Kishore Kumar 95th Birth Anniversary: When legendary singer was told ‘you don’t know ABC of music’ by a composer

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Kishore Kumar 95th Birth Anniversary: When legendary singer was told ‘you don’t know ABC of music’ by a composer

As a lifestyle expert with a deep appreciation for music and the stories behind its creation, I find myself in awe of the resilience and talent that Kishore Kumar embodied. His story, particularly his encounter with Salil Chowdhury, serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of never allowing others to define our abilities.

2024 marks the 95th birthday celebration of the legendary Indian singer Kishore Kumar, renowned for his melodious tunes, infectious energy, and remarkable versatility. Beyond being just a singer, he was a unique gem in the music industry. His one-of-a-kind vocal timbre, coupled with an unmatched capacity to express emotions through every note, made him an indispensable asset. From heartfelt ballads to upbeat dance tracks, his repertoire mirrored his vast talent. Interestingly enough, a music composer once referred to him as not a singer!

As per Raju Bharatan’s 2010 book “A Journey Down Melody Lane,” Kishore Kumar expected he would not only be the lead actor in a film but also sing the character’s songs. However, the movie’s music maestro, Salil Chowdhury, intended to recruit singer Hemant Kumar for the role.

As a devoted admirer, I couldn’t help but seize the chance when I found out that legendary producer Hridaynath Chowdhury was based at Mohan Studios in Andheri. Eager to prove my worth and showcase my talent, I boldly approached him, hoping for an opportunity to shine. However, his response left me taken aback – he claimed to have never heard a single one of my songs, stating that not a note of mine had reached his ears in Calcutta.

Unwavering, Kumar persisted by crooning his top two tunes from that era, “Marne Kee Duaaen Kyun Maangoon” from the 1948 film Ziddi and “Jagmag Jagmag Kartaa Niklaa” from the 1949 film Rimjhim. However, Salil Chowdhury remained unfazed and labeled Kishore’s performance as “labored.”

Ultimately, after numerous advocates vouching for Kishore Kumar and convincing Composer Chowdhury, he hesitantly consented to allow him to sing. However, he continued to express his reservations, stating, “I don’t believe this Kishore is a singer.”

17 years after the fact, Salil Chowdhury revised his stance on Kishore Kumar’s vocal talents, following the iconic singer’s rendition of “Koee Hotaa Jis Ko Apnaa” from Gulzar’s 1971 hit Mere Apne. Later, Chowdhury praised S.D. Burman for recognizing the potential in the young talent.

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2024-08-03 21:37