Ashok Kumar, 90; Star of 250 Indian Movies

Ashok Kumar, an icon of Indian cinema who wowed audiences in about 250 films, died Monday at his home in Bombay. He was 90 and had been in ill health for some time. No official cause of death was announced.

Kumar had worked in India’s film industry--the world’s largest--for more than 60 years. With his classic Bengali looks, Kumar was admired as one of the best-looking leading men in the business.

“For me, he was the man who could do amazing things . . . the invisible man,” said Mahesh Bhatt, a Hindi filmmaker who knew Kumar since his childhood. “Now he is himself invisible. . . .

“He marks the end of a definitive era,” Bhatt said.

Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee said Kumar “had an emotive appeal that transcended all barriers.”

Born Kumud Ganguly, Kumar was the eldest of the three brothers who changed their names and became popular in cinema.

He first graduated law school before making his debut in cinema in 1936, opposite Devika Rani, the top leading lady of her time. He then starred in movies ranging from mushy romances to nail-biting thrillers.

Kumar, who received the Dada Saheb Phalke award, Indian cinema’s highest honor, is survived by his daughter, Preeti Ganguly.