Bandini to Mahal: Ashok Kumar’s films that are a must-watch

One of the most iconic names in the Indian movie industry, Ashok Kumar, was fondly called as Dadamoni. Born Kumudlal Ganguly, Ashok Kumar went on to win the hearts of many. He was one of the first actors in Indian cinema to play negative roles and he did it with an unmatched élan. He played negative characters in a lot of films including Jewel Thief. He received the Filmfare Award for Best Actor in 1962 and 1968 for films, Rakhi and Aashirwad respectively. He passed away at the age of 90 following a heart failure.


Let’s take a look at films that he had immortalised with his performance…

Howrah Bridge This is a 1958 film directed by Shakti Samanta. Its name is a reference to Howrah Bridge, which connects Howrah to Kolkata over the Hooghly River. Ashok Kumar plays Rakesh in this murder mystery. He looks suave, romancing the beautiful dancer at Uncle Joe’s shady night club. He was paired with Madhubala in this film. Ashok Kumar looked quite a dandy in his suit and his signature hat while blowing cigarette bubbles in the air, glancing at Ms Edna while she performs to ‘Aaiye meherbaan.’

Mahal


Produced by Bombay Talkies studio, this Kamal Amrohi's directorial debut launched both playback singer, Lata Mangeshkar, and the leading lady, Madhubala, into super-stardom. The film saw Ashok Kumar in yet another goose-flesh inducing role. Draped in a snugly fit, buttoned overcoat, he traverses the huge uninhabited palatial mansion, carefully and keenly scanning the entire building to figure out the lady whose voice can just be heard singing ‘Aayega aanewala.’

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. However, he handles the situation in a very mature manner and doesn’t let things get out of his control.

Bandini


This is a 1963 Hindi drama film directed and produced by Bimal Roy, the man who directed classics like Do Bigha Zameen and Devdas. Bandini stars Nutan along with Ashok Kumar and Dharmendra as leads. The film explores the human conflicts of love and hate intertwined in the mind of Kalyani. It is also the only film to have depicted the sacrifice made by ordinary rural women during the Indian independence struggle. Ashok Kumar had delivered a stunning performance in the film as Bikash, a freedom fighter who loves Kalyani, and yet due to the circumstances and the societal pressures is forced to forsake his love and get married to someone he doesn’t love.