Ashok Kumar liked to paint in the buff, says granddaughter

Amit Kumar, son of legendary singer Kishore Kumar, and Anooradha Patel, granddaughter of actor Ashok Kumar, show a painting by Ashok Kumar, at a press conference during IFFI 2010 at Panaji in Goa on Tuesday. PTI

Ashok Kumar was nonetheless a “consummate artist” and produced 300 canvases in oil and water colour, Patel says. The foundation named after him helps support young painters, among other activities. Kumar, who starred in some 275 films leaving an indelible imprint on Indian cinema, is featured at the IFFI centenaries this year.

The Government of India will also release a postage stamp to commemorate the legendary actor on his birth centenary.  The family which plans to bring out a fresh biography by Ashok Eswaran will also hold a concert by Kishore Kumar’s sons Amit and Sumit as part of the celebrations.