Ashok Kumar, fondly known as Dadamuni, was one of the most influential actors in Bollywood. Born on 13th October 1911 in Bhagalpur, he earned the title “Dadamuni” from his Bengali roots, with “Dada” meaning elder brother and “Moni” meaning jewel. Over the years, he became a true gem of Indian cinema, not only for his acting but for the many talents that set him apart from his contemporaries.
An Accidental Hero
Ashok Kumar’s entry into films was purely coincidental. He was initially interested in working behind the camera in the technical field, but fate had other plans. In 1936, he was cast as the lead in Jeevan Naiya when the original actor went missing. Paired with the famous Devika Rani, known for her bold persona, Ashok’s debut was a surprise hit. The success of his next film Achhut Kanya cemented his position as a leading actor.
Manto’s Admiration for Dadamuni
One of Ashok Kumar’s close friends was Saadat Hasan Manto, the famous writer known for his bold stories like Kali Salwar and Thanda Gosht. Manto often described Ashok as a man of impeccable character. In his story Meena Bazaar, Manto mentioned an incident where a woman tried to seduce Ashok, but his determination and clean character led her to change her approach. Manto admired Ashok for his principles, especially when so many women admired him.
The First Antihero and Superstar of Bollywood
Ashok Kumar broke the mould by playing a wide range of characters, including the first antihero in Bollywood. He wasn’t limited to playing conventional good roles; instead, he explored complex characters that were both dark and heroic. Over his six-decade career, he gave iconic performances in films like Kismat, Mahal, Parineeta, Ashirwad, Jewel Thief, and Khoobsurat.
A Man of Many Talents
Apart from being a legendary actor, Ashok Kumar was a man of many talents. He had a deep knowledge of astrology, was an orator, painter, and even a homeopath. His biographer, Nabendu Ghosh, revealed that Dadamuni was also a poet, linguist, and a loyal friend. His life was not confined to the world of cinema; he had a wide range of interests and hobbies that enriched his personality.
A Family Man Who Felt Deep Loss
Despite his fame and success, Ashok Kumar was a simple family man. He was deeply devoted to his family and stopped celebrating his birthday after 1987. This decision came after the death of his younger brother, Kishore Kumar, a loss that left a permanent mark on his life. He carried this sorrow with him until his death on 10th December 2001.
Awards and Accolades
Ashok Kumar’s contribution to Indian cinema was recognized with numerous awards. He was honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1988 for his immense contribution to Indian cinema. Earlier, he had also received the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards.
Ashok Kumar’s journey from a reluctant actor to Bollywood’s first superstar remains inspiring. His legacy continues to live on, not just through his films, but also through the many talents and principles that defined his extraordinary life.
