Who Is Shashi Goswami, Manoj Kumar’s Wife? Her Support Was Key to His Success, But Their Son’s Acting Career Fell Short

While the legacy of his iconic films continues to live on, not many are aware of the significant role that Shashi Goswami, Manoj Kumar’s wife, played in his journey. Their love story and partnership were essential parts of his remarkable career.

Veteran actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, beloved for his roles in patriotic films and known as “Bharat Kumar,” passed away on April 4, 2025, at the age of 87. He spent his final moments in a Mumbai hospital. While his films remain cherished by fans, the personal story behind his successful career and the love that supported it is less widely known.

Shashi Goswami, a woman who played a pivotal role in Manoj Kumar’s life, first crossed paths with him during their college days in Delhi. In a 2013 interview, Manoj recalled meeting Shashi at a friend’s house in Old Delhi. He was immediately drawn to her, saying, “I had never seen anyone like Shashi before; there was something about her that kept me captivated.”

For nearly a year and a half, the couple kept in touch from a distance, rarely meeting. However, as time passed, their bond deepened. They began spending time together, watching movies and socializing with friends, and eventually, they fell in love. Despite facing initial resistance, they decided to marry.

After their marriage, Shashi chose to remain out of the public eye. Although she had received offers to act before marrying Manoj Kumar, he advised her to stay away from the film industry. Instead, she focused on working in radio plays.

The couple had two sons, Vishal and Kunal Goswami. Vishal worked as a film producer, while Kunal ventured into acting. Kunal’s notable film was Kranti (1981), in which he played a lead role opposite Sridevi, and the song “Neele-Neele Ambar Par” became a hit. However, despite early recognition, Kunal struggled to build a lasting career in acting and never achieved the level of stardom his father enjoyed. He later shifted his focus away from films and into the catering business, where he found success and established one of the top catering companies, earning significant income. Shashi’s support and love for Manoj Kumar were integral to his success, and while their son’s acting career did not reach the heights of his father’s, Kunal Goswami’s entrepreneurial journey brought him fulfillment in a different field