NEW DELHI: The mortal remains of veteran actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar, fondly known as ‘Bharat Kumar‘, were consigned to flames with full state honours at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Juhu, Mumbai, on Saturday.

The 87-year-old actor passed away on Friday due to age-related ailments at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. A photo of a young Manoj Kumar was placed at the entrance of his residence, allowing family, friends, and fans to offer their final respects.

An ambulance carrying his body, adorned with tricolour-themed floral arrangements, left his residence around 10.30am for the crematorium. Several film industry veterans, including Prem Chopra and Ashoke Pandit, were present at the funeral.
A day earlier, veteran actors Dharmendra and Prem Chopra, along with filmmakers Madhur Bhandarkar, Farah Khan and her brother Sajid Khan, had visited his home to offer condolences to the bereaved family.

Manoj Kumar earned the moniker ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his iconic portrayals in patriotic films such as Shaheed, Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Roti, Kapda Aur Makaan.
Born as Harikrishan Goswami in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan) in pre-Partition India, his family moved to Delhi during the 1947 partition. A graduate of Hindu College, Delhi University, Kumar later moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in cinema.
Apart from his patriotic roles, he starred in several acclaimed films including Himalaya Ki God Mein, Do Badan, Patthar Ke Sanam, Hariyali Aur Raasta, and the multi-starrer Kranti.