Renowned actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar passed away on Friday at the age of 87 at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai on Friday. He had been unwell for some time and was admitted to the hospital on February 21 after his condition worsened.
Condoling his demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a social media post, said that he was deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary actor and filmmaker.
The Prime Minister, in a post on X, wrote, “Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. He was an icon of Indian cinema, who was particularly remembered for his patriotic zeal, which was also reflected in his films.”
PM Modi further said that his works ignited a spirit of national pride. “Manoj Ji’s works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” the PM further said.
PM Modi also shared pictures of the veteran actor when they had met years ago. The veteran actor received the Padma Shri in 1992 for his contributions to Bollywood. His legacy was further solidified when he was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015.
President Droupadi Murmu also paid homage to the legendary actor. In a post on X, President Murmu described Kumar as a towering figure in Indian cinema, whose patriotic films and iconic portrayals of national heroes, farmers, and soldiers have left an enduring legacy.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar Ji. A towering figure in Indian cinema, he leaves behind an indelible legacy of patriotism and cinematic brilliance. Through his iconic films, he celebrated India’s values, heritage, and unsung heroes, bringing to life unforgettable portrayals of national icons, farmers, and soldiers. His work will continue to inspire generations and instill national pride for years to come. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers during this difficult time,” she wrote.
Popularly known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his patriotic films, Manoj Kumar made a mark with classics like Shaheed, ‘Hariyali Aur Raasta’, ‘Woh Kaun Thi’, ‘Himalaya Ki God Mein’, ‘Do Badan’, ‘Patthar Ke Sanam’, ‘Neel Kamal’, and ‘Kranti’, ‘ Upkar’, ‘Roti Kapda Aur Makaan’ and several other movies which have been regarded as a remarkable piece of cinema.
Born Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Punjab’s Amritsar, Manoj Kumar carved a niche for himself in Bollywood. Apart from Padma Shri and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Manoj Kumar’s contributions to Indian cinema earned him several prestigious accolades, including a National Film Award and seven Filmfare Awards in different categories.
(With IANS inputs)
