Patriotic pillar of Indian cinema passes away at 87
Manoj Kumar will forever be Bharat for generations of filmgoers — an actor-filmmaker who framed his patriotism in celluloid just as a nascent India was coming into its own and beginning to realise its dreams and potential. It was a fortuitous happenstance for the filmmaker who channelled his partition angst to tell stories of an evolving India in films such as “Upkar”, “Purab Aur Paschim” and “Roti, Kapda Aur Makaan” in the mid-1960s and 1970s. They were all blockbusters, finding a ready audience at the time and each helping carve a niche all his own.
Kumar died in a Mumbai hospital in the early hours of Friday. “He is out of his misery now,” the filmmaker’s son Kunal said, adding that his father had been battling multiple health issues and was bedridden for the last few years. Kumar had been in and out of hospital and was most recently admitted for pneumonia, he said.
He was 87. His screen name was “Bharat” in several films, a cleverly chosen moniker that became part of his identity as a filmmaker and an actor. Kumar, who found many takers for his brand of patriotic idealism, was also the romantic hero of films such as “Himalaya Ki God Mein”, “Do Badan” and “Patthar Ke Sanam.” His brand of patriotism, deeply rooted in an earlier era, will forever shape Manoj Kumar’s legacy.
Akshay Kumar
“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.”
Ajay Devgn
“Manoj Kumar ji was not just a cinematic icon — he was a personal milestone in my family’s journey. He gave my father, Veeru Devgan, his very first break as an action director in Roti Kapda Aur Makaan. Their collaboration continued all the way to Kranti. As Indian cinema bids farewell to its Bharat Kumar — a storyteller, a patriot, and a legend, I also wish to say thank you for shaping my father’s journey and for inspiring countless storytellers like me. Your legacy, Manoj ji, is eternal.Om Shanti.
Subhash Ghai
“BYE BYE MANOJ JEE. The legendary film maker of india who influenced patriotism thru his cinema thru his charismatic presentation of poetry songs drama n master craftsmanship of camera movements. In our generation we were his fans and admired his sense of patriotism and cinematic expression. I personally learnt a lot from him as a film maker and person both. Can't forget how he used to inspire me always after watching my films. Not only we but whole nation will miss u Manojji.”(sic)
Karan Johar
“We lost a Hindi cinema legend. It took me back to a screening of Kranti I saw as a child, sitting on the floor with other kids and a packed screening room of filmmakers, actors and industry giants. This was the ROUGH CUT of the film; a 4 hour long version; Manojji was sharing his film at an early stage seeking feedback, seeking opinions. The film went on to create history at the box office.”
Aamir Khan
“Manoj Kumar was not just an actor and filmmaker; he was an institution. I have learned so much watching his films. His films were often based on important social themes, which brought him really close to the common man.
