Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 5 : The Indian film fraternity and the nation united in grief on Saturday as legendary actor-director Manoj Kumar, revered for his deeply patriotic roles, was cremated with full state honours at Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai. His passing on April 4, 2025, at the age of 87, marks the end of a monumental chapter in Indian cinema.
🎬 A Final Salute to a Cinematic Titan
Draped in the Indian tricolour, Manoj Kumar’s mortal remains were carried in a flower-adorned ambulance, echoing the themes of nationalism and unity that defined his cinematic legacy.
A Guard of Honour by police personnel preceded the cremation—an acknowledgment of Kumar’s impact not just on cinema, but on the national consciousness.
Prominent personalities in attendance included:
- Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan
- Salim Khan, Arbaaz Khan
- Prem Chopra, Vindu Dara Singh, Rajpal Yadav, and others
💬 “He is Bharat Ratna in Our Hearts”
Actor Rajpal Yadav, overcome with emotion, referred to Kumar as:
“The Vishwa Kala Ratna of India… he is Bharat Ratna. I salute him.”
Vindu Dara Singh echoed sentiments of unity and remembered Kumar as a timeless symbol of national integrity:
“He is immortal… Now films on Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian unity should be made, just like the message he always gave.”
🎥 His Life, His Legacy
Born Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), Manoj Kumar rose to legendary status through films that celebrated the spirit of India:
- ‘Shaheed’ (1965) – immortalizing Bhagat Singh
- ‘Upkar’ (1967) – his directorial debut that won the National Award
- ‘Purab Aur Paschim’ (1970) – a cultural bridge between tradition and modernity
- ‘Roti Kapda Aur Makaan’ (1974) – highlighting basic needs and dignity
His screen name “Bharat Kumar” was not just a title—it was an embodiment of how audiences saw him.
🏅 A Decorated Career
- Padma Shri (1992)
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2015)
Kumar’s films didn’t just entertain—they educated and inspired, often carrying strong social and nationalistic messages. He became a cinematic voice for unity, pride, and sacrifice.
🇮🇳 Tributes from the Nation
Top leaders paid homage:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him “an icon who stirred national pride through cinema.”
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, President Droupadi Murmu, and others hailed his artistic and patriotic legacy.
As his photo stood solemnly at the entrance of his residence for fans to offer final tributes, India remembered not just an actor, but a storyteller of its soul.
Would you like a tribute post for social media or a timeline of his most influential works?