Veteran Hindi film actor Manoj Kumar passed away in Mumbai after battling prolonged illness. He was 87. Kumar was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, where he breathed his last.
Confirming the news to ANI, filmmaker Ashoke Pandit stated, “It’s a very sad day for the film industry that we have lost a doyen of the Indian film industry. Early the morning at 3:30 a.m., he passed away. He had been not well for quite some time. He was bedridden. But his spirits were quite high.
Manoj Kumar with Vyjayanthimala in “Phoolon Ki Sej” (1964)
| Photo Credit:
HINDU PHOTO ARCHIVES
“We used to meet him often at his house… He used to talk about the cinema and music, and it’s a great loss to the industry… He was a nationalistic filmmaker who knew what India was…”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the legendary actor on X, writing, “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..”
Known for iconic films with patriotic themes, Manoj Kumar had earned the honorific Bharat Kumar. His best-known films include Purab Aur Paschim, Upkar,Roti Kapada Aur Makaan and several others. He was a recipient of the Padma Shri and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Published – April 04, 2025 08:54 am IST