Kishore Kumar (4 August 1929 – 13 October 1987) was one of the greatest playback singers, actors, composers, lyricists, producers, directors, and screenwriters in the history of Indian cinema. Renowned for his extraordinary versatility and expressive voice, he recorded thousands of songs in multiple Indian languages and became the most influential male playback singer of Bollywood. His unmatched ability to sing romantic melodies, energetic dance numbers, sad songs, devotional tracks, and comic songs earned him the title of the "King of Playback Singing."
Born as Abhas Kumar Ganguly in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, Kishore Kumar belonged to a family deeply connected with Indian cinema. He was the younger brother of legendary actor Ashok Kumar and actor Anoop Kumar. Inspired by music from an early age, he moved to Bombay (now Mumbai), where he initially pursued acting before establishing himself as a playback singer.
Kishore Kumar began his film career in the late 1940s and gained recognition as an actor through films such as Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, Half Ticket, Padosan, Jhumroo, and Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein. Although he enjoyed tremendous success as an actor, it was his singing career that made him a legend.
His breakthrough as a playback singer came with Aradhana (1969), where songs like "Mere Sapno Ki Rani" and "Roop Tera Mastana" became nationwide sensations. During the 1970s and 1980s, Kishore Kumar became the singing voice of superstars including Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Dev Anand, Jeetendra, Rishi Kapoor, Mithun Chakraborty, and Anil Kapoor. He collaborated with celebrated music directors such as S. D. Burman, R. D. Burman, Laxmikant–Pyarelal, Kalyanji–Anandji, and Bappi Lahiri, creating countless evergreen classics.
Full Name: Abhas Kumar Ganguly
Popular Name: Kishore Kumar
Date of Birth: 4 August 1929
Place of Birth: Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, British India
Date of Death: 13 October 1987
Profession: Playback Singer, Actor, Composer, Lyricist, Producer, Director
Years Active: 1946–1987
Kishore Kumar sang thousands of unforgettable songs that continue to be cherished by music lovers. Some of his greatest hits include:
Kishore Kumar won a record 8 Filmfare Awards for Best Male Playback Singer, the highest by any male singer in the category. He also received numerous honors for his immense contribution to Indian music and cinema. His unique yodeling style, emotional expression, and effortless versatility revolutionized playback singing and continue to influence generations of singers.
Kishore Kumar is regarded as one of the greatest playback singers in Indian cinema. His timeless voice, unforgettable melodies, and exceptional talent as an actor and filmmaker have left an enduring legacy. Decades after his passing, his songs remain among the most played and loved in India and across the world, making him an eternal icon of Bollywood music.
Browse the complete collection of Kishore Kumar movie songs lyrics on Lyrics Sangrah and rediscover the evergreen melodies of one of Indian cinema's greatest musical legends.