Entertainment
Bollywood Icon Manoj Kumar, ‘Bharat Kumar,’ Dies at 87
Veteran actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar (born Harikrishan Giri), best known for his patriotic roles in classics like Upkar and Purab Aur Paschim, passed away today at 87 due to age-related complications. The news has triggered an outpouring of grief from Bollywood stars, including Shweta Tiwari, Saumya Tandon, and Anupam Kher, who hailed him as “the soul of Indian cinema.”
📜 A Cinematic Legacy
Iconic Roles
- Upkar (1967): Snagged Filmfare Best Actor as farmer Bharat—set the patriot tone.
- Purab Aur Paschim (1970): Pitted Indian roots against Western flash—his defining hit.
- Kranti (1981): Last big swing as a freedom fighter—cemented his legend.
Awards & Honors
- Padma Shri (1992): Early nod to his craft.
- Dadasaheb Phalke (2016): Crowned his career—highest film honor.
- Filmfare Lifetime Achievement (2008): Seven Filmfare wins total, per India Today.
🌟 Industry Tributes
- Shweta Tiwari: “Grew up on Roti Kapda Aur Makaan with Dad—a legend’s gone.”
- Saumya Tandon: “His screen dignity was real—rest in peace, Bharat Kumar.”
- Anupam Kher: “Showed us patriotism’s quiet power—irreplaceable.”
🕊️ Final Journey Details
- Where: Pawan Hans Crematorium, Vile Parle, Mumbai—across from Nanavati Hospital.
- When: Saturday, April 5, 11 AM—son Kunal Goswami confirmed to ANI.
- State Honors: Tricolour to drape his coffin—gov nod pending, per X buzz.
Why Manoj Kumar Mattered
- Patriotic Cinema Trailblazer:
- First to weave nationalism into blockbuster tales—Shaheed (1965) kicked it off.
- Sparked Akshay Kumar’s patriot streak—Akshay’s X post calls him “my teacher.”
- Signature Style:
- Hand-on-chest salute—his calling card in every frame.
- White kurta-pyjama—simple, bold, all him.
- Feuds & Fadeout:
- Locked horns with Dilip Kumar over Kranti’s script—won the role (Hindustan Times).
- Bowed out after 1999’s Jai Hind flopped—quiet exit at 62.
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