Veteran Bollywood actor and director Manoj Kumar has passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai, succumbing to "age-related health issues," according to Dr. Santosh Shetty of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, where he was receiving treatment. His son, Kunal Goswami, confirmed that Kumar had been facing health challenges for some time.
Manoj Kumar, born Harikrishan Goswami in Punjab in 1937, was a central figure in Bollywood during the 1960s and 1970s, renowned for his films that celebrated patriotism. His notable works include titles such as "Shaheed," "Roti Kapada Aur Makaan," and "Kranti," which resonated deeply with Indian audiences.
Kumar's illustrious career earned him several prestigious accolades, including the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, as well as the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, signifying his outstanding contributions to Indian cinema.
His passing has evoked an outpouring of tributes on social media, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing him as an "icon of Indian cinema." In a heartfelt tribute, Modi remarked that Kumar's body of work kindled a sense of national pride that would continue to resonate across generations. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit also weighed in, stating that Kumar's death represents a significant loss for the film industry, highlighting the void his absence signifies.
