Manoj Kumar once admitted feeling sad when actors he helped forgot to mention him after their success: Dukh toh hota hai… | Hindi Movie News

Veteran Bollywood actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, famously known as ‘Bharat Kumar,’ passed away at the age of 87. He breathed his last in the early hours of April 4, 2025, at a hospital in Mumbai. His son, Kunal Goswami, confirmed that his father had been unwell for a long time and that his final rites would be held the following day. Known for his deep love for the country and for bringing patriotism to the big screen, Manoj Kumar left behind a rich legacy of meaningful films and memorable roles.
A star who gave others their shine
Manoj Kumar wasn’t just a great actor—he had a special eye for spotting talent. Over his long career, he gave several popular actors their first big breaks. In a heartfelt interview with Subhash K. Jha, Manoj Kumar shared how it hurt when some of these actors didn’t even mention him later in life. “I am not brooding about it. But when I read the interviews of actors whom I gave major breaks to and they don’t even mention me, dukh toh hota hai,” he said.See more: Manoj Kumar Death News: Manoj Kumar Passes Away Live Update
“God has given me honest eyes.”
The ‘Upkaar’ actor had a strong instinct for picking the right people for the right roles. Recalling one such story, he said, “I have an eye for talent. Do you know in ‘Shor’ when Sharmila Tagore ditched me—she was supposed to play my wife’s role that Nanda finally played—I had offered that role to Smita Patil. She politely told me she was not interested in acting at that point in time. God has given me honest eyes and pure ears.”
The rise of ‘Bharat Kumar’
Born Harikrishna Giri Goswami on 24 July 1937 in Abbottabad (then part of British India), Manoj Kumar’s family moved to Delhi after Partition. Deeply influenced by Dilip Kumar, he chose his stage name ‘Manoj’ after a character played by his idol in ‘Shabnam.’

See more: Manoj Kumar Death News: Legendary Actor Manoj Kumar Dies at 87: A Tribute to ‘Bharat Kumar’
He began acting in the late 1950s and quickly rose to fame with films like ‘Shaheed’ (1965), where he played freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. His directorial debut, ‘Upkar’ (1967), based on the theme of ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan,’ was a massive hit and earned him the National Award. That was the film that earned him the nickname ‘Bharat Kumar.’ He followed this with other powerful films like ‘Purab Aur Paschim’ (1970), highlighting the clash between Indian and Western values, and ‘Roti Kapda Aur Makaan’ (1974), which tackled real-life issues like unemployment and poverty. His 1981 film ‘Kranti,’ another patriotic saga, became a huge success and solidified his image as the nation’s on-screen hero.
Throughout his career, he chose themes that celebrated India and stood up for the common man. His movies weren’t just entertainment—they were filled with powerful messages about society, culture, and patriotism.
As news of his passing broke, tributes began pouring in from across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a heartfelt message on social media along with an old photograph, calling him “an icon of Indian cinema.”