Veteran Bollywood actor and director Manoj Kumar has passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai, succumbing to age-related health complications, according to Dr. Santosh Shetty of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. Kumar had been fighting health struggles for some time, as disclosed by his son Kunal Goswami to ANI news agency.
An iconic figure in Indian cinema, Kumar—born Harikrishan Goswami in Punjab in 1937—rose to fame during the 1960s and 1970s with his powerful patriotic films like Shaheed, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, and Kranti. His works resonated deeply with audiences, sparking a sense of national pride through their heartfelt narratives.
Kumar was not only a celebrated actor but also a recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, regarded as the pinnacle of recognition in Indian cinema.
Following the news of his passing, tributes have poured in across social media platforms. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Kumar, calling him an "icon of Indian cinema." He noted that Kumar's works fostered a spirit of nationalism that would continue to inspire future generations. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit echoed similar sentiments, expressing that Kumar's death represents a substantial loss for the film industry, highlighting the void his absence will create.
