Eight Little Known Facts About Kishore Kumar

Legendary singer Kishore Kumar was the one voice that gave musical meaning to every human emotion. Friday marks 88th birth anniversary of the singer-actor.

The multi-talented Kishore Kumar has entertained us through the decades. He was a playback singer, actor, lyricist, composer, producer, director, and screenwriter. Through his antics as an actor, through his melodious voice as a singer and also through his melodies as a composer, Kishore never fails to impress.

One of the most versatile singers, Kishore Kumar has immortalised numerous film songs. But did you know he won 8 Filmfare Awards for Best Male Playback Singer and holds the record for winning the most Filmfare Awards in that category?

We pay a tribute to Kishore Kumar by presenting you the most fascinating facts about the late singer:

Kishore Kumar had no formal training in singing.

He has eight Filmfare awards to his credit - the highest till date.

Kishore was born as Abhas Kumar Ganguly he changed it to the name that we love when he started singing for Bombay Talkies.

Kishore’s yodelling was inspired by Jimmie Rodgers and Tex Morton.

The famous song Paanch Rupaiyya Barah Ana was inspired by his debt to an Indore college canteen. He owed Rs 5.75 to the canteen.

Kishore Kumar was banned from AIR and Vividh Bharti from 1975-77 after he opposed Indira Gandhi’s 20-point programme.

Kishore is composer Bappi Lahiri’s maternal uncle.

Hrishikesh Mukherjee originally offered Anand to Mehmood and Kishore. The film went on to become a classic cherished till date for Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna’s performances.