Leaders condole Manoj Kumar’s death, pay glowing tributes

New Delhi: Senior Maharashtra leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, paid rich tributes to veteran actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar, who died at a hospital here on April 4, lauding him for instilling the sentiment of patriotism in citizens.
Manoj Kumar (87), who came to be known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ because of his series of patriotic films, died of age-related issues at the Kokilaben Ambani Hospital.
Fadnavis, in his condolence message, said, “I pay my tributes to the senior artist ‘Bharat Kumar’ who aroused and instilled the sentiment of patriotism and awareness about Indian social life among citizens.”
He said Kumar made a mark for himself with his film “Shaheed”, playing revolutionary Bhagat Singh, and later focussed on the issue of agriculture in several of his movies.
“Even today, the song ‘Mere Desh Ki dharti’ is heard with pride every Independence Day. His movie ‘Purab Aur Paschim’ made several records overseas. ‘Roti Kapada Aur Makan’, ‘Upkar’ and ‘Kranti’ touched upon several social issues,” the chief minister said.
He said Kumar instilled patriotism and nationalism through all his movies, and his demise has left a void that cannot be filled.
NCP SP president Sharad Pawar termed Kumar’s demise as heartbreaking.
“He was known for his patriotic films and acting. The lines in his song ‘Bharat Ka Rahnewala Hoon, Bharat Ki Baat Sunata Hoon’ that introduce the great tradition of Indian culture still resonate in the mind,” he said in a post on X.
The senior leader noted that the Government of India had honoured Kumar with the ‘Padma Shri’ and the ‘Dadasaheb Phalke Award’.
“A heartfelt tribute to this great artist who made a distinct mark in the Indian entertainment world with his supreme acting skills,” he said.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said Kumar’s demise marks the end of a great era in Indian cinema.
Taking to X, he said, “Manoj Kumar awakened patriotism in people’s minds through his films. In films like ‘Upkaar’, ‘Roti Kapda Aur Makaan’ and ‘Kranti’, he powerfully portrayed the reality of society and loyalty to the country. The patriotism in his acting and direction remains in the hearts of the audience. His contribution to the Indian cinema is invaluable, and his place can never be filled.”
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav condoled the demise of veteran actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar, terming it a big loss to the film world and the country.
Expressing grief, the chief minister, in a statement, said Kumar brought India’s cultural heritage alive in his films “Purab Paschim” and “Kranti” and made a meaningful effort to connect people to the country’s roots through his movies.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday expressed grief over the demise of veteran actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar, and said his death was a great loss for the cineworld.
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,” Banerjee said in a post on X.
Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Friday condoled the demise of veteran actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar, and said his iconic performances will forever remain etched in the hearts of fans.
“Hon’ble Governor Shri @DrHariBabuK is saddened to learn of the passing of legendary hindi film actor, #ManojKumar. His vast contribution to Indian cinema, his iconic performances & powerful portrayals of patriotism will forever remain etched in the hearts of his fans,” the governor said in a post on X.
Majhi, in a message on X, stated: “Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary actor #ManojKumar. His contributions to Indian cinema, especially in inspiring patriotism will always be cherished by his fans as ‘Bharat Kumar’. My heartfelt condolences to his family & fans. May his soul rest in peace.”