Ashok Kumar, also known as Dadamoni, was a legendary Indian actor who made significant contributions to the Indian film industry. Born as Kumudlal Ganguly on October 13, 1911, in Bhagalpur, Bihar, he became one of the most iconic actors in the history of Indian cinema.
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Picture: Social Media
Ashok Kumar was born to Kunjalal Ganguly and Gouri Devi. He had one sister Sati Devi who was married to famous producer Shashadhar Mukherjee and two younger brothers, Anoop Kumar and Kishore Kumar, who also became notable figures in the Hindi film industry.
He completed his early education at the Presidency College, Calcutta (now Kolkata) and later pursued a degree in law.
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Picture: Social Media
Ashok Kumar’s entry into the film industry was rather accidental. He initially worked as a lab assistant in Bombay Talkies, a prominent film studio in Mumbai.
Young Ashok Kumar Debut in the world of Cinema
His brother-in-law, Shashadhar Mukherjee, who was a film producer at Bombay Talkies, encouraged him to act, and Ashok Kumar made his acting debut in the film “Jeevan Naiya” (1936).
Ashok Kumar’s career in the film industry spanned over six decades, and he appeared in over 300 films. He excelled in various genres, including romantic, comedy, and drama.
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Some of his notable films include Achhut Kanya (1936), Kismet (1943), Mahal (1949), Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958), and Pakeezah (1972).
He was known for his versatility as an actor, seamlessly transitioning from being a suave leading man to playing character roles with ease.
Ashok Kumar appeared frequently opposite Nalini Jaywant in several movies of the 1950s. He did around 17 films with Meena Kumari in a span of twenty years ranging from Tamasha in 1952 to 1972 magnum opus, Pakeezah.
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He played the suave cigarette-smoking criminal or police officer in several films in the mid to late 1950s, in what was the Indian film-noir movement.
Ashok Kumar’s collaboration with Dev Anand in films like Jewel Thief (1967), Prem Pujari (1970) was highly acclaimed. His other films with Dev Anand were Tamasha (1952), Baadbaan (1952) and Return of Jewel Thief (1996).
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By the 1960s, Ashok Kumar switched over to character roles, variously playing the parent, uncle or grandparent, being careful never to be typecast. From a judge in Kanoon (1960), an ageing freedom fighter in Bandini (1963), a caring brother in Mere Mehboob (1963), an ageing priest in Chitralekha (1964), a vicious zamindar in Jawaab (1970), criminal in Victoria no.203 (1971) and a doting grandfather and father-in-law in Anuraag (1972), he played a wide variety of roles.
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Ashok Kumar played important roles in several landmark movies in the 1960s and 1970s, including Jewel Thief (1967), Aashirwad (1968) (for which he won a Filmfare Award as well as National Award in 1969), Purab aur Pashchim (1970), Pakeezah (1972), Mili (1975), Chhoti Si Baat (1976), Khatta Meetha (1980) and Khoobsurat (1980).
Ashok Kumar and Pran were best friends and acted in 27 films together from 1951 to 1987 and had 20 super-hit films together. Films like Purab Aur Pashchim, Victoria 203, Chor Ke Ghar Chor, Chori Mera Kaam, Adhikar (1971), Maan Gaye Ustad were major hits.
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He teamed up with Shashi Kapoor and Rajesh Khanna in many films in the 1970s and 1980s and acted as the main supporting actor in their films.
Ashok Kumar played a significant role in the evolution of Indian cinema. He was one of the earliest actors to bring realism and natural acting to the Indian screen.
He was also involved in film production and direction, contributing to the growth of the industry.
Ashok Kumar received several awards during his career, including the Padma Bhushan (1999) and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1988), which is India’s highest award in the field of Indian cinema.
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Dadamoni was married to Shobha Devi, and they had three children. The couple had four children, one son, Aroop Ganguly, and three daughters namely Bharati Patel, Rupa Verma and Preeti Ganguly. His son Aroop initially worked in one film as a protagonist Bezubaan (1962). This film was flopped on box-office. Then he switched his career in the corporate world. His eldest daughter, Bharati Patel, is the mother of the actress Anuradha Patel (Ijazat, 1987 fame). The second eldest daughter, Rupa Ganguly is an actress and widow of actor-comedian Deven Verma. His youngest daughter, Preeti Ganguly acted in few Hindi films but could not succeed. She was died in 2012.
He had a close-knit family, and his brothers Anoop Kumar and Kishore Kumar were equally famous in the Indian entertainment industry.
Ashok Kumar continued acting in films even in his old age, portraying character roles with great finesse.
He passed away on December 10, 2001, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in Indian cinema.
His contributions to the industry, along with his natural acting style and versatility, continue to inspire actors and filmmakers to this day.
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Dadamoni’s influence on Indian cinema is immeasurable, and he will always be remembered as a true legend and a pioneer in the world of Bollywood. His work has left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry, and he remains a beloved figure in the hearts of film enthusiasts and audiences.
Ashok Kumar Filmography:
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1936 | Jeevan Naiyya | Karan | |
1936 | Janmbhoomi | Ramchandra | |
1936 | Achhut Kanya | Mohan | |
1937 | Izzat | Karangopal | |
1937 | Savitri | Karan | |
1937 | Prem Kahani | Jagat | |
1938 | Vachan | ||
1938 | Nirmala | Ramdas | |
1939 | Kangan | Vaikartana Siyaram | |
1940 | Bandhan | Nirmal | |
1940 | Azad | Mrityunjay | |
1941 | Naya Sansar | Karanpriya | |
1941 | Jhoola | Ramchandra | |
1941 | Anjaan | Karan Shekhar Azad | |
1942 | Zindagi | ||
1943 | Najma | Yusuf | |
1943 | Kismet | Shekhar & Madan | Double Role |
1943 | Angoothi | ||
1944 | Kiran | Shankar | |
1944 | Chal Chal Re Naujawan | Karan | |
1945 | Humayun | Badshah Naseeruddin Humayun | |
1945 | Begum | ||
1946 | Uttra Abhimanyu | ||
1946 | Shikari | ||
1946 | Eight Days | Shamsher Singh | |
1947 | Chandrashekahr | Pratap | Bengali Movie |
1947 | Sajan | Prakash | |
1948 | Padmini | ||
1949 | Mahal | Hari Shankar | |
1950 | Aadhi Raat | ||
1950 | Sangram | Kumar | |
1950 | Samadhi | Shekhar | |
1950 | Nishana | ||
1950 | Mashaal | Samar | |
1950 | Khiladi | ||
1951 | Afsana | Ratan Kumar / Diwan Chaman Kumar | Double Role |
1951 | Deedar | Dr. Kishore | |
1952 | Tamasha | Ashok Kumar | |
1952 | Saloni | ||
1952 | Raag Rang | ||
1952 | Poonam | ||
1952 | Nau Bahar | Ashok | |
1952 | Kafila | ||
1952 | Jalpari | ||
1952 | Bewafa | Ashok | |
1952 | Betaab | ||
1953 | Shole | ||
1953 | Shamsheer | ||
1953 | Parineeta | Shekhar Rai | |
1954 | Samaj | ||
1954 | Naaz | ||
1954 | Lakeeren | ||
1954 | Baadbaan | ||
1955 | Sardar | ||
1955 | Bhagwat Mahima | ||
1955 | Bandish | Kamal Roy | |
1956 | Ek Hi Rasta | Prakash Mehta | |
1956 | Shatranj | ||
1956 | Bhai-Bhai | Ashok Kumar | |
1956 | Inspector | Shyam | |
1957 | Mr. X | Ashok Kumar / Mr. X | |
1957 | Talaash | ||
1957 | Jeevan Sathi | ||
1957 | Bandi | Shankar | |
1957 | Ustad | ||
1957 | Sheroo | ||
1957 | Ek Saal | Suresh Kumar | |
1958 | Karigar | Shankar Mohite | |
1958 | Light House | ||
1958 | Sitaron Se Aage | Rajesh | |
1958 | Night club | Inspector Kishore | |
1958 | Raagini | Jugal | |
1958 | Sone Ki Chidiya | Himself | Guest Appearance |
1958 | Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi | Brijmohan Sharma | |
1958 | Savera | Kundan | |
1958 | Howrah Bridge | Prem Kumar / Rakesh | |
1958 | Farishta | Ashok | |
1959 | Dhool Ka Phool | Defense Lawyer | Uncredited |
1959 | Nai Raahein | ||
1959 | Naach Ghar | ||
1959 | Kangan | CID Inspector Sharad M. Das | |
1959 | Daaka | ||
1959 | Bedard Zamana Kya Jane | Barrister Ashok | |
1959 | Baap Bete | ||
1960 | Kanoon | Judge Badri Prasad / Badri Prasad’s Lookalike | |
1960 | Masoom | Khan | |
1960 | Kalpana | Amar | |
1960 | Kala Aadmi | Madan | |
1960 | Hospital | Shaibal | Bengali Movie |
1960 | Aanchal | ||
1961 | Dharamputra | Nawab Badruddin (Husn Bano’s Father) | |
1961 | Warrant | ||
1961 | Flat No. 9 | ||
1961 | Dark Street | ||
1961 | Karodpati | Ashok | (Special Appearance) |
1962 | Hong Kong | ||
1962 | Banto | Doctor | Punjabi movie,pardeep kumar,Nishi,Diljit |
1962 | Isi Ka Naam Duniya Hai | Karangopal | |
1962 | Umeed | ||
1962 | Rakhi | Raj Kumar ‘Raju’ | |
1962 | Private Secretary | Shambabu | |
1962 | Naqli Nawaab | Nawab Shoukat Ali | |
1962 | Mehndi Lagi Mere Hath | Dr. Mehta | |
1962 | Burmah Road | Ashok | |
1962 | Bezubaan | Dharm Das | |
1962 | Aarti | Dr. Prakash | |
1963 | Ustadon Ke Ustad | Saaya | |
1963 | Gumrah | Barrister Ashok | |
1963 | Gharni Shobha | ||
1963 | Bandini | Bikash Ghosh | |
1963 | Aaj Aur Kal | Maharaja Balvir Singh | |
1963 | Yeh Raste Hain Pyar Ke | Advocate Byomkesh Mukherjee | |
1963 | Meri Surat Teri Aankhein | Pyare | |
1963 | Mere Mahboob | Nawab Buland Akhtar Changezi | |
1963 | Grahasti | Harishchandra Khanna | |
1964 | Benazir | Nawab | |
1964 | Pooja Ke Phool | Choudhury Hukumat Rai | |
1964 | Phoolon Ki Sej | Dr. Verma | |
1964 | Dooj Ka Chand | ||
1964 | Chitralekha | Yogi Kumargiri | |
1965 | Chand Aur Suraj | Chanderprakash Atmaram Malik ‘Chander’ | |
1965 | Aadhi Rat Ke Bad | Ashok Kumar | |
1965 | Oonche Log | Retired Major Chandrakant | |
1965 | Shevatcha Malusura | Marathi film | |
1965 | Naya Kanoon | Shekhar | |
1965 | Bheegi Raat | Anand | |
1965 | Bahu Beti | Judge | |
1965 | Akashdeep | Shankar Gupta (Guptaji) | |
1966 | Afsana | Gopal | |
1966 | Mamta | Manish Roy | |
1966 | Yeh Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai | ||
1966 | Toofan Mein Pyar Kahan | ||
1966 | Daadi Maa | Pratap / Raja | |
1966 | Annavin Asai | Judge | |
1967 | Jewel Thief | Arjun Singh | |
1967 | Nai Roshni | Professor Kumar | |
1967 | Mehrban | Shanti Swarup | |
1967 | Hatey Bazarey | Dr. Anaadi Mukherjee | Bengali Movie |
1967 | BAhu Begum | Nawab Sikander Mirza | |
1968 | Dil Aur Mohabbat | Supt. of Police, Choudhry | |
1968 | Aabroo | Advocate P.K. Anand | |
1968 | Sadhu Aur Shaitan | Passenger (Hair Dresser) | Uncredited |
1968 | Ek Kali Muskai | Chaudhary Saab | |
1968 | Aashirwad | Shivnath ‘Jogi Thakur’ Choudhary | |
1969 | Pyar Ka Sapna | Shankarnath | |
1969 | Beti Tumhare Jaisi | ||
1969 | Aradhana | Air Commodore Ganguly | |
1969 | Satyakam | Satyasharan ‘Dadji’ Acharya | |
1969 | Paisa Ya Pyar | Mohanlal | |
1969 | Intaquam | Heeralal Mehra | |
1969 | Do Bhai | Judge Ajay Verma | |
1969 | Bhai Bahen | Raja Vikram Pratap | |
1969 | Aansoon Ban Gaye Phool | Professor Vidyanand | |
1970 | Sau Saal Beet Gaye | Digvijay Singh / Nahar Singh | |
1970 | Maa Aur Mamta | William | |
1970 | Sharafat | Jagatram | |
1970 | Safar | Dr. Chander | |
1970 | Purab Aur Paschim | Guruji | |
1970 | Jawab | Zamindar Uma Shankar | |
1971 | Kangan | Lakshmipati ‘Rajaji’ | |
1971 | Adhikar | Barrister Shukla | |
1971 | Naya Zamana | Sachin Choudhury (Rajan & Seema’s Father) | |
1971 | Hum Tum Aur Woh | Mahendranath | |
1971 | Ganga Tera Pani Amrit | Manju’s Father | |
1971 | Door Ka Raahi | Joseph | |
1971 | Guddi | Himself | |
1972 | PAkeezah | Shahabuddin | |
1972 | Garam Masala | Maharaj | Uncredited |
1972 | Anurag | Rai Sahib Shiv Shankar Rai | |
1972 | Victoria No. 203 | Raja | |
1972 | Zindagi Zindagi | Choudhury Ramprasad | |
1972 | Zameen Aasman | Shanti Swaroop | |
1972 | Sazaa | ||
1972 | Rakhi Aur Hathkadi | Thakur Virendra Singh | |
1972 | Sa-Re-Ga-Ma-Pa | Jaggu / Barrister Raghuveer Sahay | |
1972 | Rani Mera Naam | ||
1972 | Maalik | Ganesh Duttji ‘Guru’ | |
1972 | Dil Daulat Duniya | Seth Kalidas / Kalluram ‘Kalwa’ | Double Role |
1973 | Dhund | Public Prosecutor Mehta | |
1973 | Bada Kabutar | Mama Rampuri | |
1973 | Taxi Driver | ||
1973 | Hifazat | Asha’s Foster Father | |
1974 | Do Phool | Diwan Bahadur Atal Rai | |
1974 | Khoon Ki Keemat | ||
1974 | Prem Nagar | Raja Uday Singh | |
1974 | Ujala Hi Ujala | Professor Shyamlal Gupta | |
1974 | Paise Ki Gudiya | Dr. Vinayak | |
1974 | Love In Bombay | Ushman Bhai | |
1974 | Dulhan | ||
1974 | Do Aankhein | ||
1975 | Chori Mera Kaam | Shankar | |
1975 | Aakraman | ||
1975 | Mili | Mili’s father | |
1975 | Ek Mahal Ho Sapnon Ka | Anand Kumar | |
1975 | Uljhan | Judge Kailash Chander | |
1975 | Daffa 302 | ||
1976 | Chhoti Si Bat | Colonel Julius Nagendranath Wilfred Singh | |
1976 | Bhanwar | Dr. Verma | |
1976 | Shankar Dada | Superintendent of Police | |
1976 | Balika Vadhu | Aged Amal | Voice |
1976 | Ek Se Badhkar Ek | Raja | |
1976 | Santan | Dinanath | |
1976 | Rangila Ratan | ||
1976 | Harfan Maulaa | Ranjeet / Kedar / Mahavir | |
1976 | Ha Khel Savlyancha | Thorat | Marathi Film |
1976 | Barood | Balraj Gupta – Criminologist | |
1976 | Arjun Pandit | Dr. Shukla | |
1976 | Aap Beati | Kishorilal Kapoor | |
1977 | Jadu Toda | Inspector Jolly Goodman | |
1977 | Dream Girl | Mr. Verma | |
1977 | Hira Aur Paththar | Dr. Anand | |
1977 | Anand Ashram | Pratap Narayan Roychoudhary | |
1977 | Prayashchit | ||
1977 | Mastan Dada | ||
1977 | Anurodh | Mr. Mathur | |
1977 | Chala Murari Hero Banne | Ramel | |
1978 | Bahadur Jiska Naam | ||
1978 | Do Musafir | Kailash Nath | |
1978 | Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan | Lala Ganpat Rai | |
1978 | Anpadh | Gupta | |
1978 | Apna Khoon | Geeta’s Father | |
1978 | Dil Aur Deewar | Rai Saheb | |
1978 | Chor Ke Ghar Chor | Ranjeet Singh | |
1978 | Safed Jhooth | Baldevraj Gulati | |
1978 | Tumhare Liye | Dr. Vachaspati / Vaidyaraj | |
1978 | Premi Gangaram | ||
1978 | Khatta Meatha | Homi Mistry | |
1978 | Anmol Tasveer | ||
1979 | Guru Ho Ja shuru | CBI Inspector / Chief Kumar | |
1979 | Majnoon | ||
1979 | Janta Hawaldaar | ||
1979 | Bagula Bhagat | ||
1979 | Amar Deep | ||
1980 | Khubsoorat | Dwarka Prasad Gupta | |
1980 | Khwab | Advocate Joshi | |
1980 | Aap Ke Deewane | Inshallah Khan | |
1980 | Takkar | Zamindar (Vijay, Kishan, Meena’s Father) | |
1980 | Jyoti Bane Jwala | Dr. Bose | |
1980 | Sau Din Saas KE | Colonel Gupta | |
1980 | Saajan Mere Main Saajan Ki | ||
1980 | Nazrana Pyar Ka | Mahesh Kumar Gupta | |
1980 | Judaai | Retired Justice Umakant Verma | |
1980 | Aakhiri Inssaf | ||
1981 | Yeh Kaisa Nashaa Hai | ||
1981 | Pyar To Hona Hi Tha | ||
1981 | Jail Yatra | Ramnath Verma | |
1981 | Mahfil | Raghunath Singh | |
1981 | Maan Gaye UStad | Jailor | |
1981 | Jyoti | Zamindar (Govind & Niranjan’s Father) | |
1982 | Patthar Ki Lakeer | ||
1982 | Dial 100 | Shanti’s Husband | |
1982 | Shaukeen | Om Prakash Choudhury | |
1982 | Heeron Ka Chor | Mr. Khanna (Mohan’s Father) | |
1982 | Shakti | Police Commissioner | |
1982 | Anokha Bandhan | Zamindar | |
1982 | Swarna Mahal | ||
1982 | Sumbandh | Advocate Hardayal Mathur | |
1982 | Mehndi Rang Layegi | ||
1982 | Dard Ka Rishta | ||
1982 | Chalti Ka Naam Zindagi | ||
1983 | Farz Ki Keemat | ||
1983 | Taqdeer | Diwan Pratap Singh | Uncredited |
1983 | Prem Tapasya | Dr. Chowdary | |
1983 | Love in Goa | Baburao | |
1983 | Mahaan | Mr. Rai (Rita’s Grandfather) | |
1983 | Pasand Apni Apni | Shantilal Anand | |
1983 | Kaya Palat | ||
1983 | Haadsaa | Dr. Ved Kapoor | |
1983 | Chor Police | Mr. Sinha | |
1983 | Bekarar | Pradeep’s father | |
1984 | Prerna | ||
1984 | Farishta | Rai Bahadur | |
1984 | Ram Tera Desh | Ram Das | |
1984 | Duniya | R. D. Puri | |
1984 | Shilalipi | ||
1984 | Raja Aur Rana | Rajinder Singh (Raja) | |
1984 | Hum Rahe Na Hum | Professor Mulk Raj | |
1984 | Grahathi | Shankar | |
1984 | Akalmad | Major | |
1985 | Tawaif | Mr. Nigam | |
1985 | Bhago Bhoot Aaya | Butler Anthony D’Souza | |
1985 | Durgaa | Dinanath | |
1985 | Ek Daku Saher Mein | Police Inspector | |
1985 | Phir Aayee Barsat | Bajaj – Dilip’s father | |
1986 | Qatl | Beggar / Street Singer | |
1986 | Amma | ||
1986 | Pyar Kiya Hai Pyar Karenge | Abdul Rehman | |
1986 | Asli Naqli | Driver / Chacha | |
1986 | Shatru | Superintendent of Police | |
1986 | Inteqam Ki Aag | Shobha’s father | |
1987 | Woh Din Ayega | Professor Bhattacharya | |
1987 | Mr. India | Professor Sinha | |
1987 | Awam | Veshat Ansari | |
1987 | Hifazat | Kailashnath | |
1987 | Watan Ke Rakhwale | Professor Peter Fernandes | |
1987 | Superman | Superman’s Foster Father | |
1987 | Pyar Ki Jeet | Dr. Kumar | |
1987 | Jawab Hum Denge | Defense Lawyer | |
1988 | Inteqam | Raghuveer | |
1988 | Faisla | Rehman | |
1989 | Majboor | Ravi and Sunil’s Father | |
1989 | Clerk | Satyapati | |
1989 | Anjane Rishte | Kirpa Ram | |
1989 | Dana Pani | Advocate Sinha | |
1989 | Sachai Ki Taqat | ||
1989 | Mamta Ki Chaon Mein | ||
1990 | Naya Zamana Nai Kranti | ||
1991 | Begunaah | Judge Dindayal | |
1991 | Maut Ki Sazaa | Pandit Satyadev | |
1991 | Aadhi Mimansa | ||
1992 | Humla | Devkishan Sharma | |
1992 | Surer Bhubane | ||
1993 | Kanyadaan | ||
1993 | Prathama | ||
1993 | Aasoo Bane Angarey | ||
1994 | Yuhi Kabhi | God | |
1995 | Sajan Ka Dard | ||
1995 | Mera Damad | Ajit Khanna | |
1995 | Jamla Ho Jamla | Balaji Ghorpade | Marathi film |
1996 | Dushman Duniya Ka | Doctor | |
1996 | Beqabu | Daddu, Raja’s Mentor | |
1996 | Return Of Jewel Thief | Prince Arjun Singh | |
1997 | Ankhon Mein tum Ho | Mr. Kapoor (Daddu) | |
1997 | Achena Atithi | Kapoor | final film role |
2013 | Love in Bombay | Usman Bhai | Posthumous release, originally made in 1971 |
Television
Year | Serial | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1984–1985 | Hum Log | Narrator | |
1986 | Katha Sagar | ||
Bahadur Shah Zafar | Bahadur Shah Zafar | ||
Dada Dadi Ki Kahaniyan | |||
Hum Hindustani | |||
1987 | Ramayan | Himself | Narrator in first episode |
1988 | Crossroads | Ranjit Rupal | |
1990–1991 | Bheem Bhavani | Bheem | |
1993 | Ujale Ki Ore | ||
1994 | Tehkikat | Dada- | Episode “Murder after Lucky Draw” |