New Delhi: Prominent celebrities, including actors Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Manoj Bajpayee and filmmaker Karan Johar, Friday paid tributes to cinema icon Manoj Kumar, celebrating his legacy of highlighting social issues and patriotism through his films.
The industry veteran, whose films ruled the box office in the late 1960s and 1970s, had been ailing for a while and died of age-related issues at the Kokilaben Ambani Hospital around 3.30 am.
In a statement, Aamir condoled Kumar’s death, saying the veteran actor’s films were a great source of learning for him.
“Manoj Kumar was not just an actor and filmmaker, 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,” he said.
Akshay hailed Kumar as one of the biggest assets of the film fraternity.
“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,” he posted on X.
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
Devgn said Kumar played an important role in his family’s journey in cinema. He recalled that the cinema icon gave Devgn’s late father, Veeru Devgan, his first break as an action director with “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. 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,” he said.
“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,” he added.
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
Bajpayee said Kumar was a “pillar of Hindi cinema”.
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
“His art celebrated the spirit of India like no other. Deepest condolences to his family and countless admirers,” he added.
Johar said the country has lost a “cinema legend” and recalled watching the actor’s famous movie “Kranti” as a child.
“It took me back to a screening of ‘Kranti’ I saw as a child… sitting excitedly on the floor with other kids and a packed screening room of filmmaker’s and actors and industry giants… this was the ROUGH CUT of the film… a 4 hour long version…Manojji was sharing his film at such an early stage seeking feedback… seeking opinions for his ambitious motion picture ……the film went on to create history at the box office,” he said.
“Rip Manoj Kumar sir,” wrote Sonu Sood.
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar said he is saddened by Kumar’s death.
“I had the privilege of interacting with him on 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.
I am saddened by the passing of the legendary actor & filmmaker, Manoj Kumar Sir, 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… pic.twitter.com/dZCyDFfIQh
— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) April 4, 2025
Some B-Town celebs such as Kareena Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Sunny Deol, Manoj Bajpayee, Farhan Akhtar, and several other stalwarts have come together to honor the legendary figure.
Hansal Mehta I his X posted
Manoj Kumar used to be a patient of my grandfather, and I have blurry memories of seeing him at the clinic. Later, like Ashok Kumar, he began practicing Homeopathy. When I met him once, he said warmly, “Doctor saab ka pota director ban gaya, aur dekho, main doctor ban gaya”
Go… pic.twitter.com/YKLqKlCWM0
— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) April 4, 2025
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… pic.twitter.com/Te8PNBbIv5— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) April 4, 2025
