Mumbai, September 20 (Daily Kiran) : Kishore Kumar, the legendary Indian playback singer, was banned from All India Radio for a year during the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi’s government from 1975 to 1977. This surprising move came after Kumar’s refusal to comply with a request from officials to perform in Delhi.
Amit Kumar, Kishore’s son, recounted the incident during an appearance on Kapil Sharma’s show. He explained that when the Emergency was declared in 1975, his father was at the peak of his career. An official from the Ministry called Kishore Kumar to arrange for a flight to Delhi for a performance. However, Kishore insisted that they send a representative to discuss the matter further, stating, “If even God comes to tell me, I won’t be able to come.”
This bold response angered the officials, who quickly threatened him with a ban. Within two hours of the call, Kishore Kumar found himself banned from performing on All India Radio and Doordarshan.
Despite the ban, Kumar’s immense popularity did not wane. When the Emergency ended nearly a year later, his songs returned to the airwaves, continuing to resonate with music lovers across the country. His timeless hits like “Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si,” “Mere Sapno Ki Rani,” and “Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana” remain cherished by fans even today.
Kishore Kumar’s journey in music began with music director Khemchand Prakash, who gave him his first break in the 1948 film “Ziddi” with the song “Marne Ki Duaen Kyon Maangu.” Over the years, he delivered countless memorable tracks that have secured his place in the hearts of many.
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