Bollywood Veteran Actor Manoj Kumar Hospitalised

Veteran actor Manoj Kumar has been admitted to a hospital in Mumbai, after complaining of pain in gall bladder.

According to reports, the legendary star has been undergoing treatment for gastritis and swelling in gall bladder for the last two days at the Kokilaben Hospital in suburban Andheri. He told India TV on phone that he would be discharged from the hospital in a couple of days and asked his fans not to worry.

The actor has been given the nickname of Bhaarat Kumar, for his roles in films that had patriotic themes. Manoj has acted in about 55 films and also has seven films to his credit as a director. Some of his popular films include "Hariyali Aur Raasta", "Purab Aur Paschim", "Kranti", "Woh Kaun Thi?", "Himalaya Ki God Mein", "Shaheed", "Upkaar" and "Roti Kapda Aur Makaan".

The actor's image as a patriotic hero was first shown in the 1965 film "Shaheed", which is based on the life of Bhagat Singh. He later did films with similar themes. He is known for his trademark hand-covering-face, which Shah Rukh reprised in his 2007-blockbuster film "Om Shanti Om". Manoj filed defamation and cheating case against Shah Rukh for imitating his mannerisms. But the issue was resolved through out-of-court settlement.

Manoj has won several awards and national honours for his contribution to Indian cinema. In 1992, he was given the Padma Shri award, the fourth highest civilan honour, by the Government of India. He also received National Kishore Kumar Award for 2007-08 by the Government of Madhya Pradesh and Raj Kapoor lifetime achievement award from the Government of Maharashtra in 2010.

On Wednesday (24 July), Manoj will be celebrating his 76th birthday.