Padma Shri Awardee & Veteran Actor-Director Manoj Kumar Passes Away.
Obituary
On April 3, 2025, veteran Indian actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He was born on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad, then part of British India (now in Pakistan).
- Fondly known as 'Bharat Kumar', he was celebrated for his contribution to Indian cinema through films with strong patriotic themes.
- In 1992, he was honored with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, for his outstanding contribution to the field of Arts.
- Born as Harikrishna Giri Goswami, Manoj Kumar began his film career with minor roles in movies such as Fashion (1957), Sahara (1958), and Chand (1959). He earned his first lead role in Kaanch Ki Gudiya (1961), but it was Hariyali Aur Rasta (1962) that brought him initial recognition. His role in Shaheed (1965), based on the life of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, firmly established him in the Indian film industry.
Main Point :- (i) Manoj Kumar made his directorial debut with Upkar (1967), highlighting the life of a soldier and a farmer. He continued to create patriotic films like Purab Aur Paschim (1970) and Kranti (1981), earning him the title ‘Bharat Kumar’.
(ii) He won the National Film Award for Upkar in 1968 and received seven Filmfare Awards, including Best Actor (Be-Imaan), Best Editing (Shor), Best Director (Roti Kapda Aur Makaan), and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999.
(iii) In recognition of his cinematic legacy, he received the Kishore Kumar Award (2008), Raj Kapoor Award (2010), and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2016.
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