Mukesh Kumar Biography: Life Story, Career, Family, Songs & Achievements
Introduction
Mukesh Kumar, popularly known as Mukesh, was one of India’s most iconic playback singers, admired for his soulful and melancholic voice. Best known as the “voice of Raj Kapoor,” Mukesh gave Bollywood some of its most evergreen classics like Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein, Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan, Awara Hoon, and Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaye. With a career spanning over three decades, Mukesh became a symbol of emotion and simplicity in Indian cinema.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Mukesh Chand Mathur (known as Mukesh Kumar / Mukesh)
- Date of Birth: 22 July 1923
- Birthplace: Delhi, India
- Date of Death: 27 August 1976 (aged 53)
- Nationality: Indian
- Occupation: Playback Singer
- Zodiac Sign: Cancer
- Parents: Zorawar Chand Mathur (father), Chand Rani Mathur (mother)
- Spouse: Saral Mukesh Mathur (married 1946)
- Children: Nitin Mukesh (singer), Rita, Nalini, Neena, Namrata
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 70 kg
- Hair Color: Black
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
Early Life & Family Background
Mukesh was born into a middle-class Kayastha family in Delhi. From an early age, he displayed a love for music, inspired by classical and folk traditions. He left his studies midway and moved to Mumbai, where his talent was discovered by actor Motilal, who became his mentor and introduced him to the film industry.
Musical Journey & Career Highlights
Debut & Early Career
Mukesh made his playback debut with the song Dil Hi Bujha Hua Ho To in the film Nirdosh (1941). However, his big break came with Dil Jalta Hai (Pehli Nazar, 1945), composed by Anil Biswas.
Association with Raj Kapoor
Mukesh became the voice of Raj Kapoor, and together they created timeless melodies like:
- Awara Hoon (Awara, 1951)
- Mera Joota Hai Japani (Shree 420, 1955)
- Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan (Mera Naam Joker, 1970)
Iconic Songs
Some of Mukesh’s most memorable tracks include:
- Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein (Kabhie Kabhie, 1976)
- Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaye (Anand, 1971)
- Suhana Safar Aur Yeh Mausam Haseen (Madhumati, 1958)
- Chandan Sa Badan (Saraswatichandra, 1968)
- Dost Dost Na Raha (Sangam, 1964)
Playback Versatility
Although known for his soulful and melancholic tone, Mukesh also sang romantic duets and devotional songs. His simplicity and emotional depth set him apart from contemporaries like Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar.
Awards & Achievements
- National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer (1974) – for Kai Baar Yuhi Dekha Hai (Rajnigandha).
- Filmfare Awards for Best Male Playback Singer for songs like Sab Kuch Seekha Humne (Anari, 1959).
- Honored posthumously with tributes across India and abroad.
- Remembered as one of Bollywood’s “Golden Voices.”
Personal Life
Mukesh married Saral Mukesh Mathur in 1946, and they had five children. His son, Nitin Mukesh, followed in his footsteps as a playback singer, and his grandson, Neil Nitin Mukesh, is a well-known Bollywood actor.
Death
Mukesh passed away on 27 August 1976 in Detroit, USA, due to a heart attack while on a concert tour. His sudden demise shocked the entire nation, and his last song was Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein (Kabhie Kabhie, 1976), which went on to become a timeless classic.
Legacy & Influence
Mukesh is remembered as the voice of emotions in Indian cinema. His deep, soulful singing style continues to inspire generations of singers. Even today, his songs remain evergreen and are cherished by music lovers across the globe.
FAQs
1. What was Mukesh’s debut Bollywood song?
Dil Hi Bujha Hua Ho To from Nirdosh (1941).
2. Why is Mukesh called the “voice of Raj Kapoor”?
Because he sang playback for most of Raj Kapoor’s films, including Awara and Shree 420.
3. Did Mukesh win a National Award?
Yes, for Kai Baar Yuhi Dekha Hai (Rajnigandha, 1974).
4. Who are Mukesh’s children?
Nitin Mukesh (singer) and four daughters – Rita, Nalini, Neena, Namrata.
5. What was Mukesh’s last recorded song?
Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein from Kabhie Kabhie (1976).
