Manoj Kumar Prayer Meet: Shashi Goswami, Jaya Bachchan, Prem Chopra, And Others Unite To Pay Tribute

Manoj Kumar, the legendary superstar fondly named by fans as ‘Bharat Kumar,’ left for his heavenly abode on April 4, 2025, at the age of 87, after suffering from prolonged age-related complications. His demise has left the industry in a state of mourning. The superstar was cremated on April 5, 2025, and today, the Indian film fraternity is united under one roof in heartfelt remembrance. 

Bollywood unites at Manoj Kumar’s prayer meet

On April 6, 2025, two days after his demise, Manoj Kumar was honoured at a solemn ceremony organised by the Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) at JW Marriott, Juhu, from 4 PM to 6 PM. The prayer meet became a moment of collective grief and gratitude as friends, family and admirers from the industry came together under one roof to celebrate the life and legacy of the iconic ‘Bharat’ of Indian cinema. 

Among the first to arrive was Manoj Kumar's wife, Shashi Goswami, accompanied by her family. Dressed in an all-white suit, she looked heartbroken at the recent loss of her husband. 

The superstar's family was followed by other renowned faces from the industry. Actor-filmmaker, Farhan Akhtar, along with his mother, Honey Irani, was spotted entering the premises. Veteran actor and filmmaker, Rakesh Roshan, was also seen arriving with his wife to pay respects to the actor, reminding us of the golden era that they shared with Manoj Kumar. 

We spotted Neil Nitin Mukesh and his wife, Rukmini Sahay, who were also among the first to arrive at the spot. Neil, visibly emotional, also shared a few words with the media before entering the premises, calling Manoj Kumar “A pillar of classic Indian cinema.” Veteran actress, Jaya Bachchan was also seen at the prayer meet.

Esha Deol was also seen attending the prayers, dressed in all white. Other notable names spotted at the meet included Manoj Kumar's close friend and colleague, Prem Chopra, director David Dhawan, Subhash Ghai, Sonu Nigam, Shekhar Suman, Anu Malik and several members of the CINTAA who had walked with the late superstar or were influenced by his work. Aamir Khan and Johnny Lever were also among the many attendees.

Manoj Kumar’s final rites

Manoj Kumar sparked a wave of nationalism through his patriotic films during the 1960s, a crucial time when India was facing the brunt of war and food crises. At the request of the then PM, Lal Bahadur Shastri, he directed a film inspired by the famous slogan, “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”. On April 5, 2025, before his cremation, the beloved 'Bharat Kumar' was honoured with a gun salute for his immense contribution to the country. His mortal remains were crapped in the national flag at his final rites.

Manoj Kumar passed away at 87

In the early hours of April 4, 2025, Manoj Kumar took his last breath at Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. The 87-year-old actor reportedly succumbed to a cardiogenic shock following a severe heart attack. He was admitted to the hospital on February 21, 2025, and he was also batting liver cirrhosis. The actor gifted the nation some legendary films such as Shaheed, Upkar, Kranti, and Purab Aur Paschim.

Even though Manoj Kumar is no longer in this physical realm, he will live forever through his legendary films!

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