Veteran actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, revered as ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his unforgettable portrayals of patriotic heroes, was cremated with full state honours and a ceremonial three-gun salute at the Pawan Hans crematorium in suburban Juhu on Saturday.
The late actor’s funeral drew an emotional outpouring of grief from across the film fraternity, as industry stalwarts and well-wishers assembled to bid him a final goodbye.
Kumar, who passed away on Friday at the age of 87 due to age-related ailments at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, was remembered for his immense contribution to Indian cinema.
An ambulance carrying his tricolour-draped mortal remains left his residence at around 10:30 am. Adorned with floral arrangements in the hues of the national flag, the vehicle bore the weight not just of the departed actor but of the patriotism he so vividly brought alive on screen.
A photograph of a young Manoj Kumar was placed at the entrance of his building, allowing neighbours, friends, and fans to offer their final respects.
The last rites commenced at approximately 11:30 am. His two sons, Vishal and Kunal, performed the final rituals and lit the pyre of the actor-director who defined an era of nationalistic cinema through films such as Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Kranti.
Among the prominent personalities present were Amitabh Bachchan, Salim Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Arbaaz Khan, Subhash Ghai, Anu Malik, Zayed Khan, Prem Chopra, and Rajpal Yadav. The gathering reflected the deep admiration Kumar commanded among peers and newer generations alike.
Earlier, celebrities including Prem Chopra, Raza Murad, Vindu Dara Singh, and Zayed Khan had visited his residence to offer condolences. A touching video showed Zayed Khan bowing before Kumar’s wife and comforting younger family members.
Also read: Farewell 'Bharat Kumar': End of an era
Known for blending nationalism with mass appeal, Manoj Kumar’s legacy includes landmark films such as Shaheed (1965), Himalaya Ki God Mein, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, and Do Badan. His film Upkar (1967) earned him the National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film.
Born Harikrishan Goswami on 24 July 1937 in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), he earned the affectionate sobriquet ‘Bharat Kumar’ for crafting stories that championed selfless service, sacrifice, and patriotic duty.
Over his illustrious career, he was conferred with several honours, including the Padma Shri in 1992 and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015.
Following news of his demise, tributes poured in from fans, colleagues, and political leaders alike. Veteran actor Dharmendra, Prem Chopra, and filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar were among those who expressed their sorrow, recalling Manoj Kumar’s cinematic brilliance and personal warmth.
As the flames rose at the Pawan Hans crematorium, it was not just the end of a life, but the conclusion of a golden chapter in Indian cinema. In the legacy of Manoj Kumar, the nation has lost one of its most stirring cinematic voices — a patriot both on screen and off.
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