Celebs mourn Manoj Kumar’s passing away

Prominent celebrities, including actors Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Manoj Bajpayee and filmmaker Karan Johar, paid tributes to cinema icon Manoj Kumar, celebrating his legacy of highlighting social issues and patriotism through his films.

In a statement, Aamir wrote, “Manoj Kumar was not just an actor and film-maker, 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.”

Karan Johar said the country had lost a ‘cinema legend’ and recalled watching the actor’s famous movie Kranti as a child. “It took me back to a screening of Kranti I saw as a child… sitting excitedly on the floor with other kids and a packed screening room of filmmaker’s and actors and industry giants… this was the rough cut of the film… a four-hour-long version…Manoj ji was sharing his film at such an early stage seeking feedback… seeking opinions for his ambitious motion picture ……the film went on to create history at the box-office,” he said. Akshay Kumar hailed Manoj Kumar as one of the biggest assets of the film fraternity. “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. RIP Manoj Sir. Om Shanti,” he posted on X.

Ajay Devgn said Kumar played an important role in his family’s journey in cinema. He recalled that the cinema icon gave Devgn’s late father Veeru Devgan his first break as an action director with 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,” he said.

“Rip Manoj Kumar sir,” wrote Sonu Sood.

“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,” he added.

Manoj Bajpayee said Kumar was a ‘pillar of Hindi cinema’. “His art celebrated the spirit of India like no other. Deepest condolences to his family and countless admirers,” he said.

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar said he was saddened by Manoj Kumar’s death. “I had the privilege of interacting with him at many occasions and he was truly an icon of Indian cinema. His storytelling and song picturisations in his films inspired national pride and will resonate for generations. My deepest condolences to his family members,” the director said on X.

Deeply involved in the making of his films…

“All the films he made were deeply patriotic. He was always connected to the country, and he took great pride in his work. He was an expert at picturising songs. I had the opportunity to work with him in four films. He didn’t just act; he was deeply involved in the making of his films. He always wanted to empower the Indian film industry and bring meaningful films to the audience.” — Hema Malini

Manoj Kumar filed a lawsuit against SRK over Om Shanti Om scene

Manoj Kumar famously filed a defamation case against superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Farah Khan for parodying him in Om Shanti Om. The scene sees Shah Rukh’s character Om imitating Kumar’s famous palm across face gesture to gain an entry to the premiere of a film featuring Shanti Priya, played by Deepika Padukone. In the film, when the real Manoj Kumar turns up for the premiere, he is shooed away by the guards. Kumar had expressed his displeasure over the scene and requested the makers to remove it from the film. He went to a civil court, which ordered the makers to remove the objectionable scenes before the satellite screening.

Shah Rukh had personally apologised and the scene was chopped from the movie. But the matter didn’t end there.

The scene resurfaced in a print of the film when it was released in Japan six years later, prompting Kumar to file a lawsuit against Shah Rukh Khan and production banner Eros International in April 2013.