Manoj Kumar

24 Jul, 1937 | Abbottabad, modern-day Pakistan

Actor/Lyricst/Director

Biography

Manoj Kumar , born Harikrishna Giri Goswami on July 24, 1937 , in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), is a legendary Indian actor, filmmaker, and screenwriter known for his deep patriotism and impactful cinema. After the Partition, his family moved to Delhi, where he completed his education and later pursued a film career in Mumbai. He began his acting journey with Fashion (1957), but rose to fame with hits like Woh Kaun Thi? , Himalaya Ki God Mein , and Shaheed (1965). His performance as Bhagat Singh in Shaheed solidified his image as a patriotic hero. He later directed and starred in some of Indian cinema’s most iconic nationalist films, including Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), and Kranti (1981). These films earned him the nickname "Bharat Kumar" for his consistent portrayal of selfless, nation-loving characters. Manoj Kumar was honored with numerous awards including the Padma Shri in 1992 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2016 for his contribution to Indian cinema. Known for his serious screen persona and impactful dialogues, he left a lasting legacy in both patriotic and socially themed storytelling. Though he stepped away from acting in the late '90s, Manoj Kumar remains one of Bollywood’s most respected and influential figures.  Manoj Kumar—born Harikrishan Giri Goswami (July 24, 1937)—was the iconic “Bharat Kumar” of Indian cinema. He passed away on April 4, 2025 , at age 87 in Mumbai after a prolonged illness involving heart and liver complications.