Abhas Kumar Ganguly or popularly known as Kishore Kumar is considered as one of the greatest singer in Hindi Film Industry. And truly by the virtue of his songs, he is one of the most celebrated singers of all time. With more than 1600+ songs in his library, Kishore Da has entertained 3 generations. Today marks his 33rd death anniversary, and even after 33 years we still listen to the evergreen songs by him. Kishore Kumar holds the record for 8 Filmfare Awards for Best Singer which is the most for any other singer.This achievement came from Kumar when he had contemporaries like :- Mohmmed Rafi, Mukesh, Mahendra Kapoor, Manna Dey and others biggies. But Kumar created a separate style of his own, with his Yodeling, with his high notes, slow notes and the list goes on. But even after winning the most awards for singing, there were many songs of Kishore Da that weren’t able to garner him the award. Now, these songs are hailed as cult classic and audience believe that these songs should’ve been given awards and moreover Kishore Kumar should have won awards for these songs. While surely the list will be huge, but here we have taken a few of his masterpieces which sadly, weren’t able to make it.
1. Chingari Koi Bhadke – Amar Prem ( 1973 )
One of the pearls from the beautiful album of Amar Prem. Chingari Koi Bhadke follows Kumar taking a slow and deep route in the song. Composed by RD Burman and the lyrics was penned by Anand Bakshi. Although it is hailed as a classic but sadly Kumar lost to Mukesh who won it for ‘Jai Bolo Beimaan ki’ from movie Beimaan.
2. Mera Jivan Kora Kagaz – Kora Kagaz ( 1975 )
Taking nothing away from the masterclass lyrics by MG Hashmat, where every line sticks in your mind to make you feel. Kishore Kumar just lived this song. With music from legendary duo Kalyanji – Anandji, it definitely should have garnered several awards but Kumar lost the award to Mahendra Kapoor who won for ‘Aur Nahi Bas Aur Nahi’ from the film Roti Kapda Aur Makaan.
3. O Majhi Re – Khushboo
It takes the best to defeat the best, well this came true in this case. Even though Kishore Kumar himself won for ‘Dil Aisa Kisi Ne’ from Amanush, O Majhi Re was the song which should’ve garnered Kumar the award. With lyrics by Gulzar and music by none other than RD Burman, O Majhi Re has eventually become a cult classic.
4. Mere Naina Saawan Bhadon – Mehbooba
The lyrics were given by Anand Bakshi and the music was composed by RD Burman. These trio along with Rajesh Khanna have given so many chartbuster ( what do we call these days) songs. Another strong contender for the award but it was won by Mukesh ( posthumously ) for ‘Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Me’ from Kabhie Kabhie.
5. Zindagi Ka Safar – Safar ( 1970 )
There is something with Kishore Kumar and Rajesh Khanna and the songs starting from Zindagi. They just hit it out of the park. The music by Kalyanji and Anandji whereas the lyrics by Indeever. What surprises is that s song with such a soulful lyrics and vocals wasn’t even nominated for the award. That year the award for best singer was won by Mukesh for ‘Sabse Bada Nadan’ from the movie Pehchan.
6. Chala Jaata Hoon – Mere Jivan Saathi
The fun travel song for all times, Chala Jaata Hoon was penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri and the music by RD Burman with Kishore Kumar behind the vocals and Rajesh Khanna on screen. Needless to say the song became a huge hit. With the continuous falsetto changes and fast paced the song is bound to make you feel good. Again this wasn’t nominated for the award which was later
won by Mukesh for ‘Jai Bolo Beimaan ki’ from Beimaan.
While there are countless others as well, we just can get over the legend that is and always will be – Kishore Kumar!