Noted actress Sandhya Ray once said Ashok Kumar was a living document of acting, versatility, effortlessness. Her views are shared by Vidya Balan who also feels Ashok Kumar was a parent like figure to Hindi films.
Dadamoni as Ashok Kumar was nationally referred to, was a graduate with distinction in science from Presidency College, Kolkata. He worked initially as a laboratory assistant in Mumbai Talkies. Dadamoni desired to become an actor. His choice to face the camera was mocked by many. Accepting the challenge he worked as a hero in Jeevan Naiya and then Achyut Kanya opposite Devika Rani. With natural performing flair he became a big star and was accepted as a leading singer with the song, Main Bon Ki Chidiya.
