Subhash Ghai calls Manoj Kumar one of the finest artists whose work continues to inspire generations

IANS April 5, 2025 269 views

Manoj Kumar, the iconic filmmaker known for patriotic cinema, was remembered with deep respect by fellow industry members after his passing. Subhash Ghai highlighted Kumar's significant contributions to Indian cinema, calling him one of the finest filmmakers who inspired generations. The last rites were held in Mumbai with full state honours, attended by numerous film industry stalwarts. Kumar's legacy of meaningful, nationalist storytelling continues to resonate with audiences across generations.

"The biggest inspiration for the industry is a filmmaker" - Subhash Ghai
Subhash Ghai calls Manoj Kumar one of the finest artists whose work continues to inspire generations
Mumbai, April 5: Filmmaker Subhash Ghai attended the last rites of actor Manoj Kumar in the city on Saturday. Bidding adieu to his fellow filmmaker, Subhash Ghai spoke with IANS, and said that Manoj Kumar was one of the finest filmmakers of our country whose work continues to inspire everyone.

Key Points

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Manoj Kumar pioneered patriotic storytelling in Hindi cinema

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State funeral held with Guard of Honour in Mumbai

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Film fraternity including Amitabh Bachchan pays final respects

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Remembered for iconic songs like 'Mere Desh Ki Dharti'

He told IANS, “The biggest inspiration for the industry is a filmmaker. If we have ten filmmakers in India, who have been an inspiration for the coming generation, he was one of the finest we had, the biggest filmmaker and an actor”.

He further mentioned, “Manoj Kumar boasted of fine craftsmanship, content, this kind of connection with the audience, and gave songs like ‘Mere Desh Ki Dharti’, ‘Kasme Vaade’, ‘Teri Meri Kahani’ to the audience. And this music is still relevant in current times, and will stay relevant for the next 50 years as well”.

The last rites of Manoj Kumar were held in the Vile Parle area of Mumbai. The actor, who is credited with introducing a new wave of patriotic content in Hindi cinema, passed away on Friday after prolonged illness.

His mortal remains were brought from the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute to his residence in Goswami towers at 10:00 am on Saturday, and the final rites were held at the Pawan Hans crematorium.

Visuals from his residence showed family members and staff arranging floral decorations, while an ambulance adorned with tri-colour flowers, symbolising the national flag, carried his mortal remains.

The friends and family of the actor attended his last rites as he was given a state funeral. He was given the Guard of Honour during his last rites.

Members of the film fraternity like Amitabh Bachchan, Salim Khan, their sons Abhishek Bachchan, and Arbaaz Khan attended the funeral.

Other members of the fraternity included Prem Chopra, Raza Murad, Vindu Dara Singh, Anu Malik and Dheeraj Kumar were also present.

Reader Comments

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Priya S.
Manoj Kumar's films were truly ahead of their time! The patriotism in his movies still gives me goosebumps. "Mere Desh Ki Dharti" is my all-time favorite ❤️ May his soul rest in peace.
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Rahul K.
While I respect his contributions, I always felt his patriotic themes became a bit repetitive in later films. But no denying he created some iconic cinema that defined an era.
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Anjali M.
My grandfather used to tell me stories about how Manoj Kumar's films brought the whole neighborhood together in the 60s. His movies were more than entertainment - they were cultural events! 🎥
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Vikram P.
The state funeral was a fitting tribute to this legend. Shows how much he meant to Indian cinema and our national identity. His songs still play during Independence Day celebrations in my town.
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Sunita R.
Watching "Upkar" as a child was my first introduction to patriotic films. That movie shaped my understanding of what it means to love your country. Thank you for the memories, Bharat Kumar 🙏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Manoj Kumar Subhash Ghai Bollywood Legend Patriotic Cinema Indian Film History
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