New Delhi: Some Hindi cinema celebrities possess real-life stories so captivating that they overshadow their on-screen narratives. One such intriguing tale is that of actress Devika Rani, often referred to as the First Lady of Hindi cinema. With her elegance, innocence, and strong screen presence, she secured a significant place in the hearts of her audience. Her love life reflects a remarkable journey, showcasing the rise of an ordinary individual to fame and the subsequent emotional turmoil that followed.
Devika Rani was married to producer-director Himanshu Rai, with whom she co-founded the production company Bombay Talkies. A pivotal moment in her life—and in the history of Indian cinema—came with the release of the film “Jawani Ki Hawa” in the 1930s. While filming, she developed a close relationship with her co-star, Najmul Hasan, who was known for his tall and handsome appearance. Their bond soon blossomed into romance, reportedly leading them to elope to Calcutta with plans to travel to Karachi.
However, this decision threatened both Devika’s career and her marriage. In a dramatic turn of events, Sashadhar Mukherji, a colleague at Bombay Talkies, intervened and persuaded her to return to Himanshu Rai. Consequently, Hasan lost his contract with Bombay Talkies, and his career suffered a major setback.
As a result of Hasan’s exit mid-production, the filmmakers began searching for a new lead. Rai opted to cast an actor perceived as possessing ordinary looks. Mukherji recommended his brother-in-law, Kumudlal Ganguly, who was working as a lab assistant at the studio. Initially, there were doubts about his potential as a leading man, but Rai eventually gave him a chance.
Kumudlal Ganguly soon adopted the stage name ‘Ashok Kumar.’ His debut film with Devika Rani, “Jeevan Naiya,” was a commercial success. Following this, the film “Achhut Kanya” catapulted him to stardom. It is widely believed that without Devika Rani’s brief affair with Najmul Hasan, the Hindi film industry might not have discovered a legendary figure like Ashok Kumar.
