Veteran Bollywood actor Manoj Kumar, celebrated for his patriotic roles, died on Friday at age 87 due to heart-related complications. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute, noting how Kumar’s films “ignited a spirit of national pride” and would remain a source of inspiration for future generations.
Widely known as “Bharat Kumar” — a nod to the Sanskrit term for India, Bharat — the actor became synonymous with cinema highlighting unity and patriotism. A member of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), his real-life political stance mirrored the nationalist themes in his work.
Beginning his career in the 1950s, Kumar earned numerous accolades, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest cinematic honor. His iconic films, such as Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Pachhim (1970), and Kranti (1981), explored themes of national identity and resilience, leaving a lasting cultural impact.
Kumar’s legacy as an artist and patriot endures, cementing his place in Indian cinema history. His passing marks the loss of a figure whose work transcended entertainment, embedding itself in the nation’s collective consciousness.
