Kishore Kumar – A Tribute To A Legend. Review on Kishore Kumar

*Kishore Kumar – A Tribute To A Legend*

The entire music world remembers the legendary singer Kishore Kumar on his death anniversary, on 13th October, 2012. It has been 25 years after his death & he still remain alive in people’s hearts & memories for centuries to come.

I am unable to find appropriate words to pay tribute to Kishore Kumar. He is one of the most versatile singers ever in the Indian film history. He is alive in numerous everlasting hit songs which are heard and cherished for generations.

Kishore Kumar was born Abhas Kumar Ganguly on August 4, 1929 in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh. His father Kunjalal Gangul, a lawyer by profession & his elder brother Ashok Kumar wanted Kishore to be an actor like him, but Kishore Kumar was a great fan of legendary actor singer Kundan Lal Saigal & was more interested in becoming a successful singer like him.

Kishore Kumar was forced into acting by big brother Ashok Kumar, but his real ambition was to become a playback singer & which became true when S.D.Burman, who gave him few lines to sing for Ashok Kumar in Shikari & music director Khemchand Prakash invited him to lend his voice for Dev Anand for the film Ziddi in 1948, the song was 'Marne Ki Duvayen Kyon Maangoon became a huge hit. Kishore Kumar achieved huge success & a new journey of a versatile singer started.

Kishore Kumar adapted his singing style to the changing music styles of different decades. Kishore Kumar sang for almost all music directors, but it was his relationship with the S D Burman & R D Burman that produced the maximum number of hits. He had the gift of transforming simple compositions into all-time greats.

Apart from legendary singer Mohd Rafi, Kishor Kumar is the only singer who had the ability to sing all types of songs. Whether it was Dev Anand, Rajesh Khanna, Shashi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Vindo Khanna or Dharmendra he had the magic and power in his voice to flawlessly suit every actor's song. In 60’s & 70’s he became the voice of Dev Anand, Rajesh Khanna & later Amitabh Bachchan.

I have been listening Kishore Kumar songs right from my school days. His songs brings a surge of pleasant memories of past. During my exam times I used to listen this inspiring song, Ruk jana nahi tu kahin haar ke, From the movie Imtihaan. While traveling or driving I enjoy listening another Kishore song from the movie Kala Pathar, Ek Raasta Hai Zindagi. Another beautiful song rooted in my memories is, Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi from the movie Mr X In Bombay. I still remember the first song I sang to my wife was Oh Mere Dil Ke Chain from the movie Mere Jeevan Saathi. Another beautiful song I always dedicate to my wife is Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas Tum Rehti Ho from the movie Blackmail, the most romantic song I've ever heard.

Even after 25 years of Kishore’s death, the fact is that so many singers have adopted his style proves that Indian cinema and music can hardly separate them from him. All generations to come will remember this man as the greatest singer of his time.

It’s nice to know that the legendary singer, actor Kishore Kumar has become a source of inspiration for director Anurag Basu, who is making a biopic on him with Ranbir Kapoor in the lead.

It is very difficult to choose the best of Kishore Kumar songs because almost all his songs were my favorite. Some of my all-time favourite Kishore Kumar songs are,

Aane wale pal (Gool Maal)

Hume Tumse Pyar Kitna (Kudrat)

Oh Hansini song (Zehreela Insaan)

Tum kitni khubsurat ho (Jungle Mein Mangal)

Koi hota jisko apna (Mere Apne)

Chingari koi bhadake (Amar Prem)

Tum bhi chalo hum bhi chalein (Zameer)

Aadami Jo Kehta Hai (Majboor)

Who shaam juch ajeeb thi (Khamoshi)

Chhookar Mere Man Ko (Yaarana)

Dear Kishor Kumar we will miss you and you will always be in our memories.