Veteran Bollywood Actor Manoj Kumar passes away at 87

Renowned Bollywood actor and director Manoj Kumar has died at the age of 87 in Mumbai.

His passing was confirmed by Dr. Santosh Shetty of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, who attributed it to age-related health issues.

Kumar’s son, Kunal Goswami, told ANI news agency that the veteran actor had been battling health problems for a long time.

Celebrated for his patriotic films, Kumar gained widespread fame in the 1960s and 1970s, leaving a lasting impact on Indian cinema.

Born as Harikrishan Goswami in 1937 in Punjab, he became a household name with iconic films like Shaheed, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, and Kranti.

His movies, known for their strong patriotic themes, deeply resonated with audiences across India.

Over the years, Kumar received several prestigious honors, including the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.

His contributions to the film industry were further recognized with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest film honor.

As news of his demise spread, tributes poured in from across the country. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as an “icon of Indian cinema,” stating on X, “Manoj Ji’s works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations.”

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit also expressed his sorrow, calling Kumar’s passing “a great loss to the industry” and emphasizing that “the entire industry would miss him.”