New Delhi: Hema Malini, a BJP MP and veteran performer, has paid her respects to the late Manoj Kumar, who died on April 4, 2025, at the age of 87.

“All the films he made were deeply patriotic,” Hema Malini stated in an interview with the media, recalling her time spent working with the legendary actor. He took tremendous pleasure in his profession and was constantly linked to the nation.

After a protracted fight with health issues, including liver cirrhosis, Manoj Kumar, well known as “Bharat Kumar” for his roles in patriotic films, died away in Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.

According to his son Kunal Goswami, his last ceremonies will take place at Pawan Hans in Vile Parle, Mumbai, on April 5, 2025.

Malini had pleasant memories of working with Kumar, particularly on movies like Dus Numbri, Sanyasi, and Kranti.

“He knew how to present the heroine and was a master at picturing songs,” she thought. I got to collaborate with him on four movies. Those moments are still very valuable to me.

She highlighted Kumar’s work as a filmmaker, songwriter, and director. “He was very active in the creation of his films; he didn’t merely perform.” He always aimed to bring important films to the audience and empower the Indian film industry,” Malini added.

As Hema Malini recalled her wonderful moments with Kumar, she also lamented the passing of such a brilliant filmmaker, stating, “Directors like him are no longer around.” I consider myself very lucky to have worked with such wonderful people, many of whom are no longer with us now.

The late actor was also honored by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who described his passing as a major blow to Indian film.

Kumar was commended by Fadnavis for fostering patriotism via movies like Shaheed, Purab Aur Paschim, and Upkaar, which continue to have an impact on viewers today.

Political figures from many walks of life, such as Congressman Rahul Gandhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, paid moving homage to the actor, lauding his contributions to Indian film and his capacity to inspire patriotism.

He is an “icon of Indian cinema,” according to Prime Minister Modi, who praised his films’ capacity to evoke patriotism.

Kumar won important honors, including the Padma Shri (1992) and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2015) for his works, which often addressed social concerns and emphasized Indian values.

For centuries to come, viewers and filmmakers will be inspired by his cinematic legacy.