Ashok Kumar (1911 - 2001), popularly known as Dada Moni, was an outstanding actor of the Hindi cinema. Brother of famous playback singer and actor Kishore Kumar, he grew up in
Khandwa, briefly studied law in
Kolkata, then joined
Bombay Talkies as laboratory assistant before being made its leading man.
Originally Kumudlal Kunjilal Ganguly, he played major roles in golden films like Jeevan Naya, Kangan, Chalti ka Naam Gadi, and Bahu Begum. His classical Bengali look and talent marked Ashok Kumar as a prominent actor of the forties and fifties. Ashok Kumar introduced a more natural style of acting compared to the prevailing theatrical style. In his long career, he acted in about 300 films and anchored the popular tele-serial Hum-Log.
He received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 1988, from the Indian Government for his lifetime contribution. He also won two Filmfare awards as well a National award.
Ashok Kumar was also a fine painter and an active practitioner of homeopathy. He was in every way a multi-faceted personality.
Dadamoni passed away in Mumbai on December 10, 2001 due to cardiac arrest.
