Veteran actor Manoj Kumar's ashes immersed in Ganga at Haridwar

NEW DELHI: The ashes of renowned Indian actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar were immersed in the Ganges River at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar on Saturday morning in a heartfelt ceremony attended by his close family.
The immersion, conducted with traditional Vedic rituals, took place at the Brahma Kund, with prayers and chants filling the air along the riverbanks.

Kumar's sons, Kunal and Vishal Goswami, along with other relatives, participated in the ritual led by the family’s priest. Kunal Goswami expressed, "The ashes have been immersed in the Ganges, and we pray for his soul's peace through the blessings of Mother Ganga."
Manoj Kumar, born Harikrishan Goswami on July 24, 1937, in Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), passed away on April 4 at the age of 87 after battling a prolonged illness. He breathed his last at Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital at 4.03 am.
Affectionately known as "Bharat Kumar" for his patriotic roles in films like Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, and Shaheed, Kumar was a key figure in Indian cinema during the 1960s and 70s. He was also an accomplished director and producer, with his directorial debut Upkar winning the National Film Award for Second Best Feature Film in 1967. Other successful films he directed include Purab Aur Paschim (1970) and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences in a letter to Kumar's wife, Shashi Goswami, expressing sorrow over the actor's death. The PM highlighted Kumar's powerful portrayal of India's pride in his films, adding, "His work will continue to inspire future generations to serve the country and society."
Kumar was cremated with state honours at Mumbai’s Pawan Hans crematorium on April 5. The funeral was attended by several Bollywood stars, including Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Salim Khan, and Arbaaz Khan.