The Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) helped spread the word about a solemn prayer meet on Sunday evening in memory of legendary actor Manoj Kumar, who passed away on April 4 at the age of 87. The prayer gathering is set to take place at the JW Marriott, Juhu, between 4 and 6 PM, and will likely see colleagues, directors and actors attending to honour the cinematic giant.
In an official statement, CINTAA wrote, “With deep sorrow, CINTAA shares the prayer meet details of Shri Manoj Kumar Ji (Shri Harikrishan Goswami), on behalf of the Goswami Parivar.” The association paid tribute to the veteran actor’s legacy, adding, “He made the nation and all of us proud with his zeal, vision and cinematic excellence.”
Affectionately called ‘Bharat Kumar’ for his timeless portrayals in patriotic films like Upkar and Purab Aur Paschim, Manoj was laid to rest with full state honours at the Pawan Hans crematorium on Saturday.
Bollywood icons poured in heartfelt tributes following his passing. Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who worked with Kumar in Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), attended the funeral in person and later shared an emotional black-and-white photo with the late actor on his blog. “In remembrance... and prayer in grief,” the 82-year-old wrote.
Veteran actor Dharmendra, who collaborated with Kumar on Shaadi and Maidan-E-Jung, also visited the actor’s residence to pay his respects. Sharing a throwback picture, Dharmendra wrote, “Manoj, mere yaar, tere saath beeta har pal bahut yaad ayega (Manoj, my friend, I’ll remember every moment spent with you).”
Actress Zeenat Aman, who starred opposite Kumar in Roti Kapda Aur Makaan, took to social media to post a still from the film and wrote, “Saddened to learn about the passing of Manoj Kumar. May his soul rest in peace.”
The funeral saw the presence of several Bollywood personalities including Abhishek Bachchan, Salim Khan, and Arbaaz Khan, all paying homage to the screen legend.
