Manoj Kumar
Veteran Bollywood actor and director Manoj Kumar has died at the age of 87 in India’s financial capital, Mumbai.
The actor died of “age-related health issues”, Dr Santosh Shetty of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, where the actor was admitted, said.
His son, Kunal Goswami, told ANI news agency that Kumar had been battling health issues for a long time.
Kumar leaves behind a rich legacy of patriotic films, which propelled him to fame in the 1960s and 1970s.
Tributes from fans, celebrities, and politicians have been pouring in on social media, mourning his death.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him an “icon of Indian cinema”.
“Manoj Ji’s [a term of respect in Hindi] works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations,” he wrote in a post on X.
Many contemporary actors mourned his death, calling him a source of inspiration.
Akshay Kumar said he grew up watching Kumar’s films which inculcated in him a sense of love and pride for the nation.
Ajay Devgn praised Kumar for creating moments that are now part of “Indian cinema’s golden history” and thanked him for inspiring storytellers like himself.
Kumar, who was originally named Harikrishan Goswami, was born in 1937 in the northern state of Punjab.
He carved a niche for himself in the Hindi film industry with films like Shaheed, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan and Kranti.
His films echoed patriotic fervour – his defining trait – exploring themes like love for the motherland, farmers’ struggles and the sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters.
Released at a time when India was still grappling with the aftermath of nearly 200 years of British rule, his films resonated deeply with audiences.
He was fondly called ‘Bharat Kumar’ (the Hindi name for India) by his fans and peers.
His popularity endured into the 21st century, with fans often turning film clips in which he was seen espousing patriotism into viral memes, cementing his status.
Kumar received numerous awards over the years, including the Padma Shri – the fourth highest civilian award in India.
His contributions earned him the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest cinematic honour.
Mumbai:
Actress Raveena Tandon opened up about her deep emotional connection with the late legendary actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar.
Reflecting on the special bond they shared, the Mohra actress revealed that she had been profoundly influenced by his legacy and the lessons he imparted through his work. Upon hearing the sad news of the actor’s passing, Raveena visited Manoj Kumar’s residence to meet his son and family.
Speaking to the media, she shared her special connection with the legendary actor and revealed that he had given her father his first break in the film industry. She shared how Manoj Kumar was not just a mentor to many in the industry but also like a father figure. Raveena also disclosed the final gift she intends to honor him with — three cherished items that were dear to Manoj Kumar. These symbolic offerings include Mahakal’s Rudraksha mala, Sai Baba’s vibuti, and the Indian flag, which represent his deep love for India, spirituality, and patriotism.
Raveena told the media, “I have known Manoj Kumar uncle for many years. In fact, he is the one who gave my dad a break in films. He was like a father to all of us, and today I have three of his favorite things that I will place on him. One is the Rudraksha mala of Mahakal, the second is Sai Baba’s vibuti, and the third is the Indian flag. For me, he was my Bharat; he is and will always be my Bharat. The kind of inspirational films he made, no one else has made, and no one ever will. I remember every song of Manoj ji, and my most favourite is ‘Jab Zero Diya Bharat.’ He is our legend, and he will always be.”
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar called the passing of Manoj Kumar the end of an era. He told IANS, “It’s a huge loss. I believe this marks the end of an era. Manoj ji was a remarkable individual and filmmaker whose contribution to the Indian film industry was immense. The way he used to shoot his films and present the social fabric—whether it was through patriotism or song picturization—was truly exceptional. His films always resonated with people. I’ve watched Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, Purab Aur Paschim, and Kranti—they always connected with audiences. He represented an era when the entire nation related to him…”
Veteran actor Dharmendra also visited Manoj Kumar’s residence to pay his respects.
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