Mumbai, Apr 4 (Reporter) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday expressed his condolence at the passing away of veteran actor and director Manoj Kumar. "With the demise of veteran actor and director Manoj Kumar, we have lost a great personality in Indian cinema. I offer my heartfelt condolences to this versatile artist who instilled patriotism and Indian social life in the minds of the people through films and who truly made the name Bharat Kumar meaningful," said Fadnavis in his condolence message. Manoj Kumar became well-known to the country by playing Bhagat Singh in ‘Shaheed’. After that, he tackled topics like agriculture in films and songs like ‘Mere Desh Ki Dharti’ are still heard with the same pride on every Independence Day. His films like ‘Purab Aur Paschim’ have set many records at the global level. He touched upon social issues with films like 'Roti Kapda Aur Makan'. He made many films like Upkaar, Kranti. He tried to instill a sense of patriotism and nationalism in each of his works. His contribution to the Indian cinema is invaluable and his place will never be filled. Manoj Kumar also worked in the fields of direction, screenplay-lyric writing, and editing. He gave opportunities to many new artists. He tried to empower the Indian cinema. He was honored with the Padma Shri and Dadasaheb Phalke awards by the Government of India. With his death, Hindi cinema has lost a veteran artist. "We share the grief of his family and crores of fans. I pray that his soul may rest in peace," added Fadnavis...////...