Legendary Actor Manoj Kumar Passes Away Live Updates: Leading figures from the film industry, including Aamir Khan, Manoj Bajpayee, Akshay Kumar, and Aruna Irani, remembered the veteran actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar on his demise. Bollywood stars , along with political leaders like PM Narendra Modi, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, Mamata Banerjee, and others, honoured the legend for his enduring impact on Indian cinema. Kumar, who is known for his iconic role in patriotic movies, died in a Mumbai hospital in the early hours of Friday. The artist had not been well for some time, passed away because of old age issues around 3:30 am. Family friend and filmmaker Ashoke Pandit has confirmed the news to PTI.
The legendary actor’s career spanned decades, and he became a household name by performing in movies like Upkar, Purab and Paschim, and Shaheed. He is also known as Bharat Kumar for his portrayal of famous patriotic roles. He has been awarded the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and he was equally celebrated for his role in films like Gumnam, Haryali Aur Rasta, and Badan.
Here are the latest tributes and reactions pouring in on the demise of the legendary actor:
Aruna Irani remembers Kumar as her guru, says cinema has lost a true gentleman
Veteran actress Aruna Irani reflected on Manoj Kumar’s prolonged illness. She acknowledged the natural course of time. While talking to Times of India, she stated that, ‘’One cannot go against time and age. He has been unwell for a long time.’’ She also recalled a moment when she was hospitalised in the same hospital where she was being treated for her fractured leg where Kumar was admitted, but she could not meet him. She stated, ‘’unke lungs me pani bhar jata tha (fluid would accumulate in his lungs) and he used to come to the hospital for treatment. Irani hoped that he would rest in peace
Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar mourns Manoj Kumar’s demise, says cinema lost a patriotic legend
Ajit Pawar called Manoj Kumar’s death the end of a golden era in Indian cinema. He hailed the veteran artist’s powerful portrayal of patriotism through his movies like Kranti and Upkar. He stated that his legacy will remain unbeaten.
हिंदी चित्रपटसृष्टीतील ज्येष्ठ अभिनेते, दिग्दर्शक आणि 'भारतकुमार' म्हणून ओळखले जाणारे मनोजकुमार यांच्या निधनानं भारतीय चित्रपटसृष्टीतील एक महान युगाचा अस्त झाला आहे.
मनोज कुमार यांनी देशभक्तीपर चित्रपटांच्या माध्यमातून जनमानसात देशप्रेम जागवलं. ‘उपकार’, ‘रोटी कपडा और मकान’,… pic.twitter.com/90tY5zMXrN
— Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) April 4, 2025
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis recalls Manoj Kumar as voice of patriotism
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis extended his tribute to the veteran actor, remembering him as a towering personality who used cinema as a medium to inculcate patriotism and raise awareness about India’s social fabric.
In his condolence statement, Fadnavis linked the late legend to ‘Bharat Kumar’, acknowledging his lasting impact on generations of Indians. He underlined Kumar’s role as Bhagat Singh in Shaheed, which left a powerful impact on audiences. He also pointed out the actor’s focus on agriculture and social causes.
‘’Even today, his song Mere Desh ki Dharti is played with pride on every Independence Day,’’ Fadnavis stated, as quoted by PTI.
Aamir Khan calls Manoj Kumar an ‘institution’
Actor Aamir Khan has paid tribute to the actor Manoj Kumar, calling him more than a celebrated actor or filmmaker. Aamir stated, ”Manoj Kumar was not just an actor or filmmaker-he was in an institution in himself. I learned a great deal while watching his movies.’’
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee calls Manoj Kumar a legend of Indian cinema
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed intense grief on the demise of veteran actor Manoj Kumar. He called him a legendary personality in Indian cinema.
Saddened by the demise of veteran actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar today. Known for his patriotic films, 'Bharat Kumar', as he was often called, represented the idea of devotion to the motherland. His death is a great loss for our cineworld.
My condolences to his family, friends,…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 4, 2025
Amit Shah says Manoj Kumar’s legacy will influence generations
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep sorrow on the death of Manoj Kumar. He hailed him for creating patriotic spirit through his movies and leaving a lasting mark on Indian cinema. He stated that Kumar’s legacy will continue to inspire generations.
Deeply saddened by the demise of distinguished actor Manoj Kumar Ji. He enriched Indian cinema with his phenomenal talent and left a lasting impact on the minds of people by inspiring the flame of patriotism in them. He will live in his immortal legacy and continue to inspire the…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 4, 2025
Manoj Bajpayee calls Manoj Kumar as a pillar of Hindi cinema
Actor Manoj Bajpayee also extended his tribute to the legendary actor. He called him a towering figure in Hindi cinema and credited him for uniquely capturing the spirit of India.
With the loss of Manoj Kumar Sahab, we bid farewell to a pillar of Hindi cinema. His art celebrated the spirit of India like no other. Deepest condolences to his family and countless admirers. #ManojKumar pic.twitter.com/mzHS4Qbaqu
— manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) April 4, 2025
Ajay Devgn extends thanks to Manoj Kumar for shaping his father’s career
Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan remembered Manoj Kumar as a cinematic legend who gave a break to his father in films. He also praised Kumar’s patriotic storytelling technique and called it timeless and deeply influential for Indian cinema.
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… pic.twitter.com/1SiKmrpfpQ
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) April 4, 2025
Sharad Pawar expresses grief on Manoj Kumar’s death
NCP leader Sharad Pawar called Manoj Kumar’s demise deeply heartbreaking. He remembered him as a multi-talented actor who enhanced Indian cinema through his acting, direction, and writing skills. He stated that Kumar’s iconic patriotic lines like ‘’Bharat ka rehne wala hoon, Bharat kin baat sunata hoon’’ still reverberate in the hearts of Indians.
अभिनेते, चित्रपट दिग्दर्शक,पटकथा लेखक आणि गीतकार अशा वैविध्यपूर्ण भूमिकेतून भारतीयांना निखळ मनोरंजनाची भेट देणारे भारतीय सिनेसृष्टीतील ज्येष्ठ कलाकार मनोज कुमार यांच्या निधनाचे वृत्त वेदनादायी आहे. देशभक्तीने प्रेरित झालेला चित्रपट आणि अभिनय यासाठी ते विशेषत्वाने ओळखले… pic.twitter.com/jQgVoSq98E
— Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) April 4, 2025
UP CM Yogi Adityanath calls Manoj Kumar demise an irreparable loss for Indian cinema
UP CM Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences on the demise of Padma Shri Manoj Kumar, calling it a deeply saddening and irreparable loss for the world of art and cinema. He also offered prayers for the late actor’s soul.
महान अभिनेता, प्रख्यात फिल्म निर्देशक, 'पद्म श्री' श्री मनोज कुमार जी का निधन अत्यंत दुःखद तथा कला एवं फिल्म जगत की अपूरणीय क्षति है।
उन्हें विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि!
मेरी संवेदनाएं शोक संतप्त परिवार के साथ हैं।
प्रभु श्री राम से प्रार्थना है कि दिवंगत आत्मा को सद्गति तथा शोकाकुल…
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) April 4, 2025
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh remembers him as ‘Bharat Kumar’
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his tribute on the social media platform, he stated that he will be remembered for his patriotic films and powerful performances that influenced generations. His legacy as ‘Bharat Kumar’ will live on through his timeless movies.
Shri Manoj Kumar ji was a versatile actor, who would always be remembered for making films full of patriotism. Popularly known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ his unforgettable performances in films like ‘Upkaar’, ‘Purab and Paschim’ have enriched our culture and have endeared him to people…
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 4, 2025
Industrialist Anand Mahindra pays tribute
Business leader Anand Mahindra also mourned the loss of Manoj Kumar on his official account on X, stating it felt like losing a part of his childhood.
मुझे ऐसा लग रहा है जैसे मैंने अपने बचपन का कोई अहम हिस्सा खो दिया है।
मेरे परिवार ने कभी भी मनोज कुमार की कोई फिल्म मिस नहीं की। और मुझे याद है कि जब फिल्म पूरब और पश्चिम रिलीज हुई थी, इस फिल्म ने जो देशभक्ति का जज्बा जगाया, वह अभूतपूर्व था।
मनोज कुमार एक अभिनेता से हर परिवार… pic.twitter.com/c0NbgKjYE9
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) April 4, 2025
Akshay Kumar remembers Manoj Kumar as a guiding force in patriotic cinema
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Manoj Kumar. He remembered him as an inspiration and a pillar of Indian cinema. Reflecting on the veteran actor’s deep-rooted patriotism, Akshay stated he grew up learning that there no greater emotion than love and pride for one’s country.
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
PM Modi pays tribute to Manoj Kumar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over his loss, calling Manoj Kumar as an ‘’icon of Indian cinema.’’ In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the PM wrote, ‘’Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. He was an icon of Indian cinema, who was especially remembered for his patriotic zeal, which also reflected in his movies.’’ He added that Kumar’s work sparked national pride and would continue to inspire generations to come.
Kumar’s legacy as a filmmaker who wove nationalistic sentiment into mainstream cinema remains unmatched, and his passing is being mourned across the country by fans and colleagues alike.
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… pic.twitter.com/f8pYqOxol3
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 4, 2025
Kumar was suffering with multiple ailments, says Dr Santosh Shetty
Kumar has been under medical care for several weeks before his death, as stated by Dr Santosh Shetty, CEO and executive director of Kokilaben Ambani Hospital to PTI. ‘’He had been hospitalised for the past few weeks, ‘’ Dr Shetty mentioned in a statement.
Kumar’s son Kunal statement
The late filmmaker’s son Kunal stated to PTI that his father had been struggling with several health issues for years. ‘’He is out of his misery now,’’ he said, informing that Kumar had been bedridden for a long time and was recently hospitalised because of pneumonia.
#WATCH | On the demise of Indian actor and film director Manoj Kumar, his son, Kunal Goswami, says, "… He passed away at 3:30 in the night at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Andheri. He was admitted for the last 2-3 weeks. There were many health-related complications due… pic.twitter.com/Z3jMoThSFl
— ANI (@ANI) April 4, 2025
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar said he is saddened by Kumar’s death.
“I had the privilege of interacting with him at many occasions , and he was truly an icon of Indian cinema. His storytelling & song picturizations in his films inspired national pride and will resonate for generations. My deepest condolences to his family members & admirers. #OmShanti,” the director said on X.
Filmmakers Zoya Akhtar, Vivek Agnihotri, Hansal Mehta and Kunal Kohli also condoled Kumar’s demise.
VIDEO | On demise of veteran actor Manoj Kumar, filmmaker Madhur Bhandakar (@imbhandarkar) said, "Manoj Kumar ji will truly be missed. I’ve always been a huge fan of his work. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched his iconic films like Shor, Upkar, and Roti Kapda Aur… pic.twitter.com/Um9j5AyvQp
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 4, 2025
Lyricist Santosh Anand said not in a position to speak on Manoj Kumar’s demise
He expressed his grief by saying that he had a very close relationship with the actor, as they always wanted to work with each other. He further remembered the line ‘Jivan ka matlab you aana aur jaana hai’.
VIDEO: Veteran actor Manoj Kumar passes away: Lyricist Santosh Anand says, "I am not in a position to speak… I had close relations with Manoj Kumar ji. I worked a lot with him. From 1969 to 1981, I didn't work with anyone else. Neither he wanted to work with someone else nor… pic.twitter.com/xochkKAlIg
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 4, 2025
Veteran actor Ranjeet regrets on missing the opportunity to work with Manoj Kumar
He said,”We met several times over the years, and he generously shared his wisdom with me on many occasions. Sadly, his health had been declining in recent years.”
VIDEO | Veteran actor Manoj Kumar passes away: Here's what veteran actor Ranjeet said, "I will always regret of never getting the opportunity to work with him. We met several times over the years, and he generously shared his wisdom with me on many occasions. Sadly, his health… pic.twitter.com/x5xDN4nInO
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 4, 2025
BJP MP and actor Hema Malini comments on Manoj Kumar’s demise
Hema Malini said that she received the news in the morning. She further mentioned that Manoj Kumar was a wonderful filmmaker and a good friend.
VIDEO | On demise of veteran actor Manoj Kumar, BJP MP and actor Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) says, "We got the news this morning that he is no more. He was a very wonderful filmmaker and a good friend of mine. He used to create, direct and act in such great films. He was a very… pic.twitter.com/5WRTgjgYZr
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 4, 2025
Film director Anil Sharma said Manoj Kumar’s demise is a great loss
Anil Sharma said that Manjor Kumar has played a great role, he got inspired by his films. He said,”Be it ‘Purab Aur Paschim’, ‘Kranti’, ‘Upkar’ or any other film, all of his films have inspired me. It is a great loss.”
VIDEO | On demise of veteran actor Manoj Kumar, film director Anil Sharma says, "He inspired me a lot. Manoj Kumar's films have a big role in whatever I know. Be it 'Purab Aur Paschim', 'Kranti', 'Upkar' or any other film, all of his films have inspired me. It is a great loss."… pic.twitter.com/YuHvg2fiXJ
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 4, 2025
TMC leader Shatrughan Sinha remembers Manoj Kumar working in ‘Kranti’ film
Shatrughan Sinha said he knew Manoj Kumar personally, he was a person of great respect. He further said that Manoj Kumar gave new direction to nationalism through his films.
VIDEO | On demise of veteran actor Manoj Kumar, TMC leader Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) says, "I knew Manoj ji personally. He was not just a family friend but a person of great respect. 'Kranti' was a film we worked on together. Through his films, he gave a new direction to… pic.twitter.com/bxezbCarHn
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 4, 2025