Entertainment: Mumbai witnessed the passing of veteran actor Manoj Kumar, affectionately known as ‘Bharat Kumar’, in the early hours of April 4th.
The 87-year-old actor breathed his last at 4:03 am at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, leaving behind a legacy deeply etched in the annals of Indian cinema.
His demise stemmed from heart-related complications, exacerbated by decompensated liver cirrhosis, a condition he had been battling for some time.
The actor, whose real name was Harikrishan Goswami, born on July 24, 1937, in Amritsar, Punjab, was celebrated for his iconic patriotic films like ‘Purab Aur Paschim’, ‘Kranti’, and ‘Roti, Kapada Aur Makaan’. Beyond acting, he showcased his multifaceted talent as a screenwriter, lyricist, and editor.
His contributions to the film industry were recognized with a National Film Award, seven Filmfare awards, the Padma Shri in 1992, and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015.
The news of his passing has resonated deeply within the film fraternity. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit expressed profound grief, stating to ANI, “Sad to inform you all that legendary Dada Saheb Phalke Award winner, our inspiration, doyen of Indian film industry, Shri Manoj Kumarji is no more. He breathed his last at Kokilaben Hospital, Andheri, after not being well for a very, very long time. It’s a great loss to the industry, Manojji will really miss you.”
Pandit recalled Kumar’s vibrant spirit and the void his absence will create, adding, “We all kept on meeting him quite occasionally. He was always full of life, he was always happy, and the entire industry will miss him. A great soul like him, a great maker like him, will never be there in our industry. Goodbye Manojji, goodbye.” Manoj Kumar’s cinematic legacy, marked by its profound impact on generations, remains a testament to his enduring artistry.