Mumbai: Manoj Kumar, the iconic actor and filmmaker affectionately dubbed ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his patriotic cinematic contributions, passed away on Friday at the age of 87.

The veteran star took his final breath at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for a long-standing illness.

Medical reports indicate that Manoj Kumar succumbed to cardiogenic shock triggered by an acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a severe heart attack.

His condition had been further complicated by decompensated liver cirrhosis, which had significantly deteriorated his health in recent months.

His family said that his passing was peaceful, despite the pain from failing organs. In the end, it was his heart that gave out.

Known for timeless classics that celebrated national pride, Manoj Kumar’s legacy as a cinematic patriot endures, even as the industry and fans bid farewell to one of its most revered icons.