PM Modi 'deeply saddened' by Manoj Kumar's death: He was an icon of Indian cinema

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned the death of veteran actor Manoj Kumar. The Kranti actor died at a private hospital in Mumbai. He was 87.

In Short

• PM Modi condoled Manoj Kumar's death
• He called the actor 'an icon of Indian cinema'
• Kumar died at 87 in Mumbai's private hospital

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is ‘deeply saddened’ by the death of veteran actor Manoj Kumar. The ator-filmmaker died at Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai on Friday. He was 87. PM Modi mourned the death with a heartfelt note on social media.

“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 (sic),” PM Modi wrote.

He shared two throwback pictures with the veteran filmmaker while recalling his legacy and contribution to Indian cinema.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also condoled the death of Manoj Kumar in a post on X.

"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 across generations. His cinematic legacy will live on through his works. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti (sic)," he wrote.

Manoj Kumar was known for his patriotic films. Some of his hit films include Purab Aur Paschim, Kranti and Roti, Kapada Aur Makaan, to name a few.

His movies earned him the moniker, 'Bharat Kumar'. Kumar was the recipient of a National Film Award and seven Filmfare awards.

Kumar was born as Harikrishnan Giri Goswami in 1937 in Abbottabad, which is now in Pakistan. Abbottabad is a small town in the North-West Frontier Province, British India (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan). He and his family shifted to Delhi during the Partition. He made his Bollywood debut in 1957 with the film, Fashion. But, it was his film, Kanch Ki Gudiya, that got him his first break in the industry.