Veteran Actor Manoj Kumar Passes Away At 87 In Mumbai After Prolonged Illness

Renowned actor and director Manoj Kumar breathed his last at Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on Friday. He was 87 years old. The cause of his passing is yet to be determined. Further details regarding his final rites are awaited.

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit confirmed the news, paying tribute to the legendary star. In a video statement posted by ANI, he said, "The legendary Dadasaheb Phalke award winner, our inspiration and the 'lion' of the Indian film industry, Manoj Kumar Ji is no more. It is a great loss to the industry, and the entire film fraternity will miss him."

It's a great loss to the industry. Manoj ji, will really miss you. We all kept meeting him quite occasionally. He was always full of life, always happy. The entire industry will miss him. A great soul like him, a great maker like him, will never be there in our industry

- Ashoke Pandit

Manoj Kumar was recognized for his patriotic films. Some of his most popular movies include 'Purab Aur Paschim', 'Kranti' and 'Roti, Kapada Aur Makaan', among others.

Kumar, born Harikrishnan Giri Goswami in 1937 in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), moved to Delhi with his family during the Partition. He made his Bollywood debut in 1957 with 'Fashion', but it was 'Kanchi Ki Gudiya' that gave him his first break in the industry.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the news of the death of the "legendary actor and filmmaker" on social media X (formerly Twitter). Sharing a picture with the veteran actor, PM Modi wrote, "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."