Kishore Kumar Was Asked To Bribe A Minister To Win National Award: 'Got A Call From...'
Kishore Kumar's son revealed that the late legend was asked to 'give something' to a government official.
The 71st National Film Awards were announced yesterday, August 1, and Bollywood legends Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji secured their first wins in over 30 years of being in the film industry. This fact has left many fans shocked. However, did you know that cinema stalwarts like Kishore Kumar, Dharmendra, Rajesh Khanna, Dev Anand and Madhubala never won a National Award? In fact, Kishore Kumar was once asked to bribe someone in the ministry to bag a win.
In an earlier chat with Vickey Lalwani, Kishore Kumar's son, Amit Kumar, revealed that the late legend was once close to winning the National Award for Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein. Kishore Kumar played a serious role in the 1964 film opposite his son Amit Kumar. The film was a huge box office success and was even considered for the National Award. However, the film's road to achievement was blocked by a demand for a bribe by 'someone' in the ministry.
Amit Kumar revealed, 'He got a call from Delhi from someone in the Ministry. At that time, Haqeeqat, Dosti, and Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein were being considered (for the National Award). They told my father, 'If you do something, give something, then we can get you nominated.' My father was like, 'Why are you after my life? My film is a hit.'"
'The film ran for 23 weeks at Super Cinema. In Delhi-UP, the film was a silver jubilee. Then he sold the rights to a Tamil filmmaker. The remake was called Ramu. That won the National Award," Amit noted. Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein, an adaptation of the American film The Proud Rebel, was remade in Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam due to its commercial success.
Kishore Kumar passed away on October 13, 1987, leaving behind a legacy that transcends generations. Kishore Kumar, an iconic figure in Indian cinema, left an indelible mark as a multifaceted genius—singer, actor, director, and composer. Known for his natural acting and effortless singing, his performances in films like Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958), Padosan (1968), and Half Ticket (1962) became legendary. Despite a stellar career, Kishore Kumar never won a National Award.
First Published:
August 02, 2025, 07:48 IST
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