He has presented over 2700 songs between 1940 and 1987, not only in Hindi but also in languages like Tamil, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Malayalam, and Odia films, approximately 700 of which were in various regional languages.
New Delhi, 1 April 2024
During the decades spanning from 1950 to 1980, there existed a Bollywood singer whose voice could rival the industry’s biggest stars, enchanting the audience with his singing skills and intriguing performances on screen. Known for his good looks and charismatic demeanour, he was adored by all. Though he no longer graces our presence, Bollywood continues to draw inspiration from his timeless contributions.
This iconic figure is none other than Kishore Kumar, a Bollywood singer who presented over 2700 songs between 1940 and 1987, not only in Hindi but also in languages like Tamil, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Malayalam, and Odia films, approximately 700 of which were in various regional languages. In addition to his remarkable singing career, he ventured into acting, appearing in around 81 films and directing 18 others.
Despite his fame as a singer, Kishore Kumar’s talent extended beyond his vocal cords. He left an irreversible mark on Indian cinema, sharing the screen with superstars like Ashok Kumar, Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Raj Kapoor, Raj Kumar, Manoj Kumar, Dilip Kumar, Rajesh Khanna, and Guru Dutt. Directors and producers of his time sought his participation in their projects, often queuing outside his home for the privilege.
Kishore Kumar’s journey began with the 1948 film “Ziddi,” where he rendered Dev Anand’s first song. He later showcased his acting skils in the 1946 film “Shikari,” alongside his elder brother Ashok Kumar. His directorial debut came with the release of “Jhumroo” in 1961.
While he wasn’t featured in every film he lent his voice to, Kishore Kumar’s impact on Bollywood remains unparalleled. Despite facing criticism from some quarters, he remained unapologetically himself, following his heart’s desires with unwavering conviction. His legacy as a versatile artist and a free spirit continues to inspire generations of artists and fans alike.
Prateeksha Kumari is a journalist and strategic communications professional specialising in digital journalism, political reporting, and public affairs. Her work focuses on grassroots issues, governance, and civic developments, with an emphasis on clarity, accuracy, and narrative-driven reporting.
She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla and has qualified the UGC-NET examination, reflecting her academic grounding in media studies and communication research. Her reporting spans politics, public policy, health, education, and socio-economic issues, and she is experienced in bilingual (Hindi and English) content creation tailored to diverse audiences.
Alongside her journalistic work, she brings experience in political communication and public relations, where she has contributed to campaign messaging, media outreach, and narrative building. She has worked on integrated communication strategies across print and digital platforms, combining editorial judgment with audience insight and data-led content approaches.