Veteran actor, director Manoj Kumar passes away aged 87 in Mumbai

Manoj Kumar passed away today

Indian actor and film director Manoj Kumar, popularly known for his patriotic films and the nickname 'Bharat Kumar', has passed away at the age of 87.

He passed away at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai early this morning at around 3.30 am due to age-related health issues. He was hospitalized for the past few weeks, ANI reported.

On his demise, filmmaker Ashoke Pandit said, "...The legendary Dadasaheb Phalke award winner, our inspiration and the 'lion' of the Indian film industry, Manoj Kumar Ji is no more...It is a great loss to the industry and the entire industry will miss him..."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences. He took to X and said, "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."

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 pic.twitter.com/f8pYqOxol3
Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2025

Manoj Kumar's contribution to Indian cinema earned him the National Film Award. In 1992, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri.

In 2015, he was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest award in the field of cinema.