Kishore Kumar’s journey into the world of music and cinema was truly fascinating. His evolution as a singer from his initial days as a chorus singer to becoming a renowned playback artist was marked by influences from various greats like K. L. Saigal and his profound admiration for figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Hollywood actor-singer Danny Kaye.

His association with music directors like S.D. Burman, C. Ramchandra, and later Rahul Dev Burman played a pivotal role in shaping his career. S.D. Burman’s guidance was particularly influential, encouraging Kumar to develop his unique style instead of imitating others. His utilization of yodelling, inspired by Western singers like Jimmie Rodgers and Tex Morton, became a hallmark of his singing.

Kumar’s versatility shone through in various duets, including instances where he sang both male and female parts for songs. Notably, in the movie “Half Ticket,” he recorded a duet meant for Pran and himself in a female voice, showcasing his incredible range and adaptability.

His breakthrough in the film “Aradhana” with songs like “Mere Sapnon Ki Rani,” “Kora Kagaj Tha Ye Man Mera,” and “Roop Tera Mastana” catapulted him to the forefront as a leading playback singer, earning him accolades like the Filmfare Award for “Roop Tera Mastana.”

The iconic musical duel in “Padosan” featuring the song “Ek Chatur Nar Karke Singaar” remains etched in memory, showcasing Kishore Kumar’s comedic and musical prowess.

His collaborations and contributions to Hindi cinema with numerous directors and music composers further cemented his legacy as a versatile and beloved artist in the realm of Indian music and cinema.

Acting Career

Kishore Kumar’s journey in acting was a rollercoaster ride marked by initial disinterest, deliberate attempts to be ousted from films, and eventual success that made him a prominent lead actor from the mid-’50s to the mid-’60s. Despite his brother Ashok’s aspirations for him to follow in his acting footsteps, Kumar was more inclined toward a singing career initially.

His early films faced a string of failures, leading Kumar to engineer ways to be dismissed from projects due to his lack of interest. However, his outlook changed after the success of several movies like “Ladki,” “Naukari,” “Char Paise,” and “Baap Re Baap,” sparking a genuine interest in acting. This period saw him star in commercially successful films opposite various leading actresses, including memorable pairings with Mala Sinha, Vyjayanthimala, Nutan, Madhubala, Meena Kumari, and Kumkum.

“Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi,” a home production featuring the Ganguly brothers and Madhubala, showcased Kumar’s versatility as both an actor and a musician. He ventured into producing, directing, and even composing music for films like “Jhumroo” and “Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein,” where he also starred alongside Bengali actress Supriya Devi, delving into complex familial relationships.

However, by the late ’60s, Kumar’s punctuality issues and a series of box office failures led to a decline in his acting career. He faced financial troubles, and although he continued producing and directing films in the late ’70s and early ’80s, his acting appearances diminished. “Chalti Ka Naam Zindagi” marked his final appearance as an actor.

1970s and 1980s

Kishore Kumar’s reign as a leading playback singer throughout the 1970s and 1980s solidified his position as one of the most prolific and versatile voices in Indian cinema. His association with various music directors resulted in an extensive and unforgettable repertoire, especially with actors like Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Dev Anand, and Jeetendra.

His collaborations with S.D. Burman and R.D. Burman stood out, producing iconic tracks like “Phoolon Ke Rang Se,” “Pal Bhar Ke Liye,” “Chingari Koi Bhadke,” and “Rimjhim Gire Sawan.” R.D. Burman often explored semi-classical compositions with Kishore Kumar, showcasing his adaptability beyond his non-formal classical training.

Kishore Kumar’s duets with Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar under R.D. Burman’s compositions, including “Panna Ki Tamanna,” “Rimjhim Gire Sawan,” “Kya Yehi Pyar Hai,” and “Jaan-e-Jaan Dhoondta,” are timeless classics that continue to enthrall audiences.

Apart from the Burmans, he collaborated extensively with Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Salil Chowdhury, Ravindra Jain, Khayyam, Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Kalyanji-Anandji, Rajesh Roshan, Bappi Lahiri, and various other music directors. Their collaborations resulted in chart-topping hits such as “Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi,” “Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas,” “Neele Neele Ambar Par,” “Chhookar Mere Man Ko,” and “Pag Ghunghroo Bandh.”

Kishore Kumar’s prowess extended beyond Hindi cinema; he lent his mesmerizing voice to Bengali songs composed by Bappi Lahiri, Ajay Das, and others, creating hits like “Chirodini Tumi Je Amar” and “E Amar Gurudakshina.”

His versatile voice, emotional depth, and ability to adapt to various musical genres made Kishore Kumar an unparalleled legend in the realm of playback singing in Indian cinema.