Overview
Kishore Kumar was a true all-rounder in the Indian film industry, excelling as a playback singer, actor, composer, producer and director. His career spanned nearly four decades, and he became known for his distinctive yodeling style, his versatility in singing various genres and his energetic on-screen persona. Initially, he gained recognition for his comedic roles in films, but it was his singing that truly cemented his legendary status.
Kishore Kumar’s voice was incredibly versatile, effortlessly transitioning from romantic ballads to upbeat, playful tunes. He became the voice of many leading actors in Bollywood, most notably Dev Anand and Rajesh Khanna, and his songs are still beloved for their catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics and the unique emotion he brought to each performance. Beyond his musical talents, Kishore Kumar was known for his eccentric personality and his fabulous music shows, further solidifying his place as a unique and unforgettable figure in Indian cinema.
Field of contribution: Playback singing (primary)
Years when active: 1949-1987
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Memorable movies
Aa Gale Lag Jaa, Aandhi, Aap Ki Kasam, Ajnabee, Amar Prem, Anurodh, Aradhana, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, Daag (1973), Don, Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein, Door Ka Rahi, Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Hum Kisise Kam Nahin, Jawani Diwani, Jewel Thief, Jhumroo, Johny Mera Naam, Kasme Vaade, Kati Patang, Mahal (1969), Mere Jeevan Saathi, Namak Haram, Nau Do Gyarah, Paying Guest, Prem Nagar, Rampur Ka Lakshman, Sachaa Jhutha, Safar, Satte Pe Satta, Sharmilee, Silsila, Teen Deviyan, Yaadon Ki Baraat
Awards & recognition
Awards & recognition
Filmfare Awards
1969: Roop Tera Mastaana (Aradhana)
1975: Dil Aisa Kisi Ne Mera (Amanush)
1978: Khaike Paan Banaaras Wala (Don)
1980: Hazaar Raahen Mudke Dekheen (Thodisi Bewafai)
1982: Pag Ghungroo Baandh (Namak Halaal)
1983: Agar Tum Na Hote (Agar Tum Na Hote)
1984: Manzilen Apni Jagah Hain (Sharaabi)
1985: Saagar Kinaare (Saagar)
Frequent collaborators
Music Directors: S.D. Burman, R.D. Burman, Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Co-singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle
Actors (songs picturized on): Dev Anand, Rajesh Khanna
Did you know?
Kishore’s eldest brother Ashok Kumar was already a well-established star when Kishore came to Bombay. While Kishore initially wanted to be a singer, he ended up starting his career in films largely due to Ashok Kumar’s influence.
Although he got acting opportunities through his brother, Kishore’s heart was always set on singing. He reportedly wasn’t very enthusiastic about acting and sometimes even tried to get himself ‘fired’ from film sets by deliberately giving bad performances or annoying the directors, so he could focus on his music.
During the Indian Emergency in the mid-1970s, Kishore was asked to sing for an Indian National Congress rally. He refused, and as a result, a ban was placed on playing his songs on national broadcasters like All India Radio and Doordarshan. In doing so, he showed his independent spirit and willingness to stand by his principles.
Some fun facts about Kishore Kumar in Padosan:
- Kishore was initially hesitant to take on the iconic role of Vidyapati. He was more focused on his singing career and wasn’t keen on acting at that point. It took a lot of convincing from Mehmood (who was also the film’s producer) to get him to agree.
- According to reliable sources, Kishore was inspired to compose and choreograph the song ‘Mere Bhole Balam’ on the spur of the moment. This spontaneous approach resulted in one of the most hilarious and memorable song sequences in Indian cinema.
- For the song ‘Ek Chatur Naar’, Manna Dey was initially not happy about singing a song where his character Mehmood ‘loses’ the singing duel to Kishore, who wasn’t primarily known for classical music. But when Manna Dey saw the inspired improvisation of Kishore during the recording of the song (adding hilarious touches like ‘O Tedhe, Seedhe Ho Ja Re’), he couldn’t help being impressed by Kishore’s genius and realized his ‘losing’ was necessary to the story.
Kishore was well known for his eccentric behavior, such as having a sign outside his house that read ‘Beware of Kishore’, and doing things like talking to his trees.
Kishore Kumar was the maternal uncle of music director Bappi Lahiri.
Additional Information
Kishore’s biographies include the following:
Kishore Kumar: the Ultimate Biography, by Aniruddha Bhattacharjee & Parthiv Dhar.
Kishore Kumar – A Versatile Genius, by Shashikant Kinikar.
In addition, we also have this video commentary on Kishore by the incomparable Javed Akhtar: