I am about to finish reading a biography of Kishore Kumar by two authors, published recently. Surprisingly, found it at an airport bookstore - which are not known for the best collections.
Having visited Khandwa, his birthplace which also houses a Memorial to him, I have heard a few stories from the people there too. His birth anniversary is August 4th, and so I thought I would review this book.
It's quite exhaustive, and talks of most things that one would want to know, if interested in the person behind the voice- I primarily like him for his voice and some great songs, though he acted in quite a few films..most are forgettable. Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi was one I liked, and I haven't seen the serious ones. Though he had a headstart because Ashok Kumar, his older brother was a star and was with a well known studio, Kishore did not have it easy. Typical of any film industry, he was criticised for his voice (including by his brother!), but after his wild success in Aradhana, everyone had to eat their words. Pre-Aradhana, he either sang for Dev Anand or himself. Rafi also sang for him in a couple of films, ironically.
A lot of nuggets about his life in Khandwa, his friends, his student days at Indore Christian College (yes, he actually lived and studied here), are less known. The life in Mumbai, the multiple shifts after he got success as a comic hero who could also improvise, the heartbreaks of flops and sucesses, are all covered well. His trysts with Ruma Devi (first wife) and Madhubala (second wife) are also interesting, and give an insight into his personality. His run-ins with the Income Tax people are also covered sympathetically. He was known as an eccentric, and often played truant on the sets of his films.. sometimes with good reason-like not being paid.
Many were close to him.. Iftekhar, Pran and Bhola Shreshtha, father of Sushma Shreshtha. One less known fact is his relationship with Satyajit Ray and his son, Sandip. Both admired each other. The role Khemchand Prakash played in his early life as singer, and later, SD Burman's mentoring and partnership with RD Burman also are documented well. Some of his classy songs like those from Amar Prem and Aandhi, along with the early hits from Kati Patang and Aradhana find a detailed mention. Mehmood contributed to his success through Padosan and his songs for Mehmood's films, including Naach meri jaan fatafat,. and Kunwara Baap, among others.
He was a reluctant stage performer! He had to be cajoled into doing some of those stage shows.
A multi-faceted artist who tried his hand at lyrics, direction, music, acting, production and direction, and did most pretty well, he was unique. An untrained singer who just happened to be great at it, and worked hard to do every kind of song.. qawwalis included.
Rare genius. Read the book for more!
