Kishore Kumar | |
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| Born | Abhas Kumar Ganguly (1929-08-04)4 August 1929 |
| Died | 13 October 1987(1987-10-13) (aged 58) Bombay,Maharashtra, India |
| Other names | Kishore Da |
| Citizenship |
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| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1946–1987 |
| Works | |
| Spouses | |
| Children | 2, includingAmit |
| Relatives | SeeGanguly family SeeMukherjee-Samarth family |
| Awards | Full list |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals,piano[10] |
Musical artist | |
| Signature | |
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Kishore Kumar (bornAbhas Kumar Ganguly;pronunciationⓘ; 4 August 1929 – 13 October 1987) was an Indianplayback singer, musician and actor.[11] He is widely regarded as one of the greatest, most influential and dynamic singers in the history of modernIndian music.[12][13][14][15] Kumar was one of the most popular singers in theIndian subcontinent, notable for hisyodelling and ability to sing songs in different voices.[16] He used to sing in different genres but some of his rare compositions, considered classics, were lost in time.[17][18][19] In 2013, Kumar was voted "The Most Popular Male Playback Singer" in a poll conducted by theFilmfare magazine.[20]
BesidesHindi, he sang in many other Indian languages, includingBengali,Marathi,Assamese,Gujarati,Kannada,Bhojpuri,Malayalam,Odia andUrdu.[21] He also released a few non-film albums in multiple languages, especially in Bengali, which are noted as all-time classics.[22] According to his brother and legendary actorAshok Kumar, Kishore Kumar was successful as a singer because his "voice hits the mike, straight, at its most sensitive point".[23]
He won 8Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer out of 28 nominations and holds the record for winning and nominating the mostFilmfare Awards in that category.[22] He was awarded theLata Mangeshkar Award by theMadhya Pradesh government in 1985. In 1997, theMadhya Pradesh Government initiated an award called the "Kishore Kumar Award" for contributions toHindi cinema. In 2012, his unreleased last song sold for₹15.6lakh ($185,000 USD) at the Osian's Cinefan Auction inNew Delhi.[24][25][26]
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Kishore Kumar was born in aBengali Brahmin Ganguly[27][28] family inKhandwa,Central Provinces (now inMadhya Pradesh) as Abhas Kumar Ganguly.[29] His father, Kunjalal Ganguly (Gangopadhyay) was a lawyer and his mother, Gouri Devi came from a wealthy Bengali family and was a home-maker. Kunjalal Gangopadhyaya was invited by the Kamavisadar Gokhale family of Khandwa to be their personal lawyer. Kumar was the youngest of four siblings, the older three beingAshok (the eldest), Sati Devi, andAnoop.[30]
While Kumar was still a child, his brother Ashok became an actor inHindi cinema. Later, Anoop also ventured into cinema with Ashok's help.[31] Kumar graduated from Christian College,Indore.[32]
After Ashok Kumar became a star of Hindi films, theGanguly family visited Bombay (now Mumbai) regularly. Abhas Kumar changed his name to 'Kishore Kumar' and started his cinema career as a chorus singer atBombay Talkies, where his brother worked. Music directorKhemchand Prakash gave Kumar a chance to sing "Marne Ki Duayen Kyon Mangu" for the filmZiddi (1948). After this, Kumar was offered many other assignments, but he was not very serious about a film career.[33] In 1949, he settled in Bombay.[34]
During the initial stage of his career, Kumar was deeply inspired by singerK. L. Saigal and imitated his style of singing in some of his early films but later evolved his own, unique style.[35] He had a great respect for poet and musicianRabindranath Tagore who influenced him in many ways.[36]
He was an ardent admirer ofHollywood actor-singerDanny Kaye. He hung the portraits of all these three personalities at hisGouri Kunj residence and would bow respectfully before them every day as a rule.[37]
In his later career, Kumar was also heavily influenced by playback singerAhmed Rushdi and his liking towards Rushdi was to the extent that former paid a tribute atRoyal Albert Hall in London to the latter by singing some of his songs.[38]
Kumar employedyodelling in many of his songs including;Yeh dil na hota bechara,Zindagi ek safar hai suhana, andChala jata hoon. The style eventually became an essential feature of his singing and was inspired byJimmie Rodgers andTex Morton.[39]
In the movieHalf Ticket, for one of the songs – "Aake Seedhi Lagi Dil Pe" – the music directorSalil Chowdhury had a duet in mind and wanted Kumar andLata Mangeshkar to sing the song. However, since Lata Mangeshkar was not in town and Salil Chowdhury had to record that song before she could return, Kumar solved the problem by singing both the male and female parts of the song himself. The duet is actually forPran and Kumar on the screen dressed as a woman. It just turned out to be fine as he did admirably well singing both in male and female voices.[40]
Music directorS. D. Burman is credited with spotting Kumar's talent for singing. During the making ofMashaal (1950), Burman visited Ashok's house, where he heard Kumar imitating K. L. Saigal. He complimented him and told him that he should develop a style of his own, instead of copying Saigal.[41] Kumar eventually developed his own style of singing, which featuredyodelling, which he had heard on the records ofTex Morton andJimmie Rodgers.[42]: 60 S. D. Burman kept making Kishore sing forDev Anand from the 50s to the early 70s. S. D. Burman provided him the training and encouraged Kumar a lot, especially in the late 50s and early 60s, resulting in Kumar developing into a great singer in the future years.[43]
S. D. Burman recorded Kumar's voice for Dev Anand'sMunimji (1954),Taxi Driver (1954),House No. 44 (1955),Funtoosh (1956),Nau Do Gyarah (1957),Paying Guest (1957),Guide (1965),Jewel Thief (1967),Prem Pujari (1970), andTere Mere Sapne (1971). He also composed music for Kumar's home productionChalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958). Some of their songs were "Maana Janaab Ne Pukara Nahin" fromPaying Guest (1957), "Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke" fromNau Do Gyarah (1957), "Ai Meri Topi Palat Ke Aa" fromFuntoosh (1956), and "Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si" fromChalti Ka Naam Gaadi.[44]Asha Bhosle and Kishore performed duets composed by Burman including "Chhod Do Aanchal" fromPaying Guest (1957), "Ankhon Mein Kya Ji" fromNau Do Gyarah (1957), "Haal Kaisa Hai Janaab Ka" and "Paanch Rupaiya Baara Aana" fromChalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958) and "Arre Yaar Meri Tum Bhi Ho Gajab" fromTeen Deviyan (1965).[45]
As a singer, Kumar's work with many music directors in this period includes "Ye Raatein Ye Mausam" and "Hum Toh Mohabbat Karega" fromDilli Ka Thug, "Piya Piya Mora Jiya" fromBaap Re Baap, "Hello Hello Ji" fromBombay Ka Chor, "Michael Hai To Cycle Hai" fromBewaqoof, "Ae Haseeno Nazneeno" fromChacha Zindabad, "Zaroorat Hai Zaroorat Hai" fromManmauji (1961), "Likha Hai Teri Ankhon Mein" fromTeen Deviaan, "Suno Jaana Suno Jaana", "Pyaar Baatke Chalo" and "Kya Teri Zulfein Hai" fromHum Sab Ustaad Hai, "Khoobsurat Haseena" fromMr. X in Bombay, "Gaata Rahe Mera Dil" fromGuide (1965), "Sultana Sultana" fromShreeman Funtoosh, "Machalti Hui" fromGanga Ki Lahren, "Mera Dil Meri Jaan" and "Pyar Ka Jaahan Hotel" fromJaalsaaz and "Yeh Dil Na Hota Bechara" fromJewel Thief (1967).[46]
Music directorC. Ramchandra also recognised Kumar's talent as a singer.[47] They collaborated on songs including "Eena Meena Deeka" fromAasha (1957). Kumar's work includes "Nakhrewaali" fromNew Delhi (1956) byShankar Jaikishan, "C.A.T. Cat Maane Billi" and "Hum To Mohabbat Karega" fromDilli Ka Thug (1958) byRavi, and "Chhedo Na Meri Zulfein" fromGanga Ki Lahren (1964) byChitragupta.[12]
In 1968,Rahul Dev Burman worked with Kumar on the soundtrack of the filmPadosan (1968), in which Kumar sang "Mere Saamne Wali Khidki Mein" and "Kehna Hai."Padosan was a comedy featuring Kishore as a dramatist-musician,Mehmood as aCarnatic music and dance teacher, andSunil Dutt as a simpleton named Bhola. Kishore's character was inspired by his uncle, Dhananjay Bannerjee, a classical singer.[33] The highlight of the film was a musical, comical duel between Kumar, Sunil Dutt and Mehmood: "Ek Chatur Nar Karke Singaar.[48]
In 1969,Shakti Samanta produced and directedAradhana. Kumar sang three songs in the film; "Mere Sapnon Ki Rani", "Kora Kagaj Tha Ye Man Mera" and "Roop Tera Mastana". Shakti Samanta suggested that Kumar sing the other songs too. When the film was released, Kumar's three songs established him as a leading playback singer ofHindi cinema.[49] Kumar won his firstFilmfare award for "Roop Tera Mastana".[50]: 54
Kumar's first film appearance was inShikari (1946), in which his brother, Ashok played the lead role. Kumar played the lead in the Bombay Talkies filmAndolan (1951), directed byPhani Majumdar. Although he got some acting assignments with the help of his brother, he was more interested in becoming a singer. But Ashok wanted Kumar to be an actor like him.[41] Between 1946 and 1955, Kumar appeared in 22 films, of which 16 were flops; since he was uninterested in taking up acting as a career, he found ways to be in the bad books of the director or producer, so that they would throw him from their films. It was only after the success of films such asLadki,Naukari,Miss Mala,Char Paise andBaap Re Baap that Kumar developed an interest in acting seriously, which resulted in him having successful films as the lead actor between 1955 and 1966.[15]
Kumar starred inBimal Roy'sNaukari (1954) andHrishikesh Mukherjee's directorial debutMusafir (1957).Salil Chowdhury, the music director forNaukari, was initially dismissive of Kumar as a singer when he found that Kumar had no formal training in music.[47] However, after hearing his voice, Chowdhury gave him the songChhota Sa Ghar Hoga, which was supposed to be sung byHemant Kumar.[51]The commercially successful films of Kumar includedLadki (1953),Naukari (1954),Baap Re Baap (1955),Paisa Hi Paisa (1956),New Delhi (1956),Naya Andaz (1956),Bhagam Bhaag (1956),Bhai Bhai (1956),Aasha (1957),Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958),Dilli Ka Thug (1958),Jaalsaaz (1959),Bombay Ka Chor (1962),Chacha Zindabad (1959),Man-Mauji (1962),Jhumroo (1961),Half Ticket (1962),Mr. X in Bombay (1964),Shreeman Funtoosh (1965),Ek Raaz (1963),Ganga Ki Lahren (1964),Hum Sab Ustaad Hai (1965),Haal E Dil,Pyar Kiye Jaa (1966), andPadosan (1968). As an actor, his best period was between 1954 and 1966. His onscreen pairing with actressesMala Sinha,Vyjayanthimala,Nutan,Madhubala,Meena Kumari andKumkum gave the biggest hits in his career.[52]
Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958), his home production, had the three Ganguly brothers andMadhubala in main roles. Kumar played a car mechanic who has a romance with a city girl; (Madhubala) with a subplot involving the brothers.[42]: 29 Kumar acted in and composed the music forJhumroo (1961), and wrote the lyrics for the film's title song, "Main Hoon Jhumroo". Later, he produced and directedDoor Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein (1964), where he starred with Bengali actressSupriya Devi.[53] He also wrote the script and composed music for the film, which is about the relationship between a father (Kumar) and his deaf and mute son (played by his real-life sonAmit Kumar).[50]: 52
After 1966, as an actor, Kumar built up a notoriety for coming late for the shootings or bunking them altogether.[54] His films flopped frequently after 1965 and he landed in income tax trouble.[41] Kumar produced and directed some movies in the late 1970s and early 1980s;Pyar Zindagi Hai,Badhti Ka Naam Dadhi (1978),Sabaash Daddy,Zindagi (1981),Door Wadiyon Mein Kahin (1980) andChalti Ka Naam Zindagi (1982)—which was his last appearance as an actor.[citation needed]
Kumar was a leading singer throughout 1970s and 1980s until his death in 1987.[55]Kumar sang the most songs in his career forRajesh Khanna. Kumar sang 245 songs picturised on Rajesh Khanna across 92 films, which is an unbeaten record for singer-actor combination. Kishore sang 245 songs forRajesh Khanna, 202 forJeetendra, 131 forAmitabh Bachchan and 119 forDev Anand.[56]S. D. Burman and Kishore continued with music including "Ye dil na hota bechara" and "Aasmaan ke neeche" from "Jewel thief" (1967), "Phoolon Ke Rang Se" and "Shokhiyon Mein Ghola Jaaye" fromPrem Pujari (1969), "Aaj Madhosh Hua Jaye Re," "Khilte Hain Gul Yahan" and "O Meri Sharmilee" fromSharmilee (1971), "Meet Na Mila" fromAbhimaan (1973), and "Jeevan Ki Bagiya Mehkegi" fromTere Mere Sapne (1971). In 1975, S. D. Burman composed his last song for Kishore, "Badi Sooni Sooni Hai" for the filmMili.[57]
R. D. Burman recorded several songs with Kumar in the 1970s, including "O Maajhi Re" fromKhushboo, "Yeh Shaam Mastaani" and "Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai" fromKati Patang (1971), "Raat Kali Ek Khwab Mein Aayi" fromBuddha Mil Gaya (1971) and "Chingari Koi Bhadke", "Kuch To Log Kahenge (Amar Prem)", "Zindagi Ke Safar Me Guzar Jaate Hain Jo Makam" fromAap Ki Kasam (1974), "Aane Wala Pal" fromGolmaal (1979), "Hume Aur Jeene Ki Chahat Na Hoti" fromAgar Tume Na Hote (1983), "Raha Pe Rahete Hai" fromNamkeen (1985) and "Jab Bhi Koi Kangana" fromShaukeen (1987). Although Kumar was not formally trained in classical music, R. D. Burman often had Kumar sing semi-classical songs, such as "Humein Tum Se Pyaar Kitna" fromKudrat and "Mere Naina Saawan Bhadon" fromMehbooba.[19]
R. D. Burman recorded several duets pairing Kishore withAsha Bhosle andLata Mangeshkar, including "Panna Ki Tamanna" and "Bahut Door Mujhe" fromHeera Panna (1973), "Neend Chura Ke Raaton Mein" from the filmShareef Budmaash (1973), "Mujhko Mohabbat Mein Dhoka" and "Kisise Dosti Karlo" fromDil Deewana (1974), "Dhal Gayi Rang" fromHeeralal Pannalal (1978), "Ek Main Hoon" fromDarling Darling (1977), "Rimjhim Gire Sawan" fromManzil (1979), "Kya Yehi Pyar Hai" and "Hum Tum Se Mile" fromRocky (1981), "Jaan-e-Jaan Dhoondta" fromJawani Diwani, "Kahin Na Jaa" and "Kaho Kaise Rasta" fromBade Dilwala (1983), "Sun Zara Shok Haseena" and "Kharishoo" fromHarjaee (1981), "Waada Haanji Waada" fromThe Burning Train (1980) and "Kaisi Lagrahi Hoon Mein" fromJhuta Sach (1984).[58]
Apart from the Burmans, Kumar worked with other famous music directors too. The composer duoLaxmikant–Pyarelal (L-P) composed many songs sung by him, including "Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi" fromMr. X in Bombay, "Mere Naseeb Mein Aye Dost" fromDo Raaste, "Yeh Jeevan Hai" fromPiya Ka Ghar, "Mere Dil Mein Aaj Kya Hai" fromDaag, "Nahi Mai Nahi Dekh Sakta" fromMajboor, "Mere Diwanepan Ki Bhi" fromMehboob Ki Mehndi, "Naach Meri Bulbul" fromRoti, "Chal Chal Chal Mere Haathi" fromHaathi Mere Saathi and "Tu Kitne Baras Ki" fromKarz. L-P also worked with Kishore andMohammed Rafi on duets for the filmsZakhmee,Dostana,Ram Balram andDeedaar-E-Yaar. L-P composed "I Love You (Kaate Nahin Katate Yeh Din Yeh Raat)" forMr. India (1987), a duet with Kishore andAlisha Chinoy.
Salil Chowdhury recorded songs such as "Koi Hota Jisko Apna" fromMere Apne and "Guzar Jaaye Din Din" fromAnnadata. Ravindra Jain recorded "Ghungroo Ki Tarah" and the duets "Le Jaayenge Le Jaayenge" fromChor Machaye Shor and "Tota Maina Ki Kahani" fromFakira.Shyamal Mitra recorded a duet of Kishore with Asha – Sara Pyaar Tumhara for the filmAnandshram and solos "Dil aisa kisi ne mera toda" and " Na poochho koi humein" for the film "Amanush".
Khayyam recorded many of Kishore's duets with Lata Mangeshkar, including "Hazaar Raahein" and "Ankhon Mein Humne" fromThodisi Bewafaii and "Chandni Raat Mein" fromDil-E-Nadaan (1982).Hridaynath Mangeshkar recorded "Zindagi Aa Raha Hoon Main" fromMashaal (1984).
Kalyanji-Anandji recorded several songs with Kishore including"Zindagi Ka Safar" and "Jeevan Se Bhari", fromSafar (1970), "O Saathi Re" fromMuqaddar Ka Sikandar(1978),"Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas" fromBlackmail (1973), "Neele Neele Ambar Par" fromKalaakaar (1983) and the chart busterqawwali "Qurbani Qurbani" fromQurbani (1980).[59]
Kishore also worked with other composers includingRajesh Roshan, Sapan Chakraborty andBappi Lahiri. Kumar sang "Bhool Gaya Sab Kuchh" (duet with Lata Mangeshkar) and "Dil Kya Kare Jab Kisise" for Rajesh Roshan's filmJulie.[60] Their other songs include "Yaadon Mein Woh" fromSwami, "Chhookar Mere Man Ko Kiya Toone Kya Ishaara" fromYaarana, "Kaha Tak Ye Manko Andher Chalenge" fromBaton Baton Mein, "O Yara Tu Yaro Se Hai Pyar", and "Laharon Ki Tatah Yaadien" (1983) andKahiye, Suniye (duet with Asha Bhosle) fromBaton Baton Mein.Bappi Lahiri also recorded many songs with Kumar, includingPag Ghunghroo Bandh fromNamak Halaal (1982),Manzilen Apni Jagah Hai fromSharaabi (1984), "Chalate Chalte Mere Ye Geet Yad Rakhana" fromChalte Chalte (1975) and "Saason Se Nahi Kadmose Nahi" fromMohabbat (1987) and duets with Lata Mangeshkar such as "Albela Mausam" and "Pyar Ka Tohfa" fromTohfa (1984). The Kishore and Bappi pair also recorded hits in Bengali, including "Chirodini Tumi Je Amar" fromAmar Sangi (1987) and "E Amar Gurudakshina" fromGurudakshina (1987). Another Bengali musician was Ajay Das, who composed many hit songs in Kumar's voice. He also recorded a duet songHello Hello Kya Haal Hai withAsha Bhosle forNaushad in 1975 for the movieSunehra Sansar, the only song of Kishore. He also worked with music directors Basu and Manohari Singh for duets such as "Wada Karo Jaanam" and "Dariya Kinare" for the filmSabse Bada Rupaiya and "Aa Humsafar" for the filmChatpatee.[citation needed]
During theIndian Emergency (1975–1977),Sanjay Gandhi asked Kishore to sing for anIndian National Congress rally inBombay, but he refused.[61] As a result, Information and broadcasting ministerVidya Charan Shukla (1975–1977) put an unofficial ban on playing Kumar songs on state broadcastersAll India Radio andDoordarshan from 4 May 1976 till the end of Emergency.[62][63]
Kishore Kumar's sonAmit Kumar became a singer inHindi cinema in 1974 with the song "Apne Bas Ki Baat Nahi", composed by Kumar for the filmBadthi Ka Naam Daadi. Amit Kumar became popular with success of the song "Bade Achche Lagte Hai". Kishore continued singing for several actors even in 1980s. Kumar performed stage shows right from 1969 to earn money to pay his income tax arrears.[54] Kumar stopped singing forAmitabh Bachchan in the year 1981, after Bachchan refused to appear as a guest in the filmMamta Ki Chhaon Mein, which Kishore produced. Kishore declined to give voice for Amitabh inNaseeb,Coolie,Mard. Kishore said he would give his voice to Randhir Kapoor in the filmPukar, also starring Amitabh. Since Kishore shared good rapport with R. D. Burman, he agreed to sing inMahaan,Shakti andBemisal. He also agreed to Amitabh for the superhit filmsSharabi andGeraftaar, at the request ofBappi Lahiri. Later, Kishore called a truce by singing for Amitabh in a solo song inShahenshah and later inToofan.[64] Kishore sang the song "Mera Geet Adhura Hai" for his productionMamta Ki Chaon Mein and picturised the song on Rajesh Khanna. Kishore had directed the film, but died in 1987 and Rajesh Khanna helped Amit Kumar in releasing the film in 1989. He also temporarily stopped singing forMithun Chakraborty afterYogeeta Bali divorced him and married Chakraborty.[65] However, he later sang for Chakraborty inSurakshaa (1979), and in the 1980s in many films, includingBoxer,Jaagir,Faraib andWaqt Ki Awaz.
In the mid-1980s, Kishore sang forAnil Kapoor in his first Hindi film as a leading man,Woh Saat Din. He also recorded forMashaal. (1984),Saaheb. (1985),Karma. (1986),Janbaaz.(1986) andMr. India. (1987) for which he recorded the song "Zindagi Ki Yahi Reet Hai Haar Ke Baad Hi Jeet Hai". He sang duets withAlka Yagnik such as "Tumse Badhkar Duniya Mein Na Dekha" forKaamchor in 1982, "Humnashi Aaake from Ek Daku Saher Mein" and sang "Teri Meri Prem Kahani" inPighalta Aasman. He also recorded for newcomers likeAditya Pancholi for the song "Mere Dil Mein Utar Jana" for the filmLaal Paree (1991).
Kishore Kumar was highly popular in 80s, winning fiveFilmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the filmsThodisi Bewafaii (1980),Namak Halaal (1982),Agar Tum Na Hote (1983),Sharaabi (1984),Saagar (1985). Kishore Kumar was the single nominee in 1985, having all the four nominations to his credit. Incidentally, Kishore Kumar's all nominated songs were from a single movie, Sharaabi.
He had recorded the duets "Kaho Kahan Chale" for the filmBulundi, "Pyar Ka Dard Hai" fromDard and "Tum Jo Chale Gaye" fromAas Paas, a few days before his heart attack in 1981. He suffered his first heart attack on 24 January 1981 in Kolkata in the noon hours and within a gap of another four hours, suffered his second heart attack. The first solo song sung by him, after recovery from his two attacks was "Mere Sang Sang Aya" fromRajput (1982) and the duet with Asha – "Mausam Bheega Bheega" fromGehra Zakham.
Kishore debut singing in Marathi films in 1987 with the song "Ashwini Ye Na" from the movieGammat Jammat. This song became extremely popular and is considered one of the best songs in Marathi cinema. Kishore also sang another Marathi song, "Tujhi Majhi Jodi Jamali". Throughout his career, Kishore sang only two songs in Marathi.[66]
Kishore Kumar is credited with the highest number of multi-singer and male duet hits with the finest singers of different eras. Kishore Kumar sang the highest number of duets withAsha Bhosle (687 duets). He also sang duets withLata Mangeshkar,Mohammed Rafi,Mukesh,Manna Dey,Mahendra Kapoor,Geeta Dutt,Shamshad Begum,Sulakshana Pandit,S. Janaki,P. Susheela andKavita Krishnamurthy.
In the song "Humko Tumse Ho Gaya Hai Pyar" fromAmar Akbar Anthony, Kishore sang one song withLata Mangeshkar,Mohammed Rafi andMukesh, the most legendary singers in Hindi films. This was probably the only time that all of them rendered their voices for one song.[67] Kishore sang over 30 songs with his contemporary Rafi and they were good friends despite the claims of animosity reported in the media.[68]
Kishore Kumar sangBhajans like "Aao Kanhai Mere Dham" fromMere Jeevan Saathi (1972), "Devi Mata Rani" fromSwarag Se Sunder (1986), "Jai Bholenath Jai Ho Prabhu" fromKunwara Baap (1974), "He Re Kanhaiya" fromChhoti Bahu (1971), "Jab Ram Naam Le Le" fromAbhi Toh Jee Le (1977), "Kahe Apno K Kaam Nahi Aye Tu" fromRaampur Ka Lakshman (1972), "Krishna Krishna, Bolo Krishna" fromNaya Din Nai Raat (1974), "Prabhuji Teri Leela Aparampaar" fromHumsafar (1953) etc.[69][70]
Kishore Kumar recordedQawwalis like all-time hit "Vaada Tera Vaada" fromDushman (1971), "Hum Toh Jhuk Kar Salam Karte Hai" fromFakira (1976), "Mehfil Mein Paimana Jo Laga Jhumne" fromChunaoti (1980), "Is Ishq Mein" fromMr. Romeo (1974), "Kya Cheez Hai Aurat Duniya Mein" fromZorro (1975), "Haal Kya Hai Dilon Ka" fromAnokhi Ada (1973), a semi qawwali "Jab Se Sarkar Ne Nashabandi Tod Di" from5 Rifles (1974), the chart buster qawwali "Qurbani Qurbani Qurbani" fromQurbani (1980) etc.[59][71]
Kishore Kumar sangGhazals like "Peechhli Yaad Bhula Do" fromMehndi (1983), "Aisi Haseen Chandni" fromDard (1981), "Yun Neend Se Woh Jaan-E-Chaman" fromDard Ka Rishta (1982), "Tera Chehra Mejhe Gulab Lage" fromAapas Ki Baat (1981) and "Sarakti jaaye hai rukh se naqaab" from filmDeedar e Yaar (1982) with Lata Mangeshkar under the music direction of Laxmikant Pyarelal and penned by famous Urdu shayar Ameer Meenai and many more.[71][72]
Kumar married four times. His first wife wasBengali singer and actressRuma Guha Thakurta aka Ruma Ghosh. Their marriage lasted from 1950 to 1958.[50]: 53
Kumar's relationship with actressMadhubala was the subject of much media attention. Madhubala had worked with Kumar in many films including his home productionChalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958) andJhumroo (1961).[citation needed] According to Madhubala's sister Madhur Bhushan, after Madhubala's relationship with actorDilip Kumar faded, Madhubala got involved with Kishore who was going through a divorce withRuma Guha Thakurta. Their love affair went on for three years throughChalti Ka Naam Gaadi andHalf Ticket.[73] Madhubala was ill and was planning to go to London for treatment. She had aventricular septal defect (hole in the heart). The couple had a civil wedding in 1960. Kumar reportedlyconverted to Islam and changed his name to Karim Abdul,[74] but Madhubala's sister has refuted such claims, saying that Kumar remained a Hindu.[75] His parents refused to attend the ceremony. The couple also had a Hindu wedding ceremony to please Kumar's parents. Their marriage ended with Madhubala's death on 23 February 1969.[76]
"I knew she(Madhubala) was very sick even before I married her. But a promise is a promise. So I kept my word and brought her home as my wife, even though I knew she was dying from a congenital heart problem. For 9 long years, I nursed her. I watched her die before my own eyes. You can never understand what this means until you live through this yourself. She was such a beautiful woman and she died so painfully. She would rave and rant and scream in frustration. How can such an active person spend 9 long years bed-ridden? And I had to humour her all the time. That's what the doctor asked me to. That's what I did till her very last breath. I would laugh with her. I would cry with her."[77]
Kumar's third marriage was toYogeeta Bali, and lasted from 1976 to 4 August 1978. Kumar was married toLeena Chandavarkar from 1980 until his death. He had two sons,Amit Kumar with Ruma, andSumeet Kumar with Leena Chandavarkar.[78]Kumar is said to have been paranoid about not being paid.[33] During recordings, he would sing only after his secretary confirmed that the producer had made the payment.[79] On one occasion, when he discovered that his dues had not been fully paid, he appeared on set with makeup on only one side of his face. When the director questioned him, he replied "Aadha paisa to aadha make-up." (Half make-up for half payment).[33] On the sets ofBhai Bhai, Kumar refused to act because the directorM. V. Raman owed him₹ 5,000. Ashok Kumar persuaded him to do the scene but when the shooting started, Kishore walked a few paces and said,Paanch Hazaar Rupaiya (five thousand rupees) and did a somersault. After he reached the end of the floor, he left the studio.[80] On another occasion, when producer R.C. Talwar did not pay his dues in spite of repeated reminders, Kumar arrived at Talwar's residence shouting "Hey Talwar, de de mere aath hazaar" ("Hey Talwar, give me my eight thousand") every morning until Talwar paid up.[79]
In spite of his "no money, no work" principle, sometimes Kumar recorded free even when the producers were willing to pay. Such films include those produced byRajesh Khanna andDanny Denzongpa.[81] On one occasion, Kishore helped actor-turned-producerBipin Gupta by giving him₹ 20,000 for the filmDaal Me Kala (1964). When actor Arun Kumar Mukherjee—one of the first persons to appreciate Kishore's singing talent—died, Kumar regularly sent money to Mukherjee's family in Bhagalpur.[80]
According to Kumar's eldest sonAmit Kumar, Kumar did a lot of charity and free shows for jawans and cancer patients but he never spoke about it. Kumar was a homebody and avoided the trappings of stardom. He was an early riser and went to bed early. He loved authentic Bengali food, and was deeply emotional, a side which he seldom expressed and was also philosophic. Kumar was fond of Biblical films and liked sitting in a cemetery.[82]
The filmAnand (1971) was originally supposed to star Kishore andMehmood Ali in the lead.[83]Hrishikesh Mukherjee, the director of the film, was asked to meet Kishore to discuss the project. However, when he went to Kumar's house he was driven away by the gatekeeper due to a misunderstanding. Kumar—himself aBengali—had not been paid for a stage show organised by another Bengali man and had instructed his gatekeeper to drive away this "Bengali", if he ever visited the house. Consequently, Mehmood had to leave the film as well, and new actors (Rajesh Khanna andAmitabh Bachchan) were signed up for the film.[83]
Many journalists and writers have written about Kumar's seemingly eccentric behaviour.[84][85] He placed a sign that said "Beware of Kishore" at the door of hisWarden Road flat. Once, producer-directorH. S. Rawail, who owed him some money, visited his flat to pay the dues. Kumar took the money and when Rawail offered to shake hands with him, reportedly Kishore put Rawail's hand in his mouth, bit it and asked "Didn't you see the sign?". Rawail laughed off the incident and left quickly.[80] According to another reported incident, once Kumar was due to record a song for producer-directorG. P. Sippy. As Sippy approached his bungalow, he saw Kumar going out in his car. Sippy asked Kumar to stop his car but Kumar increased his speed. Sippy chased him toMadh Island where Kumar finally stopped his car near the ruinedMadh Fort. When Sippy questioned his strange behaviour, Kumar refused to recognise or talk to him and threatened to call the police. The next morning, Kumar reported for the recording session. An angry Sippy questioned him about his behaviour the previous day but Kumar said that Sippy must have dreamt the incident and said that he was in Khandwa on the previous day.[86]
Once, a producer went to court to get a decree that Kumar must follow the director's orders. As a consequence, he obeyed the director to the letter. He refused to alight from his car until the director ordered him to do so. After filming a car scene in Bombay, Kumar drove until he reachedKhandala because the director forgot to say "Cut".[80] In the 1960s, a financier named Kalidas Batvabbal, who was disgusted with Kumar's alleged lack of cooperation during the shooting ofHalf Ticket, reported to the income tax authorities, who raided his house. Later, Kumar invited Batvabbal to his home, asked him to enter a cupboard for a chat and locked him inside. He unlocked Batvabbal after two hours and told him, "Don't ever come to my house again".[80]
Kumar was a loner; in a 1985 interview withPritish Nandy he said that he had no friends—he preferred talking to his trees instead.[87] Once, when a reporter made a comment about how lonely he must be, Kumar took her to his garden, named some of the trees there and introduced them to the reporter as his closest friends.[80]
By September 1987, Kishore Kumar had decided to retire as he was unhappy with kind of songs and tunes being made by music directors and was planning to return to his birthplaceKhandwa.[54]
On 13 October 1987, on his brother Ashok Kumar's 76th birthday, he died of a heart attack in Bombay at 4:45 pm. His body was taken to Khandwa for cremation. Kishore had recorded his last song, "Guru Guru", a duet withAsha Bhosle for the filmWaqt Ki Awaz (1988) composed byBappi Lahiri for Mithun Chakraborty and Sridevi, the day before he died.[88][89]
Kumar's funeral procession was one of the largest for a non-political film personality, with an estimated crowd of around 5,000-7,000 people in various en-routes of Bombay including his house in Gauri Kunj, Bandra, Santa Cruz, Linking Road, Khar, Dharavi and R.K. Studios in Chembur, and an even bigger crowd estimated between 90,000 to 1,50,000 when his body had reached his hometown in Khandwa for cremation as per his last wish.[1][90][91].The entire film industry, had plunged into grief and shock due to his untimely passing away with an outpouring of tributes from various veterans from the industry includingRaj Kapoor,Dev Anand,Rajesh Khanna,Pran,Nutan,Manoj Kumar,Vinod Khanna,Rajendra Kumar,Randhir Kapoor,Om Prakash,Vinod Mehra,B.R. Chopra,Suresh Oberoi,Danny Denzongpa,Lata Mangeshkar,Asha Bhosle,Hemlata,Mohammed Aziz,Shabbir Kumar,Bappi Lahiri,R.D. Burman,Kalyanji-Anandji,Ravindra Jain,Sulakshana Pandit,Lalit Pandit,Vijayta Pandit,Shyamal Mitra,Anand Bakshi,Gulzar,Khayyam,Balasaheb Thackeray,Salil Chaudhary,Tanuja Mukherjee,Saira Banu,Pradeep Kumar,Poonam Dhillon,Deepti Naval,Mala Sinha,Nadeem-Shravan,Abhijeet Bhattacharya,Alka Yagnik,Vijay Anand,Chetan Anand,Johnny Lever,Amrish Puri,Anu Malik,Javed Akhtar,Salim Khan,Uttam Singh, and many others.[2]
Recalling the day of Kishore Kumar's death and his last lines before he took his last breath, his wifeLeena Chandavarkar was quoted as saying:"On the morning of October 13 (the day Kishore Kumar passed away in 1987), he looked pale and as though in deep sleep. As I went near him, he woke up and asked, 'Did you get scared? Today is my holiday'." That day he had several meetings at home. During lunch he told me that we'd watch the filmRiver of No Return in the evening. A little later, I heard him move furniture in the next room. When I went to see what was happening, I saw him lying on the bed. Nervously he said, 'I'm feeling weak'. I ran to call the doctor. He got angry and said, 'If you call the doctor, I'll get a heart-attack'. Those were his last lines. His eyes were wide open and he was breathing out. I thought he was fooling as usual but that was the end."[citation needed]
Singers likeKumar Sanu,Abhijeet Bhattacharya,Ayushmann Khurrana,Amit Kumar,Sudesh Bhosale,Vinod Rathod,Roop Kumar Rathod[92] were influenced by Kishore Kumar's style of singing.[93][94][95][96][97] Many other singers likeKK,Mohit Chauhan,Shaan,Neeti Mohan,Shilpa Rao have been inspired by Kumar.[98][99][100][101][102]
Kingdom of Dreams, a project of the Great Indian Nautanki Company jointly owned by Wizcraft International Entertainment and Apra Group launched a musical comedy Jhumroo on 7 April 2012 which is a tribute to Kumar and his legacy to music and Hindi films. The musical comedy features 19 retro songs of Kumar's.[103][104]
Kumar was inducted into theBollywood Walk of Fame atBandra Bandstand, where his autograph was preserved.[105]
A statue of Kumar was installed onSouthern Avenue,Kolkata on 22 October 2018.[106][107]
An album titledBaba Mere made by Kumar's son Amit was released on his 86th birthday. It shows Kumar's granddaughter Muktika Ganguly waking up in the middle of the night and in her dreams she meets her grandfather. The album is on a big canvas and is like a film. Amit Kumar termed the album as the greatest tribute to his father Kishore Kumar.[108][109]
In 2015, the UK-based newspaperEastern Eye placed Kumar fourth in their "Greatest 20 Bollywood Playback Singers" list.[110] Kumar was also included among the top ten most searched Indian singers onGoogle Search in 2016.[111]
In theOutlook Music Poll conducted byOutlook Magazine in June 2010, three songs were tied for the No. 2 place: One was sung by Kishore. The song was "Kuch to log kahenge logon ka kaam hai kehna" (Amar Prem, 1972). This poll was published inOutlook. The jury included people in the Indian music industry.[citation needed]
In 2013, Kumar was voted "The Most Popular Male Playback Singer" in a poll conducted by theFilmfare magazine. Kumar won the poll with 38% of the votes.[112]
Marking the centenary of Hindi Cinema, CNN-IBN conducted a poll about the "Greatest Voice of Hindi Cinema" in which Kishore Kumar won the second place with 33.6% of the votes. The poll saw neck-to-neck competition betweenRafi (who ultimately attained victory by a slim margin of 1.72% having gained 35.32%) and Kishore Kumar, followed byLata Mangeshkar (24.59%),Mukesh (3.33%) andAsha Bhosle (3.16%) respectively.[3]
There have been appeals to the Government of India to honour the singer-actor posthumously with Bharat Ratna(India's Highest Civilian Award).[113][114]
Manna Dey his contemporary once said that "Kishore had the best voice of all playback singers. He made singing sound so effortless. He had no classical training but could surpass me in a song because of his wonderful musical instinct and natural singing flair."[115]
Hindi films Playback SingerAsha Bhosle has said that:
ActorRajesh Khanna said "Kishore Kumar was my soul and I was his body."[117]
ActressVyjayanthimala said:
Hindi film superstarAmitabh Bachchan called Kishore Kumar a multitalented genius who shall remain a phenomenal star.[119]
Former cricketer and batsmanSachin Tendulkar said:
Kumar's unreleased song was sold for Rs 15.6 lakh at the Osian's Cinefan Auction, New Delhi in 2012, the highest price bid for any Indian singer. The song was "Tum hi to woh ho", written by Kulwant Jani with music by Usha Khanna. This was for a film called "Khel Tamasha" by Rakesh Kumar, which never got made. The song was recorded just three days before his death in October 1987.[26]
Today Kumar's popularity spans across many countries of South Asia, especiallyPakistan.[121][122][123]
Digitally-colorized version of Kumar's film—Half Ticket (in 2012)—has been released theatrically.[124]
Sony TV organised the television singing contestK For Kishore to search for a singer like Kumar.[citation needed]
Today Kumar's popular songs continue to be remixed or recreated.[125][126]
In his memory, the government of Madhya Pradesh has set up a memorial on the outskirts of Khandwa. It is open to public and has his life sized statue in a lotus-shaped structure. It also houses a mini-theatre and museum dedicated to him. On his birth and death anniversary each year, a function is held and many fans participate. The mini-theatre also screens his films on these days.[127][128][129]
A large number of musical tributes, special programmes and functions are inspired on his birth and death anniversaries every year. As well as fans of Kumar and music lovers from Khandwa make offerings of 'doodh jalebi', which was Kumar's favourite dish at his memorial annually on his birth anniversary.[130][131][132]
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