Veteran Actor Manoj Kumar Passes Away at 87

Legendary Bollywood actor Manoj Kumar, known for his iconic patriotic films, passed away at the age of 87. He breathed his last at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital after suffering from heart-related complications and decompensated liver cirrhosis.

The Life and Career of Manoj Kumar

Early Life and Journey into Cinema

Manoj Kumar, originally named Harikrishan Giri Goswami, was born in present-day Pakistan. After the Partition of India, his family migrated to Delhi, where he completed his education and developed a keen interest in cinema.

Rise to Stardom

He began his Bollywood journey in the late 1950s and soon gained recognition for his acting prowess. His early hits included films like:

• Hariyali Aur Raasta (1962)
• Woh Kaun Thi? (1964)
• Himalaya Ki God Mein (1965)
• Do Badan (1966)
• Patthar Ke Sanam (1967)
• Neel Kamal (1968)

Patriotic Image and the ‘Bharat Kumar’ Legacy

Manoj Kumar carved a niche for himself in Bollywood with his nationalist-themed films. His portrayal of self-sacrificing, patriotic characters earned him the title of ‘Bharat Kumar’. Some of his most famous patriotic films include:

• Shaheed (1965) – Based on the life of Bhagat Singh.
• Upkar (1967) – Inspired by Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’.
• Purab Aur Paschim (1970) – A film contrasting Indian values with Western influence.
• Kranti (1981) – A historical drama based on India’s freedom struggle.

Awards and Honors

Manoj Kumar’s contribution to Indian cinema was recognized with several prestigious awards:

• Padma Shri (1992) – India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
• Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2015) – The highest honor in Indian cinema.
• Multiple Filmfare Awards for his outstanding performances and direction.

Summary of the News