Biography of Kishore Kumar
Kishore Kumar, born as Abhas Kumar Ganguly on August 4, 1929, in Khandwa, British India (now in Madhya Pradesh, India), was a legendary Indian playback singer, actor, lyricist, composer, producer, director, and screenwriter. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential playback singers in the history of Indian cinema.
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| Biography of Kishore Kumar |
Early Life and Family:
Kishore Kumar hailed from a family of performers. His father, Kunjalal Ganguly, was a lawyer, and his mother, Gouri Devi, was a homemaker. He had three siblings: Ashok Kumar, Sati Devi, and Anoop Kumar, all of whom became actors in the Indian film industry.
Early Career and Musical Journey of Kishore Kumar:
Kishore Kumar started his career in the film industry as a chorus singer at Bombay Talkies. His initial attempts as a playback singer in the 1940s did not gain much attention. However, he rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly after he was mentored by the music director S.D. Burman.
Kishore Kumar’s distinctive voice, versatility, and ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his songs made him immensely popular. He sang in various Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, and many others.
Notable Songs and Collaborations:
Kishore Kumar had numerous hit songs to his credit. Some of his most iconic songs were picturized on actors like Dev Anand, Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, and others. He collaborated extensively with music directors like R.D. Burman, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Kalyanji-Anandji, and many more.
Acting Career:
In addition to his singing career, Kishore Kumar was also a successful actor. He acted in numerous films, delivering remarkable performances in movies like “Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi,” “Padosan,” and “Half Ticket.”
Kishore Kumar’s Personal Life and Legacy:
Kishore Kumar was known for his quirky sense of humor and eccentric personality. He was married four times, with his wives including Ruma Guha Thakurta, Madhubala, Yogita Bali, and Leena Chandavarkar.
Kishore Kumar passed away on October 13, 1987, leaving behind a vast musical legacy. His songs continue to be immensely popular, and he is remembered as the voice of countless Bollywood stars. His contributions to Indian cinema have earned him numerous awards and honors, and his songs are cherished by generations of music lovers.