Manoj Kumar: Veteran actor cremated will state honours

Manoj Kumar, popularly known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his portrayal of patriotic heroes in films such as “Upkar” and “Kranti”, was cremated with full state honours and a three-gun salute here on Saturday.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan and veteran screenwriter Salim Khan were among the prominent personalities from the entertainment industry present at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Juhu.

The last rites started at about 11:30 am and Kumar’s two sons — Vishal and Kunal — lit the funeral pyre of the actor-filmmaker who died on Friday due to age-related issues at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital. He was 87.

Raj Babbar, Abhishek Bachchan, Jimmy Sheirgill, Arbaaz Khan, Subhash Ghai, Anu Malik, Zayed Khan, Prem Chopra, Rajpal Yadav, Ranjeet and Sunil Darshan also attended the last rites.

After the funeral, Bachchan, accompanied by his son Abhishek, and Khan, who came with his son Arbaaz, offered their condolences to Kumar’s family.

Chopra, who featured alongside the actor in films such as “Woh Kaun Thi?”, “Shaheed”, “Upkar”, “Anita”, “Purab Aur Paschim”, “Sanyasi”, “Kalyug Aur Ramayan” and “Kranti”, said Kumar was one of his best friends.

“We have been together since the beginning, it’s been a great journey. Everybody has benefited from working with him. I benefited after working with him. In those days, we used to make movies with a lot of passion,” he told PTI.

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“Even today, when ‘Shaheed’ comes on TV, I get calls from people. He was very happy with my performance as Sukhdev in the movie,” Chopra said about the 1965 movie, based on the life of revolutionary Bhagat Singh, who was played by Kumar.

Veteran actor-politician Raj Babbar recalled taking Kumar’s blessings when he started working on his 1999 movie “Shaheed Udham Singh”.

“The Indian film industry has lost a precious gem. He brought glory to India, to our culture, and to all those patriots who have always been proud of our country. He showcased the dignity and pride of India to the world and within the country.

“As a writer, director, and a person who spoke of patriotism, he was a noble soul who always earned a place in people’s hearts with love,” he told PTI.

At Kumar’s residence in Juhu, a photo of the actor from his youth was placed at the entrance for everyone to offer their last respects.

The ambulance carrying Manoj Kumar’s mortal remains, adorned with tri-colour flowers, departed for the crematorium at 10:30 am. His body was also wrapped in Indian flag, a fitting homage to the actor who often brought themes of nationalism to the silver screen with his movies.

Following his death on Friday, veteran actors Dharmendra, Prem Chopra, filmmakers Madhur Bhandarkar, Farah Khan with her brother Sajid Khan, arrived at Kumar’s residence to offer their condolences.

Kumar was known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ among his fans for his roles in a series of patriotic films like “Shaheed”, “Upkar”, “Purab Aur Paschim” and “Roti, Kapda aur Makaan”, among others.

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Born Harikrishan Goswami into a Punjabi Hindu family in Abbottabad town (Pakistan) in undivided India, Kumar’s family migrated to Delhi in 1947, the year of India’s Independence.

He completed his graduation from Delhi University’s Hindu College before shifting to Mumbai to pursue a career in movies.

Some of Kumar’s other notable movies included “Himalaya Ki God Mein”, “Do Badan”,  “Patthar Ke Sanam”, “Hariyali Aur Raasta”, “Kranti”, and others.

He is survived by his two sons and wife Shashi.