Veteran Bollywood actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, who was a lasting symbol of Indian cinema, has passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai. According to Dr. Santosh Shetty of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, where he was receiving treatment, Kumar succumbed to health issues related to his age.
His son, Kunal Goswami, confirmed that Kumar had been struggling with various health challenges over the years. Celebrated for his patriotic themes, Kumar soared to fame during the 1960s and 1970s, earning accolades for his compelling portrayals in films such as Shaheed, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, and Kranti. Originally named Harikrishan Goswami, he was born in 1937 in Punjab and made a significant impact on the Hindi film industry.
Throughout his career, Kumar was honored with numerous awards, including the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian distinction, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the country’s ultimate cinematic accolade. As news of his passing spread, tributes flooded social media, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing heartfelt condolences and acknowledging Kumar as an "icon of Indian cinema."
The Prime Minister highlighted how Kumar's body of work ignited national pride, while filmmaker Ashoke Pandit lamented the loss as a significant void in the film industry that would be deeply felt by all.
