Manoj Kumar: Iconic Bollywood Actor and Director Passes Away at 87

Manoj Kumar, renowned for his patriotic films that resonated with audiences, has died at age 87, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in Bollywood.

Veteran Bollywood actor and director Manoj Kumar has passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai, succumbing to "age-related health issues," as confirmed by Dr. Santosh Shetty from Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment. His son, Kunal Goswami, shared that Kumar had been facing health challenges for an extended period.

Born in 1937 in Punjab and originally named Harikrishan Goswami, Kumar gained fame in the 1960s and 1970s through patriotic films that captured the hearts of the Indian audience. His notable works, including "Shaheed," "Roti Kapada Aur Makaan," and "Kranti," showcased themes of national pride and addressed social issues of the time, helping him carve a distinctive niche in the Hindi film industry.

Kumar was honored with several accolades throughout his career, including the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, which recognizes lifetime contributions to Indian cinema.

As news of his death broke, tributes began to flood social media. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, hailing him as "an icon of Indian cinema" and noting that Kumar's works inspired a spirit of nationalism that will resonate with future generations. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit added that Kumar's demise is a substantial loss for the film industry and that his influence will be greatly missed.