October 13 marks the 27th death anniversary of one of India’s most popular singers, Kishore Kumar. Let us rewind some of the unforgettable melodies he gave us.
Woh shaam kuch ajeeb thee… ( Khamoshi )
This melody that has been haunting us for the last 45 years was composed by Hemant Kumar, for arguably his best work in film, Khamoshi . The film had two other great songs, “ > Humne dekhi hai... ", sung by Lata Mangeshkar, and “ > Tum pukar lo… ”, which was rendered by Hemant himself.
Talking of Hemant, the singer-composer, one cannot but mention his incredibly brilliant “ > Yeh nayan dare dare… ” ( Kohraa ).
Rim jhim gire saawan… ( Manzil )
No composer knew how to explore the amazing possibilities of Kishore’s voice better than R.D. Burman. When the two geniuses teamed up, which, thankfully for music lovers, was very often, we got gems like this one. There is a female version of the song too, sung by Lata Mangeshkar, and it was filmed in rain, on Amitabh Bachchan and Moushumi Chatterjee, who had the most charmingly toothy smile among all Bollywood heroines. Kishore’s version is shot indoors, with Amitabh singing at a mehfil. Through Kishore’s voice, you could feel the fresh drops of the first rain of the monsoon.
Chingari koi bhadke… ( Amar Prem )
R.D. Burman and Kishore combine again for another classic. Right from the mellifluously melancholic opening notes on flute, followed by Kishore’s humming, you are hooked. Then that voice takes you over completely. The song refuses to leave you. The lyrics by Anand Bakshi are among his best. It is beautifully shot by director Shakti Samanta too, on Sharmila Tagore, with her kohl-rimmed eyes telling the sad tale of her character in Amar Prem , and Rajesh Khanna, who are travelling on a boat on a dark night. Everything has gelled to make this one of those perfect film songs.
Mere naina saawan bhado… ( Mehbooba )
Kishore shows how beautifully he could handle a semi-classical song (in Raga Shivranjini), though he was not classically trained. Definitely one of Kishore Kumar’s finest efforts as a singer. Once again, he has RD, Anand Bakshi and Rajesh Khanna for company.
Ghungroo ki tarah… ( Chor Machaye Shor )
Few singers could express gloom as well as Kishore. This song, written and composed by Raveendra Jain, is a shining example.
Dil aisa kisi ne… ( Amanush )
Shyamlal Mitra may not have been the most prolific of composers in Bollywood, but this song alone would ensure him immortality. With his immaculate singing, Kishore ensured that the song would beat time.
O majhi re… ( Khushboo )
Gulzar wrote several great lines for RD. This is one of the best songs by the crack lyricist-combination. Terrific singing by Kishore. Gulzar was also the director of the film, which had Jeetendra and a gorgeous Hema Malini in simple cotton sarees.
Jidhar dekhoon teri tasvir… ( Mahaan )
One of the most underrated songs by the RD-Kishore team. Romance rarely sounded sweeter.
Zindagi ka safar… ( Safar )
Kishore is at his best in one of Kalanji-Anandji’s finest compositions.
Is mod pe… ( Aandhi )
In this beautiful film directed by Gulzar, featuring the gifted Sanjeev Kumar and the stunningly elegant Suchitra Sen, you would find three of the loveliest duets ever, all sung by Kishore and Lata. > Tere bina zindagi… and > Tum aagaye ho… are as delectable too.
Well, the list could go on and on, with classics such as > Kuch to log kahenge… ( Amar Prem ), > Aa chalke tujhe… ( Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein ), > Chookar mere man ko… ( Yaraana ), > Dukhi man mere… ( Funtoosh ), > Khilte hai gul yahaan… ( Sharmeelee ), > Mera jeevan… ( Kora Kagaz ), > Sagar kinare… ( Sagar ), > Ek ladki bheegi… ( Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi ), > Mere sapnon ki raani… ( Aradhana ), > O mere dil ke chain… ( Mere Jeevan Saathi ), > Diye jalte hain… ( Namak Haraam ), > Humein tumse pyar kitna… ( Khudrat ).
