In a heartfelt and poignant tribute held in the vibrant cityscape of Mumbai on a serene Sunday, several illustrious Bollywood luminaries, including the esteemed Aamir Khan and the venerable Jaya Bachchan, gathered to attend the prayer meeting for the legendary thespian Manoj Kumar.
The iconic figure in Indian cinema tragically passed away on Friday at the age of 87, succumbing to ongoing heart issues. Other notable personalities such as Farhan Akhtar, Rakesh Roshan, Sonu Nigam, Krishika Lulla, Neil Nitin Mukesh, and Esha Deol were present to honour the enduring legacy of the late actor.
A day preceding the somber prayer gathering, Manoj Kumar’s funeral unfolded with dignified state honours. Renowned figures like Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Salim Khan, and Rajpal Yadav attended the service to offer their final tributes. The cremation ceremony was conducted at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai, where Amitabh Bachchan shared a reflective moment with his long-time companion Salim Khan amidst the solemn proceedings.
Born on 24 July 1937, Manoj Kumar stands as a celebrated icon in Indian cinema. Affectionately known as ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his portrayal of patriotic roles, he carved an indelible niche with his compelling nationalistic narratives. Over a distinguished career spanning five decades, he graced 55 films with his talent and impressively directed eight. In recognition of his monumental contributions, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 1992 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2015.