By: Pradeep Kashyap

The legendary Kishore Kumar needs no introduction. It has been nearly two decades since the legend passed away but Kishore Kumar continues to live on through his songs.

He was first noticed in 1955 in the hilarious Baap Re Baap which was followed by Bhagambhhag, Bhai Bhai, Dilli Ka Thug, Naya Andaaz, New Delhi, Aasha, Musafir, Shararat and many others.

In 1958, the three Ganguly brothers, Ashok Kumar, Kishore Kumar and Anup Kumar came together in Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, directed by Satyen Bose. The film was a runaway hit and is today considered as one of the finest films ever made in Indian history.

Kishore Kumar did his own playback singing rather than depending on a ghost voice. At one point he was so busy that he was recording as many as six songs per day, and had to use Mohammed Rafi's voice for himself in Raagini and Shararat!

Slowly the black and white era came to an end and Kishore almost stopped acting occasionally doing a Padosan, Sadhu Aur Shaitan, Pyar Kiye Jaa, and a guest appearance in Bombay To Goa.

There was a lean period for some time, and then in 1969 came Aradhana and Rajesh Khanna, India's first superstar for whom Kishore Kumar churned out some of the best songs of his career like Roop Tera Mastana, Yeh Kya Hua, Chingari Koi Bhadke, Ye Lal Rang, O Mere Dil Ke Chain and many more. The list is endless.

After bagging the prestigious Filmfare award seven times, in 1985 the actor-singer-comedian expressed his desire to get away from the maddening crowd. He announced his retirement and was to settle down in Khandwa, his hometown.

But on October 13, 1987 he went away quietly after a massive stroke. He left behind a treasure trove of song, films and a void that cannot be filled.

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