Bollywood Bids Final Goodbye to Legendary Actor Manoj Kumar with State Honours

The Indian film industry mourns the loss of veteran actor Manoj Kumar, who passed away at the age of 87 on Friday morning due to age-related ailments at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. The late actor, fondly known as the “Bharat Kumar” of Indian cinema, was laid to rest with full state honours on Saturday, in the presence of family, close friends, and several Bollywood personalities.

"Family members and close friends of Manoj Kumar gathered at his residence in Mumbai to bid their final goodbyes," as the actor's mortal remains were taken from his home for the final rites.

As a mark of respect, his mortal remains were draped in the tricolour, and the police accorded him full state honours in a grand tribute reflecting his iconic contribution to patriotic cinema. "In a video, the police was seen giving Manoj state honours. The late actor was given a grand tribute to celebrate the legacy he leaves behind in Indian cinema. His bier, draped in the tricolour national flag, marked a fitting farewell to the 'Bharat Kumar' of Indian cinema."

Prominent Bollywood figures, including Prem Chopra, Raza Murad, Vindu Dara Singh, and Zayed Khan, arrived at his Mumbai residence to pay their last respects. "A video also showed Zayed Khan touching the feet of Manoj Kumar's wife and consoling younger members of his family."

The ambulance carrying the veteran actor's body was beautifully adorned with flowers and garlands in the colours of the national flag, symbolising his lifelong association with patriotism through cinema. "The ambulance carrying his body was also adorned with garlands and flowers in the tricolour, symbolising his patriotic journey in cinema."

Manoj Kumar's wife, Shashi, stood beside other family members during the solemn proceedings. "Manoj's wife Shashi was also among the family members who attended the state honours of the late actor."

Born Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), Manoj Kumar rose to become one of the most celebrated actors in the history of Indian cinema. "Born Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), Manoj became one of the most iconic actors in the history of Indian cinema. His portrayal of strong, patriotic characters earned him the affectionate title of 'Bharat Kumar.'"

Throughout his illustrious career, he delivered some of Indian cinema's most memorable films, particularly those that stirred patriotic fervour in audiences. "His films, such as Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), and Shaheed (1965), became landmark productions that defined nationalistic cinema in India. Some of his other notable movies included Himalaya Ki God Mein, Do Badan, Patthar Ke Sanam, Hariyali Aur Raasta, Kranti and others."

Beyond acting, Manoj Kumar also left his mark as a director and producer. "His impact was not limited to acting. As a director and producer, he made significant contributions to the Indian film industry. Upkar won the National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film, and his other films, such as Purab Aur Paschim and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), were both critically and commercially successful."

Recognised for his extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema, he was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1992 and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015. "He earned prestigious awards, such as the Padma Shri (1992) and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2015)."

The passing of Manoj Kumar marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, leaving behind a rich legacy of films that continue to inspire patriotism and cinematic excellence.