Veteran Bollywood actor Manoj Kumar, renowned for his patriotic roles in Hindi cinema, has passed away at the age of 87.
Fondly called “Bharat” Kumar — a name inspired by an ancient Sanskrit term for India — his death sparked a wave of tributes across the country. He died on Friday in Mumbai due to heart-related issues.
A long-time member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Kumar was celebrated for blending strong patriotic messages into his films, often portraying characters that championed national unity.
He also directed several of his projects, leaving a lasting impact on Indian cinema.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the late actor, calling him a “cinema icon” whose work “ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations.”
Born Harikrishan Goswami, he adopted the screen name Manoj Kumar in line with Bollywood tradition. His career took off in the late 1950s, and he rose to prominence with films like Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Pachhim (1970), and Kranti (1981), all of which carried strong nationalist themes.
Throughout his illustrious career, Kumar received several accolades, including the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award — India’s highest honour in film. – AFP
