Bollywood mourns the loss of veteran actor and director Manoj Kumar, who passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital due to age-related health issues, as confirmed by Dr. Santosh Shetty. His son, Kunal Goswami, stated that Kumar had been struggling with health problems for an extended period.
Born Harikrishan Goswami in 1937 in Punjab, Kumar was celebrated for his patriotic films that resonated with audiences during the 1960s and 1970s, featuring classics such as "Shaheed," "Roti Kapada Aur Makaan," and "Kranti." His works often ignited a spirit of national pride, earning him a lasting place in the hearts of Indian viewers.
Throughout his esteemed career, Kumar was honored with numerous awards, including the Padma Shri, and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest accolade in Indian cinema. His contributions to the film industry are remembered as innovative and inspiring.
The news of his passing has elicited an outpouring of tributes from across social media. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to Kumar as an "icon of Indian cinema," expressing that his films would continue to inspire future generations. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit remarked on the profound loss this represents for the industry, emphasizing that Kumar’s legacy will be dearly missed.
