Veteran actor Manoj Kumar, famous for films like Upkaar, Kranti, and Purab Aur Paschim, passed away early Friday morning at the age of 87 in Mumbai. He was admitted to Kokilaben Hospital and died due to heart complications, with liver cirrhosis as a secondary cause.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned his passing on X, calling him “an icon of Indian cinema” whose work “ignited national pride.”

Born Harikrishan Goswami in Abbottabad in 1937, Kumar debuted in 1957 and earned the nickname ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his patriotic films. He won numerous honors, including the Padma Shri and Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

His son Kunal confirmed that the actor died peacefully and will be cremated on Saturday.