Manoj Kumar, the Indian actor-filmmaker finest identified for infusing the nation with a model of fervent nationalism by way of movies like “Upkar” and “Purab Aur Paschim,” died April 4 in Mumbai. He was 87. He died of a coronary heart assault brought on by cardiogenic shock.

Born Harikrishan Goswami in Abbottabad (then British India, now Pakistan), Kumar and his household relocated to Delhi after the Partition. He studied at Hindu Faculty, Delhi College, earlier than coming into the movie business within the late Fifties.

After early display roles in “Kaanch Ki Gudiya” (1961), “Hariyali Aur Raasta” (1962), and “Woh Kaun Thi?” (1964), Kumar’s efficiency as freedom fighter Bhagat Singh in “Shaheed” (1965) established him as a severe dramatic presence. But it surely was “Upkar” (1967)— a movie he directed and starred in, impressed by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” (hail soldier, hail farmer) — that cemented his on-screen persona because the face of patriotic cinema.

Nicknamed “Bharat Kumar” (India Kumar) for his dedication to patriotic themes, Kumar continued to discover Indian identification and social points in a string of self-directed hits all through the Seventies. “Purab Aur Paschim” (1970), “Shor” (1972), and “Roti Kapda Aur Makaan” (1974) turned cultural touchstones, mixing mainstream storytelling with sharp commentary.

In 1981, he directed “Kranti” — a multi-starrer interval drama concerning the Indian freedom motion that turned one of many highest-grossing Indian movies of the last decade.

Kumar acquired the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 1992. The Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award adopted in 1999. In 2015, he was accorded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the nation’s highest movie honor.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X: “Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. He was an icon of Indian cinema, who was significantly remembered for his patriotic zeal, which was additionally mirrored in his movies. Manoj Ji’s works ignited a spirit of nationwide delight and can proceed to encourage generations. My ideas are along with his household and admirers on this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”