Overview
Mukesh, whose full name was Mukesh Chand Mathur, was a legendary voice of Hindi cinema who was renowned for his soulful and melodious singing style. His voice, often described as a blend of pathos and passion, resonated deeply with audiences. His long-standing association with Raj Kapoor and RK Films produced some of the most iconic songs in Hindi cinema. His voice became synonymous with the romantic and melancholic songs of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of singers and music lovers.
Field of contribution: Playback singing
Years when active: 1945-1976
Wiki site: Visit
SunilsLists link: Visit
Memorable movies
Anari, Andaz, Awara, Dil Hi To Hai, Hariyali Aur Rasta, Himalay Ki God Mein, Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai, Mera Naam Joker, Milan, Pehchan, Sangam, Saraswati Chandra, Shree 420, Teesri Kasam
Awards & recognition
Filmfare Awards
1959: Sab Kuchh Seekha Humne (Anari)
1970: Sabse Bada Naadaan (Pehchan)
1972: Jai Bolo Beimaan Ki (Be-Imaan)
1976: Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein (Kabhi Kabhie)
National Film Awards
1974: Kai Baar Yoonhi Dekha Hai (Rajnigandha)
Frequent collaborators
Music Directors & Lyricists: Shankar-Jaikishen, Shailendra, Hasrat Jaipuri
Co-singers: Lata Mangeshkar
Actors (songs picturized on): Raj Kapoor, Manoj Kumar
Did you know?
Mukesh started his career as an actor singer in the film Nirdosh (1941), with Nalini Jaywant as his heroine. His second film was Adab Arz (1943). He also have a cameo in Raj Kapoor’s film Aah (1953).
Mukesh was a big fan of singer K. L. Saigal and in his early years of playback singing he used to imitate his idol. In fact, it is said that when K. L. Saigal first heard the hit song “Dil jalta hai” from Pehli Nazar (1945), he remarked: “That’s strange, I don’t recall singing that song”.
Mukesh also produced a film Malhar (1951), for which he sang many songs. This was also one of music director Roshan’s earliest films.
His son Nitin Mukesh sang a few songs in Hindi films, though he never achieved anywhere close to the same level of popularity as his father.
Mukesh’s grandson Neil Nitin Mukesh is an actor who starred in a few Hindi films, most notably Johnny Gaddaar.
Additional Information