Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Aamir Khan, Ashoke Pandit and Vivek Agnihotri paid tributes to veteran actor Manoj Kumar. He passed away in the early hours of Friday morning at a hospital in Mumbai after suffering from age-related ailments, including complications in his heart and liver.
PM Modi shared two photos with the actor. The first one is an old photo of him sitting beside Manoj on stage. In the other one, he is seen interacting with the actor recently. PM Modi 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.”
Akshay shared a photo of Manoj and said that he grew up watching his films. “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 Shani,” Akshay wrote.
Aamir's team shared his reaction in a press note. He said, "Manoj Kumar was not just an actor, and film-maker, he was an institution. I have learnt so much watching his films. His films were often based on important social themes which brought him really close to the common man. My heartfelt condolences to his family."
Ajay shared a photo of Manoj from one of his films and wrote, "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. From there, their collaboration continued all the way to Kranti, creating moments that are now part of Indian cinema’s golden history."
He added, "Manoj ji’s films — Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Shor, Kranti, they weren’t just films…they were national emotions. His creative genius, unwavering patriotism, and storytelling depth set a benchmark that very few have matched. 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."
Ashoke shared a video where he said, “Sad to inform you all that, legendary Dadasaheb Phalke award winner. Our inspiration Manoj Kumar is no more. He had his last breath at Kokilaben Hospital. After being not well for a very, very long time. It's a great loss to the industry. Manoj Kumar ji we will really miss you."
Vivek took to X and wrote a long note on Manoj, saying, “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 cinema that didn’t just entertain but remembered to belong.”
He added, “He (Manoj) made patriotism cinematic, without noise. He made nationalism poetic, without apology. In a time of borrowed voices and secondhand aesthetics, he dared to be rooted. Patriots and artists like him never die. They simply transcend — into memory, into celluloid, into the nation’s heartbeat.”
Manoj is known for starring in patriotic films like Shaheed (1965), Upkar (1967) and Purab Aur Paschim (1970), also serving as the director for the latter two. He was lovingly called 'Bharat Kumar' for his patriotic films, while he also made a mark with classics like Do Badan, Haryali Aur Rasta, Neel Kamal and Gumnam. He is the recipient of the Padma Shri award, which he received in 1992. In 2016, he was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his contributions to Indian cinema.
