Kishore Kumar ----Truly a legend

About Kishor Kumar (Aabhas Kaumar Ganguly)

Kishore Kumar (August 4, 1929 – October 13, 1987) was Indian film playback singer and actor. He also achieved notable success as a lyricist, composer, producer, director, screenwriter and scriptwriter.

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Kishore Kumar was a prolific vocalist and sang in many Indian languages including Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Malayalam and Oriya. Along with Mohammed Rafi , and Mukesh, he was one of the leading male Bollywood playback singers from the 1950s to the mid-1980s.

In October 1987, he died following a massive heart attack. He had been married four times and was survived by his two sons Amit Kumar, who made his career in playback singing in Bollywood and Bengali films, and Sumit Kumar.

Early life
Kishore Kumar, called Abhas Kumar Ganguly in his childhood, was born in a family in the Khandwa town of Central Provinces and Berar, British India (now in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh). His father Kunjalal Ganguly was a lawyer and his mother Gouri Devi came from a wealthy family. Abhas Kumar was the second youngest of four siblings, the other three being Ashok Kumar (the eldest), Sati Devi, and Anoop Kumar. While Abhas Ganguly was still a child, Ashok Kumar became a popular Bollywood actor. Later, Anoop Kumar also ventured into cinema with the help of Ashok Kumar. Spending time with his brothers, Abhas Kumar too started to take a keen interest in movies and music. He became a fan of singer-actor Kundan Lal Saigal (whom he considered his guru).

Career
After Ashok Kumar became a Bollywood star, the Ganguly family used to visit Mumbai regularly. Abhas Kumar changed his name to Kishore Kumar and started his cinema career as a chorus singer at Bombay Talkies, where his brother worked. His first film as an actor was Shikari (1946), in which Ashok Kumar played the lead role. Music director Khemchand Prakash gave him a chance to sing the song Marne ki duayen kyon mangu for the film Ziddi (1948). After this, Kishore Kumar got many other assignments, but he was not very serious about a film career.In 1949, he decided to settle in Mumbai.

Kishore Kumar played hero in the Bombay Talkies film Andolan (1951), directed by Phani Majumdar. Although Kishore Kumar got some assignments as an actor with help of his brother, he was more interested in becoming a successful singer. He was not interested in acting, but his elder brother Ashok Kumar wanted him to be an actor like himself.

He starred in Bimal Roy's Naukri (1954) and Hrishikesh Mukherjee's directorial debut Musafir (1957). Salil Chowdhury, the music director for Naukri was initially dismissive of him as a singer, when he came to know that Kishore Kumar didn't have any formal training in music.However, after hearing his voice, he gave him the song Chhota sa ghar hoga, which was supposed to be sung by Hemant Kumar.

Rise to fame
After facing difficulties in the initial stage of his acting career, Kishore Kumar achieved success as a comic hero with movies like New Delhi (1957), Aasha (1957), Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958), Jhumroo (1961), Half Ticket (1962), and Padosan (1968). Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, his home production, starred the three Ganguly brothers, and Madhubala. The film is about romance between a city girl (Madhubala) and a car mechanic (Kishore Kumar), with a subplot involving eccentric brothers.

Music director S. D. Burman is credited with spotting Kishore Kumar's talent as a singer, and advancing his singing career. During the making of Mashaal (1950), Burman visited Ashok Kumar's house, where he heard Kishore imitating K. L. Saigal. He complimented Kishore, but also told him that he should develop a style of his own, instead of copying Saigal.Kishore Kumar did not have a formal training in music.He kept Burman's advice in mind, and eventually developed his own style of singing, which prominently featured the yodeling that he had heard on some records bought by his brother Anoop. In the Bollywood music circles,though,Mohammad Rafi introduced yodeling in bollywood,yodeling became Kishore's trademark. The songs Main Hoon Jhumroo and Thandi Hawa Yeh Chandni from Jhumroo, Nakhrewali from New Delhi, Tum Bin Jaoon Kahan from Pyar Ka Mausam, and Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana from Andaz (1971), Thodi Si Jo Pi Lee Hai from Namak Halal (1982) are excellent examples of yodeling.

Kishore Kumar was a rebellious singer. He sang in unorthodox style and created a style of his own very much different from the singing style of playback singers of his era and even the post Kishore era. He rarely did alaps in aa aa but used he he ha ha. He practised taan very rarely, but took subtle variations as demonstrated in the songs Jab Bhi Koi Kangana Bole and Aankhon Mein Humne Aapke Sapne Sajaye Hain.

S. D. Burman recorded with Kishore for Dev Anand's Munimji (1954), Taxi Driver (1954), House No. 44 (1955), Funtoosh (1956), Nau Do Gyarah (1957), Paying Guest (1957), Guide (1965), Jewel Thief (1967), Prem Pujari (1970), and Tere Mere Sapne (1971). He also composed music for Kishore Kumar's home production Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958). Some of their initial hits included Maana Janaab Ne Pukara Nahin from Paying Guest, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke from Nau Do Gyarah (1957), Ai Meri Topi Palat Ke Aa from Funtoosh, and Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si and Haal Kaisa Hai Janaab Ka from Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958). When S. D. Burman was not on good terms with Lata Mangeshkar during 1957-62, he gave patronage to her younger sister, Asha Bhosle. The Asha Bhosle-Kishore Kumar duets composed by S. D. Burman also became very popular. Some of these include Chhod Do Aanchal from Paying Guest (1957), Ankhon Mein Kya Ji from Nau Do Gyarah (1957), Haal Kaisa Hai Janaab Ka and Paanch Rupaiya Baara Aana from Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958), Chhedo Na Meri Zulfein from Ganga Ki Lahren (1964), and Arre Yaar Meri Tum Bhi Ho Gajab from Teen Deviyan (1965).

C. Ramchandra was another music director who recognized Kishore Kumar's talent as a singer.One of the most popular C. Ramchandra-Kishore Kumar hits is Eena Meena Deeka from Aasha (1957). Kishore Kumar also gave a few hit songs with other music directors; for example, Nakhrewaali from New Delhi (1956) by Shankar Jaikishan, and C.A.T. Cat Maane Billi and Hum To Mohabbat Karega from Dilli Ka Thug (1958) by Ravi.

Kishore Kumar produced, directed, and acted in the film Jhumroo (1961). He wrote the lyrics for the title song, Main Hoon Jhumroo, and composed music for all the songs in the film. Later, he produced and directed the serious film Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein (1964). He also wrote the script and composed music for the film. The film is based on the relationship between a father (Kishore Kumar), and his deaf and mute son (played by his real-life son, Amit Kumar). The movie achieved critical success, which perhaps motivated him to make another two films called Door Ka Rahi (1971) and Door Waadiyon Mein Kahin (1980).

In the 1960s, as an actor, Kishore Kumar built up a notoriety for coming late for the shootings, or bunking them altogether.. His films flopped frequently, and he also landed in income tax trouble.As a singer, he had some hit songs to his credit, including Zaroorat Hai Zaroorat Hai from Manmauji (1961), Gaata Rahe Mera Dil from Guide (1964), and Yeh Dil Na Hota Bechara from Jewel Thief (1967).

In the late 1960s, S. D. Burman's son, Rahul Dev Burman started patronising Kishore Kumar. Their first notable success was the soundtrack of the film Padosan (1968), in which Kishore Kumar sang the popular songs Mere Saamne Wali Khidki Mein and Kehna Hai. Padosan was a comedy film starring Kishore Kumar as a dramatist-musician, Mehmood as a Carnatic music and dance teacher, and Sunil Dutt as a simpleton named Bhola. Kishore Kumar's character in the film was inspired by the personality of Kishore's own uncle, Dhananjay Bannerjee (a classical singer).The highlight of the film was a musical, comical duel between Kishore Kumar-Sunil Dutt and Mehmood, Ek Chatur Nar Karke Singaar.

Rise as the popular playback singer
In 1969, Shakti Samanta produced and directed the film Aradhana, for which the music was composed by S. D. Burman. S. D. Burman fell ill after recording some duet songs with Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosale, Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar. Afterwards, his son and assistant R. D. Burman took over the recording. R. D. Burman got Kishore Kumar to solo sing the songs Mere Sapno Ki Rani and Roop Tera Mastana, which became smash hits. Kishore Kumar won his first Filmfare award for the song Roop Tera Mastana.

Kishore Kumar sang for all leading actors in 1970s, including Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Dev Anand, and Rishi Kapoor.

S. D. Burman and Kishore continued to churn out several hit songs together, including Phoolon Ke Rang Se and Shokhiyon Mein Ghola Jaaye from Prem Pujari (1969), Aaj Madhosh Hua Jaaye Re, Khilte Hain Gul Yahan and O Meri Sharmilee from Sharmilee (1971), Meet na mila from Abhimaan (1973), Pyaar Ke Is Khel Mein from Jugnu. In 1975, S. D. Burman composed his last song for Kishore Kumar. S. D. Burman went into a coma for the second time, soonafter Kishore recorded the song Badi Sooni Sooni Hai Zindagi for the film Mili.

R. D. Burman considered Kishore Kumar his favorite singer, and recorded several hit songs with him in the 1970s. In the superhit Bollywood film, Sholay (1975), he asked Kishore Kumar to sing for both Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra. Some of the popular Kishore Kumar-R. D. Burman songs include O Maajhi Re from Khushboo, Yeh Shaam Mastaani and Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai from Kati Patang (1971), Kuchh To Log Kahenge from Amar Prem (1972), Raat Kali Ek Khwab Mein Aayi from Buddha Mil Gaya (1971), Musafir Hoon Yaaron from Parichay (1972), Diye Jalte Hain from Namak Haraam (1973), Meri Bheegi Bheegi Si from Anamika (1973), Zindagi Ke Safar Mein from Aap Ki Kasam (1974), Agar Tum Na Hote, Humein Tum Se Pyaar Kitna from Kudrat, Mere Naina Saawan Bhadon from Mehbooba, and Chingari Koi Bhadke (Amar Prem), Jab Bhi Koi Kangana from Shaukeen (1986). The song Humen Tumse Pyar Kitna is notable as Kishore Kumar has sung a light romantic version, while the classical "Thumri"-style version is sung by the famous classical singer Begum Parveen Sultana, but the light romantic version has received greater popular acclaim. R. D. Burman also recorded several hit duets pairing Kishore Kumar with Asha Bhosle and with Lata Mangeshkar. Some of these duets include Panna Ki Tamanna from Heera Panna (1973), Neend Chura Ke Raaton Mein from the film Shareef Badmash, Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai from Sanjay Dutt's debut film Rocky (1981), Sagar Kinare from Sagar in [1985], Aap Ki Aankhon Mein Kuchh from Ghar, Jaane Ja Dhoondta and Nahi Nahi from Jawani Diwani, Kharoshoo from Harjai (1982).

Apart from the Burmans, Kishore Kumar worked with other major music directors as well. The composer duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal (L-P) also composed many hit songs sung by Kishore Kumar. Some of their hit songs include Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi from Mr. X In Bombay, Mere Naseeb Mein Aye Dost from Do Raaste, Yeh Jeevan Hai from Piya Ka Ghar, Mere Dil Mein Aaj Kya Hai from Daag, Nahi Mai Nahi Dekh Sakta from Majboor, Mere diwanepan ki bhi from Mehboob Ki Mehndi, Naach Meri Bulbul from Roti, Chal Chal Mere Haathi from Haathi Mere Saathi, Gaadi Bula Rahi Hai from Dost, Ruk Jaana Nahi from Imtihaan, Ek Ritu Aaye from Gautam Govinda, My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves from Amar Akbar Anthony Bahut Khoobsurat Jawan Ek Ladki from Dostana and Om Shanti Om as well as Paisa Yeh Paisa from Karz. L-P, whose favorite singer was Lata Mangeshkar, also composed several hit Kishore-Lata duets, including Achchha To Hum Chalte Hain from Aan Milo Sajna, Gore Rang Pe Na Itna from Roti, Main Solah Baras Ki from Karz, and Din Mahine Saal from Avtar, Tu Kitne Baras Ki from Karz. L-P also got Kishore Kumar and Rafi to sing duets for the films Dostana , Ram Balram and Deedaar-E-Yaar. L-P composed a sizzling Rainy duet of Kishore Kumar with Alisha Chinoy, I love you (Kaate Nahin Katate Yeh Din Yeh Raat) from Mr. India in (1987). Salil Chowdhury recorded excellent and difficult songs like Koi Hota Jisko Apna from Mere Apne and Gujar Gaye Din Din from Annadata. Ravindra Jain recorded Ghungroo Ki Tarah, and the duet Tota Maina Ki Kahani from Fakira. Khaiyyaam recorded beautiful duets with Lata Mangeshkar such as Hazar Rahein from Thodisi Bewafai, Aankhon Mein Humne Aapke Sapne Sajaye Hain, Chandani Raat Mein Ek Bar. Hridaynath Mangeshkar recorded Zindagi Aa Raha Hoon Main from Mashaal. Kalyanji-Anandji recorded several hit songs with Kishore Kumar including Zindagi Ka Safar and Jeevan se na haar Jeenewale , from Safar, Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas from Black Mail, Apne Jeevan Ki Uljhan from Uljhan, Mera Jeevan Kora Kagaz from Kora Kagaz, O Saathi Re from Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Khaike Paan Banaraswala from Don, Neele Neele Ambar Par from Kalakar and Pal Bhar Ke Liye from Johny Mera Naam.

The new composers such as Rajesh Roshan, Sapan Chakravarty (who had earlier worked as R. D. Burman's assistant), and Bappi Lahiri also worked with Kishore Kumar. Rajesh Roshan's first hit film Julie featured hit songs sung by Kishore Kumar, Bhool Gaya Saab Kuchh (duet with Lata Mangeshkar) and Dil Kya Kare Jab Kisise. Their other hits include Chhookar mere man ko from Yaarana , Tune Abhi Dekha Nahin from Do Aur Do Paanch and Kab Tak Andhere Man Ko Chhalenge from Baaton Baaton Mein. Bappi Lahiri also recorded many popular songs with Kishore Kumar, including Pag Ghunghroo from Namak Halal (1982), Manzilen Apni Jagah Hai from Sharaabi (1984) and Chalte Chalte Mere Ye Geet from Chalte Chalte (1976), Saason Se Nahi Kadmose Nahi from Mohabbat in (1987) and duets with (Lata Mangeshkar)) like Taa thaiya from Himmatwala in (1984), Albela Mausam from Tohfa in (1985) and another duet Pyar Ka Tohfa from the same film.

During the Indian Emergency, Sanjay Gandhi asked Kishore Kumar to sing for a Congress rally in Mumbai, but Kishore Kumar refused.As a result, the Government put a ban on playing Kishore Kumar songs on the All India Radio or television.But, Kishore Kumar refused to apologise. Finally, the ban was lifted after some prominent producers and directors lobbied against it. The Madhya Pradesh Government honoured him with the Lata Mangeshkar award and then renamed the coveted award as Kishore Kumar award thereafter.

Later years
Kishore Kumar produced and directed some movies in the late 1970s and early 1980s, such as Badhti Ka Naam Daadhi (1978), Zindagi (1981) and Door Wadiyon Mein Kahin (1980). But none of these films did well at the box-office. His last appearance as an actor was in Door Wadiyon Mein Kahin.

With patronage from R. D. Burman and Rajesh Roshan, Kishore Kumar's son Amit Kumar also became a leading Bollywood singer in the 1980s. Kishore Kumar also continuted singing for several actors. He also did some stage shows, apparently to earn money to pay his income tax arrears.

Kishore Kumar stopped singing for Amitabh Bachchan in the mid-1980s, after Amitabh didn't do a guest appearance in a film produced by him. He also stopped singing for the actor Mithun Chakraborty, after Yogeeta Bali divorced him and married Mithun.

In mid-1980s, Kishore Kumar sang for Anil Kapoor in his Kapoor's debut film, Woh Saat Din and also recorded for his first superhit Mr. India. He also recorded some popular songs for the film Saagar with R. D. Burman. By this time, he had decided to retire and was planning to go back to his birthplace, Khandwa.However, on October 13 1987, he died of a heart attack in Mumbai. His body was taken to Khandwa for cremation. He recorded his last song a day before he died. The song was Guru O Guru, a duet with Asha Bhosle, for the film Waqt Ki Aawaz (1988) composed by Bappi Lahiri for Mithun Chakraborty. The leading female playback singer of 21st century Alka Yagnik first became popular when she sang the duet Tumse Badhkar Duniya Mein Na Dekha from Kamchor in (1986).

Kishore Kumar's voice inspired many upcoming Bollywood singers, including Kumar Sanu, Abhijeet, Vinod Rathod and Babul Supriyo. After his death, many of his songs have been remixed or re-sung by several artists. The songs like Kab Tak Andhere Chalte Rahenge, Yeh Jeevan Hai, Zindagi Ka Safar, Aanewala Pal, Aa Chalke Tujhe are considered as milestones in singing. He was the top and highest paid male playback singer in Hindi Film Industry Bollywood from 1969 till his death in 1987. He has rendered some of the finest songs of his career in the later phase of his career notably, Neele Neele Amber Par from Kalakar in(1987) Humein Tumse Pyar Kitna from Kudrat, Zindagi Pyar Ka Geet Hai from Sautan, Zindagi Ki Yahi Reet Hai from Mr. India, O Yaara Tu Yaaron Se Hai Pyara and Lahron Ki Tarah Yaadein from Kash, Rah pe rahte hai from Namkeen, Bin Phere Hum Tere from Bin Phere Hum Tere from Bin Phere Hum Tere (1979), Maine Tumse Kuchh Nahi Manga from Katha in (1986), Saason se Nahi fom Mohabbat in (1987).

Kishore Kumar's song Pal Bhar Ke Liye from the film Johny Mera Naam (1970) was used in an episode of The Simpsons titled Kiss Kiss Bang Bangalore. His songs have also been featured in several films, including Such a Long Journey (1998) and Side Streets (1998). Sony TV organised the show K for Kishore to search a talent like Kishorekumar. The songs Dil Kya Kare and the toe-tapping number Dekha Na Haye Re Socha Na are very popular among young generation of 21st Century.

Personal life
Kishore Kumar married four times. His first wife was Ruma Guha Thakurta aka Ruma Ghosh. Their marriage lasted from 1950 to 1958. Kishore Kumar's second wife was the famous actress Madhubala, who had worked with him on many films including his home production Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958). When Kishore Kumar proposed to her, Madhubala was sick and was planning to go to London for treatment. She didn't know about the condition that she was suffering from, and her father wanted her to wait and consult the London doctors first. Nevertheless, Madhubala married Kishore Kumar in 1960. Madhubala was a Muslim, and the two had a civil marriage,.

His family was against the marriage, and the couple also had a Hindu marriage to please them, but Madhubala was not accepted by them. The doctors in London told Madhubala that she would not live for long. The marriage lasted for 9 years, and ended with Madhubala's death on February 23, 1969. Kishore Kumar's third marriage was to Yogeeta Bali, and lasted from 1976 to August 4, 1978. Kishore Kumar was married to Leena Chandavarkar from 1980 until his death.

Kishore Kumar had two sons, Amit Kumar (playback singer) with Ruma, and Sumit Kumar with Leena Chandavarkar.

Kishore Kumar is said to have been paranoid about not being paid.During recordings, he would begin singing only after his secretary confirmed that the producer had made the payment.Once, when he discovered that his dues hadn't been fully paid, he landed up for shooting with make-up on only one side of his face. When the director questioned him, he replied "Aadha paisa to aadha make-up." (Half make-up for half payment).On the sets of Bhai Bhai, Kishore Kumar refused to act because the director M V Raman owed him five thousand rupees. His brother Ashok Kumar persuaded him to do the scene. But, when the shooting started, he walked across the floor and, each time he walked a few places, he said, "Paanch Hazzar Rupaiya," (five thousand rupees) and did a somersault. After he reached the end of the floor, he went out of the studio, jumped into his car, and ordered his driver Abdul to drive away.

On another occasion, when the producer R. C. Talwar did not pay his dues in spite of repeated reminders, Kishore Kumar turned up at Talwar's residence one morning and started shouting "Hey Talwar, de de mere aath hazaar" ("Hey Talwar, give me my eight thousand"). He did this every morning for a few days, until Talwar paid him.

The film Anand (1971) was originally supposed to star Kishore Kumar and Mehmood in the lead roles.One of the producers of the film, N.C. Sippy, had earlier served as Mehmood's production manager. Hrishikesh Mukherjee, the director of the film, was asked to meet Kishore Kumar to discuss the project. However, when he went to Kishore Kumar's house, he was driven away by the gatekeeper due to a misunderstanding. Kishore Kumar (himself a Bengali) had done a stage show organized by another Bengali man, and he was involved in a fight with this man over money matters. He had instructed his gatekeeper to drive away this "Bengali", if he ever visited the house. When Hrishikesh Mukherjee (another Bengali) went to Kishore Kumar's house, the gatekeeper drove him away, mistaking him for the "Bengali" that Kishore Kumar had asked him to drive away. The incident hurt Hrishikesh Mukherjee so much, that he decided not to work with Kishore Kumar.Consequently, Mehmood had to leave the film as well, and new actors (Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan) were signed up for the film.

In spite of his "no money, no work" principle, sometimes Kishore Kumar recorded for free even when the producers were willing to pay. He recorded for free, for some films produced by Rajesh Khanna and Danny Denzongpa.On one occasion, Kishore Kumar helped actor-turned-producer Bipin Gupta, by giving him Rs. 20,000 for the film Dal Mein Kala (1964). When the little-known actor Arun Kumar Mukherjee died, Kishore Kumar regularly sent money to his family in Bhagalpur.Mukherjee was one of the first persons to appreciate Kishore's singing talent.

Many journalists and writers have written about Kishore Kumar's seemingly eccentric behavior.Kishore Kumar had put a "Beware of Kishore" sign at the door of his Warden Road flat, where he stayed for some time while his bungalow was being done up. Once, the producer-director H. S. Rawail, who owed him some money, visited his flat to pay the dues. Kishore Kumar took the money, and when Rawail offered to shake hands with him, he reportedly put Rawail's hand in his mouth, bit it, and asked "Didn’t you see the sign?". Rawail laughed off the incident and left quickly.Once, when a reporter made a comment about how lonely he must be, Kishore Kumar took her to his garden. He then named some of the trees in his garden, and introduced them to the reporter as his closest friends.

According to another reported incident, once Kishore Kumar was to record a song for the producer-director G. P. Sippy. As Sippy approached his bungalow, he saw Kishore going out in his car. Sippy pleaded him to stop his car, but Kishore only increased the speed of his car. Sippy chased him to Madh Island, where Kishore Kumar finally stopped his car near the ruined Madh Fort. When Sippy questioned his strange behavior, Kishore Kumar refused to recognize or talk to him and threatened to call police. Sippy had to return. Next morning, Kishore Kumar reported for the recording. An angry Sippy questioned him about his behavior on the previous day. However, Kishore Kumar insisted that Sippy must have seen a dream, and claimed that he was in Khandwa on the previous day.

Kishore Kumar was also noted for defying producers and directors. Once, a producer went to court to get a decree that Kishore Kumar must follow the director's orders. As a consequence, Kishore Kumar obeyed the director to the letter. He refused to alight from his car until the director ordered him to do so. Once, after a car scene in Mumbai, he drove on till Khandala because the director forgot to say "Cut".In the 1960s, a financier called Kalidas Batvabbal, patently disgusted with Kishore Kumar's alleged lack of cooperation during the shooting of Half Ticket, gave him away to the income tax authorities. Kishore had to face a raid at his house. Later, Kishore invited Batvabbal home, tricked him by asking him to enter a cupboard for a "chat" and locked him inside. He unlocked Batvabbal after two hours and told him "Don’t ever come to my house again."

Awards
Filmfare Awards
Winner:

Year Song Film Music director Lyricist
1969 Roop tera mastaana Aradhana Sachin Dev Burman Anand Bakshi
1975 Dil aisa kisi ne Amanush Shyamal Mitra Indeevar
1978 Khaike Pan Banaras Wala Don Kalyanji-Anandji Anjaan
1980 Om Shanti Om Karz Laxmikant Pyarelal Gulzar
1982 Pag ghunghroo baandh Namak Halaal Bappi Lahiri Anjaan
1983 Hamen aur jeene ki Agar Tum Na Hote Rahul Dev Burman Gulshan Bawra
1984 Manzilen apni jagah Sharaabi Bappi Lahiri Anjaan
1985 Saagar Kinaare Saagar Rahul Dev Burman Javed Akhtar

Nominated:

Year Song Film Music Director Lyricist
1971 Zindagi Ek Safar Andaz Shankar-Jaikishan Hasrat Jaipuri
1971 Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai Kati Patang Rahul Dev Burman Anand Bakshi
1972 Chingari Koi Badke Amar Prem Rahul Dev Burman Anand Bakshi
1973 Mere Dil Mein Aaj Daag: A Poem of Love Laxmikant-Pyarelal Sahir Ludhianvi
1974 Gaadi Bula Rahi Hai Dost Laxmikant-Pyarelal Anand Bakshi
1974 Mera Jeevan Kora Kagaz Kora Kagaz Kalyanji Anandji M.G.Hashmat
1975 Main Pyaasa Tum Faraar Kalyanji Anandji Rajendra Krishan
1975 O Manjhi Re Khushboo Rahul Dev Burman Gulzar
1977 Aap Ke Anurodh Anurodh Laxmikant-Pyarelal Anand Bakshi
1978 O Saathi Re Muqaddar Ka Sikander Kalyanji-Anandji Anjaan
1978 Hum Bewafa Harghiz Shalimar Rahul Dev Burman Anand Bakshi
1979 Ek Rasta Hai Zindagi Kaala Patthar Rajesh Roshan Sahir Ludhianvi
1980 Om Shanthi Om Karz Laxmikant-Pyarelal Anand Bakshi
1981 Hameh Tumse Pyar Kudrat Rahul Dev Burman Majrooh Sultanpuri
1981 Choo Kar Mere Mann Yaraana Rajesh Roshan Anjaan
1983 Shayad Meri Shaadi Souten Usha Khanna Sawan Kumar
1984 De De Pyar De Sharaabi Bappi Lahiri Anjaan
1984 Inteh Ho Gayi Sharaabi Bappi Lahiri Anjaan
1984 Log Kehete Hai Main Sharaabi Bappi Lahiri Anjaan

Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards
Winner:

1971 - Best Male Playback Singer for Aradhana
1972 - Best Male Playback Singer for Andaz
1973 - Best Male Playback Singer for Haré Raama Haré Krishna
1975 - Best Male Playback Singer for Kora Kagaz

The Best of Sonu Nigam

About Sonu Nigam
Sonu Nigam or Sonu Niigaam (born July 30, 1973 in Faridabad, Haryana, India) is a highly acclaimed Indian playback singer whose songs have been featured in numerous Bollywood and Kannada movies. He has also released numerous Indi-pop albums and acted in a few Hindi feature films. He recently changed the spelling of his last name from 'Nigam' to 'Niigaam' in accordance with numerology.

Listen to the best of Sonu Nigam

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Career
Early years and playback singingSonu Nigam began his singing career at the age of three, when he joined his father on stage to sing Mohammad Rafi's "Kya Hua Tera Wada". Then on, he accompanied his father on his singing assignments at weddings and parties. In his teenage years, he participated in several music competitions successfully. He moved to Mumbai with his father to begin his Bollywood singing career at the age of 19.
His initial years in Mumbai proved to be a struggle, and he started by singing covers of Mohammad Rafi songs, mainly for the "Rafi Ki Yaadein" album series. These albums contributed to his label for some time as a "Rafi clone." His first movie song as a playback singer was in the movie, "Janum" (1990), which was never officially released. He got a break as a playback singer in Gulshan Kumar's movie, "Aaja Meri Jaan". He then sang the song, "Accha Sila Diya", for the album, "Bewafa Sanam" (1995), which gave him the recognition as an established playback singer.
Sonu started hosting "Sa Re Ga Ma," a television singing talent competition, which soon became one of the most popular shows on Indian television. The first episode of "Sa Re Ga Ma" was aired on May 1, 1995. Singing offers poured in thereafter, though slowly at first. He rose to fame with the song, "Sandese Aate Hain", in Border (1997). Anu Malik was the music director of this movie. Sonu's image as a Rafi clone changed after his rendition of the Nadeem-Shravan composed song, "Yeh Dil Deewana" in Pardes (1997). Since then, he has created a unique style of his own, and has become a role model for budding male singers in India.
Over the years, Sonu has become a major force in the Indian music industry. He has provided playback singing for a large number of Hindi movies and won many awards. His rendition of Kal Ho Na Ho has been highly popular. He is recognised for his versatile voice as well as excellent emotion range. Sonu has sung with clear pronunciations, in many languages besides Hindi, including Bengali, Oriya, Kannada, Punjabi,Tamil, Telugu, English, Bhojpuri, Urdu, Nepali and Marathi.
His 2008 playback songs include songs from Yuvvraaj and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, in which he sings a song paying tribute to yesteryear Bollywood actors like Raj Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna, Shammi Kapoor, Dev Anand and Rishi Kapoor. The song is picturised on Shahrukh Khan and the music direction is by Salim-Sulaiman.

Pop albums and concerts

Sonu has released a number of pop albums, both in Hindi and in Punjabi, to his name. The very recent addition to this list is "Classically Mild", best among all. He has also released several albums of Mohammad Rafi's songs, as well as devotional albums. Of recent releases, in September 2007, he released a 6-disc collection of Mohammad Rafi's 100 best songs in the latter's memory. The collection is titled "Kal, Aaj, Aur Kal". In 2008, soon after releasing "Classically Mild", he released a single Punjabi track called "Punjabi Please", and "Rafi Resurrected", a 2-disc collection of Mohammad Rafi songs with music by the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
Over the years. Sonu has given concert performances in many countries, including United States, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Russia, Afghanistan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bangkok, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, West Indies, Mauritius, Nigeria and South Africa. In May/June 2007, he participated in a star-studded show in North America called "The Incredibles" in which famed Asha Bhonsle and recent singing sensations, Kunal Ganjawala and Kailash Kher, participated. In September and October, respectively, of the same year, he gave a solo concert titled, "Simply Sonu", in Canada and Germany, (becoming the first Indian singer to perform in the latter country). In April 2008, he did a marathon of concerts in various cities in India, promoting his Punjabi single "Punjabi Please".
In November 2007, at the inauguration of Harvard University's 28th president, Dr. Drew Gilpin Faust, Sonu sang with the Harvard College Sangeet the late Mahatma Gandhi's favorite bhajan, " Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye".
In July 2008, he participated in a three-city tour of the United Kingdom, singing numerous famous Mohammad Rafi songs with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. This followed the release of these songs by the CBSO and the Indian music company Sa Re Ga Ma in a historic album entitled "Rafi Resurrected".

Television, radio and acting

Besides "Sa Re Ga Ma," Sonu Nigam has also hosted the TV show Kisme Kitna Hai Dum and has been a judge on the show Indian Idol (aired on Sony Entertainment Television) seasons 1 and 2. Sonu has returned to Indian Idol in its third and fourth seasons as a celebrity judge. He was also a celebrity judge on Amul Star Voice of India in August 2007 in season 1 and in December 2008 in season 2. In October 2007, Sonu came back to the sets of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in a historical moment of sorts, this time as a judge (along with Suresh Wadkar) on the show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs International.
In 2006, Sonu also hosted his own radio show called 'Life Ki Dhun With Sonu Niigaam' on Radiocity 91 FM, where he had the opportunity to interview several music industry greats, including the legendary Lata Mangeshkar.
Sonu's acting career started as a child artist in a number of films including 1983s Betaab. As an adult, Sonu has acted in a few more films namely Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani alongside Sunny Deol, Manisha Koirala and Akshay Kumar as well as other actors; Kash Aap Hamare Hote where he plays the lead opposite Juhi Babbar, daughter of Raj Babbar; and lastly Love in Nepal with 'Flora Saini' and 'Sweta Keswani', where he plays the lead again. However it is to be said that all three films have not done well at the box-office. although his acting was much better appreciated in his last venture. He has not taken up acting since his last venture Love in Nepal, but has recently been said to be involved in another film as a lead actor. The film, called 'Ankhon Ankhon Mein' is supposedly about a blind singer.

Future projects

His future projects include an English album called "Spirit Unfolding". He may be acting in a new film called Ankhon Hi Ankhon Mein, about a blind singer, although he has not officially signed it yet. He is also doing playback singing for a number of upcoming films, including Chandan Arora's Striker, Yaariyan, Run Mein Fun and Three Idiots starring Aamir Khan, with Shantanu Moitra as music director.He is also singing for the film Blue with international artist Kylie Minogue with Oscar winner A.R.Rahman as music director.
In a recent interview, he confirmed that he is working on a new Kannada album. He has launched a new Ganesh album in August, and is thinking about a project on Manna Dey. He also revealed that there are plans for the Rafi Resurrected concerts to happen in the rest of Europe, the United States and India soon.

Personal life And Voluntary Work

Sonu was born to Mr Agam Kumar Nigam and Mrs Shobha Nigam on July 30, 1973 in Faridabad, Haryana, India. He attended the J.D. Tytler School. He has two sisters, Meenal and Neekita. Sonu is very close to his parents. Both his father and mother are good singers, and in 2005 and 2007 his father released two highly popular albums, "Bewafaai" and "Phir Bewafaai", respectively. Neekita is also a singer. She has sung a few playback songs and appeared on a few stage shows with Sonu. Sonu married Madhurima on 15 February 2002. They have a son, Nevaan, born on July 25, 2007.
He is very much into fitness and yoga exercises, and has even trained in taekwondo. He claims to be spiritual rather than religious. He used to be keen at his studies in his younger age and enjoys reading. He also enjoys mimicry and commonly mimics other singers in Bollywood.
Sonu has done various charity work all over India as well as abroad for Dignity Foundation, Cancer organizations, Leprosy organizations, Blindness organizations, Womens welfare organizations, Kargil war affected families, Earthquake affected families. He also sponsors a child from the organization “Crayon”.

Awards

2008, 15th Lion Gold Awards 2008, Best Male Singer for the song In lamhon ke daaman from the film Jodha Akbar.

2008, Indian Television Academy Award, Best Male Singer for Amber Dhara.

2008, Filmfare Awards South, Best Singer (Male) for Ninindale, from the Kannada movie Milana

2008, GPBA (German Public Bollywood Award), Best Singer (Male) for Mein Agar Kahoon, Om Shanti Om

2007, Annual Central European Bollywood Awards, Best Male Playback Singer for Mein Agar Kahoon, Om Shanti Om

2007, Bollywood Music Awards, Best Male Playback Singer for Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Title Track.

2006, Star Screen Award Best Male Playback, for the song "Dheere Jalna", from the film "Paheli"

2005, Swaralaya Yesudas Award, for his outstanding performance in Music.

2005, MTV Immies - Best Pop Album, for his self-composed album titled "Chanda Ki Doli". 2005, Indian Television Award Best Singer for Miliee Title Track.

2005, Anadolok Award for "Chanda Ki Doli" album.

2005, Lion Gold's Award for the song Main Hoon Na from the film "Main Hoon Na"

2005, Teachers' Achievement Award

2005, Most Stylish People In Music, MTV Style Awards.

2004, MTV Immies - Best Male Singer, for the song "Main Hoon Na", from the film "Main Hoon Na"

2004, National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer, for the song "Kal Ho Naa Ho", from the film Kal Ho Naa Ho

2004, IIFA Best Male Playback Award, for the song "Kal Ho Naa Ho", from the film Kal Ho Naa Ho

2004, Bollywood Music Award for Best Male Playback Singer for "Kal Ho Na Ho" from the film Kal Ho Naa Ho

2004, Apsara Film Producers' Guild Award for Best Male Playback Singer for "Kal Ho Na Ho" from the film Kal Ho Naa Ho

2003, Filmfare Best Male Playback Award, for the song "Kal Ho Naa Ho", from the film Kal Ho Naa Ho".

2003, Zee Cine Award Best Playback Singer- Male, for the song "Saathiya", from the film "Saathiya"

2003, IIFA Best Male Playback Award, for the song "Saathiya", from the film "Saathiya"

2003, MTV Immies - Best Male Singer, for the song "Saathiya" from the film "Saathiya".

2003, Bollywood Music Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the song "Saathiya" from the film "Saathiya"

2003, Most Stylish People In Music, MTV Style Awards 2002, Filmfare Best Male Playback Award, for the song "Saathiya", from the film Saathiya.

2002, Zee Cine Award Best Playback Singer- Male, for the song "Suraj Hua Maddham", from the film "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham"

2002, IIFA Best Male Playback Award, for the song "Suraj Hua Maddham", from the film "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham"

2002, Bollywood Music Award for Best Pop Singer for the album "Yaad"

2002, Bollywood Music Award for Best Male Singer for the song "Tanhayee" from the film "Dil Chahta Hai"

2001, Star Screen Award Best Male Playback, for the song "Tanhayee", from the film "Dil Chahta Hai"

1998, Zee Cine Award Best Playback Singer- Male, for the song "Sandese Aate Hai", from the film "Border"

1998, Star Screen Award for Best Male Pop Artist.

1997, Aashirwad Award for Best Male Singer for the song "Sandese Aate Hai", from the film "Border"

1997, Sansui Viewers' Choice Award for Best Male Singer for the song "Sandese Aate Hai", from the film "Border"

Albums

Below are his mainstream Hindi releases. He has also released several devotional Hindu albums including "Tere Dar Se Muradein Paeinge" (1999), "Sanskar" (2004), "Maa Ka Dil" (2006) and "Pyari Maa" (2008), and more recently "Maha Ganesha" (August 2008). He released some Muslim devotional albums including "Mohammad ke dar par chala ja sawali" (1993, re-released 2007) and Ramzan ki Azmat (originally sang by Mohammad Rafi and others). He has a some Punjabi albums to his name, including "Kurie Mili Hai Kamaal (2003), rereleased as "Pyar" in 2007, in which year he also released "Colours of Love". He has covered the songs of famous Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas in an album entitled "Best of Pankaj Udas". He has also sang a song each in Sapna Mukherjee's album "Mere Piya" and the remix album "Kajra Nite" in 2006, where he sang the title song with Alisha Chinai and featured in the video with Diya Mirza.

Album title

Rafi Ki Yaadein Vol 10-20 1993-1995 Shradhanjali to Mohd Rafi 1995 Sapne Ki Baat 1997 Kismat 1998 Mausam 1999 Pariyon se 1999 Deewana 1999 Jaan 2000 Yaad 2001 Chanda Ki Doli 2005 Classically Mild 2008 Kal Aaj Aur Kal 2008 Punjabi Please 2008 Rafi Resurrected 2008

FilmographyFilm Title

Character Year Pyaara Dushman Tika Singh (credited as Master Sonu) 1980 Kaamchor Sonu (Rakesh Roshan's nephew), (credited as Master Sonu) 1982 Ustaadi Ustaad Ke Raju (Young Mithun Chakraborty), (credited as Master Sonu) 1982 Betaab Sunny (Young Sunny Deol), (credited as Master Sonu) 1983 Hum se hai zamana Shiva (Young Mithun Chakraborty), (credited as Master Sonu) 1983 Taqdeer Shiva (Young Shatrughan Sinha), (credited as Master Sonu) 1983 Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani Vivek Saxena 2002 Kaash..Aap Hamare Hote Jai Kumar 2003 Love In Nepal Abby 2004 Navra Maajha Navsacha (Marathi) Himself 2005

The Greatest ----- Mohammed Rafi Sahab

About Mohammed Rafi


Mohammed Rafi ( December 24, 1924 – July 31, 1980) was one of the most popular Indian playback singers. A versatile singer, Rafi sang in many Indian languages including Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali, Marathi, Kannada and Telugu. He is primarily remembered, however, for his Hindi-Urdu songs, which still remain very popular in the Indian subcontinent and also among the Indian diaspora. Along with Mukesh and Kishore Kumar, he was one of the leading male Bollywood playback singers from the 1950s to the 1970s. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1965.

Listen to Many Moods of Rafi Sahab

Early years and background
Rafi was born the youngest of six sons of Hajji Ali Mohammad at Kotla Sultan Singh (or Kotla Sultanpur), a town near Amritsar in Punjab (British India).Rafi, whose nickname was Pheeko, started singing by imitating chants of a fakir in his village.In 1935-36, Rafi's father shifted to Lahore, and the rest of the family followed later. Rafi's family managed a men's salon in Lahore's Noor Mohalla.It was his brother-in-law Mohammed Hameed who spotted the talent in Rafi and encouraged him. Rafi learnt Hindustani classical music from maestros Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Ustad Abdul Wahid Khan, Pandit Jiwanlal Matto and Firoze Nizami.

Rafi's first public performance came at the age of 13, when he was allowed to sing at a concert featuring the legendary K. L. Saigal. In 1942, Rafi, under Shyam Sunder, made his debut as a playback singer in the duet "Soniye nee, Heeriye nee" with Zeenat Begum in the Punjabi film Gul Baloch (the film was released in 1944).Soon after, Rafi was invited by the Lahore radio station to sing for them.


Initial days in Bombay
In 1944, Rafi moved to Bombay (now Mumbai), where poet Tanvir Naqvi introduced him to some of the leading film producers of the time such as Abdul Rashid Kardar, Mehboob Khan and actor-director Nazeer. Rafi contacted the famous music director Naushad, who initially used him as part of the chorus. Rafi's first song with Naushad was "Hindustan ke hum hain" with Shyam Kumar, Alauddin and others, from A. R. Kardar's Pehle Aap (1944). Around the same time, Rafi recorded another song for the 1945 film Gaon ki Gori, "Aji dil ho kaaboo mein". He considered this song his first Hindi language song. In 1945, Rafi married his cousin Bashira, nicknamed "Majhi", in his village.

In 1945, Rafi appeared on the screen for the song "Tera Jalwa Jis Ne Dekha" in the film Laila Majnu. He sang a number of songs for Naushad as part of the chorus, including "Mere sapnon ki rani, Roohi Roohi" with K. L. Saigal from the film Shahjahan (1946). Rafi was first noted for the song "Tera Khilona Toota Balak" from Mehboob Khan's Anmol Ghadi (1946). His duet with Noor Jehan in the 1947 film Jugnu, "Yahan Badla Wafa Ka" became a hit. Following partition, Rafi decided to stay in India and had his family flown to Bombay.

In 1948, Rafi sang "Sun Suno Aye Duniya Walon Bapuji Ki Amar Kahani", written by Rajendra Krishan, which became a huge hit. He was invited by the Indian Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, to sing at the latter's house. In 1948, Rafi received a silver medal from Nehru on the Indian Independence Day. In 1949, Rafi was given solo songs by music directors such as Naushad, (Chandni Raat, Dillagi and Dulari) Shyam Sunder (Bazaar) and Husnalal Bhagatram (Meena Bazaar).

Rise to fame
Rafi's association with Naushad helped the former establish himself as one of the most prominent playback singers in Bollywood. Songs from Baiju Bawra (1952) like "O duniya ke rakhwale" and "Man tarpat Hari darshan ko aaj" furthered Rafi's credentials. Naushad who had been using Talat Mahmood for his songs began favoring Rafi as the male voice in almost every song composed by him. Rafi would sing a total of 149 songs (81 of them solo) for Naushad.

In the late 1950s and 1960s, Rafi found favor with other notable composers of the era such as O. P. Nayyar, Shankar Jaikishan and S.D. Burman. Burman patronized Rafi as the singing voice of Dev Anand. Rafi worked with Burman in movies like Tere Ghar ke Saamne (1957), Pyaasa (1957), Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959), Guide (1965), Aradhana (1969), and Abhimaan (1973). O. P. Nayyar was so impressed with Rafi that he got Rafi to sing a song Man mora baawara for singer-actor Kishore Kumar, in the movie Raagini. Later, Rafi would sing for Kishore Kumar in movies such as Baaghi, Shehzaada and Shararat. O. P. Nayyar employed Rafi and Asha Bhosle for most of his songs. The team created many hit songs in early 1950s and 1960s for movies such as Naya Daur (1957), Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957) and Kashmir Ki Kali (1964). Rafi sang a total of 197 numbers (56 solo) for O P Nayyar. The combination of Shankar Jaikishan and Rafi is noted for the songs picturized on Rajendra Kumar. Rafi sang a total of 341 numbers (216 solo) for Shankar-Jaikishan.

Rafi got his first Filmfare Award for the title song of Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960), composed by Ravi. He got his first National Award for the song Babul Ki Duaen Leti Ja from the film Neel Kamal (1968), also composed by Ravi. Ravi and Rafi produced several other hit songs, in the films such as China Town (1962), Kaajal (1965), and Do Badan (1966). Madan Mohan was another composer whose favorite singer was Rafi. Rafi's first solo with Madan Mohan in Ankhen (1950) "Hum ishq mein barbad hain barbad rahenge" was a great hit. They teamed up to produce many hit songs including "Teri Aankhon ke Siva", "Rang aur noor ki baraat", "Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil" and "Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho". The composer duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal ("L-P") also patronized Rafi as one of their leading singers from their very first film, Parasmani (1963). Both Rafi and L-P won the Filmfare Awards for the song "Chahoonga main tujhe saanjh savere" from Dosti. Rafi sang a total of 369 numbers (186 solo) for LP. Rafi sang for many lesser-known composers as well. Once, when a minor composer, Nisar Bazmi, did not have enough money to pay him, Rafi charged a fee of one rupee and sang for him.

The 1960s witnessed the straining of relations between Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar.Lata had wanted Rafi to back her in demanding a half-share from the five percent song royalty that the film's producer conceded to select composers. But Rafi took a diametrically opposite view, and believed that a playback singer's claim on the filmmaker ended with the payment of the agreed fee for the song. During the recording of "Tasveer Teri Dil Mein" (Maya, 1961), Lata argued with Rafi over a certain passage of the song. Rafi felt belittled, as music director Salil Chowdhury sided with Lata. The situation worsened when Lata Mangeshkar declared that she would no longer sing with Rafi. Rafi stated that he was only so keen to sing with Lata as she was with him. Later, at the insistence of S. D. Burman the two decided to reconcile and sing duets; on a personal level, there was still tension. During his last years, Rafi was involved in a controversy over Lata Mangeshkar's introduction in to the Guinness Book of World Records. In a letter dated June 11, 1977 to the Guinness Book of World Records, Rafi had challenged the claim that Lata Mangeshkar has recorded the maximum number of songs ("not less than 25,000" according to Guinness). After receiving a rather escapist reply from Guinness, in a letter dated November 20, 1979, he wrote: "I am disappointed that my request for a reassessment vis-a-vis Ms Mangeshkar's reported world record has gone unheeded.".After Rafi's death, in its 1984 edition, the Guinness Book of Word Records stated Lata Mangeshkar's name for the "Most Recordings" but also stated: "Mohammad Rafi (d 1 Aug 1980) claimed to have recorded 28,000 songs in 11 Indian languages between 1944 and April 1980.". Many fans of Rafi state that he has sung over 28,000 songs. However, according to the available figures, Rafi has sung 4,516 Hindi film songs, 112 non-Hindi film songs, and 328 private (non-film) songs from 1945 to 1980. The Guinness Book entries for both Rafi and Lata were later removed in 1991.

Between 1950 and 1970, Rafi was one of the most sought after singers in Bollywood. He sang for all the major male stars in Hindi films. In 1965, he was honoured by the Government of India with the Padma Sri award. Rafi recorded two Hindi songs in English on 7" release in 1968. He also sang a song in Creole while on his visit to Surinam in the late 1960s. Rafi recorded two English albums as well. One of them is Pop Hits. In Bollywood, yodeling is generally associated with Kishore Kumar. But Rafi also used yodeling in some of old songs, such as "Hello sweety seventeen" (duet with Asha Bhosle), "O Chale ho kaha", "Dilke Aine main", "Unse Rippy Tippy Ho gayee" (duet with Geeta Dutt).

Last years
The 1970s saw the rise of Kishore Kumar, whose popularity increased due to the songs he sang for the film Aradhana (1969). The music for Aradhana was composed by S. D. Burman, and he had used Rafi as the male playback voice for the first two recorded duets, "Baaghon Mein Bahaar Hai" and "Gunguna Rahen Hain Bhanwre". After these two recordings, S. D. Burman fell ill and his son and assistant, R. D. Burman, took over the recordings. R. D. Burman got Kishore Kumar to sing the solos "Roop Tera Mastana" and "Mere Sapnon Ki Rani", which led to Kishore Kumar's popularity. Kishore Kumar's rise and R D Burman's patronage of him sidelined Rafi's career in the early 1970s. During 1971-1976, Rafi's musical output decreased; however, he did deliver several hits.. Some of Rafi's popular songs of the early 1970s were with music directors like Laxmikant Pyarelal, Madan Mohan, R. D. Burman and S. D. Burman. These include "Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil" from Heer Ranjha (1970), "Chura Liya Hain Tumne" from Yaadon Ki Baarat (1973), "Yeh Jo Chilman Hain" and "Itna to Yaad Hain Mujhe" from Mehboob Ki Mehndi (1971), "Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho" from Hanste Zakhm (1973), "Gulabi Aankhen" from The Train, Aaj Mausam bada Beimaan hai from Loafer (1973), and "Jhilmil Sitaron ka" from Jeevan Mrityu (a duet with Lata Mangeshkar, 1974).

Rafi made a comeback as a leading singer in the mid-1970s. In 1974, he won the Film World magazine Best Singer Award for the song "Teree Galiyon Mein Na Rakhenge Qadam Aaj Ke Baad" (Hawas) composed by Usha Khanna. In 1977, he won both Filmfare Award and the National Award for the song "Kya Hua Tera Wada" from the movie Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin, composed by R. D. Burman. Rafi sang for Rishi Kapoor in films like Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Sargam (1979) and Karz (1980). The qawwali "Pardah Hai Pardah" from Amar Akbar Anthony (1977) was a superhit. Rafi's notable renderings in the late 1970s and early 80s include Laila Majnu (1976), Apnapan (1978), Qurbani, Dostana (1980), The Burning Train (1980), Naseeb (1981), Abdullah (1980), Shaan (1980), and Asha (1980). Rafi's comeback phase had once again brought him back as a leading playback singer.

On Thursday, July 31, 1980, Rafi died at 10:50 p.m., following a massive heart attack. His last song was Shaam phir kyun udaas hai dost (Aas Paas), which he had recorded with Laxmikant-Pyarelal on the day of his death. He was survived by four sons (Saeed Rafi, Khalid Rafi, Hamid Rafi, Shahid Rafi) and 3 daughters (Parveen, Nasreen, Yasmin) residing in London, UK and Mumbai, India. He was a grandfather to 18 grandchildren.

After death
Rafi's song from the film Gumnaam (1966), "Jaan Pehechan Ho", was used on the soundtrack of Ghost World (2001). The film opens with the lead character dancing around in her bedroom to a video of Gumnaam. His "Aaj Mausam Bada Beiman Hai" is featured in the 2001 film Monsoon Wedding. Several of Rafi's unreleased songs will be used for an upcoming film titled Sorry Madam.

In the summer of 2008, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is due to release a double CD entitled Rafi Resurrected comprising 16 legendary songs by Rafi. Bollywood star Sonu Nigam has provided the vocals for this project and is expected to tour with the CBSO in July 2008 at venues including the world famous English National Opera in London, Manchester's Apollo Theatre and Symphony Hall, Birmingham On Saturday 22 September 2007, a shrine to Rafi designed by artist Tasawar Bashir was unveiled in Birmingham. Bashir is hoping that Rafi will attain sainthood as a result.

Both Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar are mentioned in Cornershop's homage to Indian playback musicians, "Brimful of Asha".

The Padma Shri Mohammed Rafi Chowk in the Bandra suburb of Mumbai is named after Rafi.

Awards
2001 - Rafi was honored with the "best singer of the millennium" by Hero Honda and Stardust magazine in Mumbai on Jan 7, 2001.

Government Awards
1948 - Rafi received a silver medal from the Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, on the first anniversary of the Indian Independence Day.
1965 - he was honoured with the Padmashri by the Government of India.

National Film Awards
Winner

1968 - National Award for Best Male Playback Singer for Neel Kamal composed by Ravi Shankar.
Winner

1977 - National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for "Kya Hua Tera Wada" song in the film Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin), composed by RD Burman, lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri.

Filmfare Awards
Winner

1960 - Filmfare Best Male Playback Award for "Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho" in the film Chaudhvin Ka Chand
1961 - Filmfare Best Male Playback Award for "Teri Pyaari Pyaari Surat Ko" in the film Sasural
1964 - Filmfare Best Male Playback Award for "Chahunga Mein Tujhe" in the film Dosti
1966 - Filmfare Best Male Playback Award for "Baharo Phool Barsao" in the film Suraj
1968 - Filmfare Best Male Playback Award for "Dil Ke Jharoke Mein" in the film Brahmachari
1977 - Filmfare Best Male Playback Award for "Kya Hua Tera Vaada" in the film Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin
Nominated

1961 - "Husnwale Tera Jawaab Nahin" in the film Gharana
1962 - "Aye Gulbadan Aye Gulbadan" in the film Professor
1963 - "Mere Mehboob Tujhe" in the film Mere Mehboob
1965 - "Choo Lene Do Nazuk Hothon Ko" in the film Kaajal
1968 - "Mein Gaaon Tum Sojaao" in the film Brahmachari
1968 - "Babul Ki Duayein Leti Ja" in the film Neel Kamal
1969 - "Badi Mastani Hai" in the film Jeene Ki Raah
1970 - "Khilona Jaan Kar" in the film Khilona
1973 - "Hum Ko To Jaan Se Pyaari" in the film Naina
1974 - "Achha Hi Huva Dil Toot Gaya" in the film Maa Behen Aur Biwi
1977 - "Pardah Hai Pardah" in the film Amar Akbar Anthony
1978 - "Aadmi Musaafir Hai" in the film Apnapan
1979 - "Chalo Re Doli Uthao Kahaar" in the film Jani Dushman
1980 - "Mere Dost Kissa Yeh" in the film Dostana
1980 - "Dard-e-dil Dard-e-jigar" in the film Karz
1980 - "Maine Poocha Chand Se" in the film Abdullah

Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards
Winner

1965 - Best Male Playback Singer for Dosti
1966 - Best Male Playback Singer for Arzoo

The Best of Mohit Chauhan

Mohit Chauhan


About Mohit
Mohit Chauhan is an Indian singer who started his career, singing pop songs with the Silk Route (band). He is known for his soft romantic voice. He has recently been part of a reality series called Mission Ustaad on the channel 9X.

Listen to Mohit Chauhan's Selected Songs

Arguably, his most appreciated song before his film career was Dooba Dooba from their album Boondein.

After a successful stint with the band, his film career started as a low key affair with a few forgettable songs. His career got a flying start when he was roped in to sing a song in the film "Rang De Basanti" by none other than A R Rahman. His song "Khoon Chala" was widely appreciated. After Khoon Chala his next hit song was "Tum Se Hi" composed by Pritam, from the film Jab We Met. His latest work is the song "Masakali" from the film Delhi-6 composed by A R Rahman. The song is currently topping the charts.

Works
"Rumi Sahab" - Main Madhuri Dixit Banana Chahati Hoon (2003)
"Sabse Peeche Hum Khade" - Lets Enjoy (2004)
"Khoon Chala" - Rang De Basanti (2005)
"Guncha Koi" - Main, Meri Patni aur Woh (2005)
"Tum Se Hi" and "Tum Se Hi - Remix" - Jab We Met (2007)
"Is This Love (Kahin Na Laage)" - Kismat Konnection (2008)
"Yaad Teri Aaye" - Ugly Aur Pagli (2008)
"Ek meetha marz de ne" - Welcome to Sajjanpur (2008)
"Kuch khaas" - Fashion (film) (2008)
"Aankhon hi aankhon mein" - EMI (2008)
"Sar utha ke chalenge hum" - HDFC album (2008)
"Masakali" - Delhi-6 (2009)
"Madhura Pisumathige" - Birugali-kannada (2009)
"Gulon mein" - Sikander (2009)

Delhi 6 --- The Film

About Delhi-6

Delhi-6 is a Hindi film by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra; starring Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Om Puri, Waheeda Rahman, Rishi Kapoor, Atul Kulkarni,Deepak Dobriyal and Divya Dutta.The movie is reportedly based on Mehra's growing up years in Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi. It is Mehra's third movie after Aks and Rang De Basanti. The movie released on February 20, 2009 to a strong box office collection but faced generally mixed reception from critics.

Listen to the Songs of Delhi 6

Plot summary
The film opens with the ailing grandmother Annapurna at the office of a cardiac surgeon in New York. The surgeon indicates that Annapurna suffers from heart blockage and may not have long to live. Annapurna insists on returning to Delhi, her hometown, where she intends to retire in peace. Though her son and daughter-in-law object vehemently, her American-born grandson Roshan (who has a special bond with his grandmother) agrees to bring her back.

Annapurna is received with pomp and ceremony when she returns to her home in Old Delhi. Roshan is initially stunned by the mad rush of various neighbors: Ali Baig the renaissance man, feuding brothers Madangopal and Jaigopal, their wives and families, Mamdu the halwai, Gobar the simpleton, Sethji and many others. However, Roshan eventually warms to the place and wholeheartedly embraces the sense of community in it. He accompanies his grandmother to the Ramleelas, hangs out at Mamdu's sweet stall, plays with the children, and gradually becomes steeped in the culture of the place.

Roshan is also slowly exposed to some sobering realities. When Annapurna faints (due to fluctuating blood sugar levels) and they scramble to get her to a hospital, he finds the roads choked by traffic because of an impromptu ceremony around a cow in labor; he is further surprised when his grandmother, despite her stupor, stumbles forth to seek the blessings of a sacred cow; and he is astounded when the local police seem to encourage the practice. Roshan begins to understand the feuds and social issues in the community. Madangopal's sister Rama is unwed (at an age when spinsterhood is a significant social no-no) and Jaigopal's electrical business is going nowhere. The lecherous old local money lender Lala Bhairam is married to a young girl who, in turn, is having an affair with a young photo-studio hand Suresh. Suresh is a double timer who is also pursuing Madangopal's daughter Bittu. Bittu secretly wants out of the stuck-in-time Old Delhi; she secretly prepares to audition for a popular reality show in the hope that she will win her way to Mumbai. Roshan comes to appreciate Ali Baig's cosmopolitan tastes and is surprised to learn that Ali Baig fancied his mother (a Muslim) many years ago, and has since never married. And Roshan comes to empathize with the lower-caste trash collector girl Jalebi who must endure untouchability at social functions except for when some of the brutish locals seek company. Roshan also crosses paths with the loutish inspector Ranvijay who blithely stretches his authorities to manhandle the locals, and becomes acquainted with the local assemblywoman who displays political power at every opportunity.

In the meantime, the news media is all abuzz with tales of a fearsome terror known only as the "Kala Bandar (Black Monkey)". This miscreant (never shown clearly in the film) attacks people, steals various articles and has also caused the death of a few innocent people. (These deaths are mostly accidental, as in the example of a pregnant housewife who was supposedly startled by a silhouette and fell down a flight of stairs or the example of an unfortunate man who was briefly zapped by a live electric wire.) Nonetheless, the local news picks up on every move by the kala bandar and loudly blares about all his exploits. Jaigopal, the self-proclaimed electronics genius, theorizes that the kala bandar likely has an electrical circuit (to zap his victims) and may be electrocuted by water; this rumor is quickly propagated through the town.

The film takes several turns. After some initial friction, Roshan and Bittu warm to each other. Roshan intervenes when Bittu is about to receive a prospective suitor arranged by Madangopal. He echoes Bittu's desire to pursue other dreams; this drives the suitor away and brings Madangopal's wrath upon him. He gradually begins to fall in love with Bittu, but is confused when Bittu expresses her affections for Suresh (she believes he will support her dreams). Around this time, the kala bandar attacks Old Delhi. The simple-minded locals bring in a tantrik Shani baba to exorcize the demonic influence of the kala bandar. After an extended havan ceremony, the tantrik baba indicates that the local mosque, built over the ruins of a temple that was demolished for the purpose, is the provocation for the evil soul of the kala bandar. This promptly stokes animosity in the otherwise harmonious Hindu-Muslim community. After the initial peaceful demonstrations (by rallies and angry meetings), various mobs go on rampage and tear up some of the local streets. Roshan attempts to make peace, but is rebuffed because of his mixed religious parentage. The locals ultimately settle on the fact that the kala bandar is hiding out in the sooni galli (a dark lane known to harbor evil presences) and must be destroyed. They command the simpleton Gobar to fetch a lock of hair from the evil enemy so that the tantrik can burn it and complete the exorcism.

Roshan becomes aware of Bittu's plan to elope with Suresh, and that Suresh is a low-life two timer. He dons a monkey mask and monkey outfit and stealthily follows Bittu by leaping across the rooftops. In the meantime Gobar ventures into the sooni galli where Jalebi gives him a lock of her hair so he may return in triumph and bring peace to the community. At that moment, Roshan (in his monkey outfit) intercedes in Bittu and Suresh's rendezvous and causes the cowardly Suresh to flee. Bittu raises a loud alarm before Roshan unmasks himself, whereupon the angry locals storm the place. Believing Roshan to be the kala bandar, they beat him to within an inch of his life, just as Gobar comes up with a startling deduction about the reality of the kala bandar.

The revelation stops the violence. Roshan is nearly dead. He recovers and decides to remain in Old Delhi and affirm his love for Bittu. the film ends on a happy note with peace and joy restored to the community of Old Delhi.

Cast
Abhishek Bachchan as Roshan
Sonam Kapoor as Bittu
Om Puri as Madangopal
Atul Kulkarni as Gobar
Rishi Kapoor as Ali
Waheeda Rahman as Dadi
Divya Dutta as Jalebi
Tanvi Azmi as Fatima
Deepak Dobriyal as Mamdu
K.K. Raina as Haji Sulamaan
Aditi Rao Hydari as Rama Bua
Supriya Pathak as Vimla
Pavan Malhotra as Jai Gopal
Amitabh Bachchan as Dadaji
Vinayak Doval as Bobby
Prem Chopra as Lala Bhairam
Vijay Raaz as Inspector Ranvijay
Cyrus Sahukar as Suresh
Hussan Saad as Bhisham
Nello Del Gatto
Charlie Bayot
Ash King
Raghuvir Yadav

Crew
Director: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Producer: Ronnie Screwvala and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Creative Producer: P S Bharathi
Music: A.R. Rahman
Director of Photography: Binod Pradhan
Lyrics and Dialogue: Prasoon Joshi
Story: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Kamlesh Pandey and Prasoon Joshi
Editor: P S Bharathi
Production Design: Samir Chandra
Action: Allan Amin
Sound Design: Nakul Kamte
Choreographers: Vaibhavi Merchant, Saroj Khan
Costume Designers: Arjun Bhasin, Anamika Khanna
CA: Bimal Parekh
Co-Producers: P S Bharathi, Zarina Mehta, Deven Khote and Siddharth Roy Kapur
Make-up: Vikram Gaekwad
Hair: Avan Contractor Sariena
Line Producer: Urfi Kazmi
First Assistant Director: Rebecca Strickland, Sandeep Modi, Neha Kaul
Production Controller: Syed Abul Ehsan
Production Coordinator: Viraj Gawas

Production

Development & Casting
In the early stages of development it was rumored that Rakeysh was going to cast newcomers for his next movie.It was even reported that Aamir Khan's nephew Imran Khan would make his debut with this film, but this was later revealed to be "Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na.Frequent changes in casting made headlines, with Hrithik Roshan being set to play the main character and then he being reportedly replaced by Ranbir Kapoor.Even Akshay Kumar was supposed to play the lead, but refused.Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra stated that Abhishek Bachchan was always the first choice for Delhi-6. Date problems for Abhishek Bachchan delayed the film, but it all worked out in the end with Abhishek portraying the lead actor in the film. Sonam Kapoor was paired as the leading female character opposite Abhishek Bachchan. Rishi Kapoor and Tanvi Azmi are also a part of the film. The film went on the floors February 20, 2009. Amitabh Bachchan plays the grandfather to Roshan, played by Abhishek Bachchan, whereas Waheeda Rahman plays the grandmother of the same. Gulshan Grover plays Abhishek Bachchan's dad in the film. Editing for the film was done by Meghna Aschit and Rakeysh's wife Bharthi. In an interview Rakeysh said that he was not involved with the editing.

Promotion

Abhishek, Sonam and Rakeyshat Dubai International Film Festival 2009The movie was first unveiled on the Dubai International Film Festival. Following the screening was an interactive Question and Answer round, comprising of the director with the rest of starcast and a vast audience. During this interaction, Rakeysh spoke about his key influences and the theme of the film, while the film's actors described their experience of working with Rakeysh. A video featuring Abhishek and Sonam's interview can be watched in the reference along with this section. The official trailer for the movie was released on January 4, 2009 which featured scenes from Delhi along with Jama Masjid, theatre groups, Red Fort at night, Sonam Kapoor coming out of a public escalator at central park in delhi and finally Abhishek watching Sonam dancing with the pigeon "Masakalli" on her head.

Release
The movie was supposed to be released on February 13, 2009, but A. R. Rahman's continued absence from the project led to a delay in the film getting released. The movie's back ground score remained incomplete and hence a delay in release by one week. The movie finally released on February 20, 2009 and premiered in New Delhi on February 19, 2009. The movie had its first screening on February 15, 2009 in New York.