Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 5: India paid its final tribute to legendary actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, as his last rites were performed with full state honours on Saturday at the Vile Parle crematorium in Mumbai.
The veteran actor, remembered for his iconic patriotic roles, passed away on April 4, 2025, at the age of 87. His funeral was marked by a Guard of Honour and his coffin, draped in the Indian tricolour, reflected his enduring bond with the spirit of the nation.
Born Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), Manoj Kumar rose to fame with films that redefined nationalistic cinema in India. His work in ‘Shaheed’ (1965), ‘Upkar’ (1967), ‘Purab Aur Paschim’ (1970), and ‘Roti Kapda Aur Makaan’ (1974) earned him the heartfelt title “Bharat Kumar.”
The funeral procession, adorned with garlands and flowers in tricolour hues, was a powerful visual homage to the man who made patriotism a cinematic genre. Family, close friends, film industry veterans, and admirers gathered for his final darshan at the cremation ground in Juhu.
Maharashtra Minister Pratap Sarnaik, paying his respects, said:
“Artists like Manoj Kumar will not be found in the industry anymore. He had Hindustan in his heart. I offer my heartfelt tribute on behalf of my family and the Maharashtra government.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Manoj Kumar was not only an acclaimed actor but also a successful director and producer. His directorial debut ‘Upkar’ earned a National Film Award, and subsequent works like ‘Purab Aur Paschim’ and ‘Roti Kapda Aur Makaan’ left a lasting cultural imprint.
He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1992 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015, India’s highest recognition in cinema.
National leaders expressed their sorrow over his passing:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed him as an “icon of Indian cinema” who instilled national pride through his films.
- President Droupadi Murmu, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi were among those who extended heartfelt condolences.
Manoj Kumar’s legacy lives on—not just through his films but through the values he championed on screen: patriotism, sacrifice, and unity.