No music show is complete without clones singing his hits, all music maestros bow to his incredible talent and die-hard fans of every age and genre have him on their playlist, despite the fact that he left the world 38 years ago. 4th August happens to be the amazing singer and artiste, Kishoreda’s 96th Birthday- the Bengali Channel ‘Akash Aath’ devoted consecutive shows on the last three days where wonderful singers sang their heart’s out, & where tributes from great composers were also shared. It’s testimony to his untrained virtuosity & versatility that he’s still remembered for all genres with such ‘timelessness’.
So much has already been explored, delved into and written about the maverick genius with uncanny gift of an incredible manly voice & incomparable musical sense & timing. As a devout follower, however, one looks back on the impact he had on our lives when we were looking for inspiration and to emulate the best in manhood and romance. In 1970-71, in his comeback vehicle Dada SD made Kishoreda sang with gay abandon ‘Mere Sapno Ki Rani’ to become the staple voice for superstar Rajesh Khanna, rest was history.
For those who could sing, Kishoreda’s voice resonated confidence, masculinity, melody & passion that had to be cloned in signature style in the 1970’s when we were in college. Many of my loyal friends (cant ‘say fans !) started associating me with Kishore songs & I realized that singing was a great way to attract folks ! In those days, match making for us started early in life. I recall in one such meeting, my Dad, a Saigal fan, joked that “ in addition to many talents, my Son can sing Kishore songs wonderfully & I’d have to sing. Fortuitously when I got married, my wife happily turned out to be a Kishore ‘bhakt’ too.
Decades have passed, we’ve become senior citizens, yet we’re still steadfastly young as we continue to croon the Kishoreda melodies in solitude or celebrating with friends. I do love other great singers and their songs, but am mostly asked to sing the ‘K’ numbers ! I know friends are loyal and appreciate our efforts but think of ‘happiness’ we all derive !
On my 70th birthday, my dear niece ‘Shreya’ knowing the penchant and passion of her old ‘Mama’ gifted me a beautiful book ‘Kishore Kumar- the Ultimate Biography’. Pic is given below). In tracing the master’s journey the writers have beautifully divided into three Sections – Book 1 , Bhairav – The Morning’, Book 2 – Poorvi – The Afternoon and Book 3- Kalyan – The Evening’. I’ll not review the book or reveal the stories. As Keats had said ‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever’. Thanks for all that you’ve given us, KishoreDa !
Working on Living 