Mumbai, April 5 – Legendary Bollywood actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, widely revered as 'Bharat Kumar' for his powerful portrayals of patriotic characters, was cremated with full state honours at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Juhu on Saturday. He passed away on Friday at the age of 87 due to age-related complications.
Cremation Attended by Bollywood Luminaries
The funeral, which began at around 11:30 a.m., was marked by solemn state honours, including a three-gun salute. Kumar’s sons, Vishal and Kunal, lit the funeral pyre, bidding farewell to the cinematic icon.Prominent personalities from the film industry paid their final respects, including Amitabh Bachchan, Salim Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Arbaaz Khan, Subhash Ghai, Anu Malik, Zayed Khan, Prem Chopra, and Rajpal Yadav.
Nation Pays Tribute to 'Bharat Kumar'
Earlier in the morning, an ambulance adorned with tri-colour flowers carried Kumar’s mortal remains from his residence to the crematorium. His body, draped in the Indian national flag, was a fitting tribute to the man whose screen presence came to symbolize patriotic fervour.A photograph of a young Manoj Kumar was placed at the entrance of his building, allowing fans and well-wishers to offer their last respects. Following his passing, several celebrities including Dharmendra, Prem Chopra, Madhur Bhandarkar, Farah Khan, and Sajid Khan visited his home to express their condolences.
A Legacy of Patriotic Cinema
Born Harikrishan Goswami in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan) in 1937, Kumar and his family relocated to Delhi during the Partition in 1947. After graduating from Delhi University's Hindu College, he moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in films—a decision that would shape Indian cinema for decades.Manoj Kumar became a household name through landmark films such as Shaheed, Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Roti, Kapda Aur Makaan, which earned him the title of 'Bharat Kumar'. His filmography also includes acclaimed works like Himalaya Ki God Mein, Do Badan, Patthar Ke Sanam, Hariyali Aur Raasta, and the epic Kranti.
Survived by Family
Manoj Kumar is survived by his wife Shashi and their two sons, Vishal and Kunal. His passing marks the end of an era for Hindi cinema, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and audiences alike.
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