Prime Minister Narendra Modi has mourned the demise of iconic Bollywood actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar who died in the early hours of Friday at the age of 87.
The veteran had been ailing for a while and died of age-related issues around 3.30 am at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.
“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,” Modi said in a post on X sharing an old image with the actor.
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
“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,” he added.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid tribute to the actor saying he will always be remembered for making films full of patriotism.
“Popularly known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ his unforgettable performances in films like ‘Upkaar’, ‘Purab and Paschim’ have enriched our culture and have endeared him to people across generations,” he said.
“His cinematic legacy will live on through his works. Condolences to his family and admirers,” the Union minister added.
A Dadasaheb Phalke winner, Kumar was known for his patriotic films, earning him the moniker ‘Bharat Kumar’. He also received a National Film Award and seven Filmfare awards.
Manoj Kumar was born Harikrishnan Giri Goswami in 1937 in Abbottabad, which is now in Pakistan. His family shifted to Delhi during the Partition. Kumar made his debut in 1957 with the film, ‘Fashion’, but, it was his film ‘Kanch Ki Gudiya’, that got him his first break in the industry.
