Kishore Kumar initially refused to sing my composition, reveals Anup Jalota: ‘He said tum kuchh classical bana doge'

Indian Express

20-07-2025

The late legendary actor-singer Kishore Kumar and 'bhajan samrat' Anup Jalota belong to different schools of music. While the former is as mainstream as it gets, the latter is more steeped in classical music and devotional songs. However, they've worked together in a couple of films. In fact, Jalota was known as 'junior Kishore' in college.
'During my college days in Lucknow, I used to sing film songs. My voice sounded a little similar to Kishore da's. It still does today. When I sing Kishore da's songs today, people find that tone and find it very comforting to listen to,' said Jalota. The 71-year-old singer studied music at Bhatkhande Music Institute in Lucknow.
In the interview with The Lallantop, Anup Jalota recalled telling Kishoare Kumar that he was known as 'junior Kishore' in college, when he visited the singer at his home in Mumbai. Jalota had approached Kumar then to sing in two Hindi films that he was composing for — Ram Govind's Patton Ki Baazi (1986) and Tohfa Mohabbat Ka (1988), starring Govinda.
'When I reached his place, Kishore da said, 'I won't sing your songs.' I asked why. He said, 'Tum kuchh classical-vassical bana doge (You'll make something classical).' I've heard you're trained in classical music.' I said, 'No, I've made a song as per your style.' When I made him listen to it, it felt like Kishore has only sung it. So then he said, 'This is my song. I'll only sing it.' And then he did, wholeheartedly,' recalled Jalota.
Anup Jalota also hailed Kishore Kumar as a 'great actor,' which also reflected in his singing. 'He was a master at both serious acting and comedy. That mood also reflected in his singing. He was always in a fun mood. He loved comedy. He used to pull the leg of the director or the producer, whoever would come to the recording,' said Jalota.
Jalota recalled recording a song composed by Hridaynath Mangeshkar, in which he was singing alongside Kumar, Suresh Wadkar, Hariharan, and Ravindra Sathe. 'Kishore ji whispered into my ears, 'You guys will sing this one very well. What would I do here? Don't tell anyone, I'm leaving.' He sneaked out quietly. When Hridaynath ji asked Kishore ji to start singing, I told him he left. He was like that. He knew he'd explain it later that the other four sing better than him,' said Jalota.
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Kishore Kumar passed away in 1987, soon after his collaborations with Anup Jalota. His memorable songs include 'Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi' (Mr. X in Bombay, 1964), 'O Mere Dil Ke Chain' (Mere Jeevan Saathi, 1972), 'Dil Kya Kare' (Julie, 1975), 'Apni To Jaise Tase' (Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, 1978), 'Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan' (Dostana, 1980), 'Neele Neele Ambar Par' (Kalakaar, 1983), 'Saagar Jaisi Aankhonwali' (Saagar, 1985), and 'Zindagi Ki Yahi Reet Hai' (Mr. India, 1987).