Lata Mangeshkar Birth Anniversary: When legendary singer thought Kishore Kumar was following her and complained to composer Khemchand

Lata Mangeshkar Birth Anniversary: When legendary singer thought Kishore Kumar was following her and complained to composer Khemchand

As a dedicated follower of Indian music, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of nostalgia and admiration as I reflect upon the extraordinary lives of Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar. Their journey, marked by shared moments of humor and profound musical collaboration, is a testament to the power of serendipity in shaping our destinies.


As a lifestyle connoisseur, I can’t help but reflect upon the enchanting tale involving the incomparable Lata Mangeshkar, often referred to as the melodic heart of India. On this special occasion, marking her 95th birth anniversary, let us delve into an amusing episode that transpired between her and the legendary Kishore Kumar.

According to Hindustan Times, Lata Mangeshkar, author of Lata Mangeshkar: In Her Own Voice, recounts a humorous episode that took place between her and the legendary singer Kishore Kumar during the initial recording of one of their duets. This amusing event is detailed in the book.

During her regular commute from Grant Road to Malad, Lata Mangeshkar spotted a face she recognized at the next station, little did she know it was Kishore Kumar. Upon reaching Malad, they both headed towards the Bombay Talkies studio. In an unexpected twist, the renowned singer opted for a horse-drawn carriage for the long trip, and to her amazement, Kishore Kumar did the same, unwittingly setting off a humorous confusion.

While collaborating with music director Khemchand Prakash on the 1949 film Ziddi, Lata Mangeshkar had an unusual incident with Kishore Kumar. Since she didn’t know him well at that time, Lata thought Kishore’s behavior was suspicious. She felt like he was stalking her and voiced her concerns to Khemchand Prakash. She remembered, “I asked Khemchand ji: ‘Uncle, who is this young man? He seems to be following me.’

In a reassuring manner, the singer mentioned that Khemchand Prakash quickly alleviated her worries by finding amusement in the confusion. He clarified that the man she believed was stalking her was actually Kishore Kumar, the younger sibling of the renowned actor Ashok Kumar. That very day turned out to be a pivotal one for both of them as Lata and Kishore recorded their inaugural duet together, Ye Kaun Aya Re Karke Sola Singar, thereby laying the groundwork for a musical partnership that would captivate listeners for years on end.

Lata Mangeshkar, a legendary vocalist who embodied an era with her unique sound, passed away at the age of 92. For over seven decades, her mesmerizing tunes enchanted millions, producing evergreen hits that continue to echo through generations. With an astounding repertoire surpassing 25,000 songs in multiple languages, her impact on music remains unmatched. In 1989, she was bestowed with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and her title as India’s ‘Nightingale’ continues to be cherished by countless admirers and budding artists alike, immortalized in their hearts forever.

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2024-09-28 09:07