The Indian film industry woke up to the heartbreaking news of the passing of veteran actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, who breathed his last at 4:03 a.m. on April 4 at Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital after a prolonged illness. He was 87.
Known for his iconic portrayal of patriotic characters and landmark contributions to Indian cinema, Kumar was fondly called Bharat Kumar. His name became synonymous with films that evoked national pride, such as Shaheed, Upkar, and Purab Aur Paschim.
‘He was a cinema man’
Veteran actor Prem Chopra, who shared the screen with Kumar in several classics, remembered him as more than just a co-star. Speaking to Hindustan Times, Chopra said, “Manoj Kumar was very close to me and I’ve lost a dear friend of mine. We have worked together from Shaheed to Kranti, and we shared all sorts of moments, be it of laughter or creativity. I used to feel very proud that I was standing next to him because he was a cinema man. He used to write his own scripts and dialogues, and sometimes even operate the camera.”
‘He has always glorified India’
Although the two hadn’t been in frequent touch recently, Chopra revealed that he had attempted to reach out. “I tried calling him in recent times, but he wasn’t picking up the calls. We didn’t mind it because we knew he wasn’t doing well,” he said, adding, “But where Manoj Kumar has created history is that every film of his had a great message for the country. He has always glorified India, even his name was Bharat. He’s done a great job and one could never forget his contribution to the cinema. I’m going to miss him forever.”
‘He was my soulmate’
The duo starred together in films like Kranti, Woh Kaun Thi?, Shaheed, Purab Aur Paschim, and Upkar. Reflecting on their long-standing bond, Chopra said, “The work that he has done and the characters he has given us, I can never forget them. Also, I am here today because of the break he gave me in his films when I was ready to go back. When I came to Mumbai, I had to work to sustain, I was doing other jobs but also struggling. He was there to help me, because we had such an amazing friendship. He was also my soulmate.”
A legacy that shaped Indian cinema
Born Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), Manoj Kumar rose to become one of the most influential figures in Indian cinema during the 1960s and 1970s. His directorial debut Upkar (1967) not only earned him a National Award but also cemented his reputation as a filmmaker with a strong voice for the nation.
Some of his most celebrated directorial ventures include Purab Aur Paschim (1970) and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), both of which struck a chord with audiences and critics alike.
Manoj Kumar’s passing marks the end of an era. But through his timeless performances and cinematic legacy, his spirit will continue to resonate across generations.