India: Veteran Bollywood actor Manoj Kumar passes away

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences on the passing of the 87-year-old actor, saying his movies "ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations."

Veteran Indian actor Manoj Kumar passed away on Friday at the age of 87.

According to reports, he died in Mumbai due to heart-related complications.

He was dubbed "Bharat Kumar" because of the patriotic nature of his films, focusing primarily on unity and national pride. Bharat is the ancient Sanskrit word for India.

Modi offers says Kumar's films ignited 'spirit of national pride'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences on the passing away for the senior actor, saying his movies "ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations."

Kumar was also a member of Modi's ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The veteran actor, who debuted in the 1950s, was the recipient of numerous awards including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest honor for cinema.

He is best remembered for his patriotic themed movies "Upkar" (1967),  "Purab Aur Pachhim" (1970) and "Kranti" (1981) among others.

Edited by: Wesley Dockery