The most versatile singer Kishore Kumar has sung for all the actors from 1950s to 1987 (till he died) all genres of songs, ghazals, fast, romantic, slow, bhajans, comedy, sad, happy, semi classical, folk etc. in his deep yet, sparkling, bubbly, modulating voice. He could express any shade of emotion naturally. He initially became famous for yodeling. Kishore Kumar never had any formal musical training. I think, that could be a reason that he could experiment and modulate his voice effortlessly. In his career span, he showed proficiency in a variety of musical styles.  Moreover he was able to pick up the piano and played it well; it seems he learnt playing piano also on his own.

Kishore had an ear for music; he understood music instinctively. He could adapt the voices of the actors easily. For example when he sang for Sanjeev Kumar ‘tere bina zindagi se koi,’while hearing you almost feel Sanjeev Kumar singing the song; when he sang for Amitabh Bachchan, more or less you felt it was AB himself singing the songs; similarly when he sang for Dev Anand or Rajesh Khanna you feel Dev or Rajesh Khanna singing. He contributed to the success of three actors – Dev Anand, Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan.

It is said that he never smoked or drank, he dint like to socialize much and had very few but friends, such as Gulzar, R.D. Burman and Asha Bhonsale. He was sort of a recluse preferring his solitude. He hardly ever attended the film parties.

Kishore Kumar was a true genius; he was an actor, director, composer, and he has even penned few songs. Perhaps, because of his multi-faceted personality, he could sing songs befitting the screen actors suitably fitting the song situations. I think once in a while the Almighty gives gems like Kishore Kumar; sadly, he lived a short life of 58 years only. It was S.D. Burman who first tapped Kishore’s inner talents as a playback singer.

I am listing 10 evergreen light, romantic solos of Kishore Kumar which in my opinion will never die….. Please listen to those 10 awe-inspiring songs.

Kehana hai, kehana hai:

Film: Padosan (1968).

Lyricist: Rajendra Krishnan.

Music Director: R.D.Burman

Sama Hai suhana, suhana:

Film: Kahani Ghar Ghar ki (1970).

Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri.

Music Director: Kalyanji Anandji.

Aaj unse pahli mulaqaut hogi.

Film: Paraya Dhan (1971).

Lyricist: Anand Bakshi.

Music Director: R.D.Burman

Simti si, sharmai si.

Film: Parwana (1971).

Lyricist: Kaifi Azami.

Music Director: Madan Mohan.

Bhanware ki gunjan hai mera dil.

Film: Kal, aaj aur kal (1971).

Lyricist: Hasrat Jaipuri.

Music Director: Shankar – Jaikishan.   

Guzar jaye din, din, din.

Film:  Annadata (1972).

Lyricist: Yogesh.

Music Director: Salil Chowdhury   

This is an amazing composition by Salil Chowdhury; it’s one of KIshore’s best renditions. Ironically, Kishore dint want to sing this song as he thought he could not sing it the way Salil Da wanted. He completed this one after multiple takes and in the end we have a gem of a creation.

Chaala jata hoon kisi ke dhun me.

Film: Mere Jivan Sathi (1972).

Lyricist: Majrooh Sulatnpuri.

Music Director: R. D. Burman

Ek Ajnabi hasina se yun mulakat ho gayi.

Film: Ajanabi (1974).

Lyricist: Anand Baxi.

Music Director: R.D. Burman.

Oh hansini, meri hansini

Film – Zehareela Insaan (1974).

Lyricist: Majrooh Sultanpuri.

Music Director: R. D. Burman.

Rimzim gire sawan.

Film – Manzil (1979).

Lyricist: Yogesh.

Music Director: R.D.Burman