Legendary actor Manoj Kumar, recipient of Dadasaheb Phalke Award, passes away

Legendary Indian actor, filmmaker, and screenwriter Manoj Kumar, known fondly as Bharat Kumar for his patriotic roles, has passed away at the age of 87. The industry veteran had been ailing for a while and died of age-related issues in a Mumbai hospital at around 3.30 am, family friend and filmmaker Ashoke Pandit told news agency PTI.

Describing him as an icon of Indian cinema, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences. In a message shared on his X platform on Friday, the Prime Minister wrote, "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 Ji's 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 Shanti."

Renowned for his work in Hindi cinema, Kumar became an icon with films that often depicted the spirit of nationalism and pride in Indian heritage. His exceptional contribution to cinema earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious National Film Award, seven Filmfare Awards, and the Padma Shri in 1992. In 2015, he was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema, for his lasting impact on the industry.

His body of work includes some of the most memorable films of the era, such as Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), and Rakhwala (1971).