- Friday, April 04, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Veteran Bollywood actor Manoj Kumar has passed away, leaving the industry and fans heartbroken. The iconic actor, known for his patriotic films and his unforgettable title ‘Bharat Kumar,’ suffered a fatal heart attack. His medical reports confirm that the cause of death was cardiogenic shock due to acute myocardial infarction.
The news of Manoj Kumar’s death has led to an outpouring of tributes from the Bollywood fraternity. Actor Akshay Kumar and filmmaker Karan Johar are among the many celebrities remembering his legacy, celebrating his contribution to Indian cinema.
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 🙏 pic.twitter.com/sr8U4Wkqgq
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 4, 2025
Akshay Kumar, who has often been compared to Manoj Kumar for his patriotic roles, shared an emotional message on social media, acknowledging the late actor’s influence on his career.
“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,” Akshay tweeted.
Manoj Kumar had previously praised Akshay Kumar, calling him his successor in portraying patriotism on screen. This admiration was mutual, as Akshay has always considered Manoj Kumar a mentor and an inspiration.
Filmmaker Karan Johar also remembered the legendary actor, sharing his childhood memories of watching Kranti (1981)—one of Manoj Kumar’s most iconic films. “I vividly remember watching Kranti as a child. The impact it had on me was immeasurable. Manoj Kumar’s ability to blend storytelling with a strong sense of nationalism is unparalleled. Indian cinema has lost a true legend today,” he wrote.
Director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri also paid a heartfelt tribute to Manoj Kumar, highlighting his contributions to Indian cinema.
India’s first truly original and committed Indic filmmaker, Dadasaheb Phalke awardee Shri Manoj Kumar ji, left us today.
A proud nationalist.
A staunch Hindu at heart.
A visionary director who gave Indian cinema a new grammar — of song picturisation, of meaningful lyrics, of… pic.twitter.com/Te8PNBbIv5— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) April 4, 2025
Manoj Kumar, known for his impactful films like Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), Kranti (1981), and Clerk (1989), revolutionized Indian cinema by incorporating nationalism into mainstream entertainment. His portrayal of a selfless patriot made him a household name, and he remained a beloved figure in Bollywood throughout his career.
His contributions were recognized with multiple awards, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest honor in cinema, which he received in 2016.
Manoj Kumar’s influence extended beyond acting—he was also a filmmaker who shaped the industry’s approach to patriotic storytelling. His unique style of integrating social issues with compelling narratives continues to inspire filmmakers even today.
As news of Manoj Kumar’s demise spread, fans took to social media to express their grief and admiration for the actor’s unparalleled contributions to Indian cinema. Many revisited his iconic dialogues and film moments, sharing clips and heartfelt messages.
Comments such as “Bollywood has lost its true patriot,” “A legend never dies,” and “Manoj Kumar will forever be Bharat Kumar in our hearts” flooded social media platforms.
His legacy will continue to thrive through his timeless movies, reminding generations of the spirit of nationalism and the power of meaningful cinema.
