Had the iconic singer, actor, producer, director, composer, writer and stage artiste extraordinaire- Kishore Kumar, been alive, he’d be 88 years old – but legends never die, they live on in our hearts swaying us with untold happiness and creating pure magic for generations to come ! So much has already been written and said about the eccentric genius and how he inspired innumerable singers to emulate his inimitable style –some to achieve great heights but most as mere imitations of the gem !
That Kishore was a musical masterclass with no formal training and an absolute maverick akin to a rock-star, is part of Hindi film industry folk lore, as he yodeled his way in trademark style, across an incredible life journey and career starting from the film ‘Musafir’ in 1954, spanning nearly four decades, including phases of near oblivion and a remarkable come-back in 1971 as the voice of then rising superstar, Rajesh Khanna (and later of Big B himself and most other leading actors in the 80s !).
What is lesser known is the altruistic side and sensitivity of a reticent, lonely man in love with nature, seeking perfection in his relationships and craft he loved. Inspired into singing and acting from legends like K L Saigal, and elder brother Ashok Kumar and Satyajit Ray, in the art of film making, an outright protégé of the great singer-composer, S D Burman (and later the favourite singer for his son, R D Burman) some of Kishore’s best works were reminiscent of gentility of Rabindra Sangeet and Western Classical Music !
Why is it that such an legendary performer of extraordinary talent, who completely dominated Hindi film playback singing in the 70s-80s, could never have been honoured with a national award in his lifetime ! While so many forgettables in the ‘neta’ and ‘abhineta’ category have been recognized and decorated with the highest national awards, that unforgettable voice that brings joy to millions even today, seems to have been overlooked in the era of imagery of overrated achievers created through marketing hypes, promotions and connections.
But icons of the likes of Kishoreda, Rafi Saheb, Manna Dey and Hemant Kumar do not really need certificates of excellence – they have millions of fans of all ages for their evergreen melodies which have stood the test of time. Possessing immense pride, hugely gifted in their craft yet with the humility of truly greats, such maestros would never crave for awards.
For Kishoreda, ‘Jhumroo’ was a musical masterpiece but even he would agree that fans will not allow him the sorrow of “Koi Hamdam Na Raha, Koi Sahara Na Raha ..” but march along singing those beautiful lines written by him “ Aa Chal Ke Tujhe Main Le ke Chalu…….Jahan Gam Bhi Na Ho, Aansoo Bhi Na Ho, Bus Pyar Hi Pyar Pale..”
Working on Living 