'Lungs Mein Paani... He Used To...', Aruna Irani Recalls Manoj Kumar's Final Days Before His Death

The whole industry is mourning the death of the legendary Bollywood actor, director and screenwriter, Manoj Kumar. The late actor’s colleagues, co-stars, and fans are flooding social media with their grievances about his passing. Veteran actress, Aruna Irani shared a deep bond with Manoj Kumar, especially given that he was the one to launch her in the industry. After the actor’s death, Aruna offered a glimpse into his final days, describing how his health had deteriorated significantly.

Aruna Irani shares account of Manoj Kumar’s final days

Manoj Kumar took his last breath on April 4, 2025, at Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. The late actor was suffering from various health-related complications, and his body was deteriorating. In an interview with The Times of India, Aruna Irani recalled Manoj Kumar’s poor health and how his lungs would get filled with water. Aruna shared:

“One cannot go against time and age. He had been unwell for a long time. A couple of months ago, I was admitted to the same hospital after fracturing my leg, and he was there, too. But I couldn't meet him because of my injury. Unke lungs mein paani bhar jata tha, and he used to come for treatment, stay for a few days, and then go back home. I hope he rests in peace. We will miss him dearly, but in the end, we all have to go one day.”

Manoj Kumar was the one who launched Aruna Irai with his first film, Upkar, after which the actress worked with him in many popular films, including Patthar Ke Sanam and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan. After his demise, Aruna, who considered him her ‘guru’, expressed her sorrow at this loss to TOI. Aruna said:

“He was my guru. I did my first film, Upkar, with him, and he was a true gentleman — a great actor, director, and producer. His wife was also a wonderful person, and we received special care during the filming of his movies. I was part of almost all his films. If he had done ten films, I would have been in at least nine of them. He was an amazing person with a beautiful heart. When we enjoy working with someone, we remember them not just for their work but also for the time spent together.”

Aruna Irani on her experience working with Manoj Kumar

In a chat with Pinkvilla, Aruna Irani shared some memories of working with Manoj Kumar, with whom she starred in numerous films. Remembering the old times, Aruna shared:

“(He was a) very good actor, very good director, very good producer. So, it was great working with him. Bahut acha tha… The first film he made was Upkar in which I was also there; it was a color film- the first color film, kyunki isse pehle hote the color par. So, it was great working with a director like him.”

Manoj Kumar dies at 87

Manoj Kumar, fondly called Bharat Kumar, passed away at 87 on April 4, 2025, after succumbing to a cardiogenic shock following a severe heart attack. According to a report by ANI, he had also been battling liver cirrhosis, and he was admitted on February 21, 2025. 

Manoj Kumar earned significant praise for his roles in films like Mera Naam Joker, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan and Jai Hind. His last rites will be held at Mumbai’s Pawan Hans, Vile Parle, on April 5, 2025.

What do you think about Aruna Irani’s revelations about Manoj Kumar’s final days?

Next Read: Veteran Actor, Manoj Kumar Known For 'Roti, Kapada Aur Makaan' And 'Kranti' Dies At The Age Of 87

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