The Magic of Kishore Kumar

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Bob Chowdhury

@Qwest

Inactive

Posted: 18 years ago

#101

The 24 Karat Magical Voice
Source : Siddhartha Dey

Sep 13 2006

Sixteen years have passed but his baritone voice still remains unsurpassed. The voice that was so masculine, and strong in nature, yet so sensuous and sublime in feeling. The voice of the gifted Kishore Kumar...

Kishore Kumar, the most versatile but untrained singer, made it to the top when training ruled over talent. His journey to the pinnacle wasn't as smooth as his silky voice with which he mesmerized the people for decades. If his lack of training proved to be a obstacle (even music directors like Salil Chowdhury, whose 'koi hota jisko apna...' from Mere Apne was later immortalized by Kishore's sleek rendition, wouldn't touch him with a barge-pole,) his much-publicised eccentricities (which he himself termed as tit-for-tat) delayed his way to the success he deserved. Also, his acting assignments - he was second to none in the slapstick category, but which he never enjoyed doing - further deferred his route to be successful in what he considered to be the passion of his life. He muffed his lines, pretended to be crazy, shaved his head, played difficult, began yodelling in the middle of tragic scenes, told Meena Kumari what he had to tell Bina Rai. But they still wouldn't let him go. He squealed, seethed, went cuckoo. But who cared? They were just resolute to make him a star. And though Kishore Kumar hated being structured around by directors, (who according to him didn't know their jobs most of the time) the hits followed. New Delhi (1956), Asha (1957), Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958), Jhumroo (1961), Half Ticket (1962), Shreeman Funtoosh (1956) and Padosan (1968). All time blockbusters, that managed to tie down Kishore to a busy acting schedule, so much so, that for a song in Sharaarat, some other singer, actually had to provide playback for him.

It took the genius of another genius, Sachin Dev Burman to recognize the talent of this maestro, This led to a magical S D Burman-Kishore Kumar phase. Kishore, who started off his singing career with 'Marne ki duayen kyon maangu...' in Ziddi for Dev Anand, became his voice till he died. From Paying Guest ('Mana janab ne pukara nahin...') to Nau Do Gyarah ('Hum hain raahi pyar ke...') to Teen Deviyaan ('Khwaab ho tum ya...') to Prem Pujari ('Phoolon ke rang se...') to Jewel Thief ('Yeh dil na hota bechara...') to Funtoosh ('Dukhi man mere suno mera kehna'...), to Munimji ('Jeevan ke safar mein rahi...'), to Gambler ('Dil aaj shaayar hai...'), he enchanted through S.D.Burman's tunes for Dev Anand.

But Kishore Kumar took the giant leap when S.D. made him sing 'Roop tera mastana...' and 'Mere sapno ki rani...' in Araadhna. The whole nation was enthralled by his sensual vocals and to add to that was the new superstar (Rajesh Khanna) on whom they were picturized. After that, there was no looking back. The profundity, the emotions, the mettle, the preeminence have been proved so many times thereafter, song after song, that only Kishore himself could reach the zenith that he carved for himself. Followed R.D. Burman's absolutely heavenly creations, to which only one man's voice could do justice and what we got was 'Yeh shaam mastani...' 'Pyaar deewana hota hai... 'Yeh jo mohabbat hai...' (Kati Patang) ('71), 'Chingari koi bhadke...', 'Kuchh toh log kahenge...', 'Yeh kya hua...' (Amar Prem), 'O mere dil ke chain...', Deewana leke aaya hai...', 'Chala jaata hoon...' (Mere Jeevan Saathi), 'Zindagi ke safar mein...'(Aap Ki Kasam) and myriad unbeatable spellbinding renditions till 'Humein aur jeene ki...' (Agar Tum Na Hote) ('83) to 'Dil mein aag lagaaye...'(Alag Alag)('85) for Rajesh Khanna alone. In Kishore kumar's magically melodious yet masculine vocals, music directors found a perfect complementary match for Lata Mangeshkar's too sweet, nightingalish and absolutely feminine voice. And the music world was never the same again. To pick some songs from their countless exquisite compilation is a Herculean task. What ensued was a golden era of innumerable enchanting duets like 'Gaata rahe mera dil...'(Guide), 'Kora kaaghaz tha...'(Araadhna), 'Gum hai kisi ke...'(Rampur ka Lakshman), 'Is mod se jaate hai...', 'Tum aa gaye ho...' Tere bina zindagi se'(Aandhi), 'Karwatein badaltey rahe...' (Aap ki kasam), 'Aapki aankhon mein kuchh...' (Ghar), 'Tere mere milan ki...' (Abhimaan), 'Khud se sharmate huye...'( Dil-e- naadaan), 'Hazaar raahein...'(Thodi Si Bewafaai), 'Saagar kinaare...' (Saagar).

If some of the perennial cribbers went on about his being untutored and basically a fun-song singer, they were presumably oblivious to his dexterity to scale up from bass to treble, alto to soprano, bass to tenor or do the reverse as he did successfully and matchlessly in 'Mere naina saawan bhadon...'(Mehbooba), 'Kehna hai...'(Padosan), 'Koi roko na...' (Priyatama), 'Nazraana bheja kisine...'(Des Pardes), 'Chhoo kar mere man ko...'(Yarana), 'Dil kya kare...'(Julie), 'Nazron se keh do...'(Doosra Aadmi), 'Thoda hai thode ki...'(Khatta Meetha) and incalculable other captivating songs without altering the baritone nature of his voice or compromising on the pleasantness of his vocals. And that might be the most probable reason why Rajesh Roshan (who incidentally did maximum justice to Kishore's voice, only after the two inimitable Burmans) trusted him for all those songs that had variation and melody. For those who believe that Kishore belonged to the vocal, effusive manner, there are plenty of songs to hound out that fiction. From the early O.P. Nayyar composition 'Meri neendon mein tum...'(Naya Andaaz) to 'Jeevan se bhari...', 'Zindagi ka safar...' (Safar), 'Badi sooni sooni hain...' (Mili), 'Aanewala pal...'(Golmaal), 'Hum bewafaa...' (Shalimaar) to the much later, 'Chehra hai ya...' (Saagar), the serene baritone gets over listeners like a soothing salve.

Kishore Kumar's next triumph came in the form of the next superstar (and no doubt, the best actor ever), Amitabh Bachchan who has a rich baritone voice. Kishore's magical playback renditions matched Bachchan's baritone voice like hand in glove. What followed was classic, popular or both -songs like Rimjhim gire saawan...'(Manzil), 'Main pyaasa tu saawan...' (Faraar), 'Dekha na haye re...'(Bombay to Goa), 'My name is Anthony Gonzalves...' (Amar Akbar Anthony), 'Khaike paan banaraswala...'(Don), 'Salaam-e-ishq...'(Muqaddar Ka sikandar), 'Pag ghungru baandh...'(Namak Halaal), 'Apni toh jaise taise...'(Laawaaris), 'Jahaan chaar yaar...'(Sharaabi) and many many more.

Whether singing, composing or acting, Kishore was pre-eminently Kishore, while now looking Fred Astaire, now Frank Sinatra, now Gene Kelly, now Bill Crosby. If a valid comparison is to be drawn in this direction, Kishore Kumar is best envisioned as the Danny Kaye of our cinema, as remarked by Lata Mangeshkar.

Kishore's voice, undoubtedly being the best, macho and popular too, would (except in a rare occasion or two) be used for the main lead, whenever there was a two-hero song. Though he got his dues in terms of love and adulation from the Indian people, the awards jury, most of the years, were a bit harsh on him. But who cares? It's only that when such a talented personality is left out of coveted awards (including the national awards) isn't the credibility of the awards a bit questionable?

The heart really bleeds when instead of talking about his enormous talents his distracters blow stories about his being a kooky, a madcap, a miser, a moron or an off-centre, out of proportions. Because they couldn't bear a man speaking his mind out when the others in the rat race tried hard to be politically correct. They couldn't believe that somebody could say no to Sanjay Gandhi, when he requested Kishore to sing for a political rally. They couldn't believe that this man would put his foot down, when Amitabh's name featured prior to that of him in Sharaabi's records for a particular song and wouldn't see the latter eye to eye for a long time. His befriending trees, talking to them and driving an irritating interior designer, acquired more space in glossies than a tribute to his overwhelming contributions.

His constant search for the unexpected and startling bore some astonishing results. Radio host Ameen Sayani recounts that when he was asked to interview Kishore, the singer insisted on concocting four characters - a judge, a child, a young man and an old man, and then played all four characters. The unusual programme was an instant hit.

And what was the secret behind that aural aura, if one asks? In the legendary actor and brother Ashok kumar's words, "Kishore's voice hits the mike, straight, at its most sensitive point — and that's the secret of his success as a singer without peer!" It is this straight 'mike-hitting' trait, in fact, that made Kishore Kumar, once he was rehearsed and ready, a vocal threat to the best.

Composer Bappi Lahiri, who looked on Kishore Kumar, as his mentor says, "I wouldn't be here but for him. From Chalte Chalte to my last song, he sang ninety per cent of my compositions. His death is a great personal loss to me, but a greater professional loss. Now, I'll have to work harder to put in the fifty per cent which he used to add." And Bappi Lahiri must really know, for it was for him that Kishore Kumar recorded his last song on October 12, 1987, a day before he died.

As R.D. Burman, the maestro of illustrious music, put it, "When Kishore was alive, it was so easy. In a way he was one up on the others because he could pick a tune and make it completely his own, to such an extent that you'd feel no one but he could ever sing it."

The void can never be filled. But, any ardent music lover, whenever he wants to make a trip along the silk route in the realm of 100 carat solitaire diamond, can halt at Koi humdum na raha...'(Jhumroo), 'Mere mehboob qayamat hogi...'(Mr. X in Bombay), 'Wo shaam kuchh ajeeb thi...' (Khamoshi), 'Jagmag karta nikala...'(Rimjhim), 'Husn bhi udaas hai...'(Fareb), 'Dilbar mere...'(Satte pe Satta) 'Jaane kya sochkar...'(Kinaara), 'Musafir hoon yaaron...'(Parichay), 'O hansini...'(Zahreela Insaan), 'Ruk jaana naheen'(Imtihaan) and countless other refreshing picturesque stops to experience the enticing pure 24 Carat golden voice. A honey voice dipped in feelings.

P.S: Kishore Kumar - originally named Abhaas Kumar Ganguly, born -August 4, 1929, hailed from Khandwa, M.P., nurtured his dreams to meet his inspiration - K.L.Saigal. And that's why he came to Mumbai. But he never paid any tribute to the latter by singing his cover versions, for he thought that there shouldn't be a single song, where people get the feel that he surpassed his inspiration.

Edited by Qwest - 18 years ago

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punjini

@punjini

Dazzler

Posted: 18 years ago

#102

Haha Qwestda, the last para of this article is taking a dig at Lata for singing Saigal's songs. 😆

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advil

@advil

Inactive

+ 3

Posted: 18 years ago

#103

SOME INTERESTING AND RARE INFO ON KISHORDA:
1. What was approx. "time" on 4 Aug 1929 when Kishore was born? 16:00
2. How much was Kishore's dad's salary in those days when he was a kid? Rs 30/- pm
3. What was his grandfather's name? Pyarelal
4. What were the real names of Ashok Kumar & Anup Kumar? Kumud & Kusum
5. What was the name of Kishore's primary school (given and real name)? Double Phatak Hindi Medium (Pandit Makhanlal Chaturvedi )
6. What was the name of his high school? New High School, Khandwa
7. Which was the subject he was weak, in school? Mathematics
8. How did Kishore study and remember his lessons? Singing them to his tunes
9. What was the name of his college? Christian College, Indore
10. What is the age difference between KK-AshokKumar, KK-SatiDevi and KK-Anup 19-15-5
11. First & last film as Actor? Shikari ( Guest App – 1946 ), Sati Vijay (Lead Role - 1948 ) – Door Waadiyon Mein Kahin
12. First and last film as Music Director : Jhumroo – Mamata Ki Chhaon Mein
13. First and last film as Producer : Luko Churi – Mamata Ki Chhaon Mein
14. First and last film as Director : Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein – Door Waadiyon Mein Kahin
15. Name his first duet with Asha : Aati hai Yaad Humko ( Muqaddar – 1950 )
16.Kishore Kumar Award (Government Award) is given for which categories and in which order are they arranged each year? Direction – Acting – Script Writing - Lyrics
17. How many times has Kishore won the Lions Club Award for his singing? 15 ( 14 – Bombay, 1 – Delhi )
18. For how many songs was Kishore nominated for the Filmfare awards as a singer? 27
19. Name a film where any two wives of Kishore have acted together. Jwar Bhata (1944 )
20. Apart from singing and poetry what was his other artistic pastime ?. Drawing/Painting
21. What was the funny name under which Kishore used to write his poetry and what was the full address he used to write under this funny name? Kavi Kisordas
22. Kishore used to write funny lyrics in a notebook and share those with a great poet, who used to appreciate Kishore. Who was that lyricist? Pradeep
23. Name his most favorite K L Saigal song : Kisne Yeh Khel Rachaya
24. How much money was he paid for each song at the time of Aradhana and how much was he paid in the late 70's when he was at top position? Rs 500 – Rs 30000
25. What astonishing fact did he find out near his house in a graveyard at Juhu Beach? There was a priest's grave and his death date was 04th Aug 1929…thus Kishoreda wondered what could be the connection given the fact that in his childhood, he used to go near a cemetery in Khandwa and sit there hours together ( getting solid scoldings from his father because of that )
26. To whose wife did Kishore send money regularly for her survival after that person's death? Arun Kumar Mukherjee
27. Kishore and Ruma Ghosh used to meet at a particular persons residence quite often (where they fell in love with each other), where other Bengali's (from film industry) would also meet. Who was this person? Apart from this, what other activities would Kishore and Ruma perform at these Bengali Addas.?Sunil Biswas – Kishore used to sing and Ruma used to dance.
28. Which year was Kishore married to Ruma Ghosh? 1950
29. Which part of Bombay were they staying after the marriage? Dahisar
30. Which one particular film made Kishore Kumar so rich that he made a bungalow in Juhu in the 50's? Luko Churi
31. Which theatre Kishore-Ruma used to visit quite often to see English movies? Lido ( Santacruz – West )
32. Which year did they divorce? 1958
33. In which year did Kishore marry Madhubala? 1960
34. In which year did she die and where was Kishore when Madhubala died? 1969 – Besides her in the bed. She died in Kishore's arms
35. Why did the songs from Door Ka Raahi have that extra sadness which moves the ground beneath a die-hard KK-Fan? They were recorded after 4 days from Madhubala's death
36. In which year he married Yogita Bali?1975
37. Who performed the role of Kishore's father during the marriage with Yogita? Mehmood ( Shammi Kapoor did the role of Yogita's father )
38. In which year did they divorce? 1978
39. In which year did he marry Leena Chandavarkar? 1980
40. In which year Kishore's father die? 1962
41. In which year his mother died? 1974
42. Koi Humdam Na Raha – Which film of the 40's was this song inspired from? Jeevan Naiyya
43. Ek Chatur Naar - Which film of the 40's was this song inspired from? Jhoola
44. Name the lyrics of the Bengali song, the tune of which inspired Kishore to come out with the song Roop Tera Mastana and make SDB include it in the film. : Ektoo Porey Shoshurbaadi Diye Debo Godagodi
45. Other than Pather Panchali which other film did Kishore finance partly and how much money was it? Daal Mein Kaala – Rs 20000
46. What was his driver's name? Abdul
47. What model and year was the car Kishore used in Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi and who bought this car? 1928 Ford – His father
48. Which pets did Kishore keep in his house and total how many of them all? Cats and Dogs – Total of 50
49. Apart from the house in Juhu, where else did Kishore purchase flat/house what was the name of one of them? Warden Road Bombay ( Flat ) & Villa in Madras ( the name of this house was Tiruman Mayur )
50. When did his parents sell the property of Khandwa and came to Bombay to live with Ashok Kumar and to whom did they sell it? 1946 – Ashok Kumar
51. Name the Kishore song of the 50's which made shortage of coins in the market to listen to the Jukeboxes (which played songs by putting coins in it) – Maana Janaab Ne Pukaara Nahin
52. Which fish (Bengali name) was Kishore's favourite? Maachher Jhaal
53. What is the significance of the evergreen song Yeh Jeevan Hai (Piya Ka Ghar) with respect to the singing power of Guru (something to do with the time of recording of this song)? He did not do any rehearsal..got the song in the recording studio and what a lovely rendition !
54. In which year did Kishore perform his first stage show, which city and who was the arranger of this show ? 1968 – Rabindra Sarobar – Kolkata – Mr Barin Dhar
55. Apart from Kishore Kumar Khandwawala, by what other name did Kishore call himself in the stage shows? Kishorilal Khatmandu
56. Which electronic gadget did Kishore fit in his house (he was the first person in the industry to do so)? CCTV ( to keep a watch on the people/visitors at his villa gate )
57. ONE Song in which Kishore has given voice to maximum artists on screen. : Haalchaal Theek Thaak Hai – He gave voice to 6 actors in THIS song
58. Which Legendary Bhajan/Ghazal singer was called as a clone of Kishore in the 1970's when he was a part of stage shows? – Anup Jalota
59. Name the films which Kishore acted and which were golden/silver jubilees. Ladki, Adhikar, Pehli Taarikh, New Delhi, Ilzaam, Chandan, Sharaarat, Bewaqoof, Pyaar Kiye Ja were Silver Jubilees, Luku Churi, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, Bhai Bhai & Aasha were Golden Jubilees
60.Name the films in which acted in double/multiple roles. Luko Churi, Jaalsaaz, Sharaarat, Bombay Ka Chor, Do Dooni Chaar had double roles & Badhti Ka Naam Daadhi had 6 roles
61.Which is the other song, apart from the famous Aake Seedhi Lagi, in which Kishore sang in a female voice and name the film too? Baiyyan Chhodo Balam Ghar ( Rangili – 1952 )
62.Which spiritual leader's books did Kishore read avidly? Swami Vivekanand
63.In which song from Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi did S D Burman gave a free hand to Kishore, to work with Majrooh and compose the song? Hum The Who Thi ( in fact most of the songs : ) )
64.Name the debut songs of Amit Kumar & Sumit Kumar. Main Ek Panchhi ( Door Ka Raahi ), Kaise Dekhoon ( Mudda The Issue )
65.In which year did Kishore got to meet RD Burman the first time and since their friendship flowered? 1952
66.Name Kishore's last film where he sang for Rajesh Khanna. : Mamata Ki Chhaon Mein
67.When he went to meet Leena's parents after their marriage, what song did he sing in an attempt to 'melt' their hearts? : Nafrat Karne Waalon Ke
68.Other than the Mangeshkar sisters, name another pair of sisters with each of whom Kishore has sung duets? Sulakshana & Vijeita Pandit
69.Kishore sang 2 duets in the home productions of 2 famous producer directors. His female co-singer in both these were the producer directors' wives. Name the producer directors and their wives and the 2 films? Yash & Pamela Chopra
70.Which is the only song composed by Pancham which was sung in Bengali by Kishore and sung in Hindi by Pancham. (Normally it was the other way round)? She To Elo Na – Yeh Zindagi Kuch Bhi
71.Which actor, who had earlier played leading man to Leena, essayed the role of her father in Kishore's incomplete Pyar Ajnabi Hai? Shammi Kapoor
72.Name 4 films of Kishore, which had the name of the same city. : Bombay TO Goa, Bombay Ka Chor, Mr X In Bombay, Love in Bombay
73.Name the comedian for whom Kishore gave playback to 2 songs in 2 Hrisihikesh Mukherjee films. : Asrani
74.Approx time on 13th Oct 1987, when Kishore died? 17:00

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Saniya Shah

@Evilgenius_S.S™

Inactive

Posted: 18 years ago

#104

Originally posted by: adi_0112
SOME INTERESTING AND RARE INFO ON KISHORDA:
1. What was approx. "time" on 4 Aug 1929 when Kishore was born? 16:00
2. How much was Kishore's dad's salary in those days when he was a kid? Rs 30/- pm
3. What was his grandfather's name? Pyarelal
4. What were the real names of Ashok Kumar & Anup Kumar? Kumud & Kusum
5. What was the name of Kishore's primary school (given and real name)? Double Phatak Hindi Medium (Pandit Makhanlal Chaturvedi )
6. What was the name of his high school? New High School, Khandwa
7. Which was the subject he was weak, in school? Mathematics
8. How did Kishore study and remember his lessons? Singing them to his tunes
9. What was the name of his college? Christian College, Indore
10. What is the age difference between KK-AshokKumar, KK-SatiDevi and KK-Anup 19-15-5
11. First & last film as Actor? Shikari ( Guest App – 1946 ), Sati Vijay (Lead Role - 1948 ) – Door Waadiyon Mein Kahin
12. First and last film as Music Director : Jhumroo – Mamata Ki Chhaon Mein
13. First and last film as Producer : Luko Churi – Mamata Ki Chhaon Mein
14. First and last film as Director : Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein – Door Waadiyon Mein Kahin
15. Name his first duet with Asha : Aati hai Yaad Humko ( Muqaddar – 1950 )
16.Kishore Kumar Award (Government Award) is given for which categories and in which order are they arranged each year? Direction – Acting – Script Writing - Lyrics
17. How many times has Kishore won the Lions Club Award for his singing? 15 ( 14 – Bombay, 1 – Delhi )
18. For how many songs was Kishore nominated for the Filmfare awards as a singer? 27
19. Name a film where any two wives of Kishore have acted together. Jwar Bhata (1944 )
20. Apart from singing and poetry what was his other artistic pastime ?. Drawing/Painting
21. What was the funny name under which Kishore used to write his poetry and what was the full address he used to write under this funny name? Kavi Kisordas
22. Kishore used to write funny lyrics in a notebook and share those with a great poet, who used to appreciate Kishore. Who was that lyricist? Pradeep
23. Name his most favorite K L Saigal song : Kisne Yeh Khel Rachaya
24. How much money was he paid for each song at the time of Aradhana and how much was he paid in the late 70's when he was at top position? Rs 500 – Rs 30000
25. What astonishing fact did he find out near his house in a graveyard at Juhu Beach? There was a priest's grave and his death date was 04th Aug 1929…thus Kishoreda wondered what could be the connection given the fact that in his childhood, he used to go near a cemetery in Khandwa and sit there hours together ( getting solid scoldings from his father because of that )
26. To whose wife did Kishore send money regularly for her survival after that person's death? Arun Kumar Mukherjee
27. Kishore and Ruma Ghosh used to meet at a particular persons residence quite often (where they fell in love with each other), where other Bengali's (from film industry) would also meet. Who was this person? Apart from this, what other activities would Kishore and Ruma perform at these Bengali Addas.?Sunil Biswas – Kishore used to sing and Ruma used to dance.
28. Which year was Kishore married to Ruma Ghosh? 1950
29. Which part of Bombay were they staying after the marriage? Dahisar
30. Which one particular film made Kishore Kumar so rich that he made a bungalow in Juhu in the 50's? Luko Churi
31. Which theatre Kishore-Ruma used to visit quite often to see English movies? Lido ( Santacruz – West )
32. Which year did they divorce? 1958
33. In which year did Kishore marry Madhubala? 1960
34. In which year did she die and where was Kishore when Madhubala died? 1969 – Besides her in the bed. She died in Kishore's arms
35. Why did the songs from Door Ka Raahi have that extra sadness which moves the ground beneath a die-hard KK-Fan? They were recorded after 4 days from Madhubala's death
36. In which year he married Yogita Bali?1975
37. Who performed the role of Kishore's father during the marriage with Yogita? Mehmood ( Shammi Kapoor did the role of Yogita's father )
38. In which year did they divorce? 1978
39. In which year did he marry Leena Chandavarkar? 1980
40. In which year Kishore's father die? 1962
41. In which year his mother died? 1974
42. Koi Humdam Na Raha – Which film of the 40's was this song inspired from? Jeevan Naiyya
43. Ek Chatur Naar - Which film of the 40's was this song inspired from? Jhoola
44. Name the lyrics of the Bengali song, the tune of which inspired Kishore to come out with the song Roop Tera Mastana and make SDB include it in the film. : Ektoo Porey Shoshurbaadi Diye Debo Godagodi
45. Other than Pather Panchali which other film did Kishore finance partly and how much money was it? Daal Mein Kaala – Rs 20000
46. What was his driver's name? Abdul
47. What model and year was the car Kishore used in Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi and who bought this car? 1928 Ford – His father
48. Which pets did Kishore keep in his house and total how many of them all? Cats and Dogs – Total of 50
49. Apart from the house in Juhu, where else did Kishore purchase flat/house what was the name of one of them? Warden Road Bombay ( Flat ) & Villa in Madras ( the name of this house was Tiruman Mayur )
50. When did his parents sell the property of Khandwa and came to Bombay to live with Ashok Kumar and to whom did they sell it? 1946 – Ashok Kumar
51. Name the Kishore song of the 50's which made shortage of coins in the market to listen to the Jukeboxes (which played songs by putting coins in it) – Maana Janaab Ne Pukaara Nahin
52. Which fish (Bengali name) was Kishore's favourite? Maachher Jhaal
53. What is the significance of the evergreen song Yeh Jeevan Hai (Piya Ka Ghar) with respect to the singing power of Guru (something to do with the time of recording of this song)? He did not do any rehearsal..got the song in the recording studio and what a lovely rendition !
54. In which year did Kishore perform his first stage show, which city and who was the arranger of this show ? 1968 – Rabindra Sarobar – Kolkata – Mr Barin Dhar
55. Apart from Kishore Kumar Khandwawala, by what other name did Kishore call himself in the stage shows? Kishorilal Khatmandu
56. Which electronic gadget did Kishore fit in his house (he was the first person in the industry to do so)? CCTV ( to keep a watch on the people/visitors at his villa gate )
57. ONE Song in which Kishore has given voice to maximum artists on screen. : Haalchaal Theek Thaak Hai – He gave voice to 6 actors in THIS song
58. Which Legendary Bhajan/Ghazal singer was called as a clone of Kishore in the 1970's when he was a part of stage shows? – Anup Jalota
59. Name the films which Kishore acted and which were golden/silver jubilees. Ladki, Adhikar, Pehli Taarikh, New Delhi, Ilzaam, Chandan, Sharaarat, Bewaqoof, Pyaar Kiye Ja were Silver Jubilees, Luku Churi, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, Bhai Bhai & Aasha were Golden Jubilees
60.Name the films in which acted in double/multiple roles. Luko Churi, Jaalsaaz, Sharaarat, Bombay Ka Chor, Do Dooni Chaar had double roles & Badhti Ka Naam Daadhi had 6 roles
61.Which is the other song, apart from the famous Aake Seedhi Lagi, in which Kishore sang in a female voice and name the film too? Baiyyan Chhodo Balam Ghar ( Rangili – 1952 )
62.Which spiritual leader's books did Kishore read avidly? Swami Vivekanand
63.In which song from Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi did S D Burman gave a free hand to Kishore, to work with Majrooh and compose the song? Hum The Who Thi ( in fact most of the songs : ) )
64.Name the debut songs of Amit Kumar & Sumit Kumar. Main Ek Panchhi ( Door Ka Raahi ), Kaise Dekhoon ( Mudda The Issue )

67.When he went to meet Leena's parents after their marriage, what song did he sing in an attempt to 'melt' their hearts? : Nafrat Karne Waalon Ke
68.Other than the Mangeshkar sisters, name another pair of sisters with each of whom Kishore has sung duets? Sulakshana & Vijeita Pandit
670.Which is the only song composed by Pancham which was sung in Bengali by74.Approx time on 13th Oct 1987, when Kishore died? 17:00

👏--Thanksa lot Adi....!!! really these are sum rareest of info's abt KIshore Da............!!! me 2 didn't knw many of them..........!!! like timings of birth & deatha nd all....!!! Wonder how u got it all..........!😳

Guud jobbb...mannkeepit up!

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Kumar

@trishancku

Voyager

Posted: 17 years ago

#105

Publication: Times Of India Bangalore;

Date: Oct 7, 2007;

Section: Spl Report;

Page: 17

Unforgettable KISHORE Twenty years after his death, Kishore Kumar remains both cool and contemporary among young and old alike. Sunday Times walks down memory lane Avijit Ghosh | TNN

His unofficial school of clones keeps growing. Remixes are inconceivable without him. He rules on flashback FM programmes. And if the 156 Orkut communities -- one of them has over 86,000 members -- which swear by his name are a barometer, GenNext too has fallen for him. Almost 20 years since he passed away on October 13, 1987, Kishore Kumar's voice remains as cool as it's contemporary, endearing both the old and the now.

No surprise, Saregama plans to release a special five-CD set of the singer next month. And another collection of rare duets with the equally effervescent Asha Bhonsle is on the way.

Experts feel the reason behind Kishore's enduring popularity lies in his ability to turn on successive generations. He was the first Hindi film playback singer to yodel and the influence is evident even in the forthcoming Sanjay Leela Bhansali flick, Saawariya's brilliant title track.

Singer Babul Supriyo feels that Kishore, like composer RD Burman, encapsulated a flamboyance and flair that was forever young. "When Kishore Kumar is wooing a girl, it doesn't sound like a prayer or a plea; it has fun and young passion. Other singers may have had divine voices, but Kishoreda's voice was sexy," says the singer from the K2 gharana. Lyricist Yogesh says his voice had "charm" as well as "manhood".

Renowned compere Ameen Sayani sums it up. "He was perhaps the most versatile singer that the Indian film industry has ever known. He could handle comedy and pathos. And although he never had any formal training, he could delve into classical songs as well," says Sayani. Then he adds, "I have compered almost all great singers on stage. He not only sang and danced and pranced but also did somersaults on stage. But while doing all this, he never went out of tune."

Singing was Kishore's primary calling card. But no premier Bollywood artiste has showcased a wider repertoire of extravagant talent: singer, actor, songwriter, composer, dancer, director, producer, prankster, four-time husband. Yet his career was full of ups and downs. Kishore sang his first Hindi film song in Ziddi (music director: Khemchand Prakash, 1948) but got his first Filmfare award for best male playback only in 1969 for Aradhana.

A great fan of K L Saigal, Khandwa-born Kishore wanted to become a singer. But his elder brother Ashok Kumar wanted him to be an actor because singing wasn't as lucrative. Consequently, the first phase of his career was that of a singer-actor. According to biographer Kishore Valicha, the singer's association with music director S D Burman was a major turning point in his life. During the making of Mashaal (1950), SD paid a visit to Ashok Kumar when he heard someone do a perfect imitation of Saigal. He was told it was Kishore who was singing in the bathroom. The composer complimented him but also said that Kishore needed to develop a style of his own. "Burmanda groomed him, helped Kishore find his own voice. He also explored its range and the possibilities it offered," says Valicha, author of

Kishore Kumar, The Definitive Biography.

Going through Burman's early compositions chronologically, one can feel the evolution in Kishore's voice. It was through SD, already an integral part of the Navketan camp, that Kishore Kumar began singing for Dev Anand. Kishore' s finest numbers in the Fifties and Sixties were primarily filmed on Dev Anand and himself. Songs like Dukhi mann mere (Munimji) established him as a serious singer. The duet Hal kaisa hai janab ka (with Asha, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi) topped Binaca Geet Mala's annual hit parade in 1959.

By now, his style was distinct. Composer Pyarelal (Laxmikant's other half) vividly remembers recording their first song with him, Mere mehboob qayamat hogi (Mr X in Bombay, 1964). "It was a soft and sad number we had done in our own style. But he delivered it the way we wanted," he says. Fellow music director Ravindra Jain also recalls

his first recording with the singer."He asked me to book the studio and came at 9 am. Then he asked me to sing the track. He rehearsed through the day. The recording was perfect." The song was Ghungroo ki tarah for Chor Machaye Shor (1974).

But earlier in the Sixties, Kishore went through a rough patch. In the post-Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958) phase, his films flopped frequently. In 1963, a tiff with Half-Ticket' s financier also landed him in income tax trouble. Ashok Kumar had to bail him out. Then on his elder brother' s advice, he decided to concentrate on a singing career.

For much of mid-60s, though, Kishore wallowed in B-grade flops. Opportunities to sing for other actors were rare. Then Shakti Samanta hooked up with S D Burman for Aradhana (1969). When Kishore was told he would be crooning some of the tracks, he wanted to meet the actor he would be singing for.

After Rajesh Khanna arrived at his house, Kishore Kumar asked him a few questions."He watched Khanna as he spoke, taking in every gesture. As Khanna was leaving, Kishore told him, 'I am going to sing for you. I want you to succeed," writes Valicha. With Aradhana, Rajesh Khanna became an unstoppable force of nature. So did Kishore, who formed a great box-office team with Bollywood's latest god. Khanna was swept away by the Big B phenomenon in the mid-70s.

Kishore's reign continued because he also became the voice of Amitabh Bachchan. Between 1969-87, he captured eight best male playback Filmfare awards. At 58, he was too young to die. But going by the reactions he evokes on Orkut, Kishore Kumar's life after death is assured.

FAVOURITE K2 SONG

Pyarelal (Laxmikant's other half)

Yeh jeevan hai, is jeevan ka (Film: Piya Ka Ghar)

Ravindra Jain

Koi humdum na raha (Film: Jhumroo)

Himesh Reshammiya

Ek hasina thi, ek deewana tha (Film: Karz)

Babul Supriyo

Kuch to log kahenge (Film: Amar Prem)

He was quite unpredictable One could never predict how Kishore Kumar would behave at any given point. But in spite of his quaint behaviour, he was an extremely loveable person. I knew Kishore from my college days. One of my college friends was related to him and used to take me often to his house. He was then married to his first wife Ruma and Amit (Kumar) had just been born. I had already begun doing Binaca (later Cibaca) Geet Mala and used to record for every annual programme the messages of various film personalities. That year I was doing singers and I kept ringing Kishoreda for an appointment. After a lot of pestering, he gave me an appointment at a faraway studio in the suburbs. When I reached there with my huge tape recorder, I found he had left a message with the producer of the film he was shooting that he would come to the studio only after Ameen bhai had left. This upset me tremendously. For almost 15 years after that I never asked for an interview. But the friendship continued and, in fact, I did the radio publicity for all his films. Later on, I managed to corner him into doing two of my life's best interviews; one of which was a fabulous tribute to SD Burman. --- Ameen Sayani (As told to Avijit Ghosh)

Kishore Kumar's songs in (from left) Aradhana, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi and Jewel Thief were major hits

Source:http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JQkc vMjAwNy8xMC8wNyNBcjAxNzAx&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-s kin-custom

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punjini

@punjini

Dazzler

Posted: 17 years ago

#106

He is one singer who could easily have survived even in this era of "performance-centred" singing! Imagine doing somersaults on stage and still not losing sur!

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Minali The Great

@Guardian Angel

Inactive

Posted: 17 years ago

#107

Thanks for reviving the thread Trishankuji and the nice article on Kishoreda. His songs will always remain immortal. 😳

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Bob Chowdhury

@Qwest

Inactive

Posted: 17 years ago

#108

Twenty years after his death, Kishore Kumar still remains everyone's favourite

Edited by Qwest - 17 years ago

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Nader

@Nader

Inactive

Posted: 17 years ago

#109

Kishore Da is a LEGEND !!
my fav songs of him

Agar Tum Na Hote - Agar Tum Na Hote
Aane Wala Pan - Golmaal
Aake Seedhi Lage - Half Ticket
Ek Chatur Naar - Padosan
Ek Haseena Thi & OSO - Karz
Jahan Teri Yeh Nazar Hai - Kaalia
Pal Pal - Blackmail
Yeh Hai Bombay Nagaria - Don
Jaane Jaan - Jawani Diwani
Koi Haseena - Sholay

Edited by Nader - 17 years ago