Key Points:
- Legendary Actor’s Demise: Manoj Kumar, known as “Bharat Kumar” for his patriotic roles, passed away on April 4, 2025, at the age of 87 due to age-related ailments.
- State Honors at Funeral: His last rites were performed at Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai with full state honors, attended by Bollywood luminaries like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, and Raveena Tandon.
- Cinematic Legacy: Manoj Kumar was celebrated for iconic films like Shaheed, Upkar, and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, earning accolades such as the Padma Shri and Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Mumbai: Veteran actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, affectionately called “Bharat Kumar” for his patriotic portrayals, passed away in the early hours of Friday, April 4, at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. He was 87 and had been battling age-related health issues for weeks. His son, Kunal Goswami, confirmed the news, stating that Kumar breathed his last at 3:30 AM.
The actor’s funeral took place on Saturday morning at Pawan Hans Crematorium in Juhu with full state honors. His mortal remains were adorned with a tricolor floral arrangement and escorted by an honor guard. The ceremony was attended by family members, close friends, and several Bollywood celebrities who came to bid farewell to the cinematic legend.
A Star-Studded Farewell
The funeral saw an outpouring of grief from the film fraternity. Bollywood icons Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan joined other industry stalwarts like Dharmendra, Prem Chopra, Salim Khan, Raveena Tandon, and Rajpal Yadav to pay their final respects.
Raveena Tandon shared an emotional tribute:
“Manoj Kumar uncle was like a father figure to us. He gave my father his first break in films. Today, I placed three of his favorite thingsm Mahakal’s Rudraksha mala, Sai Baba’s vibhuti, and the Indian flag on him as a mark of respect.”
Dharmendra also expressed his sorrow:
“We spent our early days in the industry together. It’s hard to say goodbye to such a dear friend.”
Manoj Kumar’s Cinematic Legacy
Born Harikrishan Giri Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), Manoj Kumar migrated to Delhi during India’s Partition in 1947. After graduating from Hindu College in Delhi University, he moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in cinema.
Kumar’s career spanned over four decades during which he became synonymous with patriotic cinema. His notable works include:
- Shaheed (1965): A tribute to freedom fighter Bhagat Singh.
- Upkar (1967): Inspired by Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan.”
- Purab Aur Paschim (1970): A cultural commentary on Indian values.
- Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974): Highlighting social inequality.
- Kranti (1981): A historical epic on India’s independence struggle.
Apart from these patriotic classics, Kumar also showcased his versatility in romantic dramas like Himalaya Ki God Mein, Do Badan, and Patthar Ke Sanam. His directorial debut with Upkar earned him critical acclaim as a filmmaker who combined entertainment with strong social messages.
Kumar was honored with prestigious awards for his contributions:
- Padma Shri (1992)
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2015)
Tributes Pour In
The news of Manoj Kumar’s passing has left fans and filmmakers heartbroken. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit remarked:
“He was not just an actor but an institution of Indian cinema. His films inspired generations.”
Social media platforms were flooded with tributes from fans who remembered him as a symbol of patriotism and integrity. Many shared clips from his iconic films and songs like “Mere Desh Ki Dharti” from Upkar, which remains etched in the hearts of millions.
A Final Goodbye
On Saturday morning, an ambulance carrying Manoj Kumar’s mortal remains left his residence around 10:30 AM for the crematorium. The vehicle was decorated with flowers resembling the Indian tricolor—a fitting tribute to the man who embodied national pride through his work.
As the priest performed the final rituals and the honor guard saluted him one last time, Bollywood bid goodbye to one of its most cherished legends. Manoj Kumar is survived by his wife Shashi Goswami and two sons.
Manoj Kumar’s demise marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. Known for blending patriotism with storytelling brilliance, he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. As fans mourn the loss of “Bharat Kumar,” his timeless films ensure that his spirit lives on forever in the heart of India.
