Date of Birth: Fri, Oct 13, 1911
Place of Birth: Bhagalpur, India
Ashok Kumar was one of Indias most famous actors from before to after its independence from the UK. As a young assistant to Bengali film-maker Himanshu Rai, he got his start in acting by accident when he volunteered to substitute for the lead actor, Jeevan Naiyya, who fell ill before production on the film _Acchut Kanya (1936)_ was to start. Kumar was terrifed of acting in the first place, especially opposite lead actress Devika Rani, known as the dragon lady for her smoking, drinking, cursing and legendary hot temper. After finishing shooting, Kumar continued with overseeing the process of the film with editing, mixing and processing. His unexpected aclaim to his role had him in demand for more acting roles, which he pursued in a few more Bombay Talkies with Devika Rani.