Entire Bollywood as well as India's political fraternity went into mourning on Friday after veteran actor Manoj Kumar died at the age of 87. Knows as a pioneer of patriotic movies in India, Manoj Kumar passed away on Friday morning at Mumbai’s Kokilaben Hospital. Fondly known as "Bharat Kumar" for his iconic roles that celebrated patriotism, Manoj Kumar delivered several timeless classics including Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Kranti, and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan. Talking about Manoj Kumar's death reason, his son, Kunal Goswami, said, “He had been dealing with health issues for a long time. It was by God’s grace that he passed away peacefully without much suffering.”
For the unversed, Manoj Kumar had been battling liver cirrhosis and was admitted to the hospital on February 21, 2025, as his condition worsened. Over his illustrious career, the veteran actor received 7 Filmfare Awards, with his landmark film Upkar winning awards for Best Film, Best Director, Best Story, and Best Dialogue in 1968. He was conferred the Padma Shri in 1992, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest honor in cinema, in 2016.
With Manoj Kumar death, fans are now digging deep into his story and about his family members.
Where was Manoj Kumar till now?
As per reports, Manoj was living in Mumbai for the past many years. After being in the limelight for many years, Manoj Kumar retired from acting and filmmaker and his family also moved away from the spotlight.
Manoj Kumar Family
Manoj Kumar got married to his college sweetheart Shashi Goswami. Manoj did his graduation from Hindu College, Delhi University. It was during his graduation that he met Sashi while visiting his friend’s house in old Delhi.
Talking about his wife Shashi Goswami, Manoj Kumar earlier said that there was something magical about her. when he first met her. While speaking to Dainik Lagran, he said, “During my graduation days, I used to go to old Delhi to one of my friend’s home for studying, and that’s when I saw Shashi for the first time in my life. God’s swear, I have never seen any girl with some bad intentions in my whole life, but there was something magical about Shashi that I couldn’t take away my eyes from her face. And for one and a half years, both of us had seen each other from a distance. Because none of us had the courage to speak to the other at that time.”
Manoj Kumar has two sons and one of them, Kunal Goswami, was an actor. Kunal made his Bollywood debut in 1981 with his father’s film Kranti. His first leading role was in the 1983 films Ghungroo. He gained popularity from ‘Kalakaar’ and starred opposite Sridevi. For the unversed, the popular song ‘Neele Neele Ambar Par’ was picturised on him. He also acted in the television show ‘Alag Alag’ in 2000.
Manoj Kumar's cousin Manish R Goswami is also a prominent figure in the industry and is a television producer. He has worked on the shows like Aashirwad, Kaisa Yeh Ishq Hai…Ajab Sa Risk Hai and many more.