Yeh mastaani shaam, Kishore ke naam

Yeh shaam mastani, madhosh kiye jaaye ... Kishore Kumar's madhoshi won every music listener's heart. Here was a man whose passion for singing has made him a legend in the hearts of millions. Probably the most popular and successful male playback singer in Bollywood ever. From 1946 till his sudden death in 1987 he moved up steadily to become the Baadshah of Playback singing.

Kishore Kumar (August 4, 1929 - October 13, 1987), was born as Abhas Ganguly, in a Bengali family in a Khandwa, a small town in central India. Perhaps the most popular Bollywood film playback singer of all times, he sang in several Indian languages (Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Oriya).
Although known primarily for his successes as a singer, Kishore Kumar was a noted actor. His comedy work included Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, Half Ticket, Padosan, Baap Re Baap, Pyar Diwana (1973), and Hungama (1971)). But he also displayed his caliber in serious roles in films such as Naukri, Bandi, Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein, Door Ka Raahi.

In addition, Kishore achieved notable successes as a lyricist, composer, producer, director, screenwriter and scriptwriter. He won the Filmfare award for the best singer eight times:
- 1969 Roop Tera Mastana - Aradhana
- 1975 Dil Aisa Kisi Ne Mera Toda - Amanush
- 1978 Khaike Paan Banarasu Wala - Don
- 1980 Hazar Raahen - Thodisi Bewafaii
- 1982 Pag Ghungroo Baandh Meera - Namak Halaal
- 1983 Agar Tum Na Hote - Agar tum na hote
- 1984 Manzilen Apni Jagah - Sharaabi
- 1985 Saagar Kinaare - Saagar
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You probably know that he married four times. But do you know where he got his inspiration for his famous yodelling style? Or do you know who inspired him in his comedy? Although he was never formally trained in music, do you know whom he considered his Guru? Who inspired him to do his first live performance? How much did he charge Satyajit Ray to sing in his film Ghare Baire/ The Home and the World (1981)?

This Wednesday ‘Taraana’ will have a special feature on Kishore Kumar. But an artist of his stature cannot be honoured in just one program- so we’ll have two! This week (as well next week), tune into Taraana at 7pm for a fun filled evening. Come and join me as we explore this prodigy …