New Delhi, April 4 – The Indian film industry plunged into grief following the demise of legendary actor Manoj Kumar, widely regarded as a pillar of Hindi cinema. Prominent Bollywood personalities, including Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Manoj Bajpayee, and filmmaker Karan Johar, expressed their heartfelt condolences, reflecting on the profound impact Kumar had on Indian cinema.
Manoj Kumar passed away early Thursday morning around 3:30 AM at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, where he had been undergoing treatment for age-related ailments. His death marks the end of an era that celebrated patriotism, social consciousness, and storytelling that resonated deeply with the common man.
As per agency report, Aamir Khan described Kumar not just as an actor or filmmaker, but as an institution in himself. He noted that Manoj Kumar’s films were powerful commentaries on social issues and served as a learning ground for younger generations in the industry. Akshay Kumar, paying tribute on social media, remembered growing up admiring Manoj Kumar’s unwavering love for the country and said that portraying national pride on screen was something Kumar taught by example.
Ajay Devgn, reflecting on the veteran’s personal impact, recalled that Manoj Kumar gave his father, Veeru Devgan, his first break as an action director in the film Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, a collaboration that continued through to the epic Kranti. Devgn highlighted that Kumar’s films such as Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Shor, and Kranti were more than just movies—they were national sentiments that shaped the country's cinematic narrative.
Manoj Bajpayee hailed Kumar as a towering figure in Indian cinema whose art captured the soul of India. Filmmaker Karan Johar recalled his childhood experience of watching Kranti during a special screening, describing the film as a landmark in cinematic history that was both ambitious and deeply impactful.
Sonu Sood also paid tribute, offering prayers for Kumar’s soul, while filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar expressed sorrow and remembered the privilege of meeting the legend on multiple occasions. Bhandarkar praised Kumar’s storytelling and visual style, noting that his cinematic legacy would echo through generations.
Other industry figures such as Zoya Akhtar, Vivek Agnihotri, Hansal Mehta, and Kunal Kohli also joined the film fraternity in mourning, sharing memories and expressing gratitude for Kumar’s contributions to Indian cinema.
Known as “Bharat Kumar” for his patriotic roles and films that highlighted India’s social and political fabric, Manoj Kumar leaves behind a rich legacy of meaningful cinema. His passing is not just a loss to Bollywood but to the cultural heritage of the nation.
