December 11, 2001	Tuesday	Ramazan 25, 1422

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MUMBAI, Dec 10: India screen legend Ashok Kumar died on Monday at his residence in Mumbai after a prolonged illness, film industry sources said.

He was 90 and is survived by daughter Preeti Ganguly, also an actress. Ashok Kumar, elder of the three Ganguly brothers of Kolkata, dominated the Indian film industry for decades with his original and inimitable style of acting.

Fondly known as “dadamoni” (elder brother), Ashok Kumar was the 20th recipient of India’s most prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke movie achievement award in 1989.

A veteran who commenced his career during the silent era, Kumar has some of industry’s mega hits to his credit such as “Achut Kanya” (untouchable daughter), “Jewel Thief” and Mahal (palace). His last film was “Return of the Jewel Thief.”

Ashok started his career in 1936 with “Jeevan Naiya” (Life Boat) when well known producer Himanshui Rai cast him at the last minute following the absence of the lead actor.

Along with his brothers the late Kishore Kumar and Anoop Kumar, dominated the film industry during the 50s and 60s.—AFP