Kishore Kumar Biography: Life Story, Career, Family, Songs & Achievements
Introduction
Kishore Kumar was one of India’s most iconic and versatile playback singers, actors, composers, lyricists, directors, and producers. Known for his unmatched versatility, yodeling style, and expressive singing, Kishore became the voice of Bollywood’s golden era. With classics like Roop Tera Mastana, Mere Sapno Ki Rani, Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas, and Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana, his music continues to enchant generations. Beyond singing, he was also a successful actor in the 1950s and 60s and an eccentric genius admired for his unique personality.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Abhas Kumar Ganguly (known as Kishore Kumar)
- Date of Birth: 4 August 1929
- Birthplace: Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Date of Death: 13 October 1987 (aged 58)
- Nationality: Indian
- Occupation: Playback Singer, Actor, Composer, Lyricist, Director, Producer
- Zodiac Sign: Leo
- Parents: Kunjalal Ganguly (father), Gouri Devi (mother)
- Siblings: Ashok Kumar, Anoop Kumar, Sati Devi
- Spouses: Ruma Guha Thakurta (1950–1958), Madhubala (1960–1969), Yogita Bali (1976–1978), Leena Chandavarkar (1980–1987)
- Children: Amit Kumar, Sumit Kumar
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 72 kg
- Hair Color: Black
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
Early Life & Family Background
Kishore Kumar was born into a Bengali family in Khandwa. He was the youngest of four siblings, with his elder brother Ashok Kumar already a famous actor in Hindi cinema. Inspired by K. L. Saigal, young Kishore developed a passion for singing, despite no formal training. He later became known for his unique yodeling style, which set him apart from other playback singers.
Musical Journey & Career Highlights
Acting Career
Kishore initially entered Bollywood as an actor in the 1940s, appearing in films like Andolan (1951) and Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958). He showcased his comic timing and eccentric personality on screen.
Playback Singing Career
Kishore Kumar’s singing career began in 1946 with Shikari. His rise came in the 1950s when S. D. Burman recognized his talent and gave him hit songs. His real breakthrough came in the 1970s when Rajesh Khanna became the superstar of Bollywood, and Kishore became his on-screen voice.
Iconic Songs
- Mere Sapno Ki Rani (Aradhana, 1969)
- Roop Tera Mastana (Aradhana, 1969)
- Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas (Blackmail, 1973)
- Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana (Andaz, 1971)
- Chingari Koi Bhadke (Amar Prem, 1972)
- Pag Ghungroo Bandh (Namak Halaal, 1982)
- Humein Tumse Pyaar Kitna (Kudrat, 1981)
Collaborations
Kishore Kumar had long and fruitful collaborations with legendary music directors like S. D. Burman, R. D. Burman, Kalyanji-Anandji, and Laxmikant–Pyarelal. His duets with Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle became evergreen classics.
Multilingual Singing
Apart from Hindi, Kishore sang in Bengali, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, and Malayalam, among other languages.
Awards & Achievements
- 8 Filmfare Awards for Best Male Playback Singer – the highest by any male singer at that time.
- Honored by various state governments for his contribution to music.
- A statue of Kishore Kumar was erected in his hometown Khandwa.
- Posthumously awarded the Lata Mangeshkar Award by Madhya Pradesh government.
Personal Life
Kishore Kumar married four times—his most famous marriage being to actress Madhubala in 1960. His last wife, Leena Chandavarkar, remained with him until his death. He had two sons, Amit Kumar (playback singer) and Sumit Kumar. Known for his eccentric behavior, Kishore was a private person, deeply passionate about music but often reclusive.
Death
On 13 October 1987, Kishore Kumar passed away due to a heart attack in Mumbai at the age of 58. His untimely demise left a void in Indian music, but his songs continue to live on as immortal treasures.
Legacy & Influence
Kishore Kumar’s legacy lies in his unparalleled versatility. He could switch from soulful ghazals to peppy cabaret numbers, from devotional hymns to classical ragas with effortless ease. His voice became the soul of Bollywood’s golden era, particularly the 1970s. Even today, Kishore remains a benchmark for playback singing, and his influence extends across generations of singers and musicians.
FAQs
1. What was Kishore Kumar’s debut Bollywood song?
His first song was Marne Ki Duayen Kyun Mangu from Ziddi (1948).
2. How many Filmfare Awards did Kishore Kumar win?
He won 8 Filmfare Awards for Best Male Playback Singer.
3. Was Kishore Kumar only a singer?
No, he was also an actor, composer, lyricist, producer, and director.
4. Who was Kishore Kumar most associated with in playback singing?
He was the playback voice for Rajesh Khanna and later for Amitabh Bachchan.
5. When did Kishore Kumar die?
He passed away on 13 October 1987 due to a heart attack.
