Remembering Kishore Kumar on His Birthday

Remembering Kishore Kumar on His Birthday

I had been a fan of Mukesh since my childhood but somehow a few years ago when I listened to a few songs by Kishore Kumar which were NOT picturized on Amitabh Bachchan, I realised how blessed he was by goddess Saraswati.

When I say I was impressed by the songs sung by Kishore not picturized on Amitabh, I don't mean to say that I don't like the ones which are. What I simply mean to say is that those were the songs that helped me explore versatility of Kishore.

I remember one of the songs which are engraved in my mind is Ye Mausam Aya Hai Kitne Saalon Mein, Aaja Ke Kho Jaayein Khwabon Khayalon Mein.

This song from the movie Jurmana is so magical that it's inexplicable. It opens with soothing flute and then amplified with little echoing percussion, and then comes the legendary voice of Kishore Da.

The lyrics, the voice of Kishore along with the background music is enough to get us swept away for a few moments.

Gradually, I explored more hits by Kishore Kumar like the ones mentioned below:

1. Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa Toh Naheen

It has been picturized on Sanjeev Kumar and feels so magical, melodious and tragic at the same time 

2. Dil Aisa Kisi Ne Mera Toda, Barbadi Ki Taraf Aisa Moda

Picturized on Uttam Kumar on a boat with Sharmila Tagore this song explains the helplessness of a person who somehow feels that he doesn't belong in this world and Kishore's voice, full of pain just explains this all.

3. Iss Mod Se Jaate Hain, Kuchh Sust Kadam Raste

This duet is from the movie Aandhi and again picturized on Sanjeev Kumar. If you focus on the part which says - Ik Door Se Aati Hai, Paas Aa Ke Palat-ti Hai, you will feel as if it's really Kishore who has possessed Sanjeev Kumar's soul and singing it on behalf of him. Sanjeev Kumar's smile in this particular part is just so natural.

4. Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas

I'm sure there is no one on this earth who hasn't listened to this song (if they understand Hindi). If you pay attention to this particular part of this song : Main Saans Leta Hoo-oon, Teri Khushbu Aati Hai, Ek Mehka Mehka Saa-ah, Paigham Laati Hai, you will realise how nicely and smoothly Kishore's voices comes down from Ga note of the octave to Pa note of the lower octave when he sings Hoo-oon.

5. Phoolon Ke Rang Se Dil Ki Kalam Se

I just love this song not only because of Kishore's voice but also for the violin which is continuously played in background and it provides this song a soothing and calming effect. You can truly enjoy the calmness of this song when you pay attention to the violin in the middle of each stanza.

6. Woh Shaam Kuchh Ajeeb Thi

I feel Woh Shaam Kuchh Ajeeb Thi is the most soulful song Kishore has ever sung. The song was recorded in the year 1972, you can imagine the technology that was available at that time however you will be amazed to note how the composers, recordists and editors have used the echoing effect and chorus to create an enchanting effect throughout the song. The opening of the songs is enchanting indeed but the second and third Stanzas are soulful, just listen to this part again: Jhuki Hui Nigaah Mein Kaheen Mera Khayal Tha, (chorus with high pitched violin), Dabee Dabeen Hansee Mein Ek Haseen Sa Gulaab Tha. You will surely find it extremely melodious if you listen to it again paying attention to these minute details.

This short article is my way if remembering Kishore Kumar on his birthday and a tribute to his contribution to the world of Hindi cinema.