Actor-director Manoj Kumar passes away at 87 after prolonged illness

Renowned actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, fondly known as ‘Bharat Kumar’, passed away at the age of 87 on Friday.The actor, celebrated for his patriotic films, reportedly breathed his last at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital after battling a prolonged illness.Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit confirmed the news, paying tribute to the legendary star. In a video statement posted by ANI, he 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 film fraternity will miss him.”A stalwart of Indian cinema, Manoj Kumar was known for his iconic roles n films that evoked deep patriotic fervour.His notable works include Shaheed (1965), Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), all of which left an indelible mark on Hindi cinema.Born Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Amritsar, Punjab, Manoj Kumar carved a niche for himself in Hindi cinema.His iconic roles in films like Shaheed, Upkar, and Rang De Basanti resonated deeply with the patriotic sentiments of the Indian public.Throughout his career, Kumar became known for both his acting and direction in films that focused on national pride and the spirit of unity.Kumar’s contributions to Indian cinema earned him several prestigious accolades, including a National Film Award and seven Filmfare Awards in different categories.In recognition of his immense contribution to Indian arts, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri in 1992.His legacy was further solidified when he was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015, the highest recognition in Indian cinema.