Mumbai: Actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar, who personified the angst and aspirations of an evolving ‘Bharat’ in films such as “Upkar”, “Purab Aur Paschim” and “Roti, Kapda Aur Makaan”, died in a Mumbai hospital early Friday. He was 87.
The actor, who came to be known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his roles in a series of patriotic films, had been ailing for a while and died of age related issues at the Kokilaben Ambani Hospital around 3.30 am.
“He is out of his misery now,” the filmmaker’s son Kunal told PTI, adding that his father had been battling multiple health issues and was bedridden for the last few years.
The last rites of the actor, whose films ruled the box office in the late 1960s and 1970s, will take place on Saturday at Mumbai’s Pawan Hans crematorium.
He is survived by his two sons and wife Shashi.
“The iconic characters of national heroes, farmers and soldiers he brought to life will remain etched in our collective memory. His cinema will instil national pride and inspire generations to come,” President Droupadi Murmu posted on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary actor and filmmaker.
“He was an icon of Indian cinema, who was particularly remembered for his patriotic zeal, which was also reflected in his films. Manoj Ji’s works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” the prime minister wrote on X.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, said Kumar’s films were a medium of entertainment as well as carried patriotic and social messages, due to which he has left an indelible mark on the cinema world.
