Indian patriotic movie 'icon' Manoj Kumar dies aged 87

BSS
Published On: 04 Apr 2025, 14:41

MUMBAI, April 4, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Indian actor Manoj Kumar, known for his roles in Hindi-language films with patriotic themes, died on Friday aged 87.

The death of the man dubbed "Bharat" Kumar -- a reference to the ancient Sanskrit word for India steeped in Hindu religious symbolism -- sparked tributes from across the country.

Kumar, who was also a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governing Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), died in Mumbai due to heart-related complications. 

Modi led the condolences, calling Kumar an "icon" of Indian cinema, saying that his works "ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations".

Throughout his career, Kumar was known for acting -- and at times directing -- films that had a focus on unity and national pride.
Born Harikrishan Goswami, he renamed himself in Bollywood tradition -- taking on the name Manoj Kumar.

He was the recipient of several national awards, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest honour for cinema.

Kumar made his debut in Indian cinema in the late 1950s.

He went on to star in several films, many with patriotic themes, including "Upkar" (1967), "Purab Aur Pachhim" (1970) and "Kranti" (1981).

  • Latest
  • Most Viewed
Govt clarifies stance on primary school scholarship examination
No female officer named Sumaiya Zafrin in Bangladesh Police: PHQ
Occupational safety crucial for boosting industrial production: Sakhawat
Women's football team off to Laos
Thai storm kills six
Noakhali district administration honors remittance warriors
August 3: Rangpur erupts in protests demanding resignation of fascist Hasina
Eny finishes 92nd position, Rafi finishes 55th 
Supradip urges forest dept to be more proactive in protecting natural environment
'Mother of July' held in Jamalpur honoring uprising heroes
১০