Indian actor Manoj Kumar, famed for his roles in patriotic Hindi films, passed away on Friday at the age of 87. His death has prompted tributes from across India, with many remembering him as “Bharat Kumar,” a name reflecting India’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
Kumar, also a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), died in Mumbai due to heart complications. Modi expressed his condolences, praising Kumar as an “icon” of Indian cinema whose work “ignited a spirit of national pride” and would continue to inspire future generations.
Kumar, born Harikrishan Goswami, later adopted the screen name Manoj Kumar in line with Bollywood tradition. He was known for his roles in films that promoted unity and patriotism. He received several prestigious awards, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest honor for cinema.
Kumar’s career began in the late 1950s, and he went on to star in iconic patriotic films such as Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Pachhim (1970), and Kranti (1981).