Known as the first superstar of the Bollywood industry, Ashok Kumar truly defined the art of cinema in his own right. From his charmingly dapper looks to his unique way of delivering dialogues, the actor made the buffs his die-hard fan. There is no denying that Ashok was a natural actor who learned the nuance of acting and the art of slipping into the shoe of the character while religiously doing his job. In the remembrance of the actor, today here we bring you a look at the Top 10 must-watch movies of Ashok Kumar, the first superstar of the Bollywood industry.
1. Mahal: Kamal Amrohi’s cult classic not just started the trend of reincarnation thrillers but also gave us a superstar like Meena Kumari. While adding another feather in Ashok Kumar’s hat, this movie witnessed the career-defining work of Ashok Kumar and became one of the biggest hits of that year.
2. Sangram: Even though the government thought that the movie delivered the wrong idea in society, Ashok Kumar starrer robbed many hearts with the story. The movie captured Ashok playing the role of a son who was forced to enter the dark world of crime, with the straight-laced ways of his strict policeman father.
3. Parineeta: Based on the soothing novel of Saratchandra with the same name, the movie is all about how a glance is enough to convey those thousand words that are tongue is never going to speak. The movie follows the story of Lalita and Shekhar and how they fought with the world to embrace their hearts with the love they deserved.
4. Howrah Bridge: The credit for kick-starting the trend of mystery drama goes to Shakti Samanta’s Howrah Bridge. The movie captures Ashok Kumar playing the role of Prem Kumar who rush to Kolkata from Rangoon after he gets to know that his brother is murdered at the Howrah Bridge. And that’s where the mission of Prem starts.
5. Kismet: Kismet is the movie that gave Ashok Kumar the title of Bollywood’s first superstar. Termed Bombay Talkies' most successful film, Kismet made the audience accept the protagonist as the hero even though his portrayal was too grey for the cinema. The movie captures, Ashok Kumar playing a loveable rogue who unknowingly plans a heist in his own house.
6. Achhut Kanya: Known as the revolutionary movie of the industry, Achhut Kanya captures Ashok playing the role of a guy born in a Brahmin family. With the will of finding his love, he falls head over heels in love with an untouchable girl named Devika.
7. Bewafa: Roopa (Nargis) is forced to work by her alcoholic uncle, who also mistreats her all the time. A neighbor living in her shawl, Raj (Raj Kapoor) once helps her out by giving her some money and they become friends. But her situation worsens day by day. She wants to commit suicide but is rescued by a wealthy painter Ashok (Ashok Kumar). Stunned by her beauty, he asks her to pose for him, paying her handsomely for that.
8. Bandini: Helmed by Bimal Roy, the movie exhibits the human emotion of love and hate while capturing Ashok Kumar, Nutan, and Dharmendra in lead. It is also the only film to have depicted the sacrifice made by ordinary rural women during the Indian independence struggle.
9. Gumrah: Gumrah This is a 1963 Hindi film produced and directed by B. R. Chopra. The film stars Sunil Dutt, Ashok Kumar, Mala Sinha, Nirupa Roy, Deven Verma, and Shashikala. Ashok Kumar’s role in the film was lauded by all and sundry. He portrayed the role of a mature husband who is aware of her wife’s past relationship.
10. Mamta: Mamta was a heroine-oriented film. Suchitra Sen performed of a lifetime in it. Ashok Kumar as her lover and then foster father (she had a double role) was an able foil to the hi-jinks histrionics displayed by the actress. Calm and sophisticated, he gave his role the gravitas it deserved. Mamta is a remake of the Bengali movie Uttar Falguni (1963), also starring Suchitra Sena.
