Veteran actor and esteemed director Manoj Kumar, renowned for his powerhouse performances and patriotic films, has died at the age of 87 in Mumbai. According to Dr. Santosh Shetty from Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Kumar's demise was due to "age-related health issues." His son, Kunal Goswami, confirmed that Kumar had been facing health problems for a considerable period.
Born on July 24, 1937, in Punjab, initially named Harikrishan Goswami, Kumar became a household name in the Indian film industry during the 1960s and 1970s. His iconic films, including "Shaheed," "Roti Kapada Aur Makaan," and "Kranti," evoked a strong sense of national pride and earned him a special place in the hearts of the audience.
Kumar's illustrious career was recognized with many prestigious awards, most notably the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, and he was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, which is India’s top accolade for lifetime contributions to cinema.
Following his passing, tributes have been flooding in across social media platforms, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling him an "icon of Indian cinema." Modi expressed in a post on X, "Manoj Ji's works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations." Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit reflected on Kumar's legacy, asserting that his death represents a significant loss for the film industry.
Manoj Kumar’s impact on Indian cinema is undeniable, and his contributions will be cherished for years to come.
