Kunal Goswami, his son, confirmed that the actor passed away on Friday in Mumbai.
He told India’s ANI news agency that Kumar died from heart-related complications, adding that the cremation will take place on Saturday. However, the exact medical condition was not disclosed.
“He had heart-related issues for a long time. It’s the grace of God that he bid adieu to this world peacefully. His cremation will take place tomorrow [Saturday],” Goswami said.
Several colleagues, fans, and politicians have taken to social media to pay their last respects to Kumar.
In a post via X, Narendra Modi, India’s prime minister, mourned the film star while offering condolences to his family.
He described him as “an icon of Indian cinema, known for his inspiring patriotic zeal,” which was evident in his films.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji,” the post reads.
“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.”
In his tribute, actor Ajay Devgn recalled how Kumar gave his father his “first break as an action director” while appreciating him for providing the opportunity that shaped his father’s career.
He also honoured Kumar for his “unmatched contributions” to Indian cinema, describing his films as national treasures that continue to inspire generations.
“Manoj Kumar ji was not just a cinematic icon – he was a personal milestone in my family’s journey. He gave my father, Veeru Devgan, his very first break as an action director in Roti Kapda Aur Makaan,” he wrote.
“From there, their collaboration continued all the way to Kranti, creating moments that are now part of Indian cinema’s golden history.
“Manoj ji’s films – Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Shor, Kranti, they weren’t just films…they were national emotions. His creative genius, unwavering patriotism, and storytelling depth set a benchmark that very few have matched.
“As Indian cinema bids farewell to its Bharat Kumar – a storyteller, a patriot, and a legend. I also wish to say thank you for shaping my father’s journey and for inspiring countless storytellers like me. Your legacy, Manoj ji, is external.”
Kumar was born in 1937 in the northern state of Punjab. Born Harikrishan Goswami, he made his debut in Indian cinema in the late 1950s and starred in several films including ‘Upkar,’ ‘Purab Aur Pachhim,’ and ‘Krani’.
He carved a niche in the industry and was honoured with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 1992.
In 2015, the Indian government awarded him the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest award in cinema, for his contribution to Indian cinema and arts. He was also the recipient of a National Film Award and seven Filmfare Awards.
Kumar is survived by wife Shashi Goswami and two children, Kunal and Vishal.
He told India’s ANI news agency that Kumar died from heart-related complications, adding that the cremation will take place on Saturday. However, the exact medical condition was not disclosed.
“He had heart-related issues for a long time. It’s the grace of God that he bid adieu to this world peacefully. His cremation will take place tomorrow [Saturday],” Goswami said.
Several colleagues, fans, and politicians have taken to social media to pay their last respects to Kumar.
In a post via X, Narendra Modi, India’s prime minister, mourned the film star while offering condolences to his family.
He described him as “an icon of Indian cinema, known for his inspiring patriotic zeal,” which was evident in his films.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji,” the post reads.
“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.”
In his tribute, actor Ajay Devgn recalled how Kumar gave his father his “first break as an action director” while appreciating him for providing the opportunity that shaped his father’s career.
He also honoured Kumar for his “unmatched contributions” to Indian cinema, describing his films as national treasures that continue to inspire generations.
“Manoj Kumar ji was not just a cinematic icon – he was a personal milestone in my family’s journey. He gave my father, Veeru Devgan, his very first break as an action director in Roti Kapda Aur Makaan,” he wrote.
“From there, their collaboration continued all the way to Kranti, creating moments that are now part of Indian cinema’s golden history.
“Manoj ji’s films – Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Shor, Kranti, they weren’t just films…they were national emotions. His creative genius, unwavering patriotism, and storytelling depth set a benchmark that very few have matched.
“As Indian cinema bids farewell to its Bharat Kumar – a storyteller, a patriot, and a legend. I also wish to say thank you for shaping my father’s journey and for inspiring countless storytellers like me. Your legacy, Manoj ji, is external.”
Kumar was born in 1937 in the northern state of Punjab. Born Harikrishan Goswami, he made his debut in Indian cinema in the late 1950s and starred in several films including ‘Upkar,’ ‘Purab Aur Pachhim,’ and ‘Krani’.
He carved a niche in the industry and was honoured with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 1992.
In 2015, the Indian government awarded him the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest award in cinema, for his contribution to Indian cinema and arts. He was also the recipient of a National Film Award and seven Filmfare Awards.
Kumar is survived by wife Shashi Goswami and two children, Kunal and Vishal.
