Who Is Ashok Kumar? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ashok Kumar was born on October 13, 1911, and passed away on December 10, 2001, making him a significant figure in Indian cinema for nearly a century. Throughout his illustrious career, he captivated audiences with his versatile acting skills. Known as one of the pioneers of the Hindi film industry, Ashok Kumar's contribution to the arts transcends his stardom, continuing to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers.
| Occupation | Producer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 13, 1911 |
| Age | 90 Years |
| Birth Place | Bhagalpur, Bengal Presidency, British India (present-day Bihar, India) |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | India |
| Date of death | 10 December, 2001 |
| Died Place | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
Popularity
Ashok Kumar's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although no longer present in the physical realm, Ashok Kumar's legacy continues to resonate. During his lifetime, he was known for his slender build and charismatic on-screen presence. While specific measurements are not available, he exuded an aura of elegance that made him a heartthrob in the eyes of his fans.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ashok Kumar was married to Shobha Kumari, and together they had a family that shaped the entertainment landscape. He was the father of famous actors, including Anoop Kumar and Kishore Kumar, further cementing the family’s legacy in the Indian film industry. As of 2025, while Ashok Kumar's personal relationships remain a historical context, his romantic life has always been intrinsic to his identity as both a public figure and a loving husband and father.
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.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Ashok Kumar’s net worth was estimated to be substantial due to his many years in the film industry, successful films, and business ventures. In assessing his legacy in 2025, it’s evident that his contributions have not only enriched his family but also created a vast cultural wealth. Although the exact numerical value of his estate is difficult to quantify today, the impact of his work continues to yield financial benefits for his descendants and the film industry.
Career, Business and Investments
Ashok Kumar began his acting career in the 1930s and quickly established himself as a leading figure in Hindi cinema. From his breakout role in "Jhapsa" to his memorable performances in films like "Mahal," "Kismet," and "Chhoti Si Baat," he showcased immense talent and versatility. His later career included roles in films that highlighted social issues, with performances that were both impactful and profound.
Alongside his film career, Ashok Kumar also explored business interests, which helped secure his financial legacy. His investments in film production and endorsements contributed to his long-lasting wealth, influencing future generations in the arts.
Ashok Kumar (born Kumudlal Ganguly; 13 October 1911 – 10 December 2001), was an Indian actor who attained iconic status in Indian cinema. He was considered the first big star of Indian cinema as well as the first lead actor to play an anti-hero.
He also became the first star to reinvent himself, enjoying a long and hugely successful career as a character actor. He was a member of the cinematic Ganguly family. He was honoured in 1988 with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest national award for cinema artists, by the Government of India.
He received the Padma Shri in 1962 and Padma Bhushan in 1999 for his contributions to Indian cinema.
Social Network
In today's digital world, the legacy of Ashok Kumar extends to social networking platforms. Fans and enthusiasts share tributes, quotes, and memories, keeping his spirit alive. Online discussions and fan pages continue to uphold his contributions to cinema, showing the sustained interest in his films and life story.
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.
The film made Madhubala an overnight sensation and launched the career of Lata Mangeshkar who sang Aayega Aanewala, which remains popular till date. Mahal also became the source of inspiration for several films like Madhumati (1958), Karz (1980) and Om Shanti Om (2007).
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.
That same year, he reunited with Jaywant and Gyan Mukherjee for Sangram. After Kismet, Kumar again donned the hat of anti-hero for Sangram, in turn adding another huge hit in his kitty. In 1951, he starred in B. R. Chopra's crime drama film Afsana and Nitin Bose's romantic musical Deedar.
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.
Education
Although details regarding Ashok Kumar's educational background are not extensively documented, it is well-known that his early experiences and exposure to the theatrical world were instrumental in shaping his acting career. His passion for performing arts often overshadowed formal academic pursuits, leading him to a life devoted to entertainment.
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.
