Kishore Kumar- A multi faceted genius who was an actor, singer, producer, director and musician. A man whose songs touched the lives of millions of people in India and still do. A singer without comparison and one of the greatest talents in India.
Amitabh Bachan- A living legend, one of the finest actors of India. An angry young man who mesmerized and still continues to fascinate millions of people in India and abroad with his performances. And yes a voice that is so deep and resonant, that you would watch any movie just to hear that deep voice of his.
One man used his voice to sing and enthrall millions of fans, another used his voice to captivate filmgoers for last 3 decades.
What happens when these two legends meet? Sheer magic. Yes Kishore Da and Amitabh Bachan seemed to be made for each other. Its true that Kishore da was known more as the voice of Rajesh Khanna and Dev Anand, and in fact his best songs have been for them. And other singers like Rafi, Mukesh and Yesudas sang some really good songs for Amitabh also.
Also Amitabh?s action packed movies really didn?t give much scope for the melodious romantic songs made famous by Rajesh and Dev. Yet whenever you watched Amitabh Bachan lip sync to Kishore da tunes on screen, it seemed as if he was really singing the song. In fact Kishore da?s voice fitted Amitabh Bachan like a Tee.
One example is suffice to show how much Kishore da modulated his voice to suit AB?s deep throated voice. If you have listened to the song Mach Gaya Shorfrom the movie Khuddar, you could be easily fooled into thinking that it was Amitabh himself who sang that song, especially as the tone is very much similar to most of the songs AB sang like Rang Barse, Mere Angne Mein.
At least I was for a long time, until I came to know that it was Kishore da deliberately adopted the low tone which AB uses for singing, and hence when you listen to this song, it appears that AB himself is singing this song. Ah Kishore da, you truly are a genius.
Another example of Kishore da?s genius for AB are the songs Thodi Si Jo Peeli Hai from Namak Halaal and Imtihaan Ho Gayi Intezaar Ki. Both these songs showcased a drunk AB. If you listen to Thodi Si, you find that Kishore da, puts in that hic sound, to get the drunken effect after every second line and also deliberately induces a sort of slurring voice. And yes AB?s drunken dancing arms flailing all around as he stumbles is a classic again.
The other song is different in that in Sharaabi AB is an alcoholic,unlike in Namak Halaal, where he drinks only to get even. So if you listen to the opening stanzas, Kishore da again gives the feel of an alcoholic and makes the voice sound so different. Only such a great singer could work on such nuances.
? Dekha Na Hai Re,Bombay to Goa, R.D.Burman An absolutely zany song, and Kishore da totally freaks out in this song. This fast paced number is sure to set your feet tapping. Pancham aur Kishore da ka kya kehna. Their jodi was just magic and in fact I would be writing an article soon on their combo. Just witness the way RD makes use of the been in this song. And the usage of the words ?Dole Dole Re?. And yes AB?s first dance number, which he does superbly. Matter of fact, AB was never a good dancer, but he starred in some of the greatest dance numbers of Bollywood.
? Kya Jaane Main Hu Kaun, Bandhe Haat, R.D.BurmanThis is one of the finest Kishore-Pancham songs I have ever heard. But as this movie of AB was a major flop, I guess this song also didn?t get much fame.A pity for this is a real great song which speaks about the frustration of a lover, who cannot meet his beloved. Listen to this part ?Kya Jaanu Main Hu Kaun, Mara Hua Zindagi ka, Mujhko to Mehfil Mein Laya Hai Pyaar Kisi ka, Lag ke Gale Main, Phir Bhi Sambalna Sakhon Mein, Dekho Yeh Mere Bande Haat, Kaise Milun tumse chahu to mil na sakon main, dekho yeh mere bande haat?. AB played a double role for the first time in this movie and Mumtaz starred opposite him in their only movie together.
? Har Hassen Cheez Ka Main , Saudagar, Ravindra Jain- This was a movie which featured AB in a totally negative role, and he comes up with a superb performance. And Kishore da again comes up with a brilliant solo in this movie picturized on AB. AB plays a gur seller in the movie and the song speaks about his life . ?Saara gaon mujhe rasiye kahe,job he dekha man basiya kahe?.
? Meet Na Mila Re Man Ka, Abhimaan, S.DBurman- This song would have been on the lips of every lonely heart in India. I am very much sure, that all of us must have felt in the way Kishore da describes in the yearning for love ?Chain Nahin Bahar, Chain Nahin Ghar Mein, Man mera dharti par, Aur Kabhi Ambar Mein, Usko dhoonda har nagar mein, har dagar mein, gali gali dekha nayan utaye?. Abhimaan is again one of AB?s best performance as a jealous husband, and this song is shown in beginning of movie to portray AB as a successful singer. I never tire of listening to this song again and again. Abhimaan also had that great Kishore-Lata duet ?Tere Mere Milan Ki yeh Raina?, but for now I am just concentrating on solos.
? Badi Sooni Sooni Hai, Aaye Tum Yaad Mujhe, Mili, S.D.Burman- These two serious numbers from Mili are just masterpieces. Mili was Dada?s last movie and he ensured that we would never forget his songs. Both these songs would automatically make it into a list of Kishore da?s greatest songs. While Badi Sooni Sooni Hai, speaks about the loneliness faced by the protagonist, Aaye Tum Yaad Mujhe, is about the hero having deal to with painful memories of his past. I would say that these two songs are the best songs Kishore da sang for AB.
? Aadmi Jo Kehta Hai , Dekha Phoolon Ko Kante, Majboor,Laxmikant Pyarelal- Again another set of good solos which Kishore da sang for AB in Majboor. Of course not exactly in the league of Meet Na Mila Re or Badi Sooni Sooni Hai, but still good enough. Majboor was actually a pretty interesting movie where AB plays a character who takes the rap for a murder to get money he needs for his family. Aadmi Jo Kehta Hai is a pretty philosophical song which emphasizes that we need to take the responsibilities for our actions, while Dekha Phoolon Ko Kante is a typical happy family song, where AB tries to cheer up his crippled sister(played by momma Farida Jalal).
? Khaike Paan Banaraswala, Don, Kalyanji Anandji- Even now this song is guaranteed to set your feet tapping. Kishore totally gets into the UP-Bihar bhaiiyya dialect. Actually the wording is exactly that used in the Benares-Allahabad belt. ?Arre Raam Duhayi Kaise Chakkar Mein Pad Gayi Hai Hai?. Just notice how Kishore deliberately stretches the Hai word the second time just to give that bhang effect. Also in the beginning ?Bhang Ka Rang? interlude he deliberately slurs his words, to give that combined effect of singing with the pan in the mouth.
This is gonna Be a long review so pls check the comments section also
