Veteran Bollywood star Manoj Kumar dies at 87

Manoj Kumar, an Indian actor best known for his parts in patriotic Hindi-language films, passed away on Friday at the age of 87.

Tributes from all over the nation were prompted by the passing of the man known as "Bharat" Kumar, a reference to the old Sanskrit term for India that is rich in Hindu religious meaning.

A member of the ruling Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kumar passed away in Mumbai from heart-related issues.

Calling Kumar a "icon" of Indian cinema, Modi led the tributes, stating that his films "ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations."

Throughout his career, Kumar was well-known for his roles in and occasionally directing of films that emphasized patriotism and solidarity.

In keeping with Bollywood custom, he changed his name from Harikrishan Goswami to Manoj Kumar.

He received a number of national honors, including India's highest film honor, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

In the late 1950s, Kumar made his feature film début in India.

He later starred in a number of patriotic-themed movies, such as "Upkar" (1967), "Purab Aur Pachhim" (1970), and "Kranti" (1981).

AFP