Arun Kumar Ahuja – The Forgotten Star Who Shaped a Film Legacy
Arun Kumar Ahuja, born on 17 January 1917 in Gujranwala (now in Pakistan), lived a life filled with ambition, talent, struggle, and an unforgettable legacy. His real name was Gulshan Kumar Ahuja, a name chosen by his parents long before destiny would lead him into the world of Indian cinema. Arun Ahuja’s father, the grandfather of actor Govinda, worked as a railway station master, and the family valued education deeply.
Early Life and Education
As a child, Gulshan (Arun) excelled in studies, which prompted his father to enroll him in the prestigious Lahore Engineering College. But beyond academics, Arun had another love—football. His talent on the field would unexpectedly open the door to his film career.
The Football Match That Changed His Fate
One afternoon, while Arun Ahuja was passionately playing a football match, destiny brought well-known filmmaker Mehboob Khan (director of Mother India) to the same ground. Mehboob Khan was an avid lover of the sport and had come to watch the match.
Arun dribbled through the entire field and scored a goal without passing the ball to anyone. His confidence and athletic charm instantly impressed Mehboob Khan. At that very moment he said:
“This boy has the aura of a hero. I will make him a film star.”
In those days, many Punjabi households followed the tradition of keeping the eldest son as a Sardar. Arun, being the eldest, had long hair and a beard at the time. Even with this look, Mehboob Khan saw immense potential in him.
The Film Offer That Changed Everything
After the match, Mehboob Khan approached Arun Kumar Ahuja and offered him a job in films with a monthly salary of 200 rupees—a huge amount in that era. Arun’s father, a station master, earned only 35 rupees a month.
The offer filled Arun with hope. He thought, “If I earn 200 rupees per month, I can help my father retire and take care of my entire family.”
Inspired and determined, Arun accepted the offer and moved to Bombay. His son, filmmaker Kirti Kumar, once shared that Arun arrived in Bombay traveling first-class and even brought a servant along—a sign of how special the opportunity felt.
Debut in Cinema – The Beginning of a Dream
Arun Kumar Ahuja’s film debut came with Ek Hi Raasta (1939). Directed by Mehboob Khan and produced by Sagar Movietone, the film featured Arun as the lead hero, playing a truck cleaner.
Another newcomer also appeared in the movie—Sheikh Mukhtar—who later became a big name in Indian cinema. This film marked the beginning of two promising careers.
Working With Mehboob Khan – Early Success
In 1940, Arun appeared in Mehboob Khan’s film Aurat. Actress Sardar Akhtar played his wife in the film. Sardar Akhtar later married Mehboob Khan, making the film historically significant.
Aurat was the original version of the legendary film Mother India (1957). In Aurat, Arun Ahuja played the same role that actor Raj Kumar portrayed in Mother India.
Fifteen Years in the Film Industry
Arun Ahuja worked in films for nearly 15 years. From lead roles to character roles, he acted with sincerity and dedication. He even sang songs in some of his films, showcasing his artistic versatility.
Love Story – Meeting Nirmala Devi
Arun met actress and classical singer Nirmala Devi while working on the film Savera (1942). Their chemistry blossomed into love. On 5 May 1945, the two got married. After marriage, Nirmala Devi gave up her acting career.
The couple had five children—three daughters and two sons. Their younger son, Govinda, would later become one of Bollywood’s biggest superstars. Their elder son, Kirti Kumar, also acted in a few films and produced movies.
The Fall – Financial Troubles and Film Failures
In 1948, Arun Ahuja turned producer and made a film titled Sahara. Unfortunately, it failed at the box office, leaving him in massive debt. Still hopeful, he produced another movie, Jo Hai Saajan, but the film never released.
The losses were devastating. To pay his debts, Arun attempted to return to acting. But by then, newer and more popular actors had emerged, and the strong roles he once received were no longer offered.
He continued to work in a few films, but financial recovery never came.
The Decline – Selling Everything and Moving to Virar
After years of financial struggle, Arun Ahuja sold all his property in Bandra in 1962 and shifted his family to a small chawl in Virar.
His health began deteriorating soon after the move. With no stable income from acting, the responsibility of managing the household fell on Nirmala Devi.
Nirmala Devi’s Second Innings
To support the family, Nirmala Devi restarted her career as a classical singer. Music director A.R. Qureshi (Tabla maestro Alla Rakha) helped her get stage programs during this difficult period.
She performed extensively in Kolkata and soon became a renowned Thumri singer. Her success helped the family survive the tough years.
The Family Rises Again
When their younger son Govinda became a major Bollywood star, the entire family shifted from Virar to Juhu. Yet Arun Ahuja chose to stay back in Virar, living a quiet and isolated life.
The Final Years
On 15 June 1996, Nirmala Devi passed away. Arun Kumar Ahuja, already weak and withdrawn, lived for only two more years. He passed away on 3 July 1998, leaving behind a story of dreams, success, crisis, sacrifice, and a legacy carried forward by his superstar son.
A Legacy That Should Be Remembered
Arun Kumar Ahuja may not have reached the heights he once dreamed of, but he laid the foundation for a film dynasty. His resilience, his early stardom, his struggles, and his sacrifices deserve recognition.
Arun Kumar Ahuja’s journey is a reminder of how unpredictable the world of cinema can be—but also how one family’s courage and talent can change everything.