The Indian film industry and the nation mourn the loss of the legendary Manoj Kumar, the actor and director celebrated for his iconic patriotic roles. He passed away on April 4, 2025, at the age of 87, leaving behind a monumental legacy in Indian cinema. Born as Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), Manoj Kumar became a household name, affectionately known as "Bharat Kumar" for his portrayal of strong, nationalistic characters.

News of his demise prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Kumar as an "icon of Indian cinema" for his ability to instill national pride through his films. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and numerous other dignitaries also expressed their condolences, acknowledging Kumar's unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema.

Preparations are underway at Manoj Kumar's residence in Mumbai as his family, members of the Bollywood film fraternity, and fans gather to bid him a final farewell. Visuals from his home depict family members and staff meticulously preparing the premises with floral arrangements. An ambulance, destined to carry the actor's mortal remains, was adorned with tri-color flowers, symbolizing the national flag, in a touching tribute.

His son, Kunal Goswami, confirmed that the cremation will take place on April 5, 2025, at 11 am at Pawan Hans in Vile Parle, Mumbai. Kunal shared details about the last rites, stating, “We will leave the hospital at 9. We will come here at 10 at our house. And at 11, we will go to Pawan Hans for cremation.” He also spoke of the pain his father endured in his final days, highlighting that despite the suffering, the veteran actor passed away peacefully.

In a heartfelt gesture, Zuhaib Khan, a local artist from Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, paid tribute to Manoj Kumar by creating a charcoal portrait of him. Khan, who specializes in using coal to paint wall portraits based on current events, shared his tribute with the public. Speaking to ANI, he said, "I am a painter and I make pictures on the wall with coal based on current events. I received the news that Manoj Kumar ji passed away at the age of 87. That's why I created his portrait and paid my tribute to him," Khan said, adding, "He made films that gave a good direction to society. I pray to God that his soul rests in peace."

Manoj Kumar's filmography includes iconic movies such as 'Upkar' (1967), 'Purab Aur Paschim' (1970), and 'Shaheed' (1965), which set benchmarks for nationalistic cinema. Beyond his acting talent, Kumar also made significant contributions as a director and producer. His directorial debut, 'Upkar', won the National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film. Other successful directorial ventures include 'Purab Aur Paschim' and 'Roti Kapda Aur Makaan' (1974), both of which achieved critical and commercial success.

The 87-year-old Padma Shri awardee had been under medical care since February 21 due to deteriorating health. Kunal Goswami recalled a poignant memory from the morning of his passing, “I woke up at 4:30 in the morning. He was unwell. He had been unwell for a long time. We were praying that his pain would reduce... Doctors were trying a lot,” he told IANS.

Manoj Kumar's passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, leaving a void that will be difficult to fill. Tributes have poured in from across the country, including those from PM Modi, President Murmu, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan, and many others, all recognizing his immense contribution to Indian cinema and his profound impact on the nation.