The actor was affectionately known as “Bharat Kumar” for his iconic roles in patriotic films such as Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Shaheed
Our Bureau
Mumbai
The legendary actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, who passed away on April 4, was cremated with state honours at the Pawan Hans crematorium in Mumbai last Saturday. The funeral was attended by prominent Bollywood figures, including Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Salim Khan, and Arbaaz Khan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his grief over the death of the legendary filmmaker. In a letter addressed to Kumar’s wife, Shashi Goswami, the PM remembered meeting the legendary actor and also praised his contribution to Indian cinema and patriotism. The letter, written in Hindi, read, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. My condolences are with his family and well-wishers during this difficult time. The legendary actor and filmmaker showcased the pride of India in a powerful way through his films. Many of his movies helped strengthen the feeling of patriotism among the people.”
“The songs from his films, based on Indian culture and values, express love and dedication towards the country, and people will always remember and sing them. I will always remember my meetings and thoughtful conversations with Shri Manoj Kumar Ji. His work will continue to inspire generations to work for the country and society. His passing is a huge loss to the film world,” the letter further read.
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.
Bollywood star Sunny Deol also talked about his father and veteran actor Dharmendra’s close bond with the late Manoj Kumar. While speaking to the media, he said, “They both were together in the industry. He had always been a father figure for us, and since childhood, I had seen him with my father. My dad had a great connection with him. I would just say that the films that he did were about India, and bahut pyaari thi. Usi se deshbhakti ka silsila shuru hua tha.”
He recalled how his father shared an incident with him just before coming to the Capital. “Before coming here, dad was telling me that when he was with Manoj ji in the early days, they were struggling; jeb mein paise nahi hote the (they didn’t have any money).”
Veteran star Dharmendra on Saturday took a stroll down memory lane and shared a vintage picture with the ‘Kranti’ star. The throwback picture shows the two stars sharing smiles. In his caption, Dharmendra mentioned that he will always remember the moments spent with Manoj Kumar.
Dharmendra also paid a visit to Manoj Kumar’s residence after he learned about his demise.
Also, Anupam Kher recently visited late legendary actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar’s residence to offer his condolences to the family. Kher, on Thursday, took to his Instagram to share a series of pictures along with a caption that read, “Met #ManojKumar Ji’s friends and family!! And paid my tribute! Thank you #Manoj Ji for your contribution in my life! Both as an actor/director and as an Indian! Jai Hind! #Bharat #Patriot.”
Earlier, Kher had posted a video in which he remembered how Kumar’s films shaped his childhood and inspired his love for the country. “Manoj Kumar ji has a huge contribution in awakening the spirit of patriotism in my heart. India had become independent. It had been only 15-20 years and the fight for revolution, the freedom movement, everything was fresh. On top of that, Manoj Kumar ji’s films, that feeling of patriotism kept on deepening,” he added.
Veteran singer Nitin Mukesh also visited his residence to meet with the family. He paid his heartfelt condolences to Manoj Kumar’s wife Shashi Goswami and son Kunal Goswami. He also crooned the late actor’s iconic song ‘Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai’ in his soulful voice. Nitin Mukesh closely worked with Manoj Kumar, delivering several hit tracks such as Zindagi Ki Na Tute Ladi, Pyaar Kar Le Ghadi Do Ghadi’ from the film ‘Kranti’, which Kumar had directed.
