Bollywood is in mourning following the passing of esteemed actor Manoj Kumar, with Akshay Kumar and Karan Johar at the forefront of the tributes. They remember him as a "legend" and "one of the greatest assets of our fraternity," celebrating his cinematic contributions, which they believe will be honored through his films for years to come.

Akshay Kumar expressed his admiration for Manoj Kumar, stating that he learned the significance of love and pride for one's nation from him. Manoj Kumar had previously acknowledged Akshay Kumar as his successor in depicting patriotism on screen.

“I grew up understanding from him that there is no feeling quite like love and pride for our country. If we, as actors, do not take the initiative to convey this emotion, who will? He was an exceptional individual and one of the most valuable members of our fraternity. Rest in peace, Manoj Sir. Om Shanti,” Akshay tweeted.

In a tribute shared alongside a still from one of his films, director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri expressed, “Today, we bid farewell to India’s first truly original and dedicated Indic filmmaker, the Dadasaheb Phalke awardee, Shri Manoj Kumar ji. He was a proud nationalist and a devoted Hindu at heart. As a visionary director, he introduced a new language to Indian cinema—one that emphasized song picturization, meaningful lyrics, and films that not only entertained but also resonated with a sense of belonging. He portrayed patriotism in a cinematic form that was subtle yet impactful. His depiction of nationalism was poetic and unapologetic. In an era dominated by borrowed voices and recycled aesthetics, he had the courage to remain grounded. Individuals like him, who embody both patriotism and artistry, never truly fade away; they transcend into our memories, into film, and into the very essence of our nation.”

Actor Jackie Shroff expressed his condolences for the loss by using a gesture of folded hands and a heartbreak emoji.

Madhur Bhandarkar took to X (formerly Twitter) to reminisce by sharing nostalgic photographs from his encounters with Manoj Kumar. He acknowledged the actor's significant impact on Indian cinema, honoring his illustrious career. He stated, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary actor and filmmaker, Manoj Kumar Sir. I had the honor of interacting with him on several occasions, and he was truly an icon of Indian cinema. His storytelling and song picturizations in his films inspired a sense of national pride that will echo through generations. My heartfelt condolences to his family and fans. #OmShanti”

Filmmaker Karan Johar shared a heartfelt message on Instagram Stories to express his sorrow over the passing of a Hindi cinema icon, Shri Manoj Kumar. He reflected, “Today, we mourn the loss of a legend in Hindi cinema... Shri Manoj Kumar. This moment takes me back to my childhood when I attended a screening of Kranti. I remember sitting on the floor, filled with excitement, alongside other children in a packed theater filled with filmmakers, actors, and industry luminaries. This was the ROUGH CUT of the film, an extensive four-hour version. Manojji was presenting his work at such an early stage, seeking feedback and opinions for his ambitious project... which ultimately made history at the box office.”

Manoj Kumar dies at 87

Manoj Kumar passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai. As reported by ANI, he took his last breath at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital at 4:03 am on Friday. His body will be available for viewing at his residence in Juhu starting Friday afternoon, providing an opportunity for colleagues and fans to pay their last respects. The cremation is anticipated to occur on Saturday.

Medical reports indicate that Manoj Kumar's death resulted from a severe heart attack, leading to cardiogenic shock due to acute myocardial infarction. In the months prior to his death, he had also been struggling with decompensated liver cirrhosis, which significantly affected his health.

Manoj Kumar was celebrated for his patriotic films that resonated deeply with Indian audiences. His memorable performances in movies such as Shaheed, Upkar, and Purab Aur Paschim continue to be cherished for their ability to evoke strong feelings of patriotism.

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