:Ashok Kumar

File:Indian film actor Ashok Kumar (2).jpg

Ashok Kumar was born Kumudlal Ganguly into a Bengali Brahmin family in Bhagalpur, Bengal Presidency, British India (present-day Bihar, India).{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/Ashok-Kumar-Lesser-Known-Facts/photostory/44794987.cms|title=Ashok Kumar: Lesser Known Facts – The Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=27 March 2018|archive-date=28 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328172117/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/Ashok-Kumar-Lesser-Known-Facts/photostory/44794987.cms|url-status=live}} His father, Kunjlal Ganguly, was a lawyer while his mother, Gouri Devi, was a housewife. Kumudlal was the eldest of four children. His only sister, Sati Devi, a few years younger than him, was married at a very young age to Sashadhar Mukherjee and became the matriarch of a large "film family". Next was his brother, Kalyan, 16 years younger (b.1927), who later took the screen name Anoop Kumar. Youngest of all was Abhas (b.1929), whose screen name was Kishore Kumar, who became a phenomenally successful playback singer in Hindi films. Although the eldest by several years, Kumudlal outlived all his siblings. In fact, he stopped celebrating his birthday after his youngest brother, Kishore, died on that day in 1987.

While still a teenager and well before he had even given thought to a career in films, the young Kumudlal was married to Shobha (a first cousin of actress Chhaya Devi), a girl of his own Bengali Brahmin community and similar family background, in a match arranged by their parents in the usual Indian way.{{cite web|title=Home alone: Ashok Kumar |url=http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/feb2001/tunen2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080205232633/http://downloads.movies.indiatimes.com/site/feb2001/tunen2.html |archive-date=5 February 2008 }} Their lifelong marriage was a harmonious and conventional one, and despite his film career, the couple retained a very middle-class outlook and value system, bringing up their children with traditional values in a remarkably simple home. They were the parents of one son, Aroop Ganguly, and three daughters named Bharati Patel, Rupa Verma and Preeti Ganguly. Aroop Kumar Ganguly worked in only one film, appearing as a hero in Bezubaan (1962), which flopped at the box office. He then made a career in the corporate world. The eldest daughter, Bharati Patel, is the mother of the actress Anuradha Patel. His second eldest daughter, Rupa Ganguly, is a former actress and widow of actor-comedian Deven Verma.{{Cite web |title=दिग्गज अभिनेता अशोक कुमार की बेटी अभिनेत्री भारती जाफरी का निधन |url=https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeesalaam/entertainment/bollywood-actor-ashok-kumar-daughter-actress-bharti-jaffery-dies-htzs/1361467 |access-date=2023-05-23 |website=Zee News |language=hi}} The youngest daughter, Preeti Ganguly acted as a comedienne in several Hindi films during the 1970s and 1980s and died unmarried in 2012.{{cite news |title = Veteran actor Ashok Kumar passes away |url = http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2001-12-10/news/27470778_1_ashok-kumar-film-industry-actor |publisher = Economic Times |date = 10 December 2001 |access-date = 30 March 2012 |archive-date = 31 December 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131231222421/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2001-12-10/news/27470778_1_ashok-kumar-film-industry-actor }}

Kumudlal's daughter Bharati married twice. Her first marriage was to Dr. Veerendra Patel, a Gujarati doctor. Through this marriage, she had two sons, Rahul and Rohit, and one daughter, the actress Anuradha Patel, who is married to the actor Kanwaljit Singh. Later, and much against the wishes of all her relatives, Bharati married Hameed Jaffrey, a Muslim, the brother of the actor Saeed Jaffrey.{{cite web|url=http://bollywood.bhaskar.com/news-aff/ENT-BOL-meet-first-ever-girlfriend-of-salman-khan-5244922-PHO.html|title=ये रही हैं सलमान खान की पहली गर्लफ्रेंड, होते-होते रह गई दोनों की शादी!|date=10 February 2016|website=bhaskar.com|access-date=27 March 2018|archive-date=18 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918194905/http://bollywood.bhaskar.com/news-aff/ENT-BOL-meet-first-ever-girlfriend-of-salman-khan-5244922-PHO.html|url-status=dead}} By this second marriage, Bharati had one son, Saahil, and also acquired step-daughters, Geneviève and Shaheen, who were Hameed's daughters by his first wife Valerie Salway, a woman of Scottish, Irish, Portuguese and Spanish heritage.{{cite web|url=http://www.vervemagazine.in/people/kiara-alia-advani-bollywood-actress?platform=hootsuite|title=Gene Junction: Kiara Alia Advani|date=2 February 2016|website=Verve (Indian magazine)|access-date=27 March 2018|archive-date=26 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626181135/http://www.vervemagazine.in/people/kiara-alia-advani-bollywood-actress?platform=hootsuite|url-status=live}} Geneviève married a Sindhi businessman named Jagdeep Advani. Their daughter is actress Kiara Advani.{{Cite web|title=Kiara Advani's about her relation with Ashok Kumar {{!}} THE FREE PRESS JOURNAL|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/i-wasnt-even-aware-that-i-was-related-to-ashok-kumar-reveals-kiara-advani|access-date=2021-07-30}} Thus, Ashok Kumar has no blood relationship with Kiara Advani but he is related to her in her family tree. In all, Kumar had eight biological grandchildren - Bharati's four children Rahul, Rohit, Anuradha and Saahil, and Aroop's four children Rishi, Mihir, Tushar and Somdatta (from his marriage to Nirmala Ganguly), in addition to his step-granddaughters Geneviève and Shaheen.

Kumar was educated at Presidency College of the University of Calcutta, Kolkata, where he studied to become a lawyer. However, his heart was not in his law studies. Ganguly was more interested in cinema, in which he dreamt of working as a technician.

Kumar reluctantly made his debut in the year 1936 with Franz Osten's Jeevan Naiya alongside Devika Rani.{{Sfn|Manṭo|2003|pp=244–245}}

File:Devika Rani et Ashok Kumar dans Nirmala (1938).jpg (1938)]]

His breakthrough came the same year with another Franz Osten's film Achhut Kannya which was a reformist piece featuring a Brahmin boy falling in love with a girl from the so-called untouchables in Indian society.[https://indiancine.ma/BXG/info Annotation of the film on indiancine.ma]

After the huge box office success of Achhut Kanya, he delivered a hat-trick of silver jubilee hits with Kangan (1939), Bandhan (1940) and Jhoola (1941), all opposite Leela Chitnis.{{cite web|url=https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=6042|title=All Time Longest Runners In Kolkata: Sholay 2nd - HAHK 4th}}

File:Mumtaz Shanti et Ashok Kumar dans Kismet (1943).jpg]]

In 1943, Ashok Kumar played the lead role in Gyan Mukherjee's drama film Kismet opposite Mumtaz Shanti.{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/kismet_1943|title=Kismet (1943)|website=Rotten Tomatoes }} It became the first film to present the main lead as an anti-hero as well as an unmarried girl getting pregnant.{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/bollywood/ashok-kumar-played-khal-nayak-in-1943-film-kismat-first-in-bollywood-article-104391070|title=Ashok Kumar Played 'Khal Nayak' In 1943 Film Kismet, First In Bollywood|date=13 October 2023}} Despite having themes considered way ahead of times, Kismet became the first Indian film to do a nett business of {{INRConvert|10|m}} and emerged an All Time Blockbuster at the box office.{{cite web|url=https://www.mensxp.com/entertainment/bollywood/108517-all-about-first-blockbuster-indian-cinema-kismet-ashok-kumar.html|title=Everything To Know About Indian Cinema's First Blockbuster, 'Kismet' Starring Ashok Kumar|date=28 May 2002}} It ran in Kolkata's Roxy Cinema for 184 weeks, a record which remains unbroken till date.{{cite web|url=https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=6042|title=All Time Longest Runners In Kolkata: Sholay 2nd - HAHK 4th}} Kismet also got the tag of being the first true blue mega blockbuster in the history of Indian cinema.[http://nfaipune.nic.in/kismet.htm Kismet (1943 film)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003044855/http://nfaipune.nic.in/kismet.htm |date=3 October 2008 }} National Film Archive of India; accessed 15 October 2017. Its music, especially the patriotic song "Aaj Himalay Ki Choti Se" written by Kavi Pradeep was highly successful and played big role in making Kismet a box office sensation.{{Cite book |last=Britannica |first=Encyclopedia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8y8vN9A14nkC&pg=PA282 |title=Encyclopaedia of Hindi Cinema |date=2003 |publisher=Popular Prakashan |isbn=978-81-7991-066-5 |page=282 |language=en}} The mass hysteria created by Kismet made Kumar the first big superstar of Indian cinema.{{cite web |title=Top Actors |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actors |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080219165002/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actors |archive-date=19 February 2008 |access-date=24 April 2020 |work=Box Office India}}{{Cite web |title=एक तरफ 'वर्ल्ड वॉर 2' चल रहा था और दूसरी तरफ फिल्म 'किस्मत'ने इतिहास रचा, अशोक कुमार बन गए पहले सुपरस्टार |url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/entertainment/news-from-bollywood/bollywood-first-blockbuster-film-kismat-which-made-ashok-kumar-the-first-superstar-of-the-industry-filmy-friday/articleshow/100363275.cms#:~:text=%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%BE%20%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%96%20*%20'Aryan%20Khan%20%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%87%20%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%8F,%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%9F%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F%E0%A5%80%20%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%97%20%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%87%20%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8B%20%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%8F%20%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%82%20%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A4 |access-date=2024-09-26 |website=Navbharat Times |language=hi}} Such was his popularity at the time that, in the words of Manṭo, "Ashok's popularity grew each passing day. He seldom ventured out, but wherever he was spotted, he was mobbed. Traffic would come to a stop and often the police would have to use lathis to disperse his fans".{{sfn|Manṭo|2010}} The huge box office success of Kismet was followed by films, such as Gyan Mukherjee's Chal Chal Re Naujawan (1944), Mehboob Khan's Humayun (1945) and Kishore Sahu's Sajan (1947), all three of which received critical acclaim and emerged box office hits.{{cite book |title=Eena Meena Deeka: The Story of Hindi Film Comedy |publisher=Rupa & Company |page=161}}

In 1949, Kumar produced and starred in Kamal Amrohi's Mahal, which had Madhubala as the female lead. Recalled as Hindi cinema's first horror film, Mahal went on to become a blockbuster at the box office and third highest-grossing film of the year, behind Barsaat and Andaz.{{cite web|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/with-pathaan-and-jawan-shah-rukh-khan-becomes-only-actor-after-raj-kapoor-to-deliver-2-atgs-in-a-single-year-1247199|title=With Pathaan and Jawan, Shah Rukh Khan becomes only actor after Raj Kapoor to deliver 2 ATGs in a single year|date=29 September 2023}} The film made Madhubala an overnight sensation and launched the career of Lata Mangeshkar who sang Aayega Aanewala, which remains popular till date.{{cite web |work=Box Office India |title=Top Actress |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actress |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227120846/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actress |archive-date=27 December 2012 |access-date=25 September 2016}}{{cite book |last=Prabhu |first=Gayathri |title=Shadow Craft: Visual Aesthetics of Black and White Hindi Cinema |publisher=Bloomsbury Academic |year=2020 |isbn=978-93-90176-26-7 }} Mahal also became the source of inspiration for several films like Madhumati (1958), Karz (1980) and Om Shanti Om (2007).[http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article§id=30&contentid=20080807200808070235582987cdd87f Ashanti nags Om Shanti Om] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024183614/http://mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?Page=article |date=24 October 2007 }} Mumbai Mirror, 7 August 2008. The early-1950s saw the rise of younger crop of stars like Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor, but Kumar remained rock-steady and continued to deliver huge hits throughout the decade. In 1950, Kumar delivered another blockbuster and highest-earning film of the year with Ramesh Saigal's Samadhi opposite Nalini Jaywant.{{cite web|author=Box Office India|title=Top Earners 1950|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=155&catName=MTk1MA|publisher=boxofficeindia.com|access-date=9 July 2008}} That same year, he reunited with Jaywant and Gyan Mukherjee for Sangram.{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sangram|title=Sangram (1950)|website=Rotten Tomatoes }} After Kismet, Kumar again donned the hat of anti-hero for Sangram, in turn adding another huge hit in his kitty.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Sangram-1950/article12719064.ece|title=Sangram (1950)|website=The Hindu |date=30 December 2010 }} In 1951, he starred in B. R. Chopra's crime drama film Afsana and Nitin Bose's romantic musical Deedar.{{cite book |title=Wanted Cultured Ladies Only!: Female Stardom and Cinema in India, 1930s-1950s |last=Majumdar |first=Neepa |page=138 |year=2009 |publisher=University of Illinois Press |isbn=978-0-252-07628-2 }}{{cite book|author=Bhaichand Patel|title=Bollywood's Top 20: Superstars of Indian Cinema|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RQL4dkVAnPIC&pg=PA84|year=2012|publisher=Penguin Books India|isbn=978-0-670-08572-9|page=84}} Afsana in which Kumar played a double role was the first hit of Chopra as a filmmaker and made him a notable name in the industry while Deedar co-starring Nargis and Dilip Kumar also proved to be a major commercial success.{{cite news|title=Noted filmmaker B R Chopra passes away |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200811051642.htm |work=The Hindu newspaper |date=5 November 2008 |access-date=28 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629033642/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200811051642.htm |archive-date=29 June 2011 }}{{cite web | title = Cinema: Do Badan (1966)| url = http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/10/15/stories/2010101551031100.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140313211101/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/10/15/stories/2010101551031100.htm | archive-date = 13 March 2014 | date=15 October 2010| work = The Hindu|access-date = 2014-03-13 }}

Kumar's only notable release of 1952 was M. L. Anand's romantic drama Bewafa which also had Nargis and Raj Kapoor in the lead.{{cite web|url=https://www.jiocinema.com/movies/bewafa/3490774|title=Bewafa (1952)}} In 1953, he produced and starred in Bimal Roy's romantic drama Parineeta alongside Meena Kumari.{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/photos/entertainment/on-meena-kumari-s-birth-anniversary-here-are-her-5-must-watch-films-101659343058782.html|title=On Meena Kumari's birth anniversary, here are her 5 must watch films|date=1 August 2022}} Based upon the 1914 Bengali novel of the same name by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, it proved to be a critical and commercial success.{{cite web|url=https://www.koimoi.com/box-office/highest-grossers/from-anarkali-to-rahi-top-bollywood-box-office-grossers-of-1953/|title=From Anarkali To Rahi – Top Bollywood Box Office Grossers Of 1953}} Post-Parineeta, Kumar had three unsuccessful ventures in Baadbaan (1954), Sardar (1955) and Bandish (1955), but this changed with a superhit in B. R. Chopra's family drama film Ek Hi Raasta (1956), acting alongside Meena Kumari and Sunil Dutt.{{cite book | title=Yash Chopra: Fifty Years in Indian Cinema | publisher=Lotus Collection | author=Dwyer, Rachel | year=2002 | page=42 | isbn=81-7436-234-7}} He also had successes in M. V. Raman's Bhai-Bhai and Shakti Samanta's Inspector, the same year and Devendra Goel's Ek Saal, the next year.{{Cite book|last=Patel|first=Bhaichand|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6yQYcxZ8wmsC&q=ek+saal&pg=PT110|title=Bollywood's Top 20: Superstars of Indian Cinema|date=2016-01-15|publisher=Penguin UK|isbn=978-81-8475-598-5|language=en}}

In 1958, Kumar added one more superhit in his kitty with Satyen Bose's musical comedy Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, which also had his brothers Anoop Kumar and Kishore Kumar in the lead.{{Cite web|last=Deb|first=Sandipan|date=2020-10-12|title=The best Hindi movie ever and the inimitable Kishore Kumar|url=https://www.livemint.com/opinion/columns/the-best-hindi-movie-ever-and-the-inimitable-kishore-kumar-11602460560015.html|access-date=2021-04-17|website=mint|language=en}} The film gained cult status in later years and got remade twice in Hindi and once in Marathi.{{Cite news |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/the-remake-saga/1073397/ |title=The Remake Saga |last=Swamy |first=Rohan |date=13 February 2013 |work=The Indian Express |access-date=2019-05-05}} Its soundtrack composed by S. D. Burman was highly successful with a number of hit songs, including "Babu Samjho Ishaare", "Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si", "Hum The Woh Thi Aur Sama Rangeen" and "Haal Kaisa Hai Janaab Ka".{{Cite news |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/the-remake-saga/1073397/ |title=The Remake Saga |last=Swamy |first=Rohan |date=13 February 2013 |work=The Indian Express |access-date=2019-05-05}}{{Cite web|date=2016-12-01|title=Bollywood throwback movie review: Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958)|url=https://www.americanbazaaronline.com/2016/12/01/bollywood-throwback-movie-review-chalti-ka-naam-gaadi-1958419964/|access-date=2021-04-18|website=The American Bazaar|language=en-US}}"The Top 25 Rain Songs In Bollywood – Rediff.com" https://m.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-top-25-rain-songs-of-bollywood/20120614.htm His other major release of the year was Shakti Samanta's crime thriller Howrah Bridge which had Madhubala opposite him.{{Cite book|last=U|first=Saiam Z.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JSVCCwAAQBAJ&q=Madhubala+shakti+ashok+nargis+nimmi&pg=PT146|title=Houseful The Golden Years of Hindi Cinema|date=2012|publisher=Om Books International|isbn=978-93-80070-25-4|language=en}} The film opened to positive response from critics and proved to be a hit.{{Cite web|title=Remembering Madhubala's best roles|url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/remembering-madhubalas-best-roles-32527.html|access-date=2021-09-11|website=Filmfare|language=en}} Its dance numbers - "Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu" sung by Geeta Dutt which brought fame to Helen and "Aaiye Meharban" sung by Asha Bhosle were hugely popular among the masses.{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/events/mera-naam-chin-chin-chu/article8441496.ece|title=For a shake n shimmy|website=The Hindu |date=6 April 2016}} Kumar's last notable film in his prime came with Yash Chopra's maiden directional venture Dhool Ka Phool (1959), co-starring Mala Sinha, Rajendra Kumar and Nanda.{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/dhool-ka-phool|title=Dhool Ka Phool (1959)|website=Rotten Tomatoes }} It opened to critical acclaim and emerged a blockbuster at the box office.{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/npages.php?page=shownews&articleid=5005&nCat=|title=Legendary Director Yash Chopra Passes Away|date=22 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131121054713/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/npages.php?page=shownews&articleid=5005&nCat= |archive-date=21 November 2013 }}

With the beginning of the 1960s, Kumar was open to all kind of roles, whether as main lead, second lead, or in a character role. This prevented him from being type-cast and he continued to receive acclaim for his work.{{cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/ashok-kumar-jewel-to-his-family-and-jewel-thief-of-hindi-cinema-news-229874|title=Ashok Kumar: 'Jewel' To His Family And 'Jewel Thief' Of Hindi Cinema|date=14 October 2022}}

It started with B. R. Chopra's courtroom drama Kanoon (1960) which also had Rajendra Kumar and Nanda in the lead.{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/kanoon_1960|title=Kanoon (1960)|website=Rotten Tomatoes}} Despite not having any songs and other gimmicks required in a commercial Hindi film, Kanoon emerged a hit and went on to win National Film Award for Best Feature Film (Hindi).{{cite web|url=https://filminformation.com/featured/flashback-17-july-2024-from-our-issue-dated-17th-july-1999/|title=JAANEWALE KI YAAD AATI HAI - RAJENDRA KUMAR BIDS ADIEU|date=17 July 2024}}{{cite web|url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm8thNFAAward.aspx|title=8th National Film Awards|publisher=International Film Festival of India|access-date=7 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012062918/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm8thNFAAward.aspx|archive-date=12 October 2013}} After playing a brief role in Yash Chopra's critically acclaimed partition drama Dharmputra (1961), the following year, he did lead roles in A. Bhimsingh's Rakhi and Phani Majumdar's Aarti.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/Blast-from-the-past-RAKTHA-SAMBANDHAM-1962/article16076658.ece|title=Blast from the past: RAKTHA SAMBANDHAM (1962)|date=20 October 2016|access-date=18 November 2021|website=Thehindu.com}}{{Cite news |last=Vijayakumar |first=B. |date=12 April 2015 |title=Manaswini – 1968 |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/old-is-gold-manaswini-1968/article7095564.ece |url-status=live |access-date=12 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509074827/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/old-is-gold-manaswini-1968/article7095564.ece |archive-date=9 May 2020}} Both Rakhi and Aarti received critical acclaim and proved to be box office hits.{{Cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.co.in/worth-their-weight-in-gold/ |title=Worth Their Weight in Gold! - Box Office India: India's premier film trade magazine |access-date=24 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915183938/http://boxofficeindia.co.in/worth-their-weight-in-gold |archive-date=15 September 2017 }} Kumar received his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of a doting brother in Rakhi.{{Cite web |title=Filmfare Nominees and {{sic|nolink=1|Winner}} |url=https://archive.org/download/FilmfareAwards/FilmfareAwards.pdf |access-date=6 May 2023 |publisher=The Times Group |via=Internet Archive}} 1963 proved to be a hugely successful year for Kumar with many successes.{{cite web|url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/2002/apr/29dinesh.htm|title=Ashok Kumar - The Jewel In Bollywood's Crown}} He first collaborated with B. R. Chopra for the romantic thriller Gumrah co-starring Sunil Dutt, Mala Sinha, Shashikala and Nirupa Roy.{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/gumrah1963|title=Gumrah (1963)|website=Rotten Tomatoes }} Gumrah did very well at the box office and proved to be a superhit.{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=7690|title=Gumraah Dull - John Wick 4 Proving To Be A HIT}} For his performance in the film, Kumar won his first BFJA Award for Best Actor (Hindi).{{cite web|url=http://www.bfjaawards.com/legacy/pastwin/196427.htm |title=27th Annual BFJA Awards |publisher=Bfjaawards.com |access-date=12 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100108082149/http://www.bfjaawards.com/legacy/pastwin/196427.htm |archive-date=8 January 2010 }} The film won National Film Award for Third Best Feature Film in Hindi.{{cite web|url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm11thNFAAward.aspx|title=11th National Film Awards|publisher=International Film Festival of India|access-date=13 September 2011|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170502124428/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm11thNFAAward.aspx|archive-date=2 May 2017}} This was followed by Bimal Roy's critically and commercially successful drama film Bandini.{{cite book |last1=Chatterjee |first1=Saibal |author-link1=Saibal Chatterjee |last2=Nihalani |first2=Govind |author-link2=Govind Nihalani |author3=Gulzar |author-link3=Gulzar |date=2003 |title=Encyclopaedia of Hindi cinema |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8y8vN9A14nkC&q=Bandini+ |publisher=Popular Prakashan |page=599 |isbn=978-81-7991-066-5}} Bandini was the last feature film directed by Roy and won him his final Filmfare Award for Best Director along with National Film Award for Best Feature Film (Hindi) as well as Filmfare Award for Best Film. Before the end of year, he reunited with Rajendra Kumar in H. S. Rawail's muslim social Mere Mehboob, co-starring Sadhana and Nimmi.{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mere-mehboob|title=Mere Mehboob (1963)|website=Rotten Tomatoes}} The film topped box office chart in 1963 and emerged an All Time Blockbuster.{{cite web|url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/2002/jul/09dinesh.htm|title=Bollywood's Jubilee Kumar}} Its music composed by Naushad dominated the year-end annual list of Binaca Geetmala and was the second best-selling Hindi film album of the 1960s.{{cite web|url=https://www.hindigeetmala.net/geetmala/binaca_geetmala_1963.php|title=Binaca Geetmala (1963)}}{{Cite web|title=Music Hits 1960–1969|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=281&catName=MTk2MC0xOTY5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080215081535/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=281&catName=MTk2MC0xOTY5&PHPSESSID=108b9056cd4ca14236f9c6119d34dcce|archive-date=15 February 2008|access-date=2 September 2013|website=Box Office India}}

In 1964, Kumar delivered two moderately successful films with A. Bhimsingh's Pooja Ke Phool and Inder Raj Anand's Phoolon Ki Sej which had Dharmendra and Manoj Kumar in the lead respectively, but his other releases, such as Chitralekha and Benazir flopped at the box office.{{cite news | url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=170&catName=MTk2NA== |title=Box Office 1964 |publisher=Boxofficeindia.com |access-date=2012-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212160433/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=170&catName=MTk2NA== |archive-date=12 February 2010 |df=dmy-all }} In 1965, he had a hit in Bheegi Raat and a semi-hit in Oonche Log.{{cite web |url=http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=171&catName=MTk2NQ== |title=Box Office 1965 |publisher=Box Office India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922021801/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=171&catName=MTk2NQ== |archive-date=22 September 2012 |df=dmy-all }} The hit streak continued in 1966 with Asit Sen's Mamta which again had Dharmendra in the lead along with Suchitra Sen who played a double role.{{cite book|author=Peter Cowie|title=World Filmography: 1967|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jp7ayTLX1D8C&pg=PA270|access-date=23 February 2015|year=1977|publisher=Fairleigh Dickinson Univ Press|isbn=978-0-498-01565-6|page=270}} It was a successful venture domestically, but an All Time Blockbuster in overseas markets.{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=3720|title=You Asked It - Why Are China Collections Not Added To Worldwide Collections|date=1 March 2018}} The same year, Kumar also appeared in Brij Sadanah's Afsana which was a box office failure, but won him Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.{{cite web|url=http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/articleshow/366575.cms|title=The Filmfare Awards Nominations – 1966|publisher=The Times Group|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040323040505/http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/articleshow/366575.cms|archive-date=23 March 2004}} 1967 was a notable year for him as he starred in two of the biggest hits of the year - Vijay Anand's spy heist thriller Jewel Thief and A. Bhimsingh's light hearted drama film Mehrban.{{cite news|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040307/spectrum/main5.htm |title=Goldie: Guide for new filmmakers |newspaper=The Tribune |date=7 March 2004 |author=Devinder Bir Kaur |access-date=19 April 2012}}{{sfn|Elley|1977|pp=270–271}} Both the films proved to be critical and commercial successes with Kumar getting applauded for his performances in them and receiving a nomination in the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor category for the latter.{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/chetan-anand-jewel-thief-overshadowed-by-guide-dev-anand-vyjayanthimala-7735256/|title=Dev Anand-Vyjanthimala's Jewel Thief remains one of Hindi cinema's tautest thrillers, even 55 years after it was made|date=23 January 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.koimoi.com/box-office/highest-grossers/from-dilip-kumars-ram-aur-shyam-to-manoj-kumars-patthar-ke-sanam-top-box-office-grossers-of-1967/|title=From Dilip Kumar's Ram Aur Shyam To Manoj Kumar's Patthar Ke Sanam – Top Box Office Grossers Of 1967|date=7 May 1967}}

In 1968, he played the lead role in Hrishikesh Mukherjee's social drama Aashirwad.{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/aashirwad|title=Aashirwad (1968)|website=Rotten Tomatoes }} Although the film did not do well at the box office, it was a huge critical success, winning National Film Award for Best Feature Film (Hindi).{{Cite web | title =Hrishikesh Mukherjee's best films: Aashirwad (1969)| url = http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/28slide4.htm | publisher =Rediff.com Movies | date =28 August 2006 | access-date = 30 July 2013 }} Kumar's portrayal of a loving father was very well received and won him all the major accolades that year, such as National Film Award for Best Actor, Filmfare Award for Best Actor and BFJA Award for Best Actor (Hindi).{{cite web|url=http://dff.nic.in/images/Documents/99_16thNfacatalogue.pdf|title=16th National Film Awards|publisher=Directorate of Film Festivals|access-date=2 September 2020|archive-date=9 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109153304/https://dff.nic.in/images/Documents/99_16thNfacatalogue.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-awards/filmfare-awards-winners/bollywood/1970/101|title=Filmfare Winners (1970)|newspaper=The Times of India }}{{cite web|url=http://www.bfjaawards.com/legacy/pastwin/197033.htm |title=33th Annual BFJA Awards |publisher=Bfjaawards.com |access-date=12 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100108033915/http://www.bfjaawards.com/legacy/pastwin/197033.htm |archive-date=8 January 2010 }} One of its song "Rail Gaadi Chhuk Chhuk Chhuk Chhuk" sung by Kumar himself is considered the first rap song of Indian cinema.{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/entertainment/hindi/did-you-know-ashok-kumar-crooned-the-first-rap-song-of-bollywood-deets-inside/videoshow/94859920.cms|title=Did you know Ashok Kumar crooned the first rap song of Bollywood|website=The Times of India |date=14 October 2022}} Kumar ended the decade on a high. He co-starred alongside Sanjay Khan and Sadhana in R.K. Nayyar's mystery thriller Intaqam which went on to become a superhit at the box office.{{cite web|url=https://www.koimoi.com/box-office/highest-grossers/from-rajesh-khannas-aradhana-to-jeetendras-jigri-dost-top-bollywood-box-office-grossers-of-1969/|title=From Rajesh Khanna's Aradhana To Jeetendra's Jigri Dost – Top Bollywood Box Office Grossers Of 1969|date=5 May 1969}} He then did a guest appearance in Samanta's romantic blockbuster Aradhana which made Rajesh Khanna a superstar. Kumar also reunited with Hrishikesh Mukherjee for drama film Satyakam which like their previous collaboration Aashirwad met with immense acclaim and won National Film Award for Best Feature Film (Hindi).{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/mar/15dinesh.htm|title=Satyakam: Dharmendra's career best role|website=www.rediff.com}}{{cite web|url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm17thNFAAward.aspx?PdfName=17NFA.pdf |title=Directorate of Film Festival |publisher=Iffi.nic.in |access-date=2012-07-23}}

The 1970s saw the domination of whole new generation of stars, including Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Manoj Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Vinod Khanna, Jeetendra and Rishi Kapoor.{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/1970s-bollywood-amitabh-bachchan-rishi-kapoor-dharmendra-shabana-azmi-vinod-khanna-shatrughan-sinha-salim-javed-4955704/|title=Hindi classics that defined the 1970s|date=27 May 2020}} Kumar worked with all of them in various successful and acclaimed films.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/Romancing-the-camera-for-decades/article15783728.ece|title=Romancing the camera for decades|newspaper=The Hindu |date=15 October 2010}} In 1970, he played important roles in two directional ventures of Asit Sen, Sharafat co-starring Dharmendra, Hema Malini and Safar which also had Rajesh Khanna, Sharmila Tagore, Feroz Khan in the lead.{{cite book |title=Bollywood's Top 20: Superstars of Indian Cinema|editor=Bhaichand Patel |publisher=Penguin Books India |year=2012|isbn=978-0-670-08572-9 |page=165 }}{{Cite web |title=আনন্দবাজার পত্রিকা - নিবন্ধ |url=https://archives.anandabazar.com/archive/1140111/11smaran.html |access-date=2023-01-12 |website=archives.anandabazar.com}} Both the films emerged superhits and received big thumbs from reviewers, especially Safar which won Sen his first Filmfare Award for Best Director.[http://deep750.googlepages.com/FilmfareAwards.pdf Filmfare Nominees and Winners] He also collaborated with Manoj Kumar for his second directional, the patriotic drama Purab Aur Paschim, which proved to be a blockbuster in India as well as overseas.{{citation|url=https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=2882|title=Vinod Khanna Passes Away|publisher=Box Office India|date=27 April 2017}}{{cite news |title=United Kingdom Evolution - £100k To £4 Million Of Pathaan |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=7602 |access-date=2 March 2023 |work=Box Office India}} The following year, he appeared in acclaimed ventures, such Naya Zamana, Guddi and Adhikar.{{Cite news|last=Lokapally|first=Vijay|date=25 July 2013|title=Naya Zamana (1971)|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/naya-zamana-1971/article4952795.ece|access-date=28 January 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2002/may/02dinesh.htm|title=rediff.com, Movies: Classics Revisited: Guddi|website=www.rediff.com|access-date=4 March 2023|archive-date=30 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030233905/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2002/may/02dinesh.htm|url-status=live}} In 1972, he starred in Kamal Amrohi's magnum opus Pakeezah which had Meena Kumari as the eponymous lead, alongside Raaj Kumar.{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_pure_one_1971|title=Pakeezah|website=Rotten Tomatoes }} Despite getting mixed reviews and being a slow starter, it went on to become a massive blockbuster and also the final film appearance of Kumari who passed away few weeks after its release.{{cite web|url=https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=3957|title=You Asked It - Can Race 3 Do 300 Crore Plus?|date=24 May 2018}} Kumar then played the role of a doting grandfather in Samanta's Anuraag and a crook in Sadanah's Victoria No. 203.{{Cite web|url=http://www.glamsham.com/movies/news/15/jan/news-how-rajesh-khanna-encouraged-shakti-samanta-to-make-anuraag.asp|title=OTT | TV | Bollywood | Hollywood - News, Reviews, Gossips|date=7 August 2021}}{{Cite news |date=October 18, 2015 |author=Roshmila Bhattacharya|title=Infocus: Dadamoni, Pran and fun times |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/Infocus-Dadamoni-Pran-and-fun-times/articleshow/49443859.cms |access-date=2025-03-02 |newspaper=Bangalore Mirror |language=en}} Both the films emerged superhits with Kumar again getting nominated in the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor category for Anuraag. That same year, he reunited with Rajesh Khanna for Maalik and Dil Daulat Duniya, but contrary to expectations, both the films flopped commercially.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/dil-daulat-duniya-1972-movie-review/article6360033.ece|publisher=thehindu.com|title=Dil Daulat Duniya (1972) – The Hindu|newspaper=The Hindu |date=28 August 2014 |access-date=12 November 2016}}

Kumar played small roles in both of his major releases of 1973 and 1974 which were - Dhund and Prem Nagar, respectively.{{Cite web|url=https://m.cinemaexpress.com/stories/trends/2017/nov/22/aboard-the-mystery-train-3207.amp|title = Aboard the mystery train | Cinemaexpress|date=22 November 2017| website=Cinema Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024081137/https://m.cinemaexpress.com/stories/trends/2017/nov/22/aboard-the-mystery-train-3207.amp |archive-date=24 October 2020|quote=This BR Chopra directorial was based on the Christie play, The Unexpected Guest, and featured Sanjay Khan, Zeenat Aman, Danny Denzongpa, and Ashok Kumar, among others. The story is about a car-wrecked stranger knocking on the door of a damsel-in-distress who has just shot her husband. On hearing her sad tale of woe, the stranger decides to help her escape punishment.}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/blast-from-the-past-column-prem-nagar/article6861419.ece|title=Prem Nagar (1974)|first=A. p s|last=Malhotra|date=5 February 2015|access-date=18 November 2021|website=Thehindu.com}} In 1975, he had a superhit in Chori Mera Kaam co-starring Shashi Kapoor and Zeenat Aman.{{cite web | title = Chori Mera Kaam (1975) |work= The Hindu| url = http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/chori-mera-kaam-1975/article6683094.ece |date=11 December 2014| access-date = 2014-12-12 | first = Vijay| last = Lokapally }} He also appeared alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan in Mili.{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mili|title=Mili (1975)|website=Rotten Tomatoes }} It did average business, but won massive acclaim and is now considered a film ahead of its times.{{cite web|url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-classics-revisited-the-spirit-of-mili-lives-on/20130328.htm|title=Classics revisited: The spirit of Mili lives on|date=28 March 2013}} The following year, Kumar saw four profitable ventures in Ek Se Badhkar Ek, Barood, Chhoti Si Baat and Suntan.{{cite web|url=https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/photo/chashme-buddoor-khatta-meetha-katha-revisiting-bollywoods-middle-class-era-5051/5|title=Gol Maal, Chashme Buddoor, Choti Si Baat: Revisiting Bollywood's middle class era}} He received his fifth and final nomination in the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor category for his heartfelt portrayal of a retired colonel in Chhoti Si Baat.{{cite web|title=Best Screenplay Award |url=http://recipeguide.indiatimes.com/awards2001/ex_screenplay.htm |publisher=Filmfare Award Official Listings, Indiatimes |access-date=28 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429080308/http://recipeguide.indiatimes.com/awards2001/ex_screenplay.htm |archive-date=29 April 2014 |df=dmy }} His other successful films of the decade, include Dream Girl (1977), Anand Ashram (1977), Safed Jhooth (1977), Chala Murari Hero Banne (1977), Dil Aur Deewaar (1978), Anpadh (1978) and Khatta Meetha (1978).{{cite web|url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2003/oct/16sd1.htm |title=A dream called Hema Malini |publisher=In.rediff.com|date=1948-10-16 |access-date=2009-09-24}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bobbytalkscinema.com/bobbytalk/adminpanel/imagetemp/Trade-Guide-1978-Classification.jpg|title=Trade Guide Classification 1978}}

Kumar began the next decade with supporting role in four hit films, including Khubsoorat, Jyoti Bane Jwala, Sau Din Saas Ke and Judaai.{{cite web|url=https://www.bobbytalkscinema.com/bobbytalk/adminpanel/imagetemp/Trade-Guide-1980-Classification.jpg|title=Trade Guide Classification (1980)}} In 1981, he had two more box office successes with Shibu Mitra's Maan Gaye Ustaad and Pramod Chakravarty's Jyoti.{{cite web|url=https://www.bobbytalkscinema.com/bobbytalk/adminpanel/imagetemp/TG-1981-Class-P1-Comp.jpg|title=Trade Guide Classification (1981)}} He then played the lead role in Basu Chatterjee's comedy drama Shaukeen (1982), which was a commercial as well as critical success and is now considered a cult classic.{{Cite web|date=2019-12-11|title=Samaresh Basu Birth Anniversary: Here Are 5 Films Based on His Novels|url=https://www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/samaresh-basu-birth-anniversary-here-are-5-films-based-on-his-novels-2419565.html|access-date=2021-12-26|website=News18}} In 1983, he appeared in another of Basu Chatterjee's acclaimed venture Pasand Apni Apni and Sunil Dutt's drama film Dard Ka Rishta, which proved to be a box office hit.{{cite web | title = Classics should be taken on, but correctly: Basu Chatterjee | url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news-interviews/Classics-should-be-taken-on-but-correctly-Basu-Chatterjee/articleshow/19253612.cms |date=28 March 2013| access-date = 28 April 2014 | work = The Times of India}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bobbytalkscinema.com/bobbytalk/adminpanel/imagetemp/Film-Inf-1983-Classification.jpg|title=Film Informatiom Classification 1983}} The following year, Kumar made his television debut with the soap opera Hum Log, which was telecasted on Doordarshan and presented the story of an Indian middle-class family from the 1980s and their daily struggles.{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/an-episode-in-history/485943/ |title=An episode in history |date=7 July 2009 |publisher=Indian Express |access-date=8 July 2009 |archive-date=15 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090715005740/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/an-episode-in-history/485943 |url-status=live }} Every episode ended with the Kumar in a sharp suit and dark glasses explaining the theme of the day and prodding viewers to think about what they had just watched.{{cite web|url=https://scroll.in/reel/808304/the-dd-files-hum-log-versus-buniyaad|title=The DD Files: 'Hum Log' versus 'Buniyaad'|date=18 May 2016}} During its 1 and a half-year run, he received over 400,000 letters from young viewers, asking him to convince their parents in marriage of their choice. The show proved to be a huge success with each episode having a regular viewing audience of more than 50 million.{{cite web |title=How soap operas changed the world |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-17820571 |author=Stephanie Hegarty |date=27 April 2012 |access-date=26 January 2016 |archive-date=31 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131094916/http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-17820571 |url-status=live }}

In 1985, Kumar played a notable supporting role in B. R. Chopra's drama film Tawaif.{{cite web|title=Tawaif (1985 film)|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/tawaif|website=Rotten Tomatoes website|access-date=2023-12-04}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/durgaa|title=Durgaa (1985)|website=Rotten Tomatoes }} The film opened to positive response from reviewers and emerged a major commercial success.{{cite web|url=https://www.bobbytalkscinema.com/bobbytalk/adminpanel/imagetemp/Trade-Guide-1985-Classification.jpg|title=Trade Guide Classification (1985)}} In 1986, he played the title role in B. R. Chopra's acclaimed and successful television show Bahadur Shah Zafar.{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/when-juhi-chawla-kept-forgetting-her-lines-on-the-sets-of-br-chopras-bahadur-shah-zafar-2546115|title=When Juhi Chawla "Kept Forgetting Her Lines" On The Sets Of BR Chopra's Bahadur Shah Zafar|date=19 September 2021}} The following year, he appeared in Shekhar Kapoor's superhero film Mr. India, which was a major critical and commercial success, followed by two more hits films, Watan Ke Rakhwale and Jawab Hum Denge.{{cite web|url=https://www.mensxp.com/ampstories/buzz-on-web/entertainment/153537-dharmendra-unbeatable-record-7-biggest-grossers-out-of-top-10-1987-films.html|title=Dharmendra's Unbeatable Record In 1987 With 7 Out of Top 10 Grossers|date=31 January 2024 }}{{Cite news |last=Sharma |first=Devesh |date=13 August 2020 |title=Birthday Special: Best Sridevi Movies |work=Filmfare |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/birthday-special-best-sridevi-movies-42819.html |url-status=live |access-date=4 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929191246/https://www.filmfare.com/features/birthday-special-best-sridevi-movies-42819.html |archive-date=29 September 2020}} Towards the end of decade, Kumar's workload slowed due to declining health. His major releases in 1988 and 1989 - Inteqam and Clerk, respectively, were critical and commercial failures.{{cite web|url=https://www.bobbytalkscinema.com/bobbytalk/adminpanel/imagetemp/FI-1988-Classifications.jpg|title=Film Information Classification (1988)}}{{cite web|url=https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=4133|title=Real Winner With Dhadak|date=25 July 2018}}

In the early-1990s, he appeared in films, such as Majboor (1990), Begunaah (1991), Humlaa (1992) and Aasoo Bane Angaarey (1993), but they did not succeed at the box office. During this period, success came with the TV shows Bheem-Bhavani (1990) and Tehkikaat (1994).{{Cite web|url=http://photogallery.indiatimes.com/celebs/goldenframes/Ashok-Kumars-pictures/morphshow/80345028.cms|title=#GoldenFrames: Pictorial Biography of Ashok Kumar, the first icon of Indian cinema!Photos - GoldenFrames-Celebs-The Times of India Photogallery|website=photogallery.indiatimes.com|quote=The actor occasionally appeared on television, famously known for anchoring the first Indian soap opera Hum Log (1984-1985). Dadamoni appeared as the title character in Bahadur Shah Zafar (1986) and played the role of a detective along with his brother Anoop Kumar in Bheem-Bhawani (1990-1991).}} Kumar received Lifetime Achievement Award at the 41st Filmfare Awards, which was held in the year 1996.{{cite news |url=http://www.filmfare.com/site/jan97/update.htm |title=The day we were |date=January 1997 |work=Filmfare |publisher=The Times Group |access-date=23 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970204103953/http://www.filmfare.com/site/jan97/update.htm |archive-date=4 February 1997 }} The same year, he reunited with Dev Anand and Dharmendra for Return of Jewel Thief, which was highly anticipated before release, but ended up as a loss making venture.{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=2744|title=RETURN of JEWEL THIEF - Movie}} Kumar quit acting after making an appearance in Ashim Samanta's romantic drama Ankhon Mein Tum Ho (1997) starring Sharad Kapoor, Suman Ranganathan and Rohit Roy.{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/trailer-ankhon-mein-tum-ho/|title=Trailer — Ankhon Mein Tum Ho|date=26 December 1997|access-date=12 December 2023|archive-date=6 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006033648/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/trailer-ankhon-mein-tum-ho/|url-status=live}} The film opened to negative reviews from critics and was a box office flop.{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=2619|title=ANKHON MEIN TUM HO - Movie}}

Ashok Kumar died at the age of 90 in Mumbai on 10 December 2001 of heart failure at his residence in Chembur. The then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee described him as "an inspiration... for many generations of aspiring actors.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1701925.stm|title=BBC News – FILM – Bollywood star Ashok Kumar dies|work=bbc.co.uk|access-date=1 August 2011|archive-date=22 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222031504/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1701925.stm|url-status=live}}

File:Ashok Kumar 2013 stamp of India.jpg

Kumar is regarded as one of the greatest actors of Indian cinema.{{Cite magazine |title=Iconic heroes of Bollywood |magazine=India Today |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/cinema/100-years-of-indian-cinema/photo/iconic-heroes-of-bollywood-367542-2012-05-01/5 |url-status=live |access-date=24 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128234730/https://www.indiatoday.in/cinema/100-years-of-indian-cinema/photo/iconic-heroes-of-bollywood-367542-2012-05-01/5 |archive-date=28 November 2020}} He was a pioneering actor who introduced natural acting to Hindi cinema and the distinctive style and mannerisms that he adopted in his later career still remain extremely popular among mimicry artists.{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/ashok-kumar-111th-birth-anniversary-must-watch-films-of-bollywoods-first-superstar-11435871.html|title=Ashok Kumar 111th birth anniversary: Must-watch films of Bollywood's first superstar|date=13 October 2022 }}

Kumar had an eye for talent and helped several up-and-coming artists get a break. He groomed Hrishikesh Mukherjee during the director's association with Bombay Talkies.[http://www.ultraindia.com/movies/awards/hrishikesh.htm Hrishikesh Mukherjee Biography] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015095045/http://ultraindia.com/movies/awards/hrishikesh.htm |date=15 October 2007 }} on winning, the 31st Dada Saheb Phalke Award. The filmmaker went on to helm movies, such as Anari (1959), Asli-Naqli (1962), Anupama (1966), Aashirwad (1968), Satyakam (1969), Anand (1971), Chupke Chupke (1975) and Khubsoorat (1980).{{cite book|author1=Gulzar |author2=Nihalani, Govind |author3=Chatterjee, Saibal |title=Encyclopaedia of Hindi Cinema|year=2003|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica (India) Pvt Ltd.|isbn=81-7991-066-0|page=592}}{{Cite web |title=rediff.com, Movies: The common man lure of Hrishikesh Mukherjee's films |url=https://www.rediff.com/entertai/2002/dec/17dinesh.htm |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=www.rediff.com}}{{Cite web |title=rediff.com: Hrishikesh Mukherjee's best films |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/28slide1.htm |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230530140945/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/28slide1.htm |archive-date=2023-05-30 |access-date=2025-03-02 |website=specials.rediff.com}} He produced Neel Kamal (1947), Ziddi (1948) and Mahal (1949) which launched the careers of Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand and Madhubala respectively.{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/eventful-1947-breakthrough-year-for-dilip-kumar-raj-kapoor-indian-cinema-8538245/|title=The eventful 1947 was a breakthrough year for Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Indian cinema}}{{cite web|url=http://www.realbollywood.com/2011/08/lata-dev-anand-recall-kishore-birth-anniversary.html |title=Lata, Dev Anand recall Kishore Kumar on his birth anniversary |publisher=Realbollywood.com website|date=2011-08-04 |access-date=2024-03-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923112313/http://www.realbollywood.com/2011/08/lata-dev-anand-recall-kishore-birth-anniversary.html |archive-date=23 September 2013}}{{sfn|Akbar|1997|p=61}} He also collaborated with Shakti Samanta for Inspector (1956) and Howrah Bridge (1958), which proved to be game-changers for the then struggling filmmaker.{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/remembering-ashok-kumar-on-his-birth-anniversary-a-pillar-of-indian-cinema-1040189.html|title=Remembering Ashok Kumar on his birth anniversary: A pillar of Indian cinema|date=13 October 2021}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.screenindia.com/old/fullstory.php?content_id=9854 |title=Great Gambler |access-date=1 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215152817/http://www.screenindia.com/old/fullstory.php?content_id=9854 |archive-date=15 February 2009 }}

He inspired many of his younger contemporaries, including Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Raj Kapoor to succeeding generations of artists, such as Shammi Kapoor, Manoj Kumar and Raaj Kumar among others.{{cite web|url=https://www.thebetterindia.com/161884/ashok-kumar-madhubala-bollywood-cinema-news/|title=Dev Anand to Madhubala: How Ashok Kumar Gave India Some of Its Biggest Stars!|date=11 October 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/throwback-thursday-when-raj-kapoor-scolded-shammi-at-the-airport-for-an-ad-with-ashok-kumar-1632864-2020-01-02|title=Throwback Thursday: When Raj Kapoor scolded Shammi at the airport for an ad with Ashok Kumar|date=2 January 2020}}

One of the most successful actors of the 1940s and 1950s, Kumar appeared in Box Office India{{'}}s "Top Actors" list eight times, (1940–1945, 1949–1950).

In 2022, he was placed in Outlook India{{'}}s "75 Best Bollywood Actors" list.{{Cite web |title=75 Bollywood Actors Who Conquered Hearts Of The Millions |work=Outlook India |date=12 August 2022 |access-date=16 August 2022 |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/75-actors-who-conquered-hearts-of-the-millions-since-1947-news-215861/amp |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816142138/https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/75-actors-who-conquered-hearts-of-the-millions-since-1947-news-215861/amp |url-status=live }}

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Ashok Kumar}}

{{Main|Ashok Kumar filmography}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Cite book |last=Akbar |first=Khatija |title=Madhubala: Her Life, Her Films |title-link=Madhubala: Her Life, Her Films |date=1997 |publisher=Hay House |isbn=978-93-80480-81-7}}
• {{Cite book |last=Elley |first=Derek |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jp7ayTLX1D8C&q=mehrban&pg=PA270 |title=World Filmography: 1967 |publisher=Fairleigh Dickinson University Press |year=1977 |isbn=978-0-498-01565-6 |author-link=Derek Elley}}
• {{cite book |last = Ghosh |first = Nabendu |author-link = Nabendu Ghosh |title = Ashok Kumar: His Life and Times |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=dB1lAAAAMAAJ |year = 1995 |publisher = Indus |isbn = 978-81-7223-218-4 }}
• {{cite book |last = Valicha |first = Kishore |title = Dadamoni: the authorized biography of Ashok Kumar |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=Xx5lAAAAMAAJ |year = 1996 |publisher = Viking |isbn = 978-0-670-87271-8 }}
• {{cite book |last = Burra |first = Rani |title = Ashok Kumar, Green to Evergreen |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=Th1lAAAAMAAJ |year = 1990 |publisher = Directorate of Film Festivals, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of India }}
• {{cite book|last=Manṭo|first=Saʻādat Ḥasan|title=Black Margins: Stories|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Dip_nMXIsiUC|year=2003|publisher=Katha|isbn=978-81-87649-40-3}}
• {{cite book |last=Manṭo |first=Saʻādat Ḥasan |date=2010 |title=Stars from Another Sky: The Bombay Film World of the 1940s |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-0-14-343011-7 }}
• {{cite book |last = Patel |first = Bhaichand |title = Bollywood's Top 20: Superstars of Indian Cinema |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=RQL4dkVAnPIC&pg=PA36 |year = 2012 |publisher = Penguin Books India |isbn = 978-0-670-08572-9 |pages = 28–39 }}

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• {{IMDb name|id=0006369|name=Ashok Kumar}}

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Category:1911 births

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