Nayak (The Hero, 1966) was directed by Satyajit Ray from his second entirely original screenplay (after Kanchenjungha). The story concerns a matinee idol (played by Kumar), who - while on a cross-country train journey - is placed in the midst of various psychodramas unfolding among a varied cast of mostly well-off characters.

Nayak also Nayaka is the title of various caste and ethnic groups across India.