Kishore Kumar Biography, Age, Career, Wife, Children and Cause of death

Kishore Kumar 

Abhas Kumar Ganguly, better known by his stage name Kishore Kumar, was an Indian playback singer, musician, and actor who lived from 4 August 1929 until 13 October 1987.

One of the greatest, most influential, most energetic vocalists in Indian music history, he is highly acclaimed.

Kishore Kumar facts

Kishore birth name is Abhas Kumar Ganguly
He was born on 4 August 1929 in Khandwa, Central Provinces, British India.

Kishore died on 13 October 1987 at the age of 58 in Bombay, Maharashtra, India.

Kishore other names are Other names are Kishore Da, King of Playback Singing.

Kishore make a living through is Occupations. Which are Playback singer, actor, music director, lyricist, film producer, film director, screenwriter and composer.

Ruma Ghosh, whom he wed in 1950 and divorced in 1958, Madhubala, whom he wed in 1960 but who died in 1969, Yogeeta Bali, whom he subsequently wed in 1976 and divorced in 1978, are also among Kishore’s ex-wives and later wed Leena Chandavarkar in 1980.

Kishore as won different awards such as
Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer in different 8 times.Bengal Film Journalists’ Association – Best Male Playback Award in different 4 times and Lata Mangeshkar Award.

Kishore children are Amit Kumar and Sumit Kumar.

Kishore Biography

Known for his yodeling and versatility when singing, Kumar was one of the most well-known vocalists on the Indian subcontinent.

He used to perform in a variety of musical genres, but some of his great and uncommon works have since been lost to time.

Kishore Kumar was a popular singer because his voice “hits the mike, straight, at its most sensitive point,” according to his brother and renowned actor Ashok Kumar.

Besides Hindi, he sang in many other Indian languages, including Bengali, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Malayalam, Odia and Urdu.

He also released a few non-film albums in multiple languages, especially in Bengali, which are noted as all-time classics.

Kumar was also active in acting too. His first film appearance was in Shikari (1946), in which his brother, Ashok played the lead role. Kumar played his first lead in the Bombay Talkies film Andolan (1951).

Although he got some acting assignments with the help of his brother, he was more interested in becoming a singer. After the success of films such as Ladki, Char Paise and Baap 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.

Kumar starred in Bimal Roy’s Naukari (1954) and Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s directorial debut Musafir (1957). As an actor, his best period was between 1954 and 1968.

Out of 28 nominations, Kumar received 8 Filmfare Awards for Best Male Playback Singer, setting a record for both nominations and wins in that category. The Madhya Pradesh government gave him the Lata Mangeshkar Award in 1985.

The “Kishore Kumar Award” was established by the Madhya Pradesh government in 1997 to recognize contributions to Hindi film. His unreleased final song was auctioned off in 2012 at the Osian’s Cinefan Auction in New Delhi for $15.6 lakh.

Kishore Early Life

Abhas Kumar Ganguly, the younger brother of Kishore Kumar, was born in Khandwa, Central Provinces (now in Madhya Pradesh), to a Bengali Brahmin Ganguly family.

His mother, Gouri Devi, was a housewife who came from a prosperous Bengali family, and his father, Kunjalal Ganguly (Gangopadhyay), was a lawyer. The Kamavisadar Gokhale family of Khandwa invited Kunjalal Gangopadhyaya to serve as their personal attorney.

Ashok, the oldest, Sati Devi, and Anoop were Kumar’s older three older siblings. Kumar was the youngest of the four children.

His brother Ashok became a Hindi film actor while Kumar was still a youngster. Later, with Ashok’s assistance, Anoop also went to the movies. Kumar received his degree from Indore’s Christian College.

Kishore Career

The Ganguly family frequented Bombay (now Mumbai) after Ashok Kumar rose to fame in Hindi movies. At Bombay Talkies, where his brother worked, Abhas Kumar used the name “Kishore Kumar” and began his career as a chorus singer.

Kumar was given the opportunity to perform “Marne Ki Duayen Kyon Mangu” for the 1948 movie Ziddi by music director Khemchand Prakash. Following this, Kumar received numerous offers for jobs, but he wasn’t extremely committed to a career in movies. He moved to Bombay in 1949.

During the initial stage of his career, Kumar was deeply inspired by singer K. L. Saigal and imitated his style of singing in some of his early films but later evolved his own, unique style.

He had a great respect for poet and musician Rabindranath Tagore who influenced him in many ways.

He was an ardent admirer of Hollywood actor-singer Danny Kaye. He hung the portraits of all these three personalities at his Gouri Kunj residence and would bow respectfully before them everyday as a rule.

In his later career, Kumar was also heavily influenced by playback singer Ahmed Rushdi and his liking towards Rushdi was to the extent that former paid a tribute at Royal Albert Hall in London to the latter by singing some of his songs.

Kumar employed yodeling in many of his songs including; Yeh dil na hota bechara, Zindagi ek safar hai suhana, and Chala jata hoon. The style eventually became an essential feature of his singing and was inspired by Jimmie Rodgers and Tex Morton.

In the movie Half Ticket, for one of the songs – “Aake Seedhi Lagi Dil Pe” – the music director Salil Chowdhary had a duet in mind and wanted Kumar and Lata 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 for Pran 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. Music director S. D. Burman is credited with spotting Kumar’s talent for singing.

During the making of Mashaal (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.

Kumar eventually developed his own style of singing, which featured yodeling, which he had heard on the records of Tex Morton and Jimmie Rodgers. : 60 S. D. Burman kept making Kishore sing for Dev 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.

S. D. Burman recorded Kumar’s voice for Dev Anand’s Munimji (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), and Tere Mere Sapne (1971).

He also composed music for Kumar’s home production Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958). Some of their songs were “Maana Janaab Ne Pukara Nahin” from Paying Guest (1957), “Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke” from Nau Do Gyarah (1957), “Ai Meri Topi Palat Ke Aa” from Funtoosh (1956), and “Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si” from Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi.

Asha Bhosle and Kishore performed duets composed by Burman including “Chhod Do Aanchal” from Paying Guest (1957), “Ankhon Mein Kya Ji” from Nau Do Gyarah (1957), “Haal Kaisa Hai Janaab Ka” and “Paanch Rupaiya Baara Aana” from Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958) and “Arre Yaar Meri Tum Bhi Ho Gajab” from Teen Deviyan (1965).

As a singer, Kumar’s work with many music directors in this period includes “Ye Raatein Ye Mausam” and “Hum Toh Mohabbat Karega” from Dilli Ka Thug, “Piya Piya Mora Jiya” from Baap Re Baap, “Hello Hello Ji” from Bombay Ka Chor, “Michael Hai To Cycle Hai” from Bewaqoof, “Ae Haseeno Nazneeno” from Chacha Zindabad, “Zaroorat Hai Zaroorat Hai” from Manmauji (1961), “Likha Hai Teri Ankhon Mein” from Teen Deviaan, “Suno Jaana Suno Jaana”, “Pyaar Baatke Chalo” and “Kya Teri Zulfein Hai” from Hum Sab Ustaad Hai, “Khoobsurat Haseena” from Mr. X in Bombay, “Gaata Rahe Mera Dil” from Guide (1965), “Sultana Sultana” from Shreeman Funtoosh, “Machalti Hui” from Ganga Ki Lahren, “Mera Dil Meri Jaan” and “Pyar Ka Jaahan Hotel” from Jaalsaaz and “Yeh Dil Na Hota Bechara” from Jewel Thief (1967).

Music director C. Ramchandra also recognized Kumar’s talent as a singer. They collaborated on songs including “Eena Meena Deeka” from Aasha (1957).

Kumar’s work includes “Nakhrewaali” from New Delhi (1956) by Shankar Jaikishan, “C.A.T. Cat Maane Billi” and “Hum To Mohabbat Karega” from Dilli Ka Thug (1958) by Ravi, and “Chhedo Na Meri Zulfein” from Ganga Ki Lahren (1964) by Chitragupta.

In 1968, Rahul Dev Burman worked with Kumar on the soundtrack of the film Padosan (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 a Carnatic music and dance teacher, and Sunil Dutt as a simpleton named Bhola.

Kishore’s character was inspired by his uncle, Dhananjay Bannerjee, a classical singer. The highlight of the film was a musical, comical duel between Kumar, Sunil Dutt and Mehmood: “Ek Chatur Nar Karke Singaar.

Aradhana was produced and directed by Shakti Samanta in 1969. The songs “Mere Sapnon Ki Rani,” “Kora Kagaj Tha Ye Man Mera,” and “Roop Tera Mastana” were all sung by Kumar. Kumar should also perform the other songs, according to Shakti Samanta.

When the movie came out, Kumar’s three songs made him a well-known playback singer in Hindi movies. “Roop Tera Mastana” 54 earned Kumar his first Filmfare award.

Kishore Acting Career

In the 1946 movie Shikari, in which his brother Ashok had the leading part, Kumar made his debut. Phani Majumdar’s 1951 Bombay Talkies production Andolan starred Kumar in the title role.

He was more interested in becoming a singer even though his brother helped him land several acting jobs. But Kumar was not the actor Ashok wanted him to be.

Between 1946 and 1955, Kumar appeared in 22 films of which 16 were flops and since he was disinterested in taking up acting as a career, he would find ways to be in the bad books of the director or producer, so that they throw him from their films.

It was only after the success of films such as Ladki, Naukari, Miss Malaysia, Char Paise and Baap 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.

Kumar starred in Bimal Roy’s Naukari (1954) and Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s directorial debut Musafir (1957). Salil Chowdhury, the music director for Naukari, was initially dismissive of Kumar as a singer when he found that Kumar had no formal training in music.

However, after hearing his voice, Chowdhury gave him the song Chhota Sa Ghar Hoga, which was supposed to be sung by Hemant Kumar.

The commercially successful films of Kumar included Ladki (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), and Padosan (1968). As an actor, his best period was between 1954 and 1966. His onscreen pairing with actresses Mala Sinha, Vyjayanthimala, Nutan, Madhubala, Meena Kumari and Kumkum gave the biggest hits in his career.

Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958), his home production, had the three Ganguly brothers and Madhubala in main roles. Kumar played a car mechanic who has a romance with a city girl; (Madhubala) with a subplot involving the brothers.: 29  Kumar acted in and composed the music for Jhumroo (1961), and wrote the lyrics for the film’s title song, “Main Hoon Jhumroo”.

Later he produced and directed Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein (1964), where he starred with Bengali actress Supriya Devi.

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 son Amit Kumar).

After 1966, as an actor, Kumar built up a notoriety for coming late for the shootings or bunking them altogether. His films flopped frequently after 1965 and he landed in income tax trouble.

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) and Chalti Ka Naam Zindagi (1982)—which was his last appearance as an actor.

Kumar was a leading singer throughout 1970s and 1980s until his death in 1987. Kumar sang the most songs in his career for Rajesh 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 for Rajesh Khanna, 202 for Jeetendra, 119 for Dev Anand and 131 for Amitabh Bachchan. S. D. Burman and Kishore continued with music including “Phoolon Ke Rang Se” and “Shokhiyon Mein Ghola Jaaye” from Prem Pujari (1969), “Pal Bhar Ke Liye” from Johny Mera Naam, “Aaj Madhosh Hua Jaye Re,” “Khilte Hain Gul Yahan” and “O Meri Sharmilee” from Sharmilee (1971), “Meet Na Mila” from Abhimaan (1973), and “Jeevan Ki Bagiya Mehkegi” from Tere Mere Sapne (1971).

In 1975, S. D. Burman composed his last song for Kishore, “Badi Sooni Sooni Hai” for the film Mili. R. D. Burman recorded several songs with Kumar in the 1970s, including “O Maajhi Re” from Khushboo, “Yeh Shaam Mastaani” and “Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai” from Kati Patang (1971), “Raat Kali Ek Khwab Mein Aayi” from Buddha Mil Gaya (1971) and “Chingari Koi Bhadke”, “Kuch To Log Kahenge (Amar Prem)”, “Zindagi Ke Safar Me Guzar Jaate Hain Jo Makam” from Aap Ki Kasam (1974), “Aane Wala Pal” from Golmaal (1979), “Hume Aur Jeene Ki Chahat Na Hoti” from Agar Tume Na Hote (1983), “Raha Pe Rahete Hai” from Namkeen (1985) and “Jab Bhi Koi Kangana” from Shaukeen (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” from Kudrat and “Mere Naina Saawan Bhadon” from Mehbooba.

R. D. Burman recorded several duets pairing Kishore with Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar, including “Panna Ki Tamanna” and “Bahut Door Mujhe” from Heera Panna (1973), “Neend Chura Ke Raaton Mein” from the film Shareef Budmaash (1973), “Mujhko Mohabbat Mein Dhoka” and “Kisise Dosti Karlo” from Dil Deewana (1974), “Dhal Gayi Rang” from Heeralal Pannalal (1978), “Ek Main Hoon” from Darling Darling (1977), “Rimjhim Gire Sawan” from Manzil (1979), “Kya Yehi Pyar Hai” and “Hum Tum Se Mile” from Rocky (1981), “Jaan-e-Jaan Dhoondta” from Jawani Diwani, “Kahin Na Jaa” and “Kaho Kaise Rasta” from Bade Dilwala (1983), “Sun Zara Shok Haseena” and “Kharishoo” from Harjaee (1981), “Waada Haanji Waada” from The Burning Train (1980) and “Kaisi Lagrahi Hoon Mein” from Jhuta Sach (1984).

Apart from the Burmans, Kumar worked with other famous music directors too. The composer duo Laxmikant–Pyarelal (L-P) composed many songs sung by him, including “Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi” from Mr. X in Bombay, “Mere Naseeb Mein Aye Dost” from Do Raaste, “Yeh Jeevan Hai” from Piya Ka Ghar, “Mere Dil Mein Aaj Kya Hai” from Daag, “Nahi Mai Nahi Dekh Sakta” from Majboor, “Mere Diwanepan Ki Bhi” from Mehboob Ki Mehndi, “Naach Meri Bulbul” from Roti, “Chal Chal Chal Mere Haathi” from Haathi Mere Saathi and “Tu Kitne Baras Ki” from Karz. L-P also worked with Kishore and Mohammed Rafi on duets for the films Zakhmee, Dostana, Ram Balram and Deedaar-E-Yaar. L-P composed “I Love You (Kaate Nahin Katate Yeh Din Yeh Raat)” for Mr. India (1987), a duet with Kishore and Alisha Chinoy.

Salil Chowdhury recorded songs such as “Koi Hota Jisko Apna” from Mere Apne and “Guzar Jaaye Din Din” from Annadata. Ravindra Jain recorded “Ghungroo Ki Tarah” and the duets “Le Jaayenge Le Jaayenge” from Chor Machaye Shor and “Tota Maina Ki Kahani” from Fakira. Shyamal Mitra recorded a duet of Kishore with Asha – Sara Pyaar Tumhara for the film Anandshram.

Khayyam recorded many of Kishore’s duets with Lata Mangeshkar, including “Hazaar Raahein” and “Ankhon Mein Humne” from Thodisi Bewafaii and “Chandni Raat Mein” from Dil-E-Nadaan (1982). Hridaynath Mangeshkar recorded “Zindagi Aa Raha Hoon Main” from Mashaal (1984).

Kalyanji-Anandji recorded several songs with Kishore including “Zindagi Ka Safar” and “Jeevan Se Bhari”, from Safar (1970), “O Saathi Re” from Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978), “Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas” from Blackmail(1973), “Neele Neele Ambar Par”from Kalaakaar(1983) and the chart buster qawwali “Qurbani Qurbani” from Qurbani(1980).

Kishore also worked with other composers including Rajesh Roshan, Sapan Chakraborty and Bappi Lahiri. Kumar sang “Bhool Gaya Sab Kuchh” (duet with Lata Mangeshkar) and “Dil Kya Kare Jab Kisise” for Rajesh Roshan’s film Julie. Their other songs include “Yaadon Mein Woh” from Swami, “Chhookar Mere Man Ko Kiya Toone Kya Ishaara” from Yaarana, “Kaha Tak Ye Manko Andher Chalenge” from Baton Baton Mein, “O Yara Tu Yaro Se Hai Pyar”, and “Laharon Ki Tatah Yaadien” (1983) and Kahiye, Suniye (duet with Asha Bhosle) from Baton Baton Mein. Bappi Lahiri also recorded many songs with Kumar, including Pag Ghunghroo Bandh from Namak Halaal (1982), Manzilen Apni Jagah Hai from Sharaabi (1984), “Chalate Chalte Mere Ye Geet Yad Rakhana” from Chalte Chalte (1975) and “Saason Se Nahi Kadmose Nahi” from Mohabbat (1987) and duets with Lata Mangeshkar such as “Albela Mausam” and “Pyar Ka Tohfa” from Tohfa (1984). The Kishore and Bappi pair also recorded hits in Bengali, including “Chirodini Tumi Je Amar” from Amar Sangi (1987) and “E Amar Gurudakshina” from Gurudakshina (1987).

Ajay Das, another musician from Bengal, wrote numerous popular songs featuring Kumar. In 1975, he also collaborated on Kishore’s sole song, Hello Hello Kya Haal Hai, with Asha Bhosle for the film Sunehra Sansar. For duets like “Wada Karo Jaanam” and “Dariya Kinare” for the movie Sabse Bada Rupaiya and “Aa Humsafar” for the movie Chatpatee, he also collaborated with the music directors Basu and Manohari Singh.

Kishore Indian Emergency

Kishore was approached to perform for an INC rally in Bombay during the Indian Emergency (1975–1977) by Sanjay Gandhi, but he declined. Because of this, Vidya Charan Shukla, minister of information and broadcasting from 1975 to 1977, issued an unofficial ban on playing Kumar songs on All India Radio and Doordarshan starting on May 4 till the end of the Emergency.

Kishore Later years

Amit Kumar, the son of Kishore Kumar, made his cinematic singing debut in 1974 with the composition of “Apne Bas Ki Baat Nahi” for the movie Badthi Ka Naam Daadi. The song “Bade Achche Lagte Hai” helped Amit Kumar gain popularity.

Even in the 1980s, Kishore continued to sing for various actors. Since 1969, Kumar has been performing on stages to raise money for his unpaid income taxes.

Kumar stopped singing for Amitabh Bachchan in the year 1981, after Bachchan refused to appear as a guest in the film Mamta Ki Chhaon Mein, which Kishore produced.

Kishore declined to give voice for Amitabh in Naseeb, Coolie, Mard and Desh Premee. Kishore said he would give his voice to Randhir Kapoor in the film Pukar, also starring Amitabh.

Since Kishore shared good rapport with R. D. Burman, he agreed to sing in Mahaan, Shakti and Bemisal. Later, Kishore called a truce by singing for Amitabh in a solo song in Shahenshah and later in Toofan.

Kishore sang the song “Mera Geet Adhura Hai” for his production Mamta 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 for Mithun Chakraborty after Yogeeta Bali divorced him and married Chakraborty.

However he later sang for Chakraborty in Surakshaa (1979), and in the 1980s in many films, including Boxer, Jaagir, Faraib and Waqt Ki Awaz.

In the mid-1980s, Kishore sang for Anil Kapoor in his first Hindi film as a leading man, Woh Saat Din and also recorded for Mr. India. (1987) the song “Zindagi Ki Yahi Reet Hai Haar Ke Baad Hi Jeet Hai”. He sang duets with Alka Yagnik such as “Tumse Badhkar Duniya Mein Na Dekha” for Kaamchor in 1982, “Humnashi Aaake from Ek Daku Saher Mein” and sang “Teri Meri Prem Kahani” in Pighalta Aasman.

He also recorded for newcomers like Aditya Pancholi for the song “Mere Dil Mein Utar Jana” for the film Laal Paree (1991).

A few days prior to having a heart attack in 1981, he had recorded the duets “Kaho Kahan Chale” for the movie Bulundi, “Pyar Ka Dard Hai” from Dard, and “Tum Jo Chale Gaye” from Aas Paas.

On January 24, 1981, around midday in Kolkata, he experienced his first heart attack. Four hours later, he experienced his second heart attack. After recovering from his two attacks, he sang “Mere Sang Sang Aya” from Rajput (1982) and the duet “Mausam Bheega Bheega” from Gehra Zakham as a soloist.

Collaboration with other singers

The most male duet and multi-singer hits with the best vocalists from various eras are attributed to Kishore Kumar. With Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar recorded the most duets (687).

Along with Lata Mangeshkar and others, he performed duets with Mohammed Rafi, Manna Dey, Mahendra Kapoor, Geeta Dutt, Sulakshana Pandit, and others.

In the song “Humko Tumse Ho Gaya Hai Pyar” from Amar Akbar Anthony, Kishore performed among the most renowned vocalists of Hindi film, Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi, and Mukesh. They probably only ever sang together for one song at a time like this.

Bhajans

Kishore Kumar sang Bhajans like “Aao Kanhai Mere Dham” from Mere Jeevan Saathi (1972), “Devi Mata Rani” from Swarag Se Sunder (1986), “Jai Bholenath Jai Ho Prabhu” from Kunwara Baap (1974), “He Re Kanhaiya” from Chhoti Bahu (1971), “Jab Ram Naam Le Le” from Abhi Toh Jee Le (1977), “Kahe Apno K Kaam Nahi Aye Tu” from Raampur Ka Lakshman (1972), “Krishna Krishna, Bolo Krishna” from Naya Din Nai Raat (1974), “Prabhuji Teri Leela Aparampaar” from Humsafar (1953) etc.

Qawwali

Kishore Kumar recorded Qawwalis like all time hit “Vaada Tera Vaada” from Dushman (1971), “Hum Toh Jhuk Kar Salam Karte Hai” from Fakira (1976), “Mehfil Mein Paimana Jo Laga Jhumne” from Chunaoti (1980), “Is Ishq Mein” from Mr. Romeo (1974), “Kya Cheez Hai Aurat Duniya Mein” from Zorro (1975), “Haal Kya Hai Dilon Ka” from Anokhi Ada (1973), a semi qawwali “Jab Se Sarkar Ne Nashabandi Tod Di” from 5 Rifles (1974), the chart buster qawwali “Qurbani Qurbani Qurbani” from Qurbani (1980) etc.

Ghazals

Kishore Kumar sang Ghazals like “Peechhli Yaad Bhula Do” from Mehndi (1983), “Aisi Haseen Chandni” from Dard (1981), “Yun Neend Se Woh Jaan-E-Chaman” from Dard Ka Rishta (1982), “Tera Chehra Mejhe Gulab Lage” from Aapas Ki Baat (1981) etc.

Kishore Personal life

Kumar had four marriages. Ruma Ghosh, a singer and actress from Bengal, was his first spouse. The couple was married from 1950 to 1958.

Media coverage of Kumar’s romance with Madhubala the actress was extensive. In numerous movies, including Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958) and Jhumroo (1961), Kumar collaborated alongside Madhubala.

According to Madhubala’s sister Madhur Bhushan, after Madhubala’s relationship with actor Dilip Kumar faded, Madhubala got involved with Kishore who was going through a divorce with Ruma Guha Thakurta. Their love affair went on for three years through Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi and Half Ticket.

Madhubala was ill and was planning to go to London for treatment. She had a ventricular septal defect (hole in the heart). The couple had a civil wedding in 1960 and Kumar reportedly converted to Islam and changed his name to Karim Abdul.

His parents refused to attend the ceremony. The couple also had a Hindu ceremony to please Kumar’s parents. Their marriage ended with Madhubala’s death on 23 February 1969.

Kumar’s third marriage was to Yogeeta Bali, and lasted from 1976 to 4 August 1978. Kumar was married to Leena Chandavarkar from 1980 until his death. He had two sons, Amit Kumar with Ruma, and Sumit Kumar with Leena Chandavarkar.

Kumar is said to have been paranoid about not being paid. During recordings, he would sing only after his secretary confirmed that the producer had made the payment.

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).

On the sets of Bhai Bhai, Kumar refused to act because the director M. 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.

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.

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 by Rajesh Khanna and Danny Denzongpa. On one occasion, Kishore helped actor-turned-producer Bipin Gupta by giving him  20,000 for the film Daal 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.

According to Kumar’s eldest son Amit 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.

The film Anand (1971) was originally supposed to star Kishore and Mehmood Ali in the lead. 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 a Bengali—had not been paid for a stage show organized 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 and Amitabh Bachchan) were signed up for the film.

Many journalists and writers have written about Kumar’s seemingly eccentric behavior. He placed a sign that said “Beware of Kishore” at the door of his Warden Road flat. Once, producer-director H. 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. According to another reported incident, once Kumar was due to record a song for producer-director G. 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 to Madh Island where Kumar finally stopped his car near the ruined Madh Fort. When Sippy questioned his strange behavior, Kumar refused to recognize 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.

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 reached Khandala because the director forgot to say “Cut”.

In The 1960s, a financier named Kalidas Batvabbal, who was disgusted with Kumar’s alleged lack of cooperation during the shooting of Half 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”.

In an interview with Pritish Nandy in 1985, the reclusive Kumar claimed to have no acquaintances and preferred to converse with his trees.

When a reporter once remarked on how lonely he must be, Kumar took her to his garden, introduced the reporter to some of the trees there by name, and described them as his closest friends.

Kishore Death

By September 1987, Kishore Kumar had made the decision to retire because he was dissatisfied with the types of songs and tunes being created by music directors. He also intended to go back to Khandwa, the city where he was born.

On 13 October 1987, 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 with Asha Bhosle for the film Waqt Ki Awaz (1988) composed by Bappi Lahiri for Mithun Chakraborty and Sridevi, the day before he died.

Recalling the day of Kishore Kumar’s death and his last lines before he took his last breath, his wife Leena 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 film River of No Return in the evening. A little later, I heard him move furniture in the next room.

He was lying on the bed when I went to see what was going on. He muttered nervously, “I’m feeling weak.” To call the doctor, I sprinted.

When he became irate, he yelled, “If you call the doctor, I’ll have a heart attack.” These were his final words. He was exhaling while his eyes were wide open. I initially though he was playing a joke, but that was it.

Zishore Legacy

The singing style of Kishore Kumar had an impact on artists like Kumar Sanu, Ayushmann Khurrana, Vinod Rathod, Abhijeet Bhattacharya, Amit Kumar, and Sudesh Bhosale. Kkk

Kishore served as an inspiration to other singers, including Mohit Chauhan, Shaan, Neeti Mohan, Shilpa Rao, Sunidhi Chauhan, and KK.

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.

A statue of Kumar was installed on Southern Avenue, Kolkata on 22 October 2018.

An album titled Baba 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.

In 2015, the UK-based newspaper Eastern Eye placed Kumar fourth in their “Greatest 20 Bollywood Playback Singers” list. Kumar was also included among the top ten most searched Indian singers on Google Search in 2016.

In the Outlook Music Poll conducted by Outlook 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 in Outlook. The jury included people in the Indian music industry.

There have been appeals to the Government of India to honour the singer-actor posthumously with Bharat Ratna(India’s Highest Civilian Award).

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.”

Hindi films Playback Singer Asha Bhosle has said that:­

It is impossible for anyone to take Kishore Kumar’s place. Kishore Kumar was one of a kind. He swayed everyone with his mellifluous voice and even made everyone around him always happy. He has been a true gem to the music industry.
Actor Rajesh Khanna said “Kishore Kumar was my soul and I was his body.”

Actress Vyjayanthimala said:

I did several films with Kishore Kumar. He was always full of fun and frolic. You couldn’t really predict what he was up to. It was wonderful working with him. Being a singer, he was so quick in his rhythm and quick in his reflexes while dancing.

It was easy to match his steps and he was comfortable with me too. He used to tell me, ‘Aap to taal mein karte hai sab to bahut hi achha lagta hai mujhe. Betaali ho jati hai to mushkil padta hai.’ (It’s nice that you dance in rhythm. It’s difficult if rhythms don’t match.)

Hindi film superstar Amitabh Bachchan called Kishore Kumar a multitalented genius who shall remain a phenomenal star.

Former cricketer and batsman Sachin Tendulkar said:

Kishore Kumar’s music has been a constant companion of mine and I feel his songs are truly timeless.

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.

Today Kumar’s popularity spans across many countries of South Asia, especially Pakistan.

Digitally-colorized version of Kumar’s film—Half Ticket (in 2012)—has been released theatrically.

Sony TV organised the television singing contest K For Kishore to search for a singer like Kumar.

Today Kumar’s popular songs continue to be remixed or recreated.

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.

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.

In popular culture

Google honored Kumar on the occasion of his 85th birthday by posting a unique doodle in honor of him on its Indian home page on August 4, 2014.

Kumar’s song “Pal Bhar Ke Liye” from the film Johny Mera Naam (1970) was used in an episode of The Simpsons titled “Kiss Kiss, Bang Bangalore”. His songs have also been featured in several films, including Such a Long Journey (1998) and Side Streets (1998).

In 1996, Nine years after his death, Kumar’s vocals from the song Saala Main Toh Saab Ban Gaya were used in the movie, Raja Hindustani and picturised on Aamir Khan. Kumar originally sung it for Dilip Kumar and it is from the film, Sagina.

The Bengali drama movie Kishore Kumar Junior directed by Kaushik Ganguly was dedicated to Kumar and his fans.

A Bengali chart buster song “Amar Shilpi Tumi Kishore Kumar” sung by singer Kumar Sanu was dedicated to the memory of Kishore.

Kumar’s song “Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani” from the film Jawani Diwani in 1972 was recreated in the 2019 movie Student of the Year 2, a sequel to Student of the Year, with music composed by Vishal–Shekhar, and sung by Vishal Dadlani and Payal Dev, and Kishore Kumar (only singing the lyric tune of Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani).

Director Anurag Basu is producing an official biography based on his life and times, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Kishore Kumar.

Read about Nitesh pandey

Nitesh Pandey was an Indian actor who appeared in movies and on television from 1972 or 1973 till May 23, 2023.

Nitesh pandey Career

In 1990, Pandey began acting in plays. He received his first acting role in the 1995 television series Tejas, in which he portrayed a detective; however, the show was never broadcast since BITV’s satellite was lost.

In addition to appearing in movies like Om Shanti Om and Khosla Ka Ghosla, Pandey has worked in serials including Manzilein Apani Apani, Astitva…Ek Prem Kahani, Saaya, Justajoo, and Durgesh Nandini.

Additionally, he was the owner of Dream Castle Productions, an independent radio show production company.

He collaborated with Sudha Chandran on stage productions including Aastha and Misal Pav. His performance in Khosla Ka Ghosla was noted.

Nitesh pandey Personal life and death

Pandey married Ashwini Kalsekar in 1998 and they separated in 2002. He later married TV actress Arpita Pandey.

Pandey died from a heart attack at a hotel in Igatpuri, Nashik, Maharashtra, on 23 May 2023, at the age of 51.

Read about Rajesh Sharm

Rajesh Sharma is an Indian actor who acts in Hindi and Bengali films.,

Rajesh Sharma Early life

He was raised in Kolkata, India, but was born in Ludhiana. He then began performing in Kolkata’s “Rangakarmi” theater company.

He graduated from the National School of Drama in New Delhi in 1980. Since 2011, Rajesh Sharma has been married to Sangeeta Sharma after being married and divorced to Bengali actress Sudipta Chakraborty.

Rajesh Sharma Career

With the 1996 Hindi film Maachis, Rajesh Sharma made his Bollywood debut. He then began appearing in Bengali movies in the early 2000s.

Rajesh Sharma appeared in the movie Maachis alongside Chandrachur Singh, Jimmy Shergill, Raj Zutshi, Tabu, and Om Puri.

He made a comeback in the Bengali movie Paromitar Ek Din in 2000. Aparna Sen was the writer and director.

In 2005, with the release of Parineeta, he returned to Bollywood after appearing in a few more Bengali movies. In her first film, Vidya Balan played the antagonist to Saif Ali Khan.

Rajesh Sharma mostly works in the Bengali and Bollywood film industries. In Hindi films like Khosla Ka Ghosla, Ishqiya, No One Killed Jessica, Chillar Party, The Dirty Picture, Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana, Special 26, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, “M. S. Dhoni: The Untold Story,” and India’s Most Wanted, Sharma has made appearances.

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