Mumbai (Maharashtra), India, April 4 (ANI): Veteran actor Manoj Kumar has passed away on Friday morning. Since the announcement of his demise became public, numerous tributes have been made to the star of 'Kranti'.
Senior reporters Meena Iyer and Taran Adarsh likewise bid farewell to Manoj Kumar.
In an interview with ANI, Taran Adarsh commented, “This is truly disheartening… Our relationship began when I spoke to him about the film Kranti…I’ve always admired his skills as a legendary storyteller, editor, writer, director, and producer; however, what stood out the most was his genuine and candid nature as a person…Every project he undertook showcased deep affection for our country…He maintained impeccable integrity, which left everyone unable to criticize him…”
Meena Iyer referred to his passing as a "significant loss."
"His passing away is a significant blow to the whole Indian film sector. Through movies such as 'Shaheed,' 'Upkar,' 'Purab Aur Paschim,' and 'Roti, Kapda aur Makan,' he presented distinctive and remarkable filmmaking to audiences worldwide," she stated.
Meena also remembered how closely Manoj Kumar was friends with action directors Veeru Devgan and Sikander Khanna.
"He maintained a strong bond with Veeru Devgan and Sikandar Khanna, who both served as action directors. Their camaraderie was such that they vowed if either had a son, he would be named Vishal," she recounted.
Manoj Kumar passed away in Mumbai from heart issues during the early hours of Friday. He was 87 years old.
Hours after his death, Manoj Kumar's son, Kunal Goswami, addressed the media and expressed his deep sorrow over his father's death.
Kunal said, "Namaskar Ji, I am Kunal Goswami. Unfortunately, my father, Manoj Kumar, passed away today at 3:30 am at Kokilaben Hospital. He had been feeling unwell for a long time, but he fought every hurdle with resilience and grace. He peacefully breathed his last by God's grace and Sai Baba's blessings. His cremation will take place tomorrow. Thank you to all of you. Sia Ram."
Born Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), Kumar became an iconic figure in Indian cinema, especially in the 1960s and 1970s.
The actor was affectionately known as "Bharat Kumar" for his iconic roles in patriotic films like Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Shaheed.
In addition to his work as an actor, Kumar was also notable for his roles behind the camera as both a director and producer. He started directing with "Upkar" (1967), which earned him the National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film. Further success came with films he helmed such as "Purab Aur Paschim" (1970), "Roti Kapada Aur Makaan" (1974), and "Kranti" (1981); each of these movies achieved considerable acclaim. (ANI)
