GUWAHATI: Veteran Bollywood actor and director Manoj Kumar, who starred in classical patriotic films like Purab Aur Paschim and Kranti, died at 87 in Mumbai.
The legendary actor succumbed to heart complications at 3:30 am on Friday at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. Decompenated liver cirrhosis was a secondary cause of death, as mentioned in the medical certificate presented by the hospital.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled Manoj Kumar's death, hailing him as a "legendary actor and filmmaker." Posting photos with the departed actor, PM Modi underlined his huge contribution to Indian cinema, particularly his patriotic films that instilled national pride. "He was an icon of Indian cinema, who was remembered especially for his patriotism. His films gave a sense of national pride and will inspire generations," the Prime Minister said.
Kunal Goswami, the actor's son, informed that his father had been ailing for long but was in good spirits. "It's the blessing of God that he said goodbye to this world peacefully. Tomorrow morning, his cremation will be done," he said to news agency ANI.
Born in 1937 in Abbottabad, British India (now in Pakistan), Manoj Kumar was born as Harikrishnan Goswami. He made his debut in Bollywood in 1957 in the movie Fashion. He first achieved success in Kanch Ki Gudiya (1961), where he acted alongside Sayeeda Khan.
Manoj Kumar became a household name with the thriller Gumnaam (1965), which was one of the highest-grossing films of that year. But it was his Bhagat Singh in Shaheed (1965) that made him known as an actor closely associated with patriotic themes. Upkaar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), and Kranti (1981) made him earn the endearing nickname 'Bharat Kumar'. He also directed and acted in Shor (1972), demonstrating his versatility as a director.
Awarded for his work in Indian cinema, Manoj Kumar was awarded several awards, such as the Filmfare Award for Best Director in 1975 for Roti Kapda Aur Makaan. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1992, the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999, and the highly coveted Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015.
Aside from his film career, Manoj Kumar made a fleeting foray into politics. He switched allegiances to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the 2004 general election, demonstrating his strong sense of patriotism on-screen and off-screen.
Manoj Kumar's death brings to a close an era in Indian cinema. His movies, replete with patriotic fervour and social awareness, will keep inspiring for years to come.