Veteran actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar passed away on Friday at the age of 87 at Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.

His son, Kunal Goswami, confirmed to ANI that he died around 3:30 am after a prolonged battle with health issues. Kumar’s body will be taken to his residence in Juhu.

He was celebrated for his patriotic films, with notable works including “Purab Aur Paschim,” “Kranti,” and “Roti, Kapada Aur Makaan.”

His son also added that the cremation will take place at around 12 noon at Pawan Hans Crematorium on Saturday.

“It’s the grace of god that he bid adieu to this world peacefully. His cremation will take place tomorrow.”

Manoj Kumar’s wife is also in poor health. He is survived by his wife and sons, and the family has chosen to wait for some relatives returning from abroad before proceeding with the last rites.

Kumar was well-known for his patriotic films, which earned him the nickname ‘Bharat Kumar.’ He received a National Film Award and seven Filmfare Awards during his illustrious career.

“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 (sic),” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi post read.

Akshay Kumar shared a throwback photo of Manoj Kumar and wrote, “I grew up learning from him that there’s no emotion like love and pride for our country. And if we actors won’t take the lead in showing this emotion, who will? Such a fine person, and one of the biggest assets of our fraternity. RIP Manoj Sir. Om Shanti (sic).”

“Sad to inform you all that legendary Dadasaheb Phalke award winner, doyen of Indian film industry, Shri Manoj Kumar ji is no more. He breathed his last at the Kokilaben Hospital in Andheri,” Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit mourned.

Kumar was born as Harikrishnan Giri Goswami in 1937 in Abbottabad, which is now in Pakistan.

Read more

Babil Khan’s generosity shines on Irrfan Khan’s death anniversary

‘Another of greats gone’: Celebrities, politicians, fans mourn Talat Hussain’s death

India’s elderly await death in holy city