Akshay Kumar, Madhur Bhandarkar and others pour in tributes for Manoj Kumar

The Indian film industry lost one of its most iconic figures as legendary actor director and filmmaker Manoj Kumar passed away at the age of 87 The actor affectionately known as Bharat Kumar for his portrayal of patriotic characters breathed his last at 403 AM on April 4 2025 at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in MumbaiSoon after his demise tributes started to pour in on social media From politicians to film personalities celebrated individuals took to social media to celebrate the contributions of the late actor to Indias art and cinema scene with his patriotic filmsPM Modi mourns demise of Manoj KumarPrime Minister Narendra Modi penned a heartfelt note along with some treasured memories of his meet with the veteran star Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji He was an icon of Indian cinema who was particularly remembered for his patriotic zeal which was also reflected in his films Manoj Jis 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 ShantiDeeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji He was an icon of Indian cinema who was particularly remembered for his patriotic zeal which was also reflected in his films Manoj Jis works ignited a spirit of national pride and willhellip pictwittercomf8pYqOxol3mdash Narendra Modi narendramodi April 4 2025Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also expressed his condolences over the death of veteran actor director saying that the death of Manoj Kumar has marked the end of a great era in Indian cinemaPawar in his condolence message says that veteran actor Manoj Kumar awakened patriotism in the minds of the people through his films Through films like Upkaar Roti Kapda Aur Makaan Kranti he powerfully presented the reality of society and loyalty to the country The patriotism in his acting and direction still resonates in the hearts of the audience His contribution to Indian cinema is invaluable and his place can never be filled Manoj Kumar a recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke and Padma Shri awards was an inspiration to many budding artistsFilm personalities pour in tributeActor Akshay Kumar credited the late actor for teaching him to love the country I grew up learning from him that therersquos no emotion like love and pride for our country And if we actors wonrsquot take the lead in showing this emotion who will Such a fine person and one of the biggest assets of our fraternity RIP Manoj Sir Om Shanti he wrote on XI grew up learning from him that therersquos no emotion like love and pride for our country And if we actors wonrsquot take the lead in showing this emotion who will Such a fine person and one of the biggest assets of our fraternity RIP Manoj Sir Om Shanti pictwittercomsr8U4Wkqgqmdash Akshay Kumar akshaykumar April 4 2025Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar shared adorable pictures of himself posing with the veteran actor and wrote I am saddened by the passing of the legendary actor amp filmmaker Manoj Kumar Sir I had the privilege of interacting with him at many occasions and he was truly an icon of Indian cinema His storytelling amp song picturizations in his films inspired national pride and will resonate for generations My deepest condolences to his family members amp admirers OmShantiI am saddened by the passing of the legendary actor amp filmmaker Manoj Kumar Sir I had the privilege of interacting with him at many occasions and he was truly an icon of Indian cinema His storytelling amp song picturizations in his films inspired national pride and willhellip pictwittercomdZCyDFfIQhmdash Madhur Bhandarkar imbhandarkar April 4 2025Hansal Mehta took to social media to pay tribute to the actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar used to be a patient of my grandfather and I have blurry memories of seeing him at the clinic Later like Ashok Kumar he began practicing Homeopathy When I met him once he said warmly ldquoDoctor saab ka pota director ban gaya aur dekho main doctor ban gayardquoManoj Kumar used to be a patient of my grandfather and I have blurry memories of seeing him at the clinic Later like Ashok Kumar he began practicing Homeopathy When I met him once he said warmly ldquoDoctor saab ka pota director ban gaya aur dekho main doctor ban gayardquoGohellip pictwittercomYKLqKlCWM0mdash Hansal Mehta mehtahansal April 4 2025Ajay Devgn also posted a lengthy post sharing his love and admiration for Manoj KumarManoj Kumar ji was not just a cinematic icon he was a personal milestone in my familyrsquos journey He gave my father Veeru Devgan his very first break as an action director in Roti Kapda Aur Makaan From there their collaboration continued all the way to Kranti creatinghellip pictwittercom1SiKmrpfpQmdash Ajay Devgn ajaydevgn April 4 2025Taking to his X handle Manoj Bajpayee wrote ldquoWith the loss of Manoj Kumar Sahab we bid farewell to a pillar of Hindi cinema His art celebrated the spirit of India like no other Deepest condolences to his family and countless admirers ManojKumarrdquoSharing a photo of the late actor Farhan Akhtar said ldquoWoh kaun thi Gumnaam Shaheed Upkar Purab aur Paschim Kranti the list goes on and on thank you for the entertainment and for inspiring generations that followed you RIP Manoj Kumar jirdquoIn his heartfelt video tribute veteran actor Anupam Kher narrated a sweet memory of watching Manoj Kumarrsquos film ldquoUpkaarrdquo He credited the late actor for instilling a deep love for the country within him The lsquoSpecial 26rsquo actor also recalled an old incident where he shared how he once visited Manoj Kumars office in Mumbai in search of work During the meeting Manoj Kumar told him that his face had that spark and passion Manoj clearly told him Im not making anything these days but dont settle for small roles you deserve to play a big roleSharing his video Kher wrote for the caption ldquoManoj Kumar ji has been a big contribution in my life And will be Their movies his film songs not only entertained us but also instilled a beautiful spirit of patriotism His films have been a big hand in my patriot sic Manoj ji you were really great Om Shanti ManojKumar Upkaar Shaheed PurabPaschim KrantirdquoView this post on InstagramA post shared by Anupam Kher anupampkherAbout Manoj KumarBorn Harikrishan Goswami on July 24 1937 in Abbottabad now in Pakistan Kumar made his mark in Hindi cinema starting in the late 1950s However it was during the 1960s and 1970s that he rose to prominence as one of Bollywoods most celebrated starsHis portrayal of patriotic characters in films like Upkar Purab Aur Paschim and Shaheed earned him the nickname Bharat Kumar and established him as a national iconIn addition to his acting prowess Kumar also excelled as a director and producer His directorial debut Upkar 1967 won him the National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film His other major directorial works including Purab Aur Paschim 1970 and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan 1974 were both critical and commercial successes