The iconic actor, Ashok Kumar hardly needs any introduction, as almost everyone considers him one of the greatest actors ever to grace the Hindi film industry. Also, he is often remembered as the first superstar of the Indian cinema and the first lead hero, who showed courage to play an anti-hero. Ashok Kumar had also given breaks to so many iconic stars like Dev Anand, Pran, Madhubala, Lata Mangeshkar, and many more. There are so many records and instances that speak volumes about Ashok Kumar's legacy in Hindi cinema.
Another record that speaks volumes about Ashok Kumar's stardom was that his film, Kismet (1943), became the first Hindi film to gross a whopping sum of Rs. 1 crore at the box office. Whether we talk about the way he used to carry himself in real-life or the vibe that he used to exude, Ashok Kumar was loved and admired by all his fellow actors.
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If we decide to name the hit films of Ashok Kumar's career, a separate article will be needed for it, as he had hardly given any flops in his illustrious career. However, there are some films that come straight in front of our eyes whenever we talk about him. Some of Ashok Kumar's most famous films are the likes of Achhut Kanya (1936), Kismet (1943), Mahal (1949), Sangram (1950), Bewafa (1952), Parineeta (1953), Howrah Bridge (1958), Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958), Kanoon (1960), Bandini (1963), Gumrah (1963), Jewel Thief (1967), Aashirwad (1968), and many more.
While everyone is aware of Ashok Kumar's stardom and legacy, not many are aware of the memorable incident that happened at Indian cinema's Showman, Raj Kapoor's wedding with Krishna Malhotra. Although the incident speaks volumes about Ashok Kumar's superstardom, however, it wasn't a great incident to remember for the Shree 420 actor. Raj and Krishna's wedding was nothing less than an award ceremony, as every renowned actor in the film industry was invited. And, the ultimate superstar of that time, Ashok Kumar was also present at the wedding to bless the couple.
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In an interview with Quint, Ashok Kumar's daughter, Bharti Jaffery had narrated what had actually happened at Raj Kapoor and Krishna Malhotra's wedding. Recalling the same, she had revealed that when her father, Ashok Kumar had gone up on the stage to congratulate Raj and Krishna for their happy married life, that's when everything changed. Opening up about the same, Bharti revealed that the moment her father stood in front of Raj and Krishna, the gorgeous bride lifted her ghunghat and looked ecstatic seeing Ashok Kumar in front of her. While it was a pure fangirl moment for Krishna, the incident irked Raj Kapoor, and he had never forgiven Ashok Kumar for upstaging him at his own wedding in front of his wife. In Bharti's words:
"Papa was there, of course. And when he went up to congratulate the couple, the bride, Krishna ji, lifted up her ghunghat to gasp, 'Oh it's Ashok Kumar. I'm so happy!' Raj Kapoor never forgave him for upstaging him at his own wedding."
For the unversed, Ashok Kumar had got married to a girl named, Shobha Devi back in 1935 in an arranged marriage, which was settled by their families. The couple welcomed four children, one son, Aroop Ganguly and three daughters, Bharati Patel, Rupa Verma, Preeti Ganguly.
Unfortunately, it was on December 10, 2001, when the legendary actor passed away due to heart failure at the age of 90.
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