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Veteran Bollywood actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar passed away at the age of 87 at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. The legendary actor, known for his deeply patriotic films, reportedly suffered heart-related complications, with the hospital citing decompensated liver cirrhosis as the secondary cause of death.
A Legend in Indian Cinema
Manoj Kumar was best known for his contributions to patriotic cinema, earning him the title of ‘Bharat Kumar’. His iconic films like Shaheed (1965), Upkar (1967), and Purab Aur Paschim (1970) played a significant role in shaping nationalistic storytelling in Bollywood. His illustrious career also included classics like Hariyali Aur Raasta, Woh Kaun Thi, Himalaya Ki God Mein, Do Badan, Patthar Ke Sanam, Neel Kamal, and Kranti.
Honored with the Padma Shri in 1992, he was later awarded India’s highest film honor, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015 for his exceptional contribution to cinema.
Tributes Pour In From Across the Nation
PM Narendra Modi’s Heartfelt Tribute
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared old pictures of Manoj Kumar, expressing his grief. He 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. Manoj Ji's works ignited a spirit of national pride and will… pic.twitter.com/f8pYqOxol3
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2025
"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. 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."
President Droupadi Murmu’s Condolence Message
President Droupadi Murmu also paid tribute, acknowledging the actor’s immense contribution:
Saddened by the demise of legendary actor and film-maker Manoj Kumar Ji. He has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. During his long and distinguished career he came to be known for his patriotic films which promoted a sense of pride in India’s contribution and values. The…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 4, 2025
"Saddened by the demise of legendary actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar Ji. He has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. During his long and distinguished career, he became known for his patriotic films, which promoted a sense of pride in India’s contribution and values. His cinema will instill national pride and inspire generations to come. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers."
Bollywood and Film Fraternity Mourns the Loss
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit called it a massive loss to Indian cinema, stating:
"The legendary Dadasaheb Phalke award winner, our inspiration and the 'lion' of the Indian film industry, Manoj Kumar Ji is no more... The entire industry will miss him deeply."
India’s first truly original and committed Indic filmmaker, Dadasaheb Phalke awardee Shri Manoj Kumar ji, left us today.
— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) April 4, 2025
A proud nationalist.
A staunch Hindu at heart.
A visionary director who gave Indian cinema a new grammar — of song picturisation, of meaningful lyrics, of… pic.twitter.com/Te8PNBbIv5
Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri remembered him as a visionary director, writing:
"India’s first truly original and committed Indic filmmaker, Shri Manoj Kumar ji, left us today. A proud nationalist. A staunch Hindu at heart. He made patriotism cinematic, without noise. He made nationalism poetic, without apology. Patriots and artists like him never die. They simply transcend—into memory, into celluloid, into the nation’s heartbeat."
Actor Akshay Kumar also expressed his sorrow, saying:
"I grew up learning from him that there’s no emotion like love and pride for our country. And if we actors won’t take the lead in showing this emotion, who will? Such a fine person, and one of the biggest assets of our fraternity. RIP Manoj Sir. Om Shanti 🙏"
I grew up learning from him that there’s no emotion like love and pride for our country. And if we actors won’t take the lead in showing this emotion, who will? Such a fine person, and one of the biggest assets of our fraternity. RIP Manoj Sir. Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/sr8U4Wkqgq
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 4, 2025
Manoj Kumar’s passing marks the loss of a cinematic legend who redefined patriotism in Indian films. His contributions to Bollywood will continue to inspire future generations, ensuring that his legacy as ‘Bharat Kumar’ remains immortal.