Kishore Da- the name in itself speaks volumes. It feels as though this name carries a sense of belongingness, just like we feel with a dear friend. For centuries, his inimitable voice have echoed in our hearts and moved us to tears or cheered us up in times of despair. Besides, his special voice with power and rich emotion, his incredible versatility and range placed him a little higher than others in the industry.
Remembering this eccentric singer on his birth anniversary-let us enlighten ourselves with a few lesser known facts of this versatile singer. In 1975 when an emergency was imposed, singer Kishore Kumar was boycotted from the All India Radio and Doordarshan as the singer had denied to perform at a political rally in Mumbai.
Times when Kishore Kumar’s songs were banned
According to Times Of India, CB Jain, who was then I&B join secretary had spoken to Kishore Kumar to inform him about what the government required. He also insisted to meet at Kishore Kumar’s residence. However, Kumar turned down his insistence.
CB Jain took Kumar’s behaviour as offensive and then he, in turn, went on to inform I&B secretary SMH Burney that the singer was not keen on meeting. Following this episode, Burney along with V C Shukla’s sanction banned all Kishore Kumar songs on AIR and Doordarshan. The ban continued till May 4, 1976, till the Emergency ended.
Kishore Kumar’s birthday
The legendary singer, whose melodious voice is still etched in our hearts, was born as Abhas Kumar Ganguly on August 4, 1929. A man of multiple hats, Kishore Kumar was not only a popular playback singer but was also as an actor, lyricist, composer, producer, director, screenwriter. He went on to work in films, and also lent his voice in different languages. From 1970-1986, the music maestro also received several laurels.
Kishore Kumar’s songs
Kishore Kumar’s songs like Roop Tera Mastana, Khaike Paan Banaras Wala, Zindagi Ek Safar, Om Shanti Om, Ek Ladki Bhigi Bhagi Si among others directly hit our hearts. Kumar is a part of films like Ladki, Naukari, Baap Re Baap, Paisa Hi Paisa, Bhai Bhai, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, Jaalsaaz, Chacha Zindabad, Shreeman Funtoosh among others. Kishore Kumar has collaborated on many songs with Lata Mangeshkar in his stellar career.