10 Songs By Kishore Kumar That Prove He Is The G.O.A.T For A Reason
I love old Bollywood songs. My playlist for the most part is filled with songs by Mohammed Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, RD Burman, Udit Narayan, Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik, and many many more. But despite all of these wonderful singers, there is one artist that tops it all. In fact, the maximum number of songs that I have in my playlist are sung by him. Yep, I’m talking about the one and the only Kishore Kumar.
When I think or hear about Kishore Kumar, the first thought that comes to my mind is that he doesn’t really have a type. I mean, there is hardly any song out there that you cannot imagine in his voice. Isn’t that one of the many reasons why he is regarded as one of the greatest and most dynamic singers in the history of Indian music?
Whether it is serenading the lovely ladies with love songs, songs of heartbreaks, songs of deep introspection, or songs where both male and female parts are sung by him – Kishore Kumar has done it all and with so much ease and grace that will leave you awestruck by his talent.
Also Read: 5 RD Burman And Asha Bhosle Songs That Will Always Be On Our Playlist
From the way I’ve gushed about him, I’m sure you would have figured out that I am a fan of his. And so, I really do not need a day or a reason to celebrate Kishore Kumar and his music. He was a mad genius who constantly kept conquering newer peaks in the world of playback singing.
And so, I’m back with a compilation of 10 of my favourite songs by Kishore Kumar. Trust me, only I know how I brought it down to these 10. So, enjoy:
1. Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si
Since it is monsoon season, it is only fair to start the list with a song that epitomised the Bollywood song situation of a ‘love song in the rain’. The famous ‘Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si’ from Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi was picturised on Madhubala and Kishore da himself.
2. Aanewala Pal
When Kishore Kumar and RD Burman create an experience rather than a song ‘Aanewala Pal’ from Gol Maal is proof of that. The song was uncharacteristically restrained and profound in its meaning of not just life but also love.
3. Roop Tera Mastana
https://youtu.be/wKQVoA9UVEQ
This song has all the elements that perfectly paint the picture of the situations wherein the hormones between the two lovers are exploding. What makes ‘Roop Tera Mastana’ from Aradhana even more special is not just the influences of jazz in it but the playful tension Kishore da creates with his vocals.
Also Read: Late Singer KK Had Fondly Spoken About Wife Jyoti’s Support And How He Wooed Her With Kishore Kumar Songs
4. O Hansini
‘O Hansini’ from Zehreela Insaan is a cult favourite among those who are die-hard Kishore Kumar fans and rightly so. If you ask me, then this song is a psychedelic trip that just intensifies with the singer’s dreamy vocals and can make you imagine spending time with your lover in the hills.
5. Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana
There are two things I love about this song, ‘Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana’, from Aap Ki Kasam – one, obviously the vocals, and two, how beautifully the worldly wisdom oozes out in the lyrics.
6. Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahaan
With Friendships Day around the corner, this song had to make it to the list. I will say this – there is no song yet made that perfectly captures a friend’s longing like this one. ‘Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahaan’ from Yaarana wins hearts every single time and that is also thanks to Kishore Kumar because of the way he sang it.
7. Ek Chatur Naar
One of my favourite songs from one of my all-time favourite movies – Padosan. Taking on the clinical perfection of Manna Dey in this duel of a song, Kishore Kumar definitely made up for his lack of classical training and compensated with crazy, mad energy. Now, I know, the gibberish nonsense that is given as a reply to Manna Dey’s sargams might not make sense, but boy is it hilarious!
Also Read: World Music Day: 10 Songs With Compositions That Will Leave You Inspired
8. Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa
‘Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa’ from Aandhi creates a sad environment that sees the separation of two lovers. And Kishore da and Lata Mangeshkar’s voice just adds to this to make it even more intense and heartbreaking.
9. Aa Ke Seedhi Lagi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJwOzpW3k7g
The urban legend around ‘Aa Ke Seedhi Lagi’ song from Half Ticket goes like this – Kishore Kumar got bored waiting for Lata Mangeshkar to sing the female vocals he not only volunteered but also convinced the music director to let him sing both male and female parts of the song. And he did!
10. Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi
It is one of the most beautiful and moving love songs that haven’t found a parallel yet. The song from Mr X in Bombay is picturised on the legendary singer and had Kumkum star opposite him.
I know, I know that I’ve missed out on many many gems, but that’s just the problem na – there are too many gems he has given in just one lifetime and no matter how many playlists I make or how many things I say about him, words will always fall short in front of his greatness (and the greatness of his vocals).
We Made You The Ultimate Monsoon Playlist Of 25 Songs That’ll Speak To Your Soul
