Legendary singer Kishore Kumar was born on August 4, 1929 at Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh. His original name was Abhas Kumar Ganguly. During his four decade long career in the Indian film industry, he touched almost all segments of the film industry, and entertained people with his brilliance as a playback singer, actor, music director, lyricist, film story writer, producer and much more.
Kishore Kumar made his debut as a singer in the film ‘Ziddi’ (1948) starring Dev Anand, and the song was ‘Marne ki duayen kyon mangu‘. The fabulous singer recorded his last song ‘Guru Guru Aajao’ for the film ‘Waqt Ki Aawaz’ (1988) a couple of days before his demise. As an actor, Kishore Da’s first film appearance came in ‘Shikari’ (1946), where his elder brother Ashok Kumar appeared in the lead role. He left this world on October 13, 1987 in Mumbai and broke the heart of his fans forever.
Kishore Da is known for his vast collection of songs spanning almost all genres. Some are romantic, while some tug at the heartstrings with their sadness and emotion. And who can forget his yodelling, funny, energetic yet brilliant, and unheard till that time in the film industry? Decades have passed since his death, yet everyone, including youngsters, listens to and sings his evergreen songs.
So, here is a tribute to Kishore Da from Team MyIndia – a selection of his songs that continue to inspire and motivate us with their lyrics, music, and of course his immortal voice!
“Kahan Tak Yeh Man Ko Andhere Chhalenge”
An ear soothing number from the 1979 film ‘Baton Baton Mein’. Amol Palekar (Tony) and Tina Munim (Nancy) played the lead roles while Basu Chatterjee directed the movie. The plot of the movie is that Nancy and Tony both meet regularly while going to work. Gradually they fall in love. But Tony does not show much inclination towards marriage, while Nancy’s mother starts searching a good boy for her daughter.
This song was beautifully sung by Kishore Kumar, to music nicely composed by Rajesh Roshan. The song was penned by Yogesh.
“Jo Raah Chuni Tune, Usi Raah Pe Raahi Chalte Jaana Re”
This eye catching song is from the 1976 movie ‘Tapasya’ directed by Anil Ganguly.
There was no big fish in this film. Rakhee, Parikshit Sahni, and Asrani played the lead roles. A doctor has to treat an ailing old age patient. The eldest daughter Rakhee (Indu) of that old man falls in love with the same doctor (Parikshit Sahni). Doctor’s widowed mother also approves this relationship. But, suddenly the old man passes away, and young Indu is left with the burden to nurture the entire family. The song, sung by Kishore Kumar, aptly describes the trials and tribulations of lead characters. M.G. Hashmat had written this heart touching song, and the music was composed by Ravindra Jain.
“Ye Jeevan Hai Is Jeevan Ka Yahi Hai”
These evergreen lyrics from the 1972 Hindi film ‘Piya ka Ghar’ directed by Basu Chatterjee immediately bring back memories of Jaya Bachchan. This song was sung by legendary Kishore Kumar. Laxmikant Pyarelal left their mark as the music composers and Anand Bakshi penned the song. Anil Dhawan, Jaya Bachchan, Asrani and others were in the lead roles in the film.
Malti (Jaya Bhaduri, as she was known then) belongs to a rich family and lives in a small town of India. She ties the knot with a boy Ram who lives in Bombay (now Mumbai). When she arrives in Mumbai to live with her husband, she is shocked to see such a crowded city. She goes through a lot of anguish trying to adjust to life in a cramped matrimonial house with so many family members. But such is life!
“Zindagi Ka Safar Hai Ye Kaisa Safar”
This song really touches the depths of the heart. Kishore Kumar sang it in a simple and unassuming way. Indeevar penned this song beautifully. Music was composed by Kalyanji Anandji. This song is taken from the 1970 movie ‘Safar’ directed by Asit Sen. Big names were included in this film, like Rajesh Khanna, Sharmila Tagore, Firoz Khan and so on.
The plot of the story is that two medical students Avinash (Rajesh Khanna) and Neela (Sharmila Tagore) come close to each other and fall in love. Avinash is from a poor background, while Neela is from a well-heeled family. In fact, Neela marries a rich businessman. What happens when her husband comes to know about his wife’s previous love affair, marks a turning point in the story.
“Zindagi Ki Yahi Reet Hai Haar Ke Baad Hi Jeet Hai”
This inspirational song is from the 1987 film ‘Mr. India’ starring Anil Kapoor and Sridevi. This heart touching song was sung by none other than Kishore Da. Laxmikant Pyarelal composed the music, while the lyricist was Javed Akhtar. Shekhar Kapur directed this movie.
The movie is about a humble man Anil Kapoor. His main duty is to take care of orphans at his home. Villain Mogambo (Amrish Puri) wants to conquer India. Anil Kapoor’s father was a scientist, who had invented an invisibility device. With the help of the device, Anil Kapoor along with Sridevi and others attempts to end Mogambo’s empire. Apart from the lovely song by Kishore Da, this film is also remembered for one superb dialogue ‘Mogambo Khush Hua’, by Amrish Puri.
“Ruk Jana Nahi Tu Kahin Haar Ke”
It is an encouraging song of the 1974 film ‘Imtihan’ directed by Madan Sinha. This inspiring song that motivates us to keep going under all circumstances was sung by none other than the king of melody Kishore Kumar. Music was given by Laxmikant Pyarelal while the song was penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri. Vinod Khanna, Tanuja and Bindu were in the lead roles in this film.
Madhu Shastri’s father is a wealthy man and he is also the principal of a college. Madhu (Tanuja) loves Vijay, a pilot. Both are ready to marry but, unfortunately, Vijay dies in a plane crash. This news shocks Madhu and she falls off the stairs and damages her leg. Then a college professor Pramod Sharma (Vinod Khanna) comes into her life and lends her emotional support.
“Musafir Hu Yaaro”
It is the song of the 1972 film ‘Parichay’ directed by Gulzar. Kishore Kumar sang this song which turned into a household song at that time. Music was given by R.D. Burman and Gulzar wrote the lyrics. Jeetendra, Jaya Bachchan, Pran and others did their best to make this film a super hit.
This film shows the life of an unemployed man. Ravi (Jeetendra) goes to his uncle and aunt’s house in a village for a few days. His uncle wants him to teach five spoiled grand children of local Rai Saheb (Pran). Ravi agrees with his uncle and goes to Rai Saheb’s house as a tutor, only to face stiff resistance from the unruly brats!
“Aane Wala Pal Jane Wala Hai”
This song is from the 1972 film ‘Golmaal’ directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Kishore Da’s voice in this song haunts listeners to this day. Music direction was in the hands of R.D. Burman and Gulzar penned the song. Amol Palekar, Bindiya Goswami, Utpal Dutt and others were the main characters of this film.
The movie shows how a professional degree holder also has to run from pillar to post for a job. Ramprasad (Amol Palekar) is a Chartered Accountant (CA). He is unemployed, searching for a job. Then Dr. Kedar (David) asks him to go to Bhavani Shankar’s (Utpal Dutt) firm which is known as Urmila Traders. Ramprasad possesses many qualities. Once there, he gets a chance to teach Bhavani Shankar’s daughter Urmila (Bindya Goswami).
“Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana”
This song is from the film ‘Andaz’ released in 1971, and was directed by Ramesh Sippy. The lesson behind this song is to live life to the fullest, leaving aside irrational fears. Kishore Da sang this song in a real carefree way and made it all the more joyful. Music composer was Jaikishan Dayabhai Panchal and Hasrat Jaipuri did the work of the lyricist. Stars of the film were Shammi Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna, and Hema Malini.
The film starts in a traditional way. Raju (Rajesh Khanna) and Sheetal (Hema Malini) fall in love. They go to a temple and get married in a simple way. But Raju’s father Ajit does not agree with this marriage and is not ready to accept Sheetal as his daughter in law (Bahu). One day, Raju dies in a vehicle accident, leaving a pregnant Sheetal to fend for herself.
Kishore Da was only 58 years old when he left us forever. However, we are sure that his songs will continue to entertain and inspire music aficionados for many generations to come.
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