Manoj Kumar, affectionately known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his iconic roles as patriotic figures in films like “Upkar” and “Kranti,” was laid to rest with full state honours and a three-gun salute at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Juhu, Mumbai, on Saturday, April 5.
The veteran actor-director passed away on Friday at the age of 87 due to age-related health issues at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. He is survived by his wife Shashi and their two sons.
The funeral commenced around 11:30 AM, attended by notable figures from the Indian film industry, including megastar Amitabh Bachchan and esteemed screenwriter Salim Khan. Kumar’s sons, Vishal and Kunal, performed the last rites, lighting the funeral pyre in a poignant farewell to their father.
Among the dignitaries present were Raj Babbar, Abhishek Bachchan, Jimmy Sheirgill, Arbaaz Khan, Subhash Ghai, Anu Malik, Zayed Khan, Prem Chopra, Rajpal Yadav, Ranjeet, and Sunil Darshan, all gathering to pay their respects.
Following the cremation, Amitabh Bachchan, joined by his son Abhishek, and Salim Khan with his son Arbaaz, extended their condolences to Kumar’s grieving family. Prem Chopra, who starred alongside the late actor in numerous films, reflected on their long friendship, stating, “We have been together since the beginning. It has been a wonderful journey. Everyone who worked with him gained from the experience. His legacy lives on, especially when ‘Shaheed’ airs on television — I still receive calls about my performance in that film.”
Raj Babbar, a veteran actor and politician, reminisced about the time he sought Kumar’s blessings before embarking on his 1999 film “Shaheed Udham Singh.” He highlighted Kumar’s significant impact on Indian cinema, saying, “The film industry has lost a true gem. He brought dignity to India and its culture, portraying the pride of our nation both at home and abroad. A noble soul, he will always hold a special place in the hearts of the public.”
At Kumar’s Juhu residence, a large portrait from his youth was displayed at the entrance, allowing friends and admirers to pay their final tributes. The ambulance transporting Kumar’s body, adorned with a floral tribute in the colors of the Indian flag, left for the crematorium at 10:30 AM, symbolizing his lifelong commitment to themes of nationalism in his films.
In the wake of his passing, numerous veterans from the film industry, including Dharmendra and Madhur Bhandarkar, visited Kumar’s home to offer their condolences.
Born Harikrishan Goswami in Abbottabad, which is now in Pakistan, Kumar’s family relocated to Delhi following India’s partition in 1947. After graduating from Hindu College at Delhi University, he moved to Mumbai to pursue a successful acting career, leaving behind a rich filmography that included, besides “Shaheed” and “Upkar,” titles like “Roti, Kapda aur Makaan,” “Himalaya Ki God Mein,” and “Do Badan.”