Legendary actor Manoj Kumar, loving known as ‘Bharat Kumar’, was cremated with full state honours in Mumbai on Saturday. The 87-year-old actor passed away on Friday due to age-related issues.
The cremation took place at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Juhu, where his two sons, Vishal and Kunal, lit the funeral pyre. A three-gun salute was given in his honour, marking his impact on Indian cinema and patriotism.
Big names from Bollywood, including Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Salim Khan, and Arbaaz Khan, attended the ceremony. Many others like Raj Babbar, Jimmy Sheirgill, and Prem Chopra also came to pay their respects.
Kumar’s body was wrapped in the Indian flag and covered with tri-colour flowers, a fitting tribute to a man who made patriotism a recurring theme in his films. His photo from younger days was displayed for fans and friends to say goodbye.
Veteran actor Prem Chopra remembered Kumar as a great friend and a passionate filmmaker. Raj Babbar called him a ‘precious gem’ who presented Indian pride and culture to the world.
Born as Harikrishan Goswami in pre-Partition Pakistan, Kumar later moved to Delhi in 1947. He leaves behind a legacy of iconic films like Upkar, Kranti, and Purab Aur Paschim, along with his wife Shashi and two sons.