When Kishore Kumar was alive, people could listen to him all day. Now that he hasn’t been around for years, people still listen to him. The variety, the music, panache, the style and the class. Kishore Kumar’s songs can only be compared to two things in the world; Roger Federer’s forehand and Jack Nicholson’s acting. Kishore Kumar, remains a fan favourite, even years after his death. Born as Abhas Kumar Ganguly, Kishore Kumar changed his name to become an actor as Ashok Kumar, his elder brother, did not think he could make it as a singer. Ashok Kumar once said that Kishore had a terrible voice, growing up. It was only after crying for days as he cut his toe, “uska gala khul gaya”, says Ashok Kumar.
And when it happened for Kishore, his brilliance knew no bound. He came up with some of the most melodious songs of the last century. His songs not only immortalised him but the movies they were written into and the actors they were filmed on. His three-decade long career saw him as an actor, director, producer, but it was his songs that propelled him to stardom.
Some of his legendary hits weren’t even the typical songs appreciated by the masses of that era. Some of the best romantic songs of the generation were sung by him including “Mere sapno ki rani kab ayyegi tu” from the movie Aradhna, starring Rajesh Khanna, “O mere dil ke chain” from Mere Jeevan Saathi and “Chukar mere man ko” from the movie, Yaarana. Some of his songs such as “Mere saamne wali khidki me” from padosan and “Khaike paan banaras wala” from Don not became hugely popular at that time but became a part of the pop culture. A few of his songs have been tampered with and sung in the movies of this decade, and though people might have enjoyed it, one cannot deny the simple fact that it isn’t the same without him.
Kishore Da passed away on October 13, 1997. But he lives on. Through his movies, through his songs, and through his voice.
