Manoj Kumar’s Cousin Manish Goswami Recalls His Final Days: 'He Had Been Speaking Less...'

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Veteran actor Manoj Kumar passed away at 87, leaving behind a legacy of patriotic cinema and timeless storytelling.

Manoj Kumar died at 87 on April 4. His cousin Manish Goswami recalls his final days and praises his lifelong passion for cinema
Manoj Kumar died at 87 on April 4. His cousin Manish Goswami recalls his final days and praises his lifelong passion for cinema

Veteran actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar passed away on April 4 at the age of 87, leaving the nation grieving the loss of one of its most iconic cinematic voices. While his passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, close family members are now opening up about his final days—and the legacy he left behind.

In a conversation with Hindustan Times, the late actor’s cousin, producer Manish Goswami, offered a glimpse into the final chapter of Kumar’s life. “He would have been 88 this July," Manish shared. “But due to age-related complications, the heart gradually started pumping less. He had been talking on and off, but the last three days, he had been speaking less."

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    Despite his declining health, Manoj Kumar’s passion for cinema remained intact. Manish revealed that even as his body weakened, his mind continued to generate ideas, and he stayed actively involved in film-related discussions. “His love for cinema was unmatched," he said. “He once told us, ‘Missing a meal is fine—but not watching a film? That’s unthinkable.’"

    Manoj Kumar, often called “Bharat Kumar" for his deeply patriotic roles, is remembered for films that redefined nationalism on screen. Manish proudly credited his cousin for embedding patriotism into Bollywood’s DNA through landmark films like Shaheed, Upkaar, and Purab Aur Paschim. “He pioneered patriotic storytelling in Hindi cinema," he said, noting how Kumar not only acted in but also wrote, directed, and even self-financed many of his films, driven purely by passion.

    Manish also reflected on the legendary filmmaker’s views on modern cinema. “He never opposed the changing times," he noted. “He believed every generation has its own language, its own way of storytelling. But he did feel that the depth and conviction that once defined cinema is missing in many of today’s films."

    Manoj Kumar’s passing has left a deep void in the hearts of his admirers, but his influence continues to shape Indian cinema. Whether through his patriotic sagas, his unwavering dedication to his craft, or his unmatched creative vision, his legacy remains etched in film history.

    He may have spoken less in his final days, but his life spoke volumes—and will continue to inspire generations to come.

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