Kishore Kumar: A True Blue Bong

Kishore Kumar's Contribution to Bengali Culture

Although born outside Bengal, Kishore Kumar was a true Bengali, from all possible points of view.

Unforgettable Puja Songs
To the Bengalis, Kishore is most memorable for his Puja albums, which mostly contained Bengali songs that he composed himself. Who can forget the magical semi-classical rendition in Noyono Sharashi Keno, Aamar Moner Ei Moyur Mahaley, Aamar Dweep Nebhano Raat? His Bangla fun songs Shingh Nei Tobu Naam Taar Shingho, Bum Chicki Bum, Gaaner Gaw Jaani Na, and Daake Lokey Aamake Clown are one-of-its kind in the history of Bangla "gaan".

                                                                    Kishore & Satyajit

Kishore with Satyajit Ray at the screening
of his film Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein

The great Bengali filmmaker Satyajit Ray never failed to recognize his genius. He summoned Kishore for the playback of the Tagore songs in Charulata and Ghare Bairey. Ray also wanted him to act in Parash Pathar, and sing the songs of Goopi Gayin Bagha Bayin, which never happened. Kishore is rumoured to have lent him five thousand rupees during the production of Ray's seminal debut film Pather Panchali (Song of the Little Road).

Kishore & Hemanta
Kishore cut two "Rabindra Sangeet" albums under the baton of Hemanta Mukhopadhyay, who was also the composer of many of his most popular "Adhunik Gaan" (pop songs), like Aamar Pujar Phool and Shey Jeno Aamar Pashey Aajo Boshe Aachhe. Kishore's Bengali films include the extremely popular Lukochuri (Hide'n'seek), Dushtu Projapoti (The Naughty Butterfly), and a few other memorable flicks of the black and white era.