The legendary actor Manoj Kumar, affectionately known as 'Bharat Kumar' for his iconic patriotic roles in Bollywood, passed away at the age of 87. He took his last breath at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai at approximately 3:30 AM on Friday. The cause of death was heart-related issues, with decompensated liver cirrhosis being the secondary factor, according to hospital reports.
His son, Kunal Goswami, confirmed the news to ANI, stating that he passed away after a prolonged battle with health complications.

Manoj Kumar's Net Worth At Time of Death:
After starring in many hit films, the 70s superstar had distanced himself from the glamorous film world, but with his talent and hard work, he made a wealth worth crores.
Manoj Kumar's estimated net worth was $20 million, or around Rs 170 crore, according to Celebrity Net Worth. His long and successful career in Indian cinema, where he served as an actor, director, and screenwriter, became the source of his wealth. In addition to acting, he directed some of his best-known and commercially successful movies.
He gained a lot of fame for films like Kranti, Purab Aur Paschim, and Upkar. In addition, he left his imprint as a filmmaker. Maidan-e-Jung was his last film as a director.
How Manoj Kumar Became 'Bharat Kumar'?
Manoj Kumar became a legend in Bollywood, especially with his patriotic-themed movies that left a lasting impact.
Some of his most famous and beloved films include:
- Hariyali Aur Raasta (1962)
- Woh Kaun Thi? (1964)
- Himalaya Ki God Mein (1965)
- Shaheed (1965) - Based on the life of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh
- Upkar (1967)
- Purab Aur Paschim (1970)
- Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974)
- Kranti (1981)
These films not only entertained audiences but also inspired feelings of patriotism. His characters often embodied the spirit of India, earning him the title Bharat Kumar. Films like Upkar (1967), where he portrayed a character representing India's struggles and values, were key in solidifying this title. Manoj Kumar's unique style, especially his habit of covering part of his face with his hand, became iconic and is still imitated by comedians and fans today.
How Manoj Kumar Became 'Bharat Kumar'? The Actor Revealed,
Actor Manoj Kumar shared the story behind the title 'Bharat Kumar' that he received. In an interview with Lehren Retro, he revealed how the nickname came about. He told Lehren Retro, "Often, a good character's name stays with the audience. So, I thought, since India is primarily an agricultural country, I'll name the character Bharat. His life is connected to the fields."
"The public in our country is so kind-hearted that when they find something genuine and good, they shower it with immense love and respect. I was just a simple boy, but you all made me 'Bharat'. While I appreciate the love, you placed a huge responsibility on me to live up to that image," the actor told Lehren Retro.
Inspiration from Dilip Kumar: Adopted Name 'Manoj Kumar' And Became Actor
Manoj Kumar was born Harikishan Giri Goswami on July 13, 1937, in Abbottabad (now Pakistan). After the partition of India in 1947, his family moved to Delhi. It was in Delhi that he developed a passion for films. He was greatly inspired by actor Dilip Kumar's role in the 1949 movie Shabnam. When Manoj Kumar entered the Bollywood film industry, he changed his name to Manoj Kumar, following his admiration for Dilip Kumar.
Manoj Kumar Left Legacy of Patriotism:
Through his films, Manoj Kumar developed a sense of patriotism among audiences. He received the prestigious awards, 'Padma Shri' and 'Dadasaheb Phalke Award' for his contributions to film.
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