By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
On His Death Anniversary
फूल खिलते हैं लोग मिलते हैं
पतझड़ में जो फूल मुरझा जाते हैं
वो बहारों के आने से खिलते नहीं
कुछ लोग एक रोज़ जो बिछड़ जाते हैं
वो हजारों के आने से मिलते नहीं
उम्र भर चाहे कोई पुकारा करे उनका नाम
वो फिर नहीं आते…फिर नहीं आते
ज़िन्दगी के सफ़र में गुज़र जाते हैं जो मकाम
वो फिर नहीं आते वो फिर नहीं आते
Kishore Kumar, who started as an actor playing funny characters in films, switched on to singing . He became a darling to Dev Anand whom his voice suited and he became Dev’s favourite singer for well over two decades. Kishore lent his voice for Dev Anand in Munimji (1954), Taxi Driver (1954), House No. 44 (1955), Funtoosh (1956), Nau Do Gyarah (1957), Paying Guest (1957), Guide (1965), Jewel Thief (1967), Prem Pujari (1970), and Tere Mere Sapne (1971 under the baton S. D. Burman. “Ankhon Mein Kya Ji” from “Nau Do Gyarah” (1957), “Haal Kaisa Hai Janaab Ka” (Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi-1958)& ‘Arre Yaar Meri Tum Bhi Ho Gajab’ from “Teen Deviyan”(1965).
Kishore Kumar became a major force behind Rajesh Khanna’s phenomenal success between 1969-1978 and entered into the super-league, dictating his own terms and conditions to moviemakers, a position he retained till his death. His earlier films as an actor included the likes of Asha, Munimji, Shararat, Chalti Ka Naam Gaddi and Paying Guest to name only some.’Eena Meena Deeka’, ‘Mana Janab Ne Pukara Nahin’, ‘Mere Mehboob Qyamat Hogi’ , ”Likha Hai Teri Aankhon Mein’ and ‘Gata Rahe Mera Dil’ were some of his earlier hits before he lent his voice to Rajesh Khanna. He was a fine stage performer, and the highest paid singer of his time, making him a superstar in his own right. Nominated 27 times, he won 8 Filmfare Best Playback Singer Award .
Surprisingly, the celebrated actor-singer had not been bestowed with Dada Saheb Phalke Award which he richly deserved, keeping in view his legendary stature , acceptance and worldwide popularity
जब जब तू छुप जाती है फूलों की गलियों में
और चटकने लगती है कितनी कालियां कलियों में
मैं तेरा पता सभी से ऐसे पूछता हूं
जैसे मैं कोई भूला रही मंजिल को ढूंढता हूं
मैं तेरे प्यार में पागल-पागल-पागल
Married to Ruma Guha, Madhubala, Yogita Bali & Leena Chandavarkar, Kishore rendered endless hit songs in films, including many hits in Rajesh Khanna starrers. Died prematurely on 13 October 1987, the day his eldest brother Ashok Kumar was born in 1911.
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