PM Modi, President Murmu mourn passing of Bollywood legend Manoj Kumar

New Delhi/Mumbai: President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday mourned the passing of legendary actor-director Manoj Kumar, calling him an “inspiration” and an “icon” whose work in cinema will continue to “instil national pride” among audiences.

Manoj Kumar, also called ‘Bharat Kumar’ due to the strong patriotism and nationalism in his films, passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital due to severe health complications.

Lauding Manoj Kumar's contribution, President Murmu said: “He has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. During his long and distinguished career he came to be known for his patriotic films which promoted a sense of pride in India’s contribution and values.”

Expressing her sadness at his death, Murmu said: “The iconic characters of national heroes, farmers and soldiers he brought to life will remain etched in our collective memory. His cinema will instil national pride and inspire generations to come. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers.”

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Saddened by the demise of legendary actor and film-maker Manoj Kumar Ji. He has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. During his long and distinguished career he came to be known for his patriotic films which promoted a sense of pride in India’s contribution and values. The…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 4, 2025 >

Sending his condolences to Kumar’s family, PM Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) and 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."

Modi said Manoj Kumar'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.”

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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 >

The actor-director, and long time BJP member was also mourned by several ministers such as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

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Shri Manoj Kumar ji was a versatile actor, who would always be remembered for making films full of patriotism. Popularly known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ his unforgettable performances in films like ‘Upkaar’, ‘Purab and Paschim’ have enriched our culture and have endeared him to people…

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 4, 2025 >

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सुप्रसिद्ध भारतीय अभिनेता और फिल्म निर्देशक, पद्म श्री और दादा साहब फाल्के पुरस्कार से सम्मानित श्री मनोज कुमार जी के निधन का दुःखद समाचार प्राप्त हुआ। उनका जाना फिल्म जगत और सिनेमा प्रेमियों के लिए एक अपूरणीय क्षति है।

ईश्वर पुण्यात्मा को श्रीचरणों में स्थान एवं शोक संतप्त…

— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) April 4, 2025 >

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भारतीय जनता पार्टी के राष्ट्रीय महासचिव व राज्य सभा सांसद श्री अरुण सिंह जी को जन्मदिवस की हार्दिक बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएं।

प्रभु श्री राम की कृपा आप पर अनवरत बरसती रहे, आप सदैव स्वस्थ रहें, दीर्घायु हों, यही कामना करता हूं।@ArunSinghbjp

— Bhajanlal Sharma (@BhajanlalBjp) April 4, 2025 >

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बॉलीवुड के मशहूर अभिनेता और भारत कुमार के नाम से मशहूर श्री मनोज कुमार जी के निधन की ख़बर बेहद दुखद है।

उन्होंने अपने अद्भुत अभिनय और देशभक्ति से सिनेमा जगत में अमिट छाप छोड़ी है। ईश्वर उनकी आत्मा को शांति दें और उनके परिवार एवं प्रशंसकों को ये दुख सहने की शक्ति प्रदान करें।  https://t.co/jviHSI97gP

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 4, 2025 >
Heralded as an icon of nationalistic films, Manoj Kumar was best known for his role in Bollywood classics such as ‘Upkar’, ‘Shaheed’, and ‘Kranti’. For his immense contribution to Hindi cinema, Kumar received numerous accolades which include the Padma Shri in 1992, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015.