Veteran Actor Manoj Kumar Dies at 87 After Battling Heart and Liver Conditions

The entertainment world woke up to heartbreaking news today as legendary Bollywood actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, affectionately known as ‘Bharat Kumar,’ passed away at the age of 87. He breathed his last at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai early this morning. Manoj Kumar had been battling heart-related complications and decompensated liver cirrhosis for months, which ultimately led to his demise. His passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, leaving millions of fans mourning the loss of a true patriot and cinematic icon.

The Health Struggles Behind the Loss

Manoj Kumar’s health worsened in early 2025. Doctors admitted him to the hospital on February 21 after he showed signs of serious illness. Tests revealed he had cardiogenic shock, a dangerous condition where the heart suddenly stops pumping enough blood. This happened because he suffered a heart attack (acute myocardial infarction), caused by blocked blood flow to his heart. The blockage likely came from years of plaque buildup in his arteries.

He also had advanced liver cirrhosis, a severe liver disease where scar tissue replaces healthy tissue. Over time, his liver stopped working properly. Long-term illnesses like hepatitis or alcohol use often cause this condition. In its final stages (decompensated cirrhosis), patients may develop:

• Yellow skin (jaundice)
• Swollen belly from fluid buildup (ascites)
• Confusion due to toxins (hepatic encephalopathy)
• Extreme tiredness

Despite strong medical treatment, his heart and liver damage was too severe. His body could not fight both diseases at once.

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Understanding His Medical Conditions

Cardiogenic shock is a rare but serious complication of heart attacks. It occurs when damage to the heart muscle prevents it from pumping blood effectively. Without immediate treatment, this condition can lead to organ failure and death. Treatment options include medications to improve blood flow, mechanical support devices like ventricular assist devices, or emergency surgery such as bypass or stent placement.

Decompensated liver cirrhosis is equally severe. It represents the terminal phase of chronic liver disease and often requires aggressive management to control symptoms and prevent further complications. In some cases, a liver transplant becomes the only viable option for survival. However, advanced age and coexisting conditions can make transplantation unfeasible. 

According to Dr Reema Kashiv, Senior Physician, Noble Hospital, Pune, “The patient may feel very tired, not hungry, lose weight, feel sick, or have stomach pain. Liver cirrhosis can be caused by drinking too much alcohol, hepatitis B, C, or D infections, fatty liver disease (not linked to alcohol), cystic fibrosis, too much iron in the body, and other health problems.”

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Conclusion

Tributes have poured in from across the nation. Fans and colleagues alike have taken to social media platforms to express their sorrow and celebrate his legacy. Manoj Kumar’s passing leaves a void not just in Bollywood but in the hearts of millions who admired his work and values. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of early detection and management of chronic diseases like heart conditions and liver cirrhosis, conditions that remain leading causes of mortality worldwide.