This actor never wanted to work in Bollywood. However, later, he became one of the top actors in the industry. Scroll down to know his name.
Even after a Bollywood actor passes away, he or she remains in the hearts of people. Their acting, performance, and aura are widely loved even after they are no longer present. Similarly, this actor, who made his debut in 1930, is still remembered in 2024. He was not just an actor but a multi-talented personality well-versed in astrology. This actor never wanted to enter Bollywood; he had dreams and aspirations to excel in the technical field. However, he ultimately landed in the cinema industry.
If you are wondering who we are talking about, it is Ashok Kumar. According to his biography, Dadmuni: The Life and Times of Ashok Kumar, the actor revealed that his entry into the Bollywood world was completely accidental. He was suddenly cast in the lead role of the 1936 film Jeevan Naiya because the original actor went missing. In this film, he shared the screen with Devika Rani. Although Ashok Kumar was initially hesitant, he worked under Himanshu Rai’s direction, and the movie became a hit. This was followed by Achhut Kanya, a blockbuster that solidified his position in the industry.
After this film, Ashok Kumar never looked back. He went on to deliver several hit films. Over the next six decades, the actor appeared in various films, including Policewale Aur Chor, Kismet, Mahal, Parineeta, Kanoon, Gumrah, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, Ashirwad, Mamta, Jewel Thief, Khubsurat, and Khatta Meetha, among others.
With his constant efforts and impressive performances, Ashok Kumar was honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1988. The actor was also conferred with the Padma Shri. Nabendu Ghosh, who wrote Ashok Kumar’s biography, described him as a man with a vast world. He portrayed Kumar as a captivating speaker, astrologer, painter, poet, and loyal friend.
Over the years, Ashok Kumar worked with several big names in the industry, including Dharmendra, Rekha, Sridevi, Mithun Chakraborty, and others.