New Delhi: 

Actress Raveena Tandon has paid tribute to the renowned actor and film director Manoj Kumar, popularly known for his patriotic films and referred to as ‘Bharat Kumar’. He passed away at the age of 87 at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai on April 4 due to age-related health issues.

After his demise, actress Raveena Tandon revealed that the late actor gave the first break to her father in films. After learning about his passing, she visited his Mumbai residence to meet his son and family.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to the late actor and wrote on X, ” Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary actor and filmmaker Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. He was an icon of Indian cinema who was particularly remembered for his patriotic zeal, which was also reflected in his films.

Manoj Ji’s works ignited a spirit of national pride and will continue to inspire generations. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.” The Prime Minister of India also shared his pictures with the late actor, Manoj Kumar.

About Manoj Kumar

Manoj Kumar was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015. In 1992, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri, and his contributions to Indian cinema earned him the National Film Award. He is known for his movies including Shaheed, Gumnaam, Upkar, Roti Kapada Aur Makaan, and Sanyasi, among others.

What did Raveena say about Manoj Kumar?

Speaking to the media stationed outside Manoj Kumar’s Mumbai residence, actress Raveena Tandon shared how Manoj Kumar was not just a mentor to many people in the Hindi film industry but also like a father figure. She disclosed that she will honour him with three of his favourite things — Mahakal’s Rudraksha mala, Sai Baba vibuti, and the Indian flag, which represents his deep love for India.

She further added, “For me, he was my Bharat; he is and will always be my Bharat. The kind of inspirational films he made no one else has made, and no one ever will. I remember every song of Manoj ji, and my most favourite is ‘Jab Zero Diya Bharat.’ He is our legend, and he will always be.”

Read More:

How to make creamy suji ka halwa for Kanjak with right proportions