Actor Manoj Kumar who passed away on April 4 left the film industry sad. Friendly and warm Manoj Kumar left behind several memories for co-stars and respect from his juniors. The Hindi film industry shares their memories and tribute for the late actor.
Ajay Devgn
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. 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.
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Hema Malini
Manoj Kumar is no more. Wonderful, warm, friendly person with whom I had the opportunity to work in 4 big films all under his direction – Sanyasi, Dus Numbri, Kranti and Santosh. Evergreen movies all made with a unique touch of inimitable class. Those days the directors were passionate about their work and each left indelible memories behind. Manoj Kumar, known as Bharat for the touch of patriotism in all his movies, was truly unique in his approach to film making. He was very fond of me and took great care to get the best angles in all the scenes. His films had mass appeal – they were aesthetic, interesting with excellent narratives and dialogues that people loved. I had a personal equation with both Manoj and his wife Shashi ji as they were also my neighbours across the street. With a deep sigh I can only say “Those were the days” when wonderful directors made fabulous films that can never get outdated. Manoj Kumar has his unique place amongst them. Farewell dear friend!
Shatrughan Sinha
Heartfelt condolences for the son of the soil, pride of film industry, Maharashtra/India, a ‘Bharat Ratna’ in true sense, our own ‘Bharat’ #ManojKumar is no more. He worked in enormous movies but he will always rule our hearts with his roles in Shaheed, Upkar, Purab aur Pachhim, Roti Kapada aur Makaan, Kranti, Shor & Shirdi ke Sai Baba, his immortal films, to name a few. The songs of these films & many others are gems to cherish for years to come. A true patriot, which he portrayed beautifully in his films. Prayers for strength to his family, friends, fans & admirers in these difficult times. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Akshay Kumar
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.
Raj Babbar
An excellent Actor, Director, Writer and to top it all a true patriot – Manoj Kumar ji can be remembered in so many ways. The way he showcased the social values of India was so spirited. Must admit that when I did the biopic on Udham Singh ji, Manoj ji was the inspiring figure. In his demise the towering presence of a great legend has been lost. Thank you Sir – through your work you shall always be with us. Humble tributes. My deepest condolences to the family.
Madhur Bhandarkar
“It’s a huge loss. I believe this marks the end of an era. Manoj ji was a remarkable individual and filmmaker whose contribution to the Indian film industry was immense. The way he used to shoot his films and present the social fabric—whether it was through patriotism or song picturization—was truly exceptional. His films always resonated with people. I’ve watched Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, Purab Aur Paschim, Kranti—they always connected with audiences. He represented an era when the entire nation related to him…”
Shah Rukh Khan
Manoj Kumar ji made films that uplifted our country, our cinema, and focused on unity with unmatched sincerity. A legend in every sense. His films shaped an era and left a mark on our cinema. Thank you, sir. You will always be ‘Bharat’ to us.
Rajpal Yadav
He was a master of meaningful entertainment, of powerful dialogues, of actions and expressions, of style and cinema. His films were known not just in India but across the world. Our memories with him are inseparable, like the bond between a blouse and a veil, because when we were born, we grew up watching his films in old video cassette recorders and single-screen cinemas…”
Raveena Tandon
“We cannot forget him ever. He was so close to me. He gave the first break to my father in ‘Balidaan’. My father was so close to him. He (Manoj Kuma) was so ahead of time. When he gave the song ‘Jab zero diya mere Bharat ne’, there was no concept of a revolving restaurant in India, so he created something like that. He was always a genius. I think the patriotism that I have in me, I would say, it has come from him, his films and my father…”
Anu Mallik
“He was a dedicated and pure soul. I think that there will always be great directors, but Manoj Kumar set a trend, a trend of social messages in every film, whether it is Shor, Upkar, Kranti, his songs, his sense of music, his sense of stories, screenplay, his performances, he always had his country in mind, Bharat, that is why he was also called Bharat Kumar. His shot taking, performances were something else. He left an indelible mark in the hearts of minds of every filmmakers, viewers. How life should be led, what kind of films should be made. It is personally a big loss, when I was of 14 or 15 years of age when I started meeting him, I spent my entire childhood there. I have lost my father. I pray for the departed soul, may the god gives immense strength to the family to bear the loss. His sense of music was something else. He was also a lyricist.”
