Kishore Kumar refused to give bribe to get National Award nomination, recalls son Amit: ‘The remake of his film in Tamil won the award’

Amit revealed that the film ran for 23 weeks at Super Cinema (a theatre) in Mumbai and also celebrated a silver jubilee in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. However, when the box office collections began to dip slightly after the 23rd week, the film’s distributor, Hiranandani, urged Kishore Kumar to consider giving in to the bribe demand, arguing that a nomination would generate more buzz. But the actor-filmmaker firmly refused. Recalling his father’s reaction, Amit said, “He said, ‘Chalo hatao. This film gave me a lot of trouble. It already took 4 years to make this.’” He added that the film was a success primarily due to strong word of mouth.

Amit also revealed the biggest irony — Kishore Kumar had sold the rights of the film, and it was later remade in Tamil as Ramu, starring Gemini Ganesan. That version went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil.

Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein was directed, written, and produced by Kishore Kumar. He also played the lead role in the film. The movie starred veteran actress Supriya Devi and a young Amit Kumar. It was an adaptation of the American film The Proud Rebel.