Bollywood mourns the loss of veteran actor and director Manoj Kumar, who passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai, succumbing to age-related health issues, as confirmed by Dr. Santosh Shetty from Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. His son, Kunal Goswami, revealed that Kumar had been facing various health challenges for some time prior to his death.
Born Harikrishan Goswami in Punjab in 1937, Kumar forged an enduring career in Indian cinema, gaining fame during the 1960s and 1970s with a series of patriotic films that resonated deeply with audiences. Titles such as "Shaheed," "Roti Kapada Aur Makaan," and "Kranti" solidified his status in the film industry, allowing him to convey themes of national pride and unity through his art.
Kumar's influence extended beyond the silver screen, earning him several accolades throughout his lifetime, including the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, recognizing his unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema.
Since the announcement of his passing, tributes have flooded social media. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorated Kumar's impact, labeling him an "icon of Indian cinema" and praising his works that fuelled a spirit of national pride. Fellow filmmaker Ashoke Pandit expressed condolences, marking Kumar's departure as a profound loss for the film community, which will truly miss his talent and vision.
