New Delhi .Hindi cinema's veteran actor Ashok Kumar is also known by the audience as Dadamuni. In his long film career, he had created a distinct identity by playing both hero and villain roles. However, Ashok Kumar's legacy was not limited to his films only. Many members of his family also entered the world of acting. His three daughters worked in films, while son-in-law Deven Verma entertained the audience with his comedy and supporting roles. His granddaughter Anuradha Patel also appeared in Hindi films and played the role of his mother in Salman Khan's film Ready.
Ashok Kumar was born on 13 October 1911 in a Bengali Brahmin family in Bhagalpur, Bihar. His father Kunjal Ganguly was a lawyer by profession, while mother Gauri Devi was a housewife. Ashok Kumar was the eldest among his siblings. His younger brothers included Anoop Kumar and Kishore Kumar. Kishore Kumar is counted among the popular singers of Hindi film music. His sister Sati Devi was also related to the film family. Sati Devi was the grandmother of actress Kajol.
Ashok Kumar married Shobha in the year 1938. They had four children, including one son and three daughters. Son Arup Kumar acted in the 1962 film Bezubaan. However, the film was not successful and after this he focused his attention on the world of business instead of film career.
His elder daughter Bharti Patel also maintained links between the family and the film industry. She was married to Dr. Virendra Patel, a famous orthopedic surgeon from Mumbai. The couple had two children, including son Rahul and daughter Anuradha Patel. Anuradha later made her mark as an actress and worked in many Hindi films.
Anuradha Patel started acting with the film Love in Goa, released in 1983. After this she appeared in Rekha and Naseeruddin Shah's film Ijaazat. In this film she played the character of a girl named Maya. The song of the film Mera Kuch Saaman Tumhe Paas Pada Hai is also associated with his character. Anuradha Patel later played the role of his mother in the Salman Khan starrer film Ready. In this way, Ashok Kumar's granddaughter also made her own place in Hindi cinema.
Ashok Kumar's second daughter Roopa Verma also acted in some films. She is married to actor Deven Verma, who is popular for his comic roles in Hindi cinema. Deven Verma gave memorable performances in films like Angoor and Golmaal. He created a special identity among the audience through supporting roles and comedy. He died in the year 2014.
Ashok Kumar's youngest daughter Preeti Ganguly also took up acting as her profession like her father. He entered films with the film Dhuney Ki Lakir, released in 1974. After this she appeared in films like Khel Khel Mein, Dillagi, Khatta Meetha and Chor Ke Ghar Ka Chor. Preeti is especially remembered for her comedy roles.
In this way many generations of Ashok Kumar's family contributed to Hindi cinema. From Dadamuni himself to his daughters, son-in-law and granddaughter, the family members made a mark among the audience through their different roles.