Mumbai, August 3: In the realm of Hindi cinema, some pairs are remembered not just for their films or songs, but for the unique emotions they evoke. One such iconic duo is actor Rajesh Khanna and singer Kishore Kumar. Together, Khanna’s charming smile and Kumar’s enchanting voice created a magic that still resonates in the hearts of many. Their collaboration has an intriguing backstory.
It is said that Kishore Kumar preferred to understand an artist before singing for them. This led him to meet Rajesh Khanna, where he assessed the budding actor. This relationship eventually blossomed into one of the most successful voice-actor partnerships in Hindi cinema.
Kishore Kumar was born on August 4, 1929, in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh. His real name was Abhas Kumar Ganguly. His father, Kunjalal Ganguly, was a lawyer, and the family’s connection to the film industry came through his elder brother, Ashok Kumar, who had already made a name for himself as a prominent actor. Following in his brother’s footsteps, Kishore moved to Mumbai.
Initially, Kishore Kumar did not aspire to be a great singer. He also acted in films, but gradually realized that music was his true calling. Early in his career, he was influenced by the legendary singer K.L. Saigal and attempted to emulate his style. However, he later developed his own unique approach. His voice, filled with joy and pain, set him apart from other singers.
A pivotal moment in Kishore Kumar’s career came with the film ‘Aradhana’ in 1969. The film’s music was being crafted by composer S.D. Burman and director Shakti Samanta, who wanted Kishore Kumar to lend his voice to Rajesh Khanna. At that time, Khanna was a newcomer, and Kishore was reluctant to sing for an unfamiliar actor.
Kishore insisted on meeting Rajesh Khanna first. Following this, Khanna was sent to Kishore’s home for a meeting. Their conversation left a significant impression on Kishore, who was captivated by Khanna’s responses and personality. Consequently, he agreed to sing for him.
When the songs ‘Mere Sapnon Ki Rani’ and ‘Roop Tera Mastaana’ from ‘Aradhana’ were released, they took the nation by storm. These tracks not only elevated Kishore Kumar’s career but also played a crucial role in establishing Rajesh Khanna as a superstar. Their partnership continued to thrive, leading to numerous successes.
The bond between Rajesh Khanna and Kishore Kumar grew so strong that Kishore sang approximately 245 songs for Khanna. They collaborated on around 92 films, a record that stands among the most memorable singer-actor duos in Hindi cinema. The romantic image of Rajesh Khanna combined with Kishore Kumar’s voice immortalized songs from films like ‘Amar Prem,’ ‘Kati Patang,’ and ‘Haathi Mere Saathi.’
Throughout his career, Kishore Kumar worked with many renowned composers, including R.D. Burman, S.D. Burman, and Laxmikant-Pyarelal. His collaborations were widely appreciated. He sang in various languages, including Bengali and Marathi, in addition to Hindi. Kishore Kumar’s accolades include winning the Filmfare Award eight times. He passed away from a heart attack on October 13, 1987.
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