SRK on Manoj's demise: You will always be ‘Bharat’ to us

Veteran Bollywood actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar passed away on Friday morning at the age of 87, leaving behind a profound legacy and a massive void in Indian cinema. As the news of his death spread, tributes poured in from across the film fraternity, with celebrities and fans alike remembering the man fondly known as Bharat Kumar for his iconic patriotic roles.
'You will always be ‘Bharat’ to us': Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan took to Twitter to express his deep respect for the legendary artiste. In a heartfelt post, he wrote, “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."

Kumar, whose real name was Harikrishan Goswami, was known for films like

Upkar

, Purab Aur Paschim, Shaheed, and Kranti, which resonated with patriotic fervour and national sentiment.
Earlier today, Salman Khan also paid tribute to the late actor-director. Taking to his social media, the superstar posted, “Manoj Kumar Ji… a true legend. Thank you for the unforgettable films and memories.”
Aamir Khan too joined in offering condolences, recalling the depth and impact of Manoj Kumar’s work. In a statement, he shared, “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.”

A peaceful farewell
Manoj Kumar’s son,

Kunal Goswami

, confirmed the news of his father’s demise, revealing that he had been struggling with age-related health issues for a while. “He has had health-related issues for a long time. It’s the grace of god that he bid adieu to this world peacefully. His cremation will take place tomorrow,” he told ANI.

Several members of the film fraternity visited Kumar’s Juhu residence to pay their last respects, including Dharmendra, Prem Chopra, Raveena Tandon, and Ashoke Pandit.