Kishore Kumar never failed to entertain -whether it’s his songs, acting or comic timing. He also introduced yodeling to Bollywood music lovers. One of the greatest singers of Indian cinema, there is a Kishore Kumar song to describe every mood and emotion. His brilliance was not just restricted to singing, he dabbled in acting, directing, writing and composing.
Kishore Kumar began his musical journey with Ziddi in 1949. Born as Abhas Kumar Gangopadhyay, he has over 2,000 songs to his credit, his work remains fresh, relevant and continues to inspire upcoming artistes. On his 89th birthday, wishes kept pouring in on social media.
One of the most remarkable artists to walk on our land, #KishoreKumar, entertainer extraordinaire as a singer, composer, musician, comedian, actor, and what not. On his birth anniversary, I would like to pay my tribute to the nation's beloved 'Kishore Da'. pic.twitter.com/GDKNm3Ofsl
— Babul Supriyo (@SuPriyoBabul) August 4, 2018
Legendary personality in #Indian cinema #KishoreKumar was born #OnThisDay. One of the greatest singers, he excelled in the various walks of filmmaking- acting, directing, writing & composing.
Singing in diverse styles, he left a lasting impact with his vigorous style of singing. pic.twitter.com/YqfF83JOJn
— NFAI (@NFAIOfficial) August 4, 2018
KISHORE KUMAR would’ve turned 89 on 4th August.
Remembering the multifacted legend #KishoreKumar pic.twitter.com/3feFCcCLMy— Film History Pics (@FilmHistoryPic) August 3, 2018
For me ..there is immortal soul of Kishore Dada around us .. Kishore har Sunkaar ke Dil mein bastey Hain ..
Happiness, Sadness, Excitement.. all moods in one person's voice .. that's Kishore Dada …
'No शोर ..Only किशोर '
Happy Birthday #KishoreKumar ❣️⭐? #RjAlok pic.twitter.com/3sUKrIKfUL— RJ ALOK (@OYERJALOK) August 4, 2018
Here’s a playlist of some of his best romantic songs:
Mere Saamnewali Khidki Mein
Padosan (1968)
The musical appeal of Padosan never fades away. Directed by Jyoti Swaroop, the film had a stellar cast of Sunil Dutt, Saira Banu, Kishore Kumar and Mehmood. RD Burman was the music composer. While the jugalbandi between Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey and Mehmood in ‘Ek Chatur Naar’ is stuff of the legends, this song – ‘Mere Saamnewali Khidki Mein’ – is a masterclass on the art of wooing. The lyrics are by Rajendra Krishan.
Neele Neele Ambar Par
Kalakar (1983)
Though the film bombed at the box office, it was a stepping stone for Sridevi in Bollywood. This song was a romantic anthem for its generation and continues to retain its appeal. Composed by Kalyanji–Anandji, the song was reportedly inspired from Ilaiyaraja’s ‘Ilaya Nila’.
Aise Na Mujhe Tum Dekho
Darling Darling (1977)
Kishore Kumar was considered the voice of Dev Anand and the singer’s voice was instrumental in building Dev Anand’s on-screen romantic persona. While there are classics like ‘Aasman Ke Neeche’, ‘Phoolon Ke Rang Se’, ‘Hey Maine Kasam’, ‘Gaata Rahe Mera Dil’, this song featuring Dev Anand and Zeenat Aman is a slightly unconventional choice. But there’s so much love and attraction in this song.
Woh Shaam Kuch Ajeeb
Khamoshi (1970)
Another romantic hero that Kishore Kumar collaborated with a lot was Rajesh Khanna. Songs like ‘Mere Sapno Ki Rani’, ‘Zindagi Ka Safar’, ‘Kuch To Log Kahenge’, ‘Ye Shaam Mastani’ helped Khanna become the superstar of his generation. Featuring Rajesh Khanna and Waheeda Rehman, this song was composed by Hemant Kumar and the lyrics were by Gulzar.
Ek Ladki Bhigi Bhagi Si
Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958)
Directed by Satyen Bose, this classic showcases Kishore Kumar’s versatility in a way no other film has done. Apart from the beautiful songs, the film introduced Kishore Kumar as the comic hero. His comic timing was impeccable. The film also starred his two brothers, Anoop Kumar and Ashok Kumar, and his future wife Madhubala. It’s said that while nursing a heartbreak over Dilip Kumar, Madhubala fell for Kishore Kumar. The two tied the knot in 1960.
