Manoj Kumar: The Quintessential ‘Bharat Kumar’ of Indian Cinema

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Manoj Kumar, Patriot Film star of Shaheed Fame, Passes Away

By TRH News Desk

New Delhi, April 4: Veteran actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, celebrated for his profound contributions to Indian cinema, passed away on Friday in Mumbai.

April Kumar was 87 years old. He was affectionately known as ‘Bharat Kumar’. In his patriotic roles, Kumar’s legacy is deeply etched in the annals of Bollywood history.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined several others in paying rich tribute to Manoj Kumar. The film star essayed roles of a patriotic Indian in films.

Born as Harikrishan Giri Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad, then part of British India (now in Pakistan), Manoj Kumar’s family relocated to Delhi during the Partition.

Inspired by the legendary actor Dilip Kumar, he adopted the screen name ‘Manoj Kumar’ and embarked on his cinematic journey. His debut came with the 1957 film Fashion, where he portrayed an 80-year-old character.

Manoj Kumar’s breakthrough arrived with films like Hariyali Aur Raasta (1962) and Woh Kaun Thi? (1964). However, it was Shaheed (1965), based on the life of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, that cemented his image as a patriotic actor. The portrayal Bhagat Singh in Shaheed gave him his enduring nickname, ‘Bharat Kumar’. Embracing this persona, Kumar both directed and starred in Upkar (1967), a film inspired by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s call for “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”.

The movie’s success further solidified his association with nationalistic themes. Subsequent films like Purab Aur Paschim (1970), Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), and Kranti (1981) continued this trend, exploring themes of patriotism and social justice.

Throughout his illustrious career, Manoj Kumar garnered numerous awards, including a National Film Award and seven Filmfare Awards across various categories. In recognition of his contributions to Indian cinema, he was honored with the Padma Shri in 1992 and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015.

In his later years, Manoj Kumar faced health challenges. He was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai on February 21, 2025, and passed away on April 4 due to heart-related complications, said local media report.

Manoj Kumar’s films not only entertained but also instilled a sense of national pride among audiences. His dedication to portraying India’s cultural and patriotic ethos has left an indelible mark on Bollywood.

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