Haridwar, April 12: The ashes of legendary Bollywood actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar were immersed in the sacred Ganga river at Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar, on Saturday. The solemn ritual was carried out by his sons, as per Hindu traditions, in the presence of close family members, friends, and a gathering of fans who came to pay their final respects.
Manoj Kumar, born as Harikrishan Giri Goswami, passed away on April 4 at the age of 87 in a Mumbai hospital due to age-related health issues. A towering figure in Indian cinema, he was fondly known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his iconic portrayal of patriotic characters in films that resonated deeply with audiences across the nation. His contributions to Indian cinema, particularly through films like Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Kranti, earned him an enduring legacy that spanned decades.
The immersion ceremony took place at the revered Har Ki Pauri ghat, where priests performed the final rites amid chanting of Vedic mantras. The atmosphere was both serene and emotionally charged, as the Ganga flowed silently in the background, symbolizing spiritual liberation and the continuity of life.
Draped in traditional white attire, Kumar’s sons performed the rituals with heavy hearts. The family was accompanied by several well-wishers and admirers who had gathered to witness the final farewell to one of India’s most cherished cinematic icons. Some fans were seen holding photographs of Manoj Kumar and lighting incense sticks as a mark of respect.
Speaking to the media, one of Kumar’s sons expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans and well-wishers from all corners of the country. “Our father lived a life full of purpose and left behind a legacy of patriotism, integrity, and passion for cinema. We are humbled by the love he continues to receive, even in his passing,” he said.
Manoj Kumar’s films often mirrored the socio-political climate of India, and he became a voice of nationalism through cinema at a time when the country was shaping its identity post-Independence. His movie Upkar, which was inspired by former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”, struck a powerful chord with viewers and set the tone for a series of similar films that celebrated Indian values and heroes.
Over the years, Kumar received several accolades for his work, including the Padma Shri and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award—the highest award in Indian cinema.
As the ashes of Manoj Kumar were consigned to the Ganga, the river that holds deep spiritual significance in Indian tradition, it marked the final chapter in the life of a man who symbolized the spirit of India for generations of moviegoers. Though he is no longer physically present, his legacy as ‘Bharat Kumar’ will continue to inspire and echo through the annals of Indian cinema.
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