Behind the badge: Finding Sumitra in ‘Ashok Kumar’

By Lavreen

As an actor, you are always waiting for that one role that challenges the image people have of you. When I first read the script for Ashok Kumar, I knew this was it. I’ve been a part of the Tarang Entertainment family before, but this project felt different from the start. It gave me the freedom to truly explore my inner artist and step into a world that was gritty, dark, and intellectually demanding.

Playing a cop was a first for me. There is a specific weight to the uniform—it changes the way you stand, the way you speak, and the way you look at people. What thrilled me most about this story was my character’s timeline.

While other characters were living through the raw emotional trauma of the mystery, my journey was centered on the investigation. Even though I knew the whole story as an actor, portraying a police officer who has to uncover the truth piece by piece was both difficult and deeply interesting. I had to maintain that "investigative thrill" in every scene, staying one step ahead while navigating a corrupt system.

The magic of Ashok Kumar happened because of the atmosphere on set. It never felt like a heavy, stressful shoot. Instead, it felt like a young, energetic bunch of people working with a completely free mind. This creative comfort started with our director, Papu Sahu. He was so friendly and patient, breaking down every scene in detail and making sure I understood the subtext before the camera rolled.

Working alongside veterans like Tilu Sir (Choudhry Jayprakash Dash) and KK Bhai was the icing on the cake. Despite their experience and stature, they were incredibly friendly and supportive. There was no hierarchy—just a group of artists trying to tell an honest story.

Now that the series is out and everyone is talking about the investigation and the characters, I feel a sense of pride. Ashok Kumar allowed me to prove to myself that I could carry the badge with conviction. To the team and the audience—thank you for letting me be your guide through this mystery.