Manoj Kumar’s son Kunal Goswami Expresses Gratitude at Father’s Cremation
A heartbroken Kunal Goswami said he was proud and thankful for the state honours given to his late father. He appreciated the respect shown by the Maharashtra and Indian governments, and the presence of renowned artists who came to pay tribute.
Bollywood legend Manoj Kumar’s prayer meet to be held on Sunday
A prayer meeting for legendary actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, who passed away on Friday morning, will be held on Sunday, April 6, at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Mumbai, between 4 pm and 6 pm.
The news was shared by his family through a note that read, “With deep sorrow and sad heart we inform the passing away of our beloved SHRI MANOJ KUMAR JI (Shri Harikrishan Goswami) July 24, 1937-April 04, 2025.”
“He made the Nation and all of us proud with his zeal, vision and cinematic excellence. PRAYER MEETING for peace to the departed soul will be held on Sunday, 6th April 2025, at J.W. Marriott Hotel, Juhu, Mumbai, between 4 pm to 6 pm,” the message added.
Manoj Kumar was laid to rest with full state honours at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai on Saturday.
The funeral was attended by prominent Bollywood figures, including Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Salim Khan, and Arbaaz Khan.
The legendary actor and filmmaker passed away at 4:03 a.m. on April 4 at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai AmbHospital in Mumbai after a prolonged illness.
Born Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), Kumar became an iconic figure in Indian cinema, especially in the 1960s and 1970s. The actor was affectionately known as “Bharat Kumar” for his iconic roles in patriotic films such as Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Shaheed.
In addition to his acting career, Kumar made significant contributions as a director and producer. His directorial debut Upkar (1967) won the National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film.
Other successful films directed by him include Purab Aur Paschim (1970) and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), both of which were major successes, both critically and commercially.
Manoj Kumar’s co-actor Zeenat Aman pens emotional note for him
Zeenat Aman expressed her grief on the passing away of the legendary actor and director, Manoj Kumar.
Posting a throwback image with Bharat Kumar, Zeenat penned on her Instagram handle, “Saddened to learn about the passing of Manoj Kumar, May his soul rest in peace.”
Manoj Kumar and Zeenat were seen as the leads, Bharat and Sheetal, in the 1974 drama ‘Roti Kapda Aur Makaan’, directed by Manoj Kumar himself. The film turned out to be a massive hit, becoming the highest-grossing title of the year. ‘Roti Kapda Aur Makaan’ talks about a man tasked with looking after his family after his father’s demise. The song ‘Main Na Bhoolunga’ from the movie is still inked in the memory of movie buffs.
Meanwhile, filmmaker Subhash Ghai believes that Manoj Kumar was one of the finest filmmakers in the country, whose work continues to inspire everyone.
He told IANS, “The biggest inspiration for the industry is a filmmaker. If we have ten filmmakers in India, who have been an inspiration for the coming generation, he was one of the finest we had, the biggest filmmaker and an actor”.
Additionally, veteran actor Raj Babbar mourned the demise of Manoj Kumar. Calling for India’s highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna for the late actor, Babbar told IANS, “The film industry has lost a gem today. Manoj Kumar worked towards solidifying the dignity of India, paid respects to the freedom fighters of India through his work in cinema. A director, writer, and actor, who spoke about patriotism. He was very noble, and made a place for himself in the hearts of people through love”.
Manoj Kumar’s last rites took place in the Vile Parle area of Mumbai today. He was given a state funeral with the Guard of Honour during his last rites.
Numerous members of the film fraternity including Amitabh Bachchan, Salim Khan, Prem Chopra, Raza Murad, Vindu Dara Singh, Anu Malik, and Dheeraj Kumar were also present to pay their last respects.
Abhishek Bachchan loses cool at paparazzi during Manoj Kumar’s funeral
The final rites of veteran actor Manoj Kumar drew a crowd of emotional admirers and noted film personalities to Juhu, where tributes poured in for the late icon. Among the mourners were Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan, who paid their last respects at the crematorium.
While the sombre occasion saw many maintaining a quiet dignity, a moment of tension unfolded when Abhishek Bachchan lost his composure amid an aggressive media presence. As the father-son duo exited the venue, Abhishek appeared visibly upset by the intrusive flashbulbs and constant filming. In a widely circulated video, the actor is seen pushing away a camera and speaking briefly to a member of the media before getting into his vehicle without further comment.
Amitabh Bachchan, meanwhile, paused to greet veteran screenwriter Salim Khan, who appeared genuinely moved by the actor’s presence. The two exchanged pleasantries and shared a warm hug, with Big B walking alongside him briefly in a quiet show of solidarity. Abhishek also acknowledged Salim Khan with a respectful hug.