Kishore Kumar, a name that resonates with versatility in Indian music and cinema, was an unparalleled artist whose talents spanned singing, acting, composing, writing, and filmmaking. With a career that stretched over four decades, Kishore Kumar became the voice of every mood and era, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of millions.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kishore Kumar Ganguly |
| Profession | Playback Singer, Actor, Composer, Lyricist, Director |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be several million at the time of his death |
| Age (at the time of death) | 58 |
| Spouses | Ruma Guha Thakurta (m. 1950–1958) |
| Madhubala (m. 1960–1969) | |
| Yogeeta Bali (m. 1976–1978) | |
| Leena Chandavarkar (m. 1980–1987) | |
| Children | Amit Kumar, Sumit Kumar |
| Nationality | Indian |
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Born on August 4, 1929, in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, Kishore Kumar started his career as a chorus singer at Bombay Talkies, where his brother, Ashok Kumar, worked. His first break as a singer came with the song “Marne ki duayen kyon mangu” for the film Ziddi (1948). However, it was not until the 1950s and 1960s that his singing career skyrocketed, thanks to movies like Aradhana (1969), where his songs voiced for Rajesh Khanna took the nation by storm.
Kishore Kumar’s unique yodeling and versatile voice made him the preferred singer for many actors. His collaboration with R.D. Burman created musical magic that still resonates today. Apart from singing, Kishore Kumar also made a mark as an actor, known for his comic timing in films like Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958) and Padosan (1968).
Personal Life and Legacy
Kishore Kumar’s personal life was as colorful as his professional one. He was married four times and his relationship with actress Madhubala was the subject of much media attention. His sons, Amit and Sumit Kumar, also pursued careers in music.
Kishore Kumar passed away on October 13, 1987, but left behind a treasury of songs that continue to be celebrated. His versatility, comic genius, and emotional depth made him an icon of Indian cinema and music.
FAQs About Kishore Kumar
- Who was Kishore Kumar? A legendary Indian playback singer, actor, and filmmaker known for his versatility.
- What was Kishore Kumar’s net worth? His net worth was estimated to be several million at the time of his death.
- How old was Kishore Kumar when he passed away? He was 58 years old.
- How many times did Kishore Kumar marry? He was married four times.
- Who are Kishore Kumar’s children? He had two sons, Amit Kumar and Sumit Kumar.
- What is Kishore Kumar famous for? He is famous for his playback singing and his acting in Indian cinema.
- Did Kishore Kumar have any famous siblings? Yes, his brother Ashok Kumar was a famous actor.
- What was Kishore Kumar’s real name? His real name was Abhas Kumar Ganguly.
- Which composer did Kishore Kumar frequently collaborate with? R.D. Burman was one of his frequent collaborators.
- How many songs did Kishore Kumar sing in his career? He sang thousands of songs across multiple languages.
- Was Kishore Kumar recognized with any awards? Yes, he won 8 Filmfare Awards for Best Male Playback Singer and was posthumously awarded the Lata Mangeshkar Award.
- Did Kishore Kumar direct any movies? Yes, he directed 14 films in his career.
- What were some of Kishore Kumar’s hit songs? “Mere Sapno Ki Rani,” “Ye Shaam Mastani,” and “Humein Tumse Pyaar Kitna” are some of his hit songs.
- What was Kishore Kumar’s contribution to Indian cinema? He was a multi-talented artist who contributed as a singer, actor, and filmmaker.
- When is Kishore Kumar’s birth anniversary celebrated? His birth anniversary is celebrated on August 4.
