoj Kumar:

• Padma Shri (1992)
• Second Best Feature Film (1968)
• Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2016)
• Lifetime Achievement Award (1999)
• Sardar Patel Lifetime Achievement International Award (2008)
• Lifetime Achievement Award (2010)
• Bharat Gaurav Award (2012)
• Lifetime Achievement Award (2019)

Legacy of Manoj Kumar

Manoj Kumar is remembered as Bharat Kumar, the actor who brought patriotism to Indian cinema. His films like Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Kranti inspired generations. He won many awards, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. His influence on Bollywood, especially patriotic films, remains strong even after his passing.