When Ashok Kumar confessed to being attracted to female co-stars, but refused to show up for ‘appointments’ with them

On his 112th birth anniversary, here's a throwback interview in which the legendary Ashok Kumar spoke about the many occasions on which he felt attracted to his female co-stars.

Film actors Devika Rani and Ashok Kumar in film ACHHUT KANYA *** Local Caption *** Film actors Devika Rani and Ashok Kumar in film ACHHUT KANYA. Express archive photo

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The legendary actor Ashok Kumar, who was often described as Indian cinema’s first superstar, remained married to Shobha Devi throughout his life. But in an old interview, reposted online on the occasion of his 112th birth anniversary on October 13, the actor spoke about the numerous times that he could’ve had dalliances with his co-stars, but chose not to.

In an interview shared on the Lehren Retro YouTube channel, he was pointedly asked if he has ever done something in his life that he shouldn’t have. He retorted, “Make love to girls you mean? What?” When he was told that the question wasn’t specifically about anything, the actor continued, “Many times, but I don’t know exactly what you mean. For instance, I’ve lied many times to help others out.” But, he said, he wouldn’t lie to hurt anybody, and will be happy if people remember him as a good man after his death.

Also read | When Ashok Kumar’s wedding was called off because he became an actor: ‘It was considered disreputable those days’

Asked if there was any moment during his film career when he fell in love with a co-star, he said, “I haven’t fallen in love, but I’ve been attracted to some girls. I’m not a saint. But I never took it forward. They asked me for an appointment. I said alright I’ll come, but I don’t go. I just can’t do it. I’ll tell you why this happens.”

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Ashok Kumar then explained in great detail how his horoscopes have dictated his romantic life. He said that while he has always been destined to generate female attention, he also has a tendency to light possible romantic encounters on ‘fire’. “This is why I don’t go for ‘appointments’. I feel like I’m doing something bad. I’ve been attracted to many women, but I’ve never taken it forward,” he said.

Ashok Kumar died in 2001, at the age of 90. Having started out in the silent films, he emerged as the biggest movie star of his generation as the industry transitioned into talkies. He is the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest cinema honour in the nation, and also the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award of India.

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