PM Modi mourns Manoj Kumar’s death, calls him an icon of Indian cinema who will inspire generations

Veteran Bollywood actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and paid heartfelt tribute, calling him a true icon of Indian cinema. The Prime Minister said Manoj Kumar's work will continue to inspire generations, especially for his patriotic films that stirred national pride.

On Friday morning, Manoj Kumar breathed his last at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. His death was caused by cardiogenic shock following an acute myocardial infarction, which means a serious heart attack. He had also been suffering from decompensated liver cirrhosis in the past few months, which made his condition worse. He had been admitted to the hospital on February 21, 2025, when his health started failing.

Manoj Kumar was a big name in Hindi cinema, known especially for making films about patriotism. He had a special way of connecting with the audience, particularly during times when India was trying to rebuild after Independence. His work left a deep impact on generations of film lovers and citizens alike.

PM Modi expresses sorrow

Prime Minister Modi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to mourn his death. 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.”

Along with the message, the Prime Minister shared two pictures. One was a memorable photo where PM Modi is seen shaking hands with Manoj Kumar, capturing a warm and respectful moment between the two.

Manoj Kumar’s body was brought to his residence in Juhu on Friday afternoon so that family, friends, film industry members, and fans could offer their final tributes. The cremation is likely to take place on Saturday.

Manoj Kumar wasn’t just a film star; he was a symbol of patriotic cinema. His real name was Harikishan Giri Goswami, but he became famous with the screen name Manoj Kumar, inspired by actor Dilip Kumar’s character in a film. His fans also lovingly called him ‘Bharat Kumar’ because he often played characters who were deeply in love with the country.

Some of his most famous films include Shaheed, Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, and Kranti. These movies showed strong nationalist feelings and focused on India’s problems like poverty, inequality, war, and the importance of patriotism. His films carried strong social messages and often celebrated the sacrifices of freedom fighters and soldiers.

In Shaheed, he played Bhagat Singh, the young revolutionary who gave up his life for India's freedom. The film touched millions of hearts and remains one of the best movies about India’s fight for independence. In Upkar, he played a selfless farmer who joins the Indian Army and puts the country above his own family and dreams. The film became a symbol of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, a slogan popularized by then-Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.

Another powerful film, Purab Aur Paschim, told the story of how Indian culture and values should not be forgotten even when living abroad. He believed that India’s rich traditions and culture made the country unique and beautiful.

His movie Roti Kapda Aur Makaan was about the basic needs of a common man—food, clothing, and shelter. It was a big success and dealt with real-life struggles. Even in Kranti, a film about India's freedom movement, he managed to inspire a sense of unity and pride among Indians.

Manoj Kumar had a clear vision: he wanted to use cinema to inspire love for the country. At a time when many films were focused on romance or action, his work reminded audiences about India’s journey and the sacrifices made by people to get freedom. His style of storytelling combined emotion, values, and patriotic spirit.

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Honours and awards

Over the years, Manoj Kumar received many awards for his contribution to Indian cinema. He won the Padma Shri in 1992, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. In 2016, he was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest award in cinema, for his lifetime achievements.

Even though he stepped away from the spotlight in the later years, his impact remained strong. Young filmmakers and actors often praised him for the path he created in patriotic storytelling. His style became a blueprint for others who wanted to make meaningful films with a message.

Director Ashoke Pandit confirmed the sad news, saying,

“Sad to inform you all that the legendary Dadasaheb Phalke award winner, our inspiration and the 'lion' of the Indian film industry, Manoj Kumar Ji is no more.”

In recent years, Manoj Kumar had been staying away from public life due to health problems. He was not seen much in public events and kept a low profile. Reports say he had been suffering from liver cirrhosis for some time. His condition worsened, and he was admitted to the hospital in February this year. He remained under treatment but sadly passed away on April 4, 2025, at 4:03 am.

Doctors at the hospital confirmed that the cause of death was cardiogenic shock due to an acute heart attack. Combined with his liver problems, it became difficult for him to recover.

Manoj Kumar’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. He wasn’t just an actor or director; he was a voice of the people, a man who made films with heart and purpose. His movies still run on television and continue to attract viewers because of their timeless messages.

His way of combining emotion with patriotism set a unique example in Indian film history. Very few artists have managed to create such a strong image of nationalism and cultural pride.

Even today, when we talk about films that make us feel proud of our country, Manoj Kumar’s name comes up first. His portrayal of honest, selfless, and proud Indian characters made him a household name. For many Indians, especially those who lived through the 1960s to 1980s, he was not just a movie star, but a source of inspiration.

With the current generation rediscovering old films through streaming platforms, Manoj Kumar’s work is gaining new appreciation. His ability to connect with people, using simple stories with deep meaning, keeps him alive in the hearts of movie lovers.

As news of his death spread, social media was flooded with messages of grief and respect. Celebrities, politicians, and fans all shared their memories of watching his films and being touched by his acting and direction. His funeral will likely see many people from all walks of life coming together to say their final goodbye.

His mortal remains were kept at his Juhu residence from Friday afternoon, allowing friends, colleagues, and fans to pay tribute. The cremation is expected to be held on Saturday, marking the final journey of a man who gave everything to Indian cinema.