New Delhi, April 4 – Indian cinema bid an emotional farewell to veteran actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, who passed away at the age of 87. Kumar, widely revered as “Bharat Kumar” for his deeply patriotic films, died early Thursday morning around 3:30 a.m. at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital after a prolonged illness.
The news of his demise triggered an outpouring of grief from Bollywood’s biggest names, many of whom hailed him as a close friend, mentor, and an irreplaceable icon in Indian film history.
Dharmendra and Hema Malini Pay Homage to a "Close Friend"
Veteran actor Dharmendra, visibly emotional, visited Kumar’s residence to pay his last respects.“He was my jigri yaar… a close friend. We shared many memories and began our journeys together in the industry,” Dharmendra said.
Actress and politician Hema Malini, who starred alongside Kumar in films like Kranti, Dus Numbri, and Santosh, called him a “wonderful filmmaker and friend.”
“His films had everything—patriotism, romance, family drama—and such great music. He was different from any other director,” she said.
Tributes from Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and More
Aamir Khan remembered Kumar as more than just a filmmaker.“Manoj Kumar was an institution. His films taught me a lot and connected deeply with the common man. My heartfelt condolences to his family,” Aamir said in a statement.
Salman Khan, expressing his admiration on X (formerly Twitter), wrote:
“Manoj Kumar Ji… a true legend. Thank you for the unforgettable films and memories.”
Akshay Kumar, who has followed in Kumar’s patriotic footsteps on screen, shared:
“I grew up learning from him that there’s no emotion like love and pride for our country. He was one of our biggest assets. RIP Manoj Sir. Om Shanti.”
Ajay Devgn: "A Personal and Cinematic Inspiration"
Ajay Devgn highlighted Kumar’s impact on his own family’s cinematic journey, recalling how his father Veeru Devgan got his first break as an action director in Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, thanks to Kumar.“His films—Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Shor, Kranti—weren’t just cinema, they were national emotions. Manoj ji was a benchmark in creative genius and storytelling,” said Devgn.
Sunny Deol, Manoj Bajpayee, and Others Join in Mourning
Sunny Deol called Kumar’s characters “heroic and human,” adding, “His love for the country and its people shone through every frame. An irreplaceable loss. End of an Era.”Manoj Bajpayee referred to Kumar as “a pillar of Hindi cinema” whose work celebrated India's spirit like none other.
Filmmaker Karan Johar reminisced about watching an early cut of Kranti as a child in a packed screening room filled with industry veterans. “It was a 4-hour rough cut… and it still created box office history,” he said.
Generations of Stars Pay Tribute
Filmmaker Farhan Akhtar shared a nostalgic post listing Kumar’s iconic films—Woh Kaun Thi, Gumnaam, Shaheed, Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Kranti—thanking him for inspiring future generations.Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut praised Kumar as a “legendary artist” whose work ignited patriotic fervor.
Director Madhur Bhandarkar said, “His storytelling and song picturizations inspired national pride. A true icon.”
Others who offered condolences included Kareena Kapoor Khan, Bhumi Pednekar, Randeep Hooda, Zoya Akhtar, Rohit Shetty, Vivek Agnihotri, Hansal Mehta, and Kunal Kohli.
Manoj Kumar, a stalwart of Indian cinema, leaves behind a legacy that transcends generations. With his masterful blend of storytelling and patriotism, he not only entertained but also instilled a deep sense of national pride in millions. Indian cinema salutes its “Bharat Kumar” one last time.