Veteran Bollywood actor and director Manoj Kumar has sadly passed away at the age of 87, in Mumbai, India's bustling financial capital. According to Dr. Santosh Shetty from Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Kumar succumbed to "age-related health issues" after a prolonged battle with various ailments. His son, Kunal Goswami, confirmed his father's struggles with health, which had persisted for an extended period.
Known for his embodiment of national pride in cinema, Kumar, originally named Harikrishan Goswami, was born in 1937 in Punjab. He gained prominence during the 1960s and 1970s with his evocative films like Shaheed, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, and Kranti. His work has left an indelible mark on Hindi cinema, resonating deeply with Indian audiences and instilling a sense of patriotism.
Throughout his illustrious career, Kumar received several accolades, including the Padma Shri, which is India’s fourth highest civilian honor. His exceptional contributions to film earned him the esteemed Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema.
As news of his death spreads, social media has become a platform for tributes and expressions of grief. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked on X that Kumar was an "icon of Indian cinema," emphasizing how his work would continue to inspire future generations. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit echoed this sentiment, describing Kumar's passing as "a great loss" for the film industry, affirming that his absence would be profoundly felt across the board.
