Remembering dada moni Ashok Kumar on his birth anniversary (13/11).

Ashok Kumar, originally Kumudlal Ganguly, was born on 13 October 1911. He was a remarkable figure in Indian cinema, gaining iconic status through his natural acting style which was a fresh introduction to Hindi films. His impact was most profound during the black-and-white film era of the 1940s and 50s, where he was celebrated as the first superstar and the initial lead actor to take on anti-hero roles. His ability to reinvent his career allowed him a lengthy and successful journey as a character actor, making him a revered member of the cinematic Ganguly family. His accolades include the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1988 and the Padma Bhushan in 1999, both awarded by the Indian government in recognition of his significant contributions to the film industry. His beginnings in the acting world came unexpectedly while working as a lab assistant at Bombay Talkies. The 1936 film Jeevan Naiya saw him step into the lead role after the original actor eloped with his co-star, marking the start of his acting career, albeit reluctantly. His partnership with Devika Rani, starting with the socially impactful film Achhut Kanya in the same year, resulted in a series of successful films, making them a popular on-screen pair of that time. Though initially overshadowed by Devika Rani, Ashok Kumar’s star rose as he starred opposite Leela Chitnis in films like Kangan (1939), Bandhan (1940), and Azad (1940). His role in the 1943 film Kismet, directed by Gyan Mukherjee, marked him as the first anti-hero in Indian cinema, and its success at the box office solidified his status as a cinema superstar. His popularity soared, as depicted in Manto’s words describing the frenzy of his public appearances. In the post-Kismet era, Ashok Kumar enjoyed a series of box office hits like Chal Chal Re Naujawan (1944), Shikari (1946), and Mahal (1949), among others, establishing him as a bankable star. He also ventured into film production, contributing to the success of Bombay Talkies and nurturing the careers of future stars like Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor through films like Ziddi (1948) and Neelkamal (1947), respectively. His later years saw a reduction in film roles but he made memorable appearances on television, notably hosting India’s first soap opera Hum Log and acting in the detective TV serial Tehkikaat. His final film role was in 1997’s Aankhon Mein Tum Ho. Besides acting, he was a dedicated painter and a qualified homeopath, known for his miracle cures. With a legacy spanning over 275 films and more than 30 Bengali dramas, Ashok Kumar’s multi-faceted contributions to Indian entertainment and society remain etched in history.

What are your favourite Ashok Kumar films?