Nation bids farewell to ‘Bharat Kumar’: Manoj Kumar laid to rest with state honours

MUMBAI: India said a final goodbye to one of its most beloved cinematic icons, Manoj Kumar, as his last rites were performed on Saturday with full state honours.

The legendary actor and director, known for his portrayal of strong patriotic characters, was laid to rest at the Vile Parle crematorium, where he was accorded a Guard of Honour, marking the end of an era in Indian cinema.

Born Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), Kumar’s portrayal of nationalistic characters earned him the affectionate title of “Bharat Kumar.” His films, such as Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), and Shaheed (1965), are considered landmarks in Indian cinema, shaping the nation’s cinematic landscape with their patriotic fervour.

The actor’s funeral procession was a solemn yet celebratory event, with his coffin draped in the Indian tricolour as a tribute to his enduring legacy of patriotism. The ambulance carrying his mortal remains was adorned with flowers in the tricolour, symbolizing his deep connection to the spirit of India.

Family, friends, celebrities and admirers gathered at the cremation ground in Juhu for the star’s final darshan. Maharashtra Minister Pratap Sarnaik also paid his respects at the cremation ground, where he recalled Kumar’s immense influence on Indian cinema.

“Artists like Manoj Kumar will not be found in the industry anymore. I have been his fan since childhood… Today, I may have become a state minister, but I have come here as a friend. He was an artist who had Hindustan in his heart. I pay my heartfelt tribute to him on behalf of my family and the Maharashtra government,” Sarnaik said.

Manoj Kumar’s death on April 4, 2025, at the age of 87, marks the passing of a film industry stalwart whose patriotism was central to his cinematic persona. His films resonated deeply with the Indian public, often embodying the themes of national pride, sacrifice, and unity.

In addition to his acting career, Kumar made significant contributions as a director and producer. His directorial debut ‘Upkar’ won the National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film, while other films like ‘Purab Aur Paschim’ and ‘Roti Kapda Aur Makaan’ (1974) achieved both critical and commercial success.

Throughout his illustrious career, Kumar received several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 1992 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015, acknowledging his contributions to Indian cinema. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Kumar as an “icon of Indian cinema,” recognizing his role in instilling national pride through his work.

President Droupadi Murmu, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and several other political figures and cinema personalities expressed their condolences, acknowledging the unparalleled contribution of the actor to Indian culture and cinema. (ANI)