Bollywood Icon Rajendra Kumar Dead at 71
Rajendra Kumar, one of Bollywood's biggest stars in the 1960s and 70s, passed away peacefully in his sleep from cardiac arrest just eight days before his 72nd birthday.
Known for his charm and emotional depth on screen, Kumar appeared in more than 150 films over the course of a career that made him a household name across India. He was best known for hits like Mother India (1957), Mere Mehboob (1963), Sangam (1964), Arzoo (1965), and Jhuk Gaya Aasman (1968).
He received several honors during his lifetime, including the prestigious Padma Shri award in 1969 for his contributions to Indian cinema.
Personal life
Kumar was married to Shukla Kumar, and together they had three children—one son and two daughters. His son, Kumar Gaurav, also pursued a career in films. His brother Naresh Kumar also worked as a director and often collaborated with Rajendra, including on the 1972 film Gora Aur Kala.
Failing health and death
The final years of Rajendra Kumar’s life were marked by serious health struggles. In addition to battling falling hemoglobin levels—something so severe he required frequent blood transfusions and spent long periods in hospitals—he was diagnosed with cancer. He even refused further medication at one point, choosing instead to seek the best possible care. To that end, Kumar spent 10 months in the United States in hopes of stabilizing his health, but his condition continued to deteriorate. Ultimately, he passed away from a heart attack on July 12, 1999, just eight days before what would have been his 72nd birthday.