Mumbai: Actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar, who came be known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his series of popular patriotic films such as “Shaheed”, “Upkar,” and “Purab Aur Paschim”, died in a Mumbai hospital in the early hours of Friday. He was 87.
The industry veteran had been ailing for a while and died of age-related issues around 3.30 am, family friend and filmmaker Ashoke Pandit told PTI.
Kumar, a Dadasaheb Phalke winner, was also known for hits such as “Do Badan”, “Haryali Aur Rasta,” and “Gumnam”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared old pictures of the legendary actor in a social media post on Friday morning. The PM wrote, “Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji.
He was an icon of Indian cinema who was particularly remembered for his patriotic zeal, which was also reflected in his films. Manoj Ji’s works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”
Born in present-day Pakistan, Manoj Kumar’s birth name is Harikrishan Giri Goswami. In addition to being an actor, he also branched out as a filmmaker. “I never intended to be a director in the first place. I became one by default when, during Shaheed, I had to direct the film unofficially. Then, Lal Bahadur Shastri raised the slogan of Jai Jawan Jai Kisan. That’s how I made Upkar,” he told Rediff.com in an interview.
