Bollywood Mourns the Loss of Manoj Kumar, Fondly Remembered as ‘Bharat Kumar’
Mumbai – Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, remembering the strong influence his work had on Indian cinema and on his own life.
Manoj Kumar, fondly called ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his iconic patriotic roles, passed away on Friday at the age of 87. He breathed his last at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai after being admitted in February due to health complications.
In a heartfelt tribute, Aamir Khan said, “Manoj Kumar was not just an actor and filmmaker — he was an institution. I have learnt so much by watching his films. His stories were rooted in social themes and connected deeply with the common man. My condolences to his family.”
Known for his unforgettable roles in films like Upkar, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, and Kranti, Manoj Kumar left a lasting legacy in Indian cinema, using films to reflect patriotism and important social issues.
Several Bollywood stars and public figures paid tribute. Actor Ajay Devgn recalled how Manoj Kumar gave his father, Veeru Devgn, his first opportunity as an action director. “He was not just a cinematic icon but a milestone in my family’s journey. Their collaboration created moments that became part of Indian cinema’s golden history,” Ajay shared.
Actor Akshay Kumar, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), spoke about the values he learnt from Manoj Kumar’s films. “I grew up learning from him that there's no emotion like love and pride for our country. Such a fine person and one of the biggest assets of our fraternity. RIP Manoj Sir. Om Shanti,” he wrote.
Filmmakers Farah Khan, Farhan Akhtar, and others also remembered Manoj Kumar as a visionary artist and praised his remarkable contribution to Indian cinema.
Manoj Kumar’s legacy will live on through the stories he told — ones that inspired a nation and generations of film lovers.
