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{{Short description|Indian film actor and filmmaker (1937–2025)}}
{{Other people}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Manoj Kumar
| birth_name = Harikrishan Giri Goswami
| image = File:Manoj Kumar close up.jpg
| caption = Kumar in 2010
| birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1937|07|24}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 April 2025 |title='Will continue to inspire generations...,' PM Modi mourns demise of Manoj Kumar |url=https://theprint.in/feature/will-continue-to-inspire-generations-pm-modi-mourns-demise-of-manoj-kumar/2577581/ |access-date=7 April 2025 |website=ThePrint}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Abbottabad]], [[North-West Frontier Province]], [[British Raj|British India]] (present-day [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]], Pakistan)<ref>"10 interesting facts about Manoj Kumar | Hindi Movie News - Times of India" https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/10-interesting-facts-about-manoj-kumar/articleshow/21302138.cms</ref>
| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2025|04|04|1937|07|24}}
| death_place = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], India
| othername = ''Bharat Kumar''
| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|film director|film producer|screenwriter|lyricist|editor|politician}}
| yearsactive = 1957–1999
| works = [[Manoj Kumar filmography|Full list]]
| alma_mater =
| party = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]
| spouse = Shashi Goswami
| children = 2; including [[Kunal Goswami]]
| parents = Father: H.L. Goswami, Mother: Krishna Kumari Goswami
| relatives = [[Manish R Goswami]] (brother)
| awards = [[List of awards and nominations received by Manoj Kumar|Full list]]
| honours = {{ubl
| [[Padma Shri]] (1992)
| [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]] (2015)
}}
}}
'''Harikrishan Giri Goswami''', professionally known as '''Manoj Kumar''' (24 July 1937 – 4 April 2025), was an Indian actor, director, screenwriter, lyricist and editor who worked in [[Hindi cinema]]. He is regarded as one of the greatest and most accomplished actors of [[Indian cinema]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Iconic heroes of Bollywood |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/cinema/100-years-of-indian-cinema/photo/iconic-heroes-of-bollywood-367542-2012-05-01/5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128234730/https://www.indiatoday.in/cinema/100-years-of-indian-cinema/photo/iconic-heroes-of-bollywood-367542-2012-05-01/5 |archive-date=28 November 2020 |access-date=24 August 2020 |magazine=[[India Today]]}}</ref> He is noted for his acting in patriotism-themed films.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 January 2019 |title=Republic Day 2019: These Bollywood films will reignite the patriotic fervour in you |url=https://zeenews.india.com/culture/republic-day-2019-these-bollywood-films-will-reignite-the-patriotic-fervour-in-you-2174283.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507093542/https://zeenews.india.com/culture/republic-day-2019-these-bollywood-films-will-reignite-the-patriotic-fervour-in-you-2174283.html |archive-date=7 May 2019 |access-date=7 May 2019 |work=[[Zee News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=26 January 2019 |title=Happy Republic Day: Swades, Rang De Basanti, Uri – 12 iconic Bollywood films that commemorate the spirit of being Indian |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/photo-gallery-happy-republic-day-swades-rang-de-basanti-uri-12-iconic-bollywood-films-that-commemorate-the-spirit-of-being-indian-2712084 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507093547/https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/photo-gallery-happy-republic-day-swades-rang-de-basanti-uri-12-iconic-bollywood-films-that-commemorate-the-spirit-of-being-indian-2712084 |archive-date=7 May 2019 |access-date=7 May 2019 |work=[[Daily News and Analysis]]}}</ref> In a career spanning over four decades, he worked in [[List of roles and awards of Manoj Kumar|55 films]].

Kumar was honoured with the [[Padma Shri]] in 1992 and [[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]] in 2015 by the [[Government of India]] for his contribution to Indian cinema and arts. He was also the recipient of a [[National Film Awards|National Film Award]] and seven [[Filmfare Awards]].

==Early life==
Kumar was born in [[Abbottabad]], modern-day Pakistan, into a [[Punjabi Hindus|Punjabi Hindu]] ([[Saraswat Brahmin]]) family.<ref name="Verghis-2011">{{Cite news |last=Verghis |first=Shana Maria |date=8 May 2011 |title='I left behind a can of marbles in Abbotabad after Partition' |url=http://dailypioneer.com/336876/%E2%80%98I-left-behind-a-can-of-marbles-in-Abbotabad-after-Partition%E2%80%99.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510015406/http://dailypioneer.com/336876/%E2%80%98I-left-behind-a-can-of-marbles-in-Abbotabad-after-Partition%E2%80%99.html |archive-date=10 May 2011 |access-date=24 May 2011}}</ref>

When he was 10, his family migrated from his ancestral village [[Jandiala Sher Khan]] to Delhi due to the [[Partition of India|Partition]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vijayakar |first=Rajiv |title=A patriot at heart |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/487441/a-patriot-heart.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818003910/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/487441/a-patriot-heart.html |archive-date=18 August 2016 |access-date=17 August 2016 |work=Deccan Herald |agency=DHNS}}</ref> He completed a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree from [[Hindu College, Delhi|Hindu College]] before pursuing acting. He decided to go by the name Manoj Kumar, inspired by [[Dilip Kumar]]'s eponymous character in the 1949 film ''[[Shabnam (1949 film)|Shabnam]]''.<ref name="Verghis-2011" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=How Manoj Kumar got his name and whom does he thank for that? |url=https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2EBrx1Q856I |website=Youtube |language=Hindi |format=video}}</ref>

==Career==
{{Further information|Manoj Kumar filmography}}

===1957–1964: Debut and rise to prominence===
After making a début in ''Fashion'' (1957), followed by minor roles in ''[[Sahara (1958 film)|Sahara]]'' (1958), ''[[Chand (film)|Chand]]'' (1959) and ''Honeymoon'' (1960), Kumar landed his first leading role in ''Kaanch Ki Gudiya'' (1961). ''Piya Milan Ki Aas'' (1961), ''Suhag Sindoor'' (1961), ''Reshmi Roomal'' (1961) followed, but most of these productions went unnoticed.<ref name="BOI-Death-2025"/>

His breakthrough came in 1962 with [[Vijay Bhatt]]'s ''[[Hariyali Aur Rasta]]'' opposite [[Mala Sinha]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Box Office 1962 |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=168&catName=MTk2Mg== |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014080632/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=168&catName=MTk2Mg== |archive-date=14 October 2013 |access-date=20 October 2009}}</ref> The success of ''Hariyali Aur Rasta'' was followed by ''[[Shaadi (1962 film)|Shaadi]]'' (1962), ''[[Dr. Vidya]]'' (1962), ''[[Grahasti (film)|Grahasti]]'' (1963) and ''[[Phoolon Ki Sej]]'' (1964), all four of which performed well at the box office.<ref>[http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=168&catName=MTk2Mg== BoxOffice India.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922021831/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=168&catName=MTk2Mg%3D%3D |date=22 September 2012 }}</ref> Kumar also found success as the main lead with [[Raj Khosla]]'s [[Thriller film|mystery thriller]] ''[[Woh Kaun Thi?]]'' (1964). The film emerged as a [[Blockbuster (entertainment)|blockbuster]], featuring songs composed by [[Madan Mohan (composer)|Madan Mohan]], such as ''[[Lag Jaa Gale]]'' and ''Naina Barse Rimjhim'' performed by [[Lata Mangeshkar]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 April 2025 |title=Manoj Kumar gave India its most beloved Bharat. Then came Kalyug and silence |url=https://theprint.in/theprint-profile/manoj-kumar-gave-india-its-most-beloved-bharat-then-came-kalyug-and-silence/2578473/ |website=[[ThePrint]]}}</ref>

===1965–1981: Stardom===
The year 1965 marks the start of Kumar's rise to stardom.<ref name="BOI-Top Actors">{{Cite web |title=Top Actors |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actors |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080219165002/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actors |archive-date=19 February 2008 |access-date=24 April 2020 |website=Box Office India}}</ref> His first release was patriotic drama ''[[Shaheed (1965 film)|Shaheed]]'', based on the life of [[Bhagat Singh]], an [[Indian independence movement|Independence Movement]] revolutionary.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 March 2017 |title=Shaheed: The definite Bhagat Singh film which almost didn't get made, listen to its songs |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/shaheed-the-definite-bhagat-singh-film-manoj-kumar-which-almost-didnt-get-made-listen-to-its-songs-4581778/ |access-date=8 November 2023 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> It received highly positive responses from critics as well as the then [[Prime Minister of India]] [[Lal Bahadur Shastri]], and was a box office success.<ref name="BOI-Death-2025" /> In late 1965, Kumar was seen in [[Romance film|romantic drama]] ''[[Himalay Ki God Mein]]'' and the [[Mystery film|mystery thriller]] ''[[Gumnaam]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 March 2024 |title=Yodha Monday Box Office Collections |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=8384}}</ref>

In 1966, he reunited with Khosla for ''[[Do Badan]]'' alongside [[Asha Parekh]]. This film featured songs by the lyricist [[Shakeel Badayuni]], including ''Raha Gardishon Mein'' sung by [[Mohammed Rafi]], and ''Lo Aa Gayi Unki Yaad'' sung by Lata Mangeshkar.> He also appeared in [[Shakti Samanta]]'s ''[[Sawan Ki Ghata]]'' opposite [[Sharmila Tagore]] that year.

After the [[Indo-Pakistani war of 1965]], Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri asked him to create a film based on the popular slogan ''[[Jai Jawan Jai Kisan|Jai Jawan Jai Kissan]]'' ("Hail the soldier, hail the farmer").<ref name="Verghis-2011" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 February 2012 |title=Boxofficeindia.com |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=171&catName=MTk2NQ== |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210134027/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=171&catName=MTk2NQ== |archive-date=10 February 2012 |access-date=2 November 2020}}</ref> The result was his directorial debut ''[[Upkar]]'' (1967) that opened to critical acclaim and emerged as the third-highest grossing Hindi-language film at the time, behind ''[[Mughal-E-Azam]]'' (1960) and ''[[Sangam (1964 Hindi film)|Sangam]]'' (1964).<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 August 2021 |title=Upkar — film born of churn in newly-Independent India gave Bollywood a hit formula |url=https://theprint.in/feature/upkar-film-born-of-churn-in-newly-independent-india-gave-bollywood-a-hit-formula/714560/ |website=[[ThePrint]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 August 2014 |title=Sajid Nadiadwala Joins An Elite List With Kick |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=584}}</ref> One of the songs from the film ''[[Mere Desh Ki Dharti]]'' is played often during the [[Republic Day]] and [[Independence Day of India|Independence Day]] celebrations in [[India]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ganesh Anantharaman |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lmrSLuBwbKkC&pg=PA64 |title=Bollywood Melodies: A History of the Hindi Film Song |publisher=Penguin Books India |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-14-306340-7 |pages=64–}}</ref> ''Upkar'' won Kumar the [[National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film]] as well as his first [[Filmfare Best Director Award]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=National Awards Winners 1967: Complete list of winners of National Awards 1967 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-awards/national-awards-winners/1967/108 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324034914/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-awards/national-awards-winners/1967/108 |archive-date=24 March 2020 |access-date=11 August 2021 |work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Filmfare Awards Winners from 1953 to 2020 |url=https://www.filmfare.com/awards/filmfare-awards/winners}}</ref> Among his next few releases in 1967, ''[[Patthar Ke Sanam]]'' performed well at the box office while ''[[Anita (1967 film)|Anita]]'' opposite [[Sadhana Shivdasani|Sadhana]] received negative reviews.

In 1968, he co-starred with [[Raaj Kumar]] and [[Waheeda Rehman]] in ''[[Neel Kamal (1968 film)|Neel Kamal]]''. Later, he reunited with Rehman for ''[[Aadmi (1968 film)|Aadmi]]'' with [[Dilip Kumar]] as the leading man.<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 March 2010 |title=Aadmi (1968) |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article257195.ece |access-date=3 May 2013 |work=The Hindu}}</ref> ''Neel Kamal'' proved to be a blockbuster, becoming the third highest-grossing film of 1968.<ref name="BOI-Death-2025">{{Cite web |date=4 April 2025 |title=Legendary Actor Director Manoj Kumar Passes Away |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=9050}}</ref> ''Aadmi'' was also a box office success.<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 March 2010 |title=Aadmi (1968) |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Aadmi-1968/article16576648.ece |work=The Hindu}}</ref>

Kumar's only release in 1969 was the adaptation of Mohan Sehgal's ''[[Happy Go Lovely]]'' (1951) called ''[[Sajan (1969 film)|Sajan]]'' opposite Asha Parekh.<ref> Parekh, Asha and Mohammed, Khalid. ''The Hit Girl''. New Delhi: Om Books International (2017), p. 130 </ref> The film was ranked tenth among the highest-grossing films of that year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Worth Their Weight in Gold! – Box Office India : India's premier film trade magazine |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.co.in/worth-their-weight-in-gold/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915183938/http://boxofficeindia.co.in/worth-their-weight-in-gold |archive-date=15 September 2017 |access-date=18 December 2017}}</ref>

Kumar appeared next in ''[[Purab Aur Paschim]]'' (1970) which gained recognition both in India and overseas.<ref>{{Citation |title=Vinod Khanna Passes Away |date=27 April 2017 |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=2882 |publisher=[[Box Office India]]}}</ref> The film secured a [[United Kingdom]] release in 1971, and ran for over 50 weeks in London, earning £285,000, equivalent to {{INRConvert|2.5|m|year=1971|mode=historical}}, surpassing the UK box office record of ''Do Raaste'' which released in the UK in 1969. ''Purab Aur Paschim'' held this record for 23 years, until the 1994 release of ''[[Hum Aapke Hain Kaun]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |title=United Kingdom Evolution – £100k To £4 Million Of Pathaan |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=7602 |access-date=2 March 2023 |work=[[Box Office India]]}}</ref> His other releases in 1970 included ''[[Yaadgaar (1970 film)|Yaadgaar]]'' and ''[[Pehchan (1970 film)|Pehchan]]'', both of which were box office successes.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Malhotra |first=Aps |date=10 March 2016 |title=Pehchan (1970) |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/pehchan-1970/article8337394.ece |work=The Hindu |via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Salazkina |first=Masha |date=2010 |title=Soviet-Indian Coproductions: ''Alibaba'' as Political Allegory |url=https://spectrum.library.concordia.ca/978004/1/Soviet-Indian_coproductions_proofs.pdf#page=4 |journal=[[Cinema Journal]] |volume=49 |issue=4 |pages=71–89 [72–73] |doi=10.1353/cj.2010.0002}}</ref> The same year, Kumar played a supporting role in [[Raj Kapoor]]'s ''[[Mera Naam Joker]]'' which became [[Cult following|cult-classic]] despite not performing well at the time of release.><ref>{{Cite news |title=Cult Hindi films that flopped |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/photo-features/cult-hindi-films-that-flopped/photostory/27856115.cms |work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Raj Kapoor's Russian co-star from Mera Naam Joker to mark his birth anniversary in Mumbai |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/raj-kapoors-russian-co-star-from-mera-naam-joker-to-mark-his-birth-anniversary-in-mumbai/articleshow/55969656.cms |website=Mumbai Mirror}}</ref>

In 1971, Kumar starred in ''[[Balidaan (1971 film)|Balidaan]]'' which received a lukewarm response.
The following year, he appeared in Sohanlal Kanwar's ''[[Be-Imaan]]'' for which he received his first and only [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor]].
He also directed and acted in ''[[Shor (film)|Shor]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 January 2014 |title=Be-Imaan (1972) |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/beimaan-1972/article5582183.ece |work=The Hindu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Shor (1972) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/shor |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]}}</ref> One of the songs featured in the film ''Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai'', a [[Lata Mangeshkar]]-[[Mukesh (singer)|Mukesh]] duet composed by [[Laxmikant–Pyarelal]], was listed at #29 in the [[Binaca Geetmala annual list 1972]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mitra |first=Ananda |url=https://archive.org/details/televisionpopula00mitr_0/page/83 |title=Television and popular culture in India: a study of the Mahabharat |publisher=Sage Publications |year=1993 |isbn=0803991347 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/televisionpopula00mitr_0/page/83 83] |url-access=registration}}</ref> ''Shor'' won the [[Filmfare Award for Best Editing]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Filmfare Nominees and {{sic|nolink=1|Winner}} |url=https://archive.org/download/FilmfareAwards/FilmfareAwards.pdf |access-date=6 May 2023 |publisher=[[The Times Group]] |via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref>

In mid-1970s, Kumar delivered three blockbusters in a row starting with the [[Social|social drama]] ''[[Roti Kapada Aur Makaan]]'' which he also directed.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Kumar |first1=Surendra |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jcLihj0Yzi0C&pg=PA12 |title=India of My Dreams |last2=Kapur |first2=Pradeep Kumar |publisher=Academic Foundation |year=2008 |isbn=9788171886890 |access-date=25 January 2022}}</ref> Released on 18 October 1974, the film ensemble cast included [[Shashi Kapoor]], [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Zeenat Aman]] and [[Moushmi Chatterjee]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rewind – Greatest Indian Film Sholay Is 43 Years Old – Box Office India |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=4183 |access-date=25 January 2020 |website=www.boxofficeindia.com}}</ref> The film's album, composed by Laxmikant–Pyarelal, became the fifth best-selling Hindi-language film album of the 1970s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 February 2010 |title=Music Hits 1970–1979 |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=282&catName=MTk3MC0xOTc5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205042855/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=282&catName=MTk3MC0xOTc5 |archive-date=5 February 2010 |publisher=[[Box Office India]]}}</ref>

In 1975, Kumar reunited with Sohanlal Kanwar for ''[[Sanyasi (film)|Sanyasi]]'' which emerged as a blockbuster, ranking third at the box office that year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 October 2024 |title=Jigra v Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video: First Week Circuit Comparison |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=8751}}</ref> For his portrayal of a religious-minded young man in the film, he received his fourth and final nomination for [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lakshmi, Times Exclusive Photo, 1975 Filmfare Awards: Actress ... |url=http://www.timescontent.com/tss/showcase/preview-buy/6671/Times-Exclusive/Lakshmi-Gulshan-Rai-K-T-Desai-K-K-V.html |website=www.timescontent.com}}</ref> He later appeared in the 1976 [[crime film|action-crime film]] ''[[Dus Numbri]]''.

In 1977, Kumar had two releases, the much delayed ''[[Amaanat (1977 film)|Amaanat]]'' and ''[[Shirdi Ke Sai Baba]]''. After a year-long break, he starred in a [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] film ''Jat Punjabi''. Kumar directed and appeared in the 1981 historical drama ''[[Kranti]]'' alongside Dilip Kumar, [[Hema Malini]], Shashi Kapoor, [[Parveen Babi]] and [[Shatrughan Sinha]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Chaudhuri |first=Diptakirti |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Cri9CgAAQBAJ |title=Written by Salim-Javed: The Story of Hindi Cinema's Greatest Screenwriters |date=1 October 2015 |publisher=Penguin UK |isbn=9789352140084}}</ref>

===1987–1999: Later career===
After ''Kranti'', Kumar's career began to decline, as his subsequent appearances in ''[[Kalyug Aur Ramayan]]'' (1987), ''[[Santosh (1989 film)|Santosh]]'' (1989), ''[[Clerk (1989 film)|Clerk]]'' (1989) and ''[[Deshwasi]]'' (1991) failed to garner attention at the box office.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 July 2018 |title=The Real Winner With Dhadak |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=4133}}</ref> He retired from acting after the 1995 film ''[[Maidan-E-Jung]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 March 2016 |title=It's a pleasant surprise: Manoj Kumar on Dadasaheb Phalke Award |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/its-a-pleasant-surprise-manoj-kumar-on-dadasaheb-phalke-award/}}</ref> He directed his son, [[Kunal Goswami]], in the 1999 film ''Jai Hind''. The film was a box office failure and the last film Kumar worked on.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jai Hind – Movie – Box Office India |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=2426 |website=boxofficeindia.com}}</ref> At the [[44th Filmfare Awards]] that year, he was honoured with the [[Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award|Lifetime Achievement Award]] for his career in film spanning over 40 years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Filmfare Awards (1999) |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-awards/filmfare-awards-winners/bollywood/1999/101 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>

===Politics===
Similarly to other [[Bollywood]] stars, Kumar decided to enter politics following his retirement. Before the [[2004 Indian general election]], he officially joined [[Bharatiya Janata Party]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Manoj Kumar, Apra Mehta join BJP |url=https://www.rediff.com/election/2004/mar/08bjp.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326140933/https://www.rediff.com/election/2004/mar/08bjp.htm |archive-date=26 March 2019 |access-date=26 March 2019 |website=www.rediff.com}}</ref>

==Death==
[[File:Manoj_Kumar_portrait_on_the_ambulance_in_which_Manoj_Kumar's_body_is_carried.jpg|alt=Manoj Kumar_portrait_on_the_ambulance_in_which_Manoj_Kumar's_body_is_carried|thumb|Kumar's portrait on the ambulance in which his body was carried]]

Kumar was admitted to [[Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital]] in [[Mumbai]], where he died on 4 April 2025 at the age of 87 due to chronic heart-related complications. The secondary cause of death was decompensated [[liver cirrhosis]], according to the medical certificate issued by the hospital.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Veteran Bollywood Actor Manoj Kumar Dies At 87 In Mumbai |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/veteran-actor-manoj-kumar-known-for-roles-in-purab-aur-paschim-kranti-dies-at-87-in-mumbai-8082750 |access-date=4 April 2025 |website=www.ndtv.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cherylann Mollan |date=4 April 2025 |title=Manoj Kumar: Bollywood actor and director dies at 87 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czx4dd0gqego |access-date=4 April 2025 |website=www.bbc.com}}</ref>

The [[Government of Maharashtra]] approved his cremation with state honours at the Pawan Hans crematorium the next day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/watch-veteran-actor-manoj-bharat-kumar-cremated-with-state-honours-in-mumbai/articleshow/120005657.cms|title=Veteran actor Manoj 'Bharat' Kumar cremated with state honours in Mumbai|work=The Times of India |date=5 April 2025}}</ref> In a letter addressed to Kumar's wife, Shashi Goswami, Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] recalled his experience meeting with the actor and praised his contribution to the Indian cinema.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pm-modi-remembers-indian-cinemas-bharat-kumar-pens-heartfelt-note-8114549|title=PM Modi Remembers Indian Cinema's 'Bharat Kumar', Pens Heartfelt Note|date=8 April 2025}}</ref> President [[Droupadi Murmu]], expressing her condolences, said, "Kumar left an indelible mark on Indian cinema with his patriotic films, which promoted pride in India’s values and contributions. The iconic roles he played—whether as national heroes, farmers, or soldiers—will always be remembered. His work will continue to inspire generations."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/manoj-kumar-passes-away-president-droupadi-murmu-expresses-sorrow-and-says-characters-of-national-heroes-farmers-and-soldiers-he-brought-to-life-will-remain-etched-in-our-collective-memory/articleshow/119965401.cms|title=Manoj Kumar passes away: President Droupadi Murmu expresses sorrow and says, "Characters of national heroes, farmers, and soldiers he brought to life will remain etched in our collective memory"|work=The Times of India |date=4 April 2025}}</ref> On 12 April 2025, his ashes were immersed in the [[Ganges]] at [[Haridwar]], [[Uttarakhand]] by his sons Vishal and Kunal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/manoj-kumars-sons-immerse-his-ashes-in-ganga-at-haridwar-close-family-members-attend-ceremony-101744443073696.html|title=Manoj Kumar's sons immerse his ashes in Ganga at Haridwar, close family members attend ceremony|work=Hindustan Times |date=12 April 2025}}</ref>

==Legacy==
As of 2025, Manoj Kumar is the second most successful [[Hindi cinema|Bollywood]] actor of all time, after [[Dilip Kumar]], with over 56% box-office successes and numerous gross records. Many of the films he directed including ''[[Upkar]]'' (1967), ''[[Roti Kapada Aur Makaan]]'' (1974) and ''[[Kranti (1981 film)|Kranti]]'' (1981) sold around 40–50 million tickets in India alone.<ref name="BOI-Death-2025" />

In 2022, he featured in ''[[Outlook India]]''{{'}}s "75 Best Bollywood Actors" list.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 August 2022 |title=75 Bollywood Actors Who Conquered Hearts Of The Millions |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/75-actors-who-conquered-hearts-of-the-millions-since-1947-news-215861/amp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816142138/https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/75-actors-who-conquered-hearts-of-the-millions-since-1947-news-215861/amp |archive-date=16 August 2022 |access-date=16 August 2022 |website=Outlook India}}</ref>

Kumar's signature move of covering his face with one hand has been referenced in numerous popular culture contexts. In 2007, the [[Shah Rukh Khan]]'s ''[[Om Shanti Om]]'' featured the lead character pretending to be Manoj Kumar, so as to sneak into a movie premiere, by holding his hand over his face. Kumar, displeased by the caricature, filed a lawsuit which was settled out of court.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 April 2025 |title=When Manoj Kumar Filed Defamation Charges Against Shah Rukh Khan, Sought Rs 100 Crore Compensation |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/when-manoj-kumar-filed-defamation-charges-against-shah-rukh-khan-sought-rs-100-crore-compensation-8083576}}</ref>

==Accolades and honours==
{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Manoj Kumar}}

==Personal life==
Kumar was married to Shashi Goswami; the couple met while in college before Kumar turned to acting. Shashi was offered a film role in 1957, but Kumar told her that "only one of them should work in films." As a result, she chose to work in a few radio plays instead. They have two sons, Vishal and [[Kunal Goswami|Kunal]].<ref>{{Cite web| title= Who is Manoj Kumar's wife, Shashi Goswami? Read about their heartfelt love story| work= The Times of India| date= 4 April 2025| url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/who-is-manoj-kumars-wife-shashi-goswami-read-about-their-heartfelt-love-story/articleshow/119969043.cms}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Sources==
* {{Cite web |date=4 April 2025 |title=Manoj Kumar Biography in Hindi |url=https://www.yugantarpravah.com/entertainment/manoj-kumar-death-biography-in-hindi/article-7766 |access-date=4 April 2025 |website=Yugantar Pravah |language=hi}}

==External links==
{{Sister project auto}}
* {{IMDb name}}
* [http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2002/jul/02dinesh.htm Manoj Kumar: Bollywood's Own Mr Bharat]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140202124755/http://www.in.com/manoj-kumar/biography-182385.html Manoj Kumar : Profile, Gallery, Photos, Videos, News]

{{Navboxes
| title = Awards for Manoj Kumar
| list =
{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Art}}
{{Dadasaheb Phalke Award}}
{{Filmfare Award for Best Actor}}
{{Filmfare Award for Best Director}}
{{Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue}}
{{Filmfare Award for Best Story}}
{{Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award}}
}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Kumar, Manoj}}
[[Category:1937 births]]
[[Category:2025 deaths]]
[[Category:Punjabi people]]
[[Category:Indian male screenwriters]]
[[Category:Hindi-language film directors]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards winners]]
[[Category:Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award winners]]
[[Category:Indian male film actors]]
[[Category:Male actors in Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:People from Abbottabad]]
[[Category:Hindu College, Delhi alumni]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipients]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts]]
[[Category:Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Maharashtra]]
[[Category:People from Delhi]]

Manoj Kumar - Revision history

Krrissh at 07:29, 27 February 2026