Manoj Kumar death: ‘True successor’ Akshay Kumar pays tribute, PM Narendra Modi shares old photo with ‘icon of Indian cinema’

Akshay Kumar shared via X, “I grew up learning from him that there’s no emotion like love and pride for our country. And if we actors won’t take the lead in showing this emotion, who will? Such a fine person, and one of the biggest assets of our fraternity. RIP Manoj Sir. Om Shanti 🙏.”

In an old interview, Manoj Kumar had describedAkshay Kumar as his “true successor”, especially when it came to portraying characters that embody a deep love for the country. “There is no one like him when it comes to playing the role of a country-loving Indian,” he told the Times of India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi too took to his X account and shared an old photo with Manoj Kumar. He 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. 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.”

President of India, Droupadi Murmu shaered via X, “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 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.”

Filmmaker Karan Johar shared via Instagram Stories, “Today we lost a Hindi cinema Legend… Shri Manoj Kumar…… It took me back to a screening of Kranti I saw as a child… sitting excitedly on the floor with other kids and a packed screening room of filmmaker’s and actors and industry giants… this was the ROUGH CUT of the film… a 4 hour long version…. Manojji was sharing his film at such an early stage seeking feedback… seeking opinions for his ambitious motion picture ……the film went on to create history at the box office”.

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit shared a video, and wrote, “Sad to inform you that legendary Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner, our inspiration and doyen of Indian film industry, Shri Manoj Kumar ji is no more. He breathed his last at Kokilaben Hospital, Andheri. After being not well from a very, very long time… it is a great loss to the industry, Manoj ji we will really miss you.”

Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri also shared an old film still for the star and wrote on X, “India’s first truly original and committed Indic filmmaker, Dadasaheb Phalke awardee Shri Manoj Kumar ji, left us today. A proud nationalist. A staunch Hindu at heart. A visionary director who gave Indian cinema a new grammar — of song picturisation, of meaningful lyrics, of cinema that didn’t just entertain but remembered to belong. He made patriotism cinematic, without noise. He made nationalism poetic, without apology. In a time of borrowed voices and secondhand aesthetics, he dared to be rooted. Patriots and artists like him never die. They simply transcend — into memory, into celluloid, into the nation’s heartbeat. अन्य कलाकार मृत्यु को प्राप्त होते हैं, पर देशभक्त कलाकार कालजयी होते हैं।”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh posted 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.”

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared via X, “The end of an era… #ManojKumar sahab passes away… As an actor, producer and director, he was an integral part of countless memorable and iconic films… #OmShanti 🙏🙏🙏. I had the good fortune of interacting with #ManojKumar sahab on several occasions – precious memories that I will cherish forever.”

See all tributes for Manoj Kumar:

Manoj Kumar was reportedly admitted to hospital after suffering heart-related complications; according to the hospital’s medical certificate, the secondary cause of death was “decompensated liver cirrhosis.”

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