Ashok Kumar desperately didn’t want Kishore Kumar to become a singer. Here’s why

Kishore Kumar has managed to stay a fan favourite years after his death.

New Delhi | Updated: July 31, 2016 02:12 PM IST

3 min read

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Not many know that Kishore Kumar – born Abhas Ganguly – would never have sang if elder brother Ashok Kumar had his way.

If Kishore Kumar never yodelled or sang, Bollywood would have been a sadder, sorrier place for it. Kishore has managed to stay a fan favourite years after his death. His songs are where we go when we are in love or heartbroken, when we want to understand life or to forget it, and when we just yodel a little.

However, not many know that Kishore – born Abhas Ganguly – would never have sang if elder brother Ashok Kumar had his way. Ashok was a big star when Kishore was still a child. And if you have heard Kishore’s number ‘Paanch Rupaiya Baara Aana’ in Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, you would remember how scared and in awe of his elder brother – played in the film by Ashok — he was. That translated to real life too.

Ashok Kumar (Centre) with his family members. (L to R) Mrs. Anoop Kumar, Mrs. S Mukherjee (Ashok’s sister), Kunjalal Ganguly (father), Gouri Devi (mother), Ashok Kumar, Kishore Kumar, Cousin sister, S Mukherjee, Ruma Devi (wife of Kishore Kumar), brother in law and behind Anoop Kumar.” (Source: Express archive photo)

A fan of KL Saigal, Kishore followed his elder brothers Ashok and Anoop in the industry. While Kishore was aping the style of Saigal and wanted to make it big as a singer in the industry, Ashok was adamant that he will act and not sing.

With Talat Mehmood, Mukesh and Mohammed Rafi established as singers, Ashok felt Kishore would not be able to make his mark. He was also worried that Kishore didn’t have any formal training in singing or music.

Kishore Kumar, Ashok Kumar and Anoop Kumar in film Chalti Ka Naam Zindagi. (Source: Express archive photo)

However, Kishore disliked acting. His first few films flopped and then he decided to act so badly that nobody will cast him. Kishore’s decision to perform badly became his calling card and audience’s started loving him for it.

Kishore Kumar and Music director Laxmikant. (Source: Express archive photo)

A hero who made the people laugh as opposed to principled and romantic actors of the age – that was Kishore Kumar for fans. Kishore’s big break in music came when SD Burman realised his potential.

Singer Annet, Shibu Mazumdar, Music Director RD Burman, director Prabhat Roy and Kishore Kumar at the song recording set of film Zingani. (Source: Express archive photo)

Burman visited Kishore’s house when he was in bath, yodelling. After he finished bathing, Burman told Kishore to stop aping Saigal and develop his own style. He even gave a name to Kishore’s yodelling: Gala tod kar gaana.

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