Kishore Kumar was a master singer. A real legendary singer capable of making songs attain height of perfection. His range of depicting various moods was amazing, which immortalized the songs. He was able to infuse various moods in the songs with total ease with no trace of strain at all. The various moods included the songs depicting pangs of separation, songs exhibiting deep intimacy, songs highlighting grief and inspirational songs which made one to combat tragedies of life never-say-die attitude. It needs to be recalled that one reason why he was so successful as a singer lies in his perfect understanding of the sensibilities associated with the world of movies.He was a good actor and director as well and that really helped him making the songs gain extraordinary dimension.
When I contrast his singing skills, his total devotion and his mannerism with the current lot of singers, I must say I am highly disappointed. Most of the singers look less like singers and more like actors seeking attention. The emergence of so-called music directors have further increased the woes. The tune which is often clumsy arrangement of mechanical beats apart from being second rated version of original foreign number is often beyond the reach of average listeners. Hearing these tunes and mindless lyrics, it becomes quite clear that these songs have been written to generate money. They have not been written to generate emotions. Market and not artistic sensibility is behind the birth of latest movie songs. It’s also quite clear that yesteryear singers and musicians despite lack of resources produced memorable numbers. Today’s musicians in league with hi-tech technology are coming out with silly versions of RD Burman and O. P. Nayyar songs.
1.O Sathi Re
This song from Muqaddar Ka Sikander(1978)is a masterpiece. It depicts pain of lost love in such a moving manner that the listener’s eyes often turn moist. The song also unfolds the meaning of true love via the bonds of friendship. The protagonist has already lost his love but still manages to confess his love in front of his lady love.
Music:Kalyanji Anandji
Lyrics:Anjaan
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2.Ruk Jaana Nahi
This song from movie Imtihaan has always helped me to gain normalcy whenever depressive tendencies made me sad and dejected. The song made me believe that to keep moving is life. I have always been chased by personal tragedies but this song like pole star always showed me the right way. And yes, the dynamic presence of Vinod Khanna lends an added charm to the song.
Music:Laxmikant Pyarelal
Lyrics:Majrooh Sultanpuri
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3.Acchi Nahi Sanam Dillagi
This number from Raakhi Aur Hathkadi (1972) is my personal favourite for its brilliant orchestration. It displays typical Bollywood romance. Nice exchange of words amidst bright flowers and greenery. The voice of Asha makes the song more memorable. I often find that the songs from lesser heard movies, picturized on lesser known actors are very good ones. This song is a real gem for love birds!!
Music:RD Burman
Lyrics:Majrooh Sultanpuri
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4.Meri Pyari Bindu
I am in all smiles whenever I see this song. The song from Padosan (1968) unfailingly proves that Kishore was a great actor besides being a great singer. An amazing song the way it highlights the shades of true comic sense. Compare it with the present ones which are nothing but meaningless stuff comprised of double meaning words. The song is also special in a sense that people are bound to burst into a fit of laughter even if watched in a mute mode!!
Music:RD Burman
Lyrics:Rajendra Krishan
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5.Dekho O Dewano
The song from Hare Rama Hare Krishna(1971) is very special one for me. The song conveys a great message not to defame the personas of Rama and Krishna. In just few words, the song connects us with the eternal teachings of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna in a sober way without giving way to loudness. A very pleasing soft tune. A superb rendering by Kishore Da is icing on the cake.
Music:RD Burman
Lyrics:Anand Bakshi
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6.Bin Phere Hum Tere
I have listened this Bin Phere Hum Tere (1979) song so many times yet whenever I find someone playing this song I immediately draw myself more closer to that musical soul. It has such terrific verses, which suggest that love is all about union of soul than union of bodies. The song projects the need of self-oriented love than love that is trapped in rituals and physicality. I must also remember that Indeewar wrote lesser songs but all songs which flowed from his pen always struck chord with the listeners. One thing more. Take note of the fact that this song is brainchild of Usha Khanna- a female music director!!
Music:Usha Khanna
Lyrics:Indeewar
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7.Aake Seedhi Lagi Dil Pe
Well, the song sung by a male singer is enough to overshadow the real female voice! How many duet songs can you find on this planet, wherein even the female version apart from the male version had been sung by the male singer? This song from Half Ticket (1962) is the rarest of rare songs. The funny gestures of Kishore kumar dressed as a lady and Pran, make the song more sweeter than Bengali Rasgulla. I wonder how many singers can even get close to such modulation of voice, forget about singing that way?
Music:Salil Choudhary
Lyrics:Shailendra
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8.Dil Aisa Kisi Ne Mera Toda
This one from Amanush (1972) is always on my lips. Not because I am a “tragedy king” but it’s because the song conveys a great feeling that come a point in life when all relationships lose the lustre. There is always a phase of life when beautiful life around us lose meaning. The song conveys the feeling of those sad moments in an extraordinary way. Kishore makes the song more impressionable the way he blended depth of his voice with the depth inherent in the verses. Kudos to Shyamal Mitra , Indeevar and Uttam Kumar. None other than Uttam Kumar or Sanjeev Kumar would have added so much dark contours in the song. And yes, Kishore was awarded Filmfare for this song.
Music:Shyamal Mitra
Lyrics:Indeevar
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9.Hasrat Hi Rahi Humse Bhi Koi
This song from Bombay Ka Chor( 1962) unfolds the grief of a soul turned into a helpless soul by the strange turns of circumstances and destiny. Kishore has sung this song straight from the heart, revealing the dilemmas found in such soul in a soul-stirring manner. The song is bit tragic in tone but seen from other angle the song laments about the life’s hollowness for a real soul. The true lover never finds love but all so-called lovers are always engaged in love making.
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