New Delhi [India], April 4 (ANI): Veteran actor and BJP MP Hema Malini has expressed her heartfelt tribute to the late Manoj Kumar, who passed away at the age of 87 on April 4, 2025.

Speaking with ANI, Hema Malini recalled her time working with the iconic actor and said, 'All the films he made were deeply patriotic. He was always connected to the country, and he took great pride in his work.'

Manoj Kumar, widely known as 'Bharat Kumar' for his role in patriotic movies, passed away at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai after a prolonged battle with health complications, including liver cirrhosis.

His son, Kunal Goswami, confirmed that his last rites will be held on April 5, 2025, at Pawan Hans in Vile Parle, Mumbai.

Malini fondly remembered her collaboration with Kumar, especially in films like Kranti, Sanyasi, and Dus Numbri.

She reflected, 'He was an expert at picturizing songs and knew how to present the heroine. I had the opportunity to work with him in four films. Those experiences remain precious to me.'

She emphasized Kumar's contribution as a director, lyricist, and filmmaker. '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,' said Malini.

While Hema Malini remembered her great experiences with Kumar, she also expressed sadness about the loss of such a legendary director, and said, 'The directors like him are no longer around. I feel very fortunate to have worked with such great personalities, and today, many of them are no longer with us.'

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also paid tribute to the late actor, calling his death a significant loss to Indian cinema.

Fadnavis praised Kumar for promoting patriotism through films like Shaheed, Purab Aur Paschim, and Upkaar, which still resonate with the audience today.

Leaders from across the political spectrum, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, shared heartfelt tributes to the actor, praising his contributions to Indian cinema and his ability to instill national pride through his work.

Prime Minister Modi called him an 'icon of Indian cinema,' praising his ability to inspire national pride through his films.

Kumar, whose films often tackled social issues and highlighted Indian values, earned prestigious awards such as the Padma Shri (1992) and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2015).

His cinematic legacy will continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences for generations. (ANI)