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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Kishore Kumar refused to pay bribe to 'someone in ministry' for National Award, reveals son Amit Kumar
It is no exaggeration to call Kishore Kumar one of the most iconic and successful singers in Indian entertainment history. Ironically enough, despite being considered one of the finest playback singers in Indian cinema, Kishore never won a National Film Award. In a recent interview, his son and singer Amit Kumar revealed that the late singer did once come close to a National Award win, but was deterred by the demand for a bribe. In the 1960s, after Kishore's films as an actor began flopping, he turned director with Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein, which also starred Amit alongside him. The film was released in 1964 and was a stupendous box office success. At the time, it was reported that the film was being considered for the National Awards. In an interview with Vickey Lalwani, Amit confirmed this. When asked if there was an offer of a bribe as had been reported, Amit replied, "Yes, that happened. 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.'' Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein, an adaptation of the American film The Proud Rebel, was a critical and commercial success. It was later remade in Tamil as Ramu, in Telugu as Ramu as well, and in Malayalam as Babumon. Noting an irony, Amit recalled, "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." While largely known as a singer, Kishore directed 12 films, of which 8 found release and 4 were abandoned. His final directorial, Mamta Ki Chhaon Mein, was a spiritual sequel to Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein. Starring Amit Kumar, Ashok Kumar, Rajesh Khanna and Leena Chandavarkar, it was released in 1990, three years after Kishore's death.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Kishore Kumar refused to give bribe to get National Award nomination, recalls son Amit: ‘The remake of his film in Tamil won the award'
Actor, singer, and filmmaker Kishore Kumar's legacy in Hindi cinema is unparalleled. Despite leaving an indelible mark that inspired generations, the all-rounder of Hindi cinema never received a National Award. In a recent interaction, his son Amit Kumar spoke about an incident that took place after the release of Kishore Kumar's film Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein, when the legendary artist was asked for a bribe in exchange for a National Award nomination. What followed reflected Kishore Kumar's strong principles. In a recent conversation with Vickey Lalwani, Amit admitted that there was buzz around Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein being considered for a National Award. 'Yes, the film was recommended for National Awards.' When asked whether Kishore Kumar was asked for a bribe just to get nominated, Amit shared, 'Somebody from the Ministry in Delhi had called my father. At that time, films like Haqeeqat, Dosti and Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein were being considered. They told my father, 'If you give something then we can get you nominated.' My father was like, 'Why are you after my life? My film is a hit.'' 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.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Amit Trivedi at his concert: I am an accidental singer
Amit Trivedi Amit Trivedi lit up his Sunday concert in Mumbai with an energetic performance at the Music For A Cause concert, raising funds for cancer patients. Opening with Namo Namo, Amit took the packed auditorium on a rollercoaster ride of chartbusters, from Jaikal Mahakal, Manja, Zinda, to Andhadhun, Naina Da Kya Kasoor, and Tai Tai Phiss. But the night was more than just a setlist, it was a homecoming. 'I have so many memories here,' said an emotional Amit, as he recalled his early days as a musician seated in the audience. 'I've seen some amazing artistes here and learned so much. To now stand on this very stage, it feels like life has come full circle. I'm honored to perform for such a noble cause and raise funds for cancer patients.' The celebrated composer, who humbly called himself an 'accidental singer,' also spoke about his love for creating music. 'I've always considered myself a composer first, creating music, crafting sounds, and building ideas is what truly drives me. Singing was never the plan, but it just happened. I'd record my scratch vocals for songs, and directors or producers would end up liking them so much, they'd ask me to sing the final version too. That's how I became an accidental singer. But in the process, I've had the privilege of collaborating with some incredibly talented artists in the industry, and that's been a real blessing." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Devender Pal Singh, Janvi Jain, Amit Trivedi, Meghna Mishra and Arun Kamath (From L-R) Devender Pal Singh, Janvi Jain, Amit Trivedi, Meghna Mishra and Arun Kamath Amit introduced his accompanying singers, Meghna Mishra, Janvi Jain, Arun Kamath, and Devender Pal Singh, calling them 'not backing vocals but brilliant artistes in their own right.' Together, they brought the house down with songs like Shauq, Ghodey Pe Sawaar, Sawar Loon, Sham, Ikk Kudi, Pareshaan, and Daryaa. Amit's concert in Mumbai One of the most magical moments of the evening came when a giant screen lit up with lyrics of Iktara, turning the entire audience into a flawless choir. 'Are there singers here? You were all singing in perfect sur and taal!' Amit grinned, before inviting them to join in the next song. 'Let's use this chorus now!' The energy soared as he performed indie hits like Madhubala and Rangeeni, followed by a pan-India tribute titled 'Songs of India', featuring regional gems like Pashmina (Kashmir), Monta Re (Bengal), Shubhaarambh (Gujarat), Navrai Maajhi (Maharashtra), Chaudhary (Rajasthan), and Gal Mitthi Mitthi (Punjab). Amit Trivedi Amit Trivedi's concert The Shanmukhananda Auditorium resembled a massive party venue during the finale when Amit belted out fan favourites like Ud-daa Punjab, Hungama Ho Gaya, Dreamum Wakeupum, Chokra Jawaan, Gulaabo, Shaam Shaandaar, London Thumakda and Emotional Atyachaar. The Cancer Patients Aid Association hosted this emotionally charged concert to mark World No Tobacco Day, delivering a compelling message 'Choose Life, Not Tobacco', while generating support for cancer patients. Alka Sapru, CEO of CPAA, along with Anita Peter, Executive Director, CPAA, felicitated Amit Trivedi on stage post the event. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
India banks on track stars for strong medal show in Asian Championships
The redoubtable Neeraj Chopra will be missing in action, but the 59-strong Indian contingent would nonetheless aim for a double-digit medal haul, riding primarily on strong performances by its track athletes when the 26th Asian Athletics Championship gets underway in Gumi on Tuesday (May 27, 2025). Chopra has yet again decided to skip the biennial event to focus on the Diamond League series leaving Pakistan's Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem as the top draw in the men's javelin throw competition. The Indian challenge in this event would be anchored by the relatively inexperienced Sachin Yadav and Yashvir Singh. The men's 20km race walk will be the first medal event of the championships on Tuesday (May 27, 2025). Servin Sebastian, 25, and Amit, 21, will be the Indian representatives and have posted competitive times in the build up to the event. Sebastian ran a personal best of 1:21:23 to win gold at the Uttarakhand National Games in February. He continued his good run at the Indian Open Race Walking Competition in April by winning gold (1:21:47). Amit has a personal and season best of 1:21:52 posted in April in Chandigarh. Both of them are banking on "conducive" conditions to ensure a strong performance. "The local weather conditions in the morning are conducive for distance events. I should be able to improve my personal best on Tuesday (May 27, 2025)," Sebastian said of his preparation in a press release issued by Athletics Federation of India (AFI). After the race walking event in the morning session, focus during the day will shift to track and field events. The women's javelin throw is the second medal event and for India, Asian Games champion Annu Rani would be a strong hope. The 32-year-old has a season's best of 58.82m recorded in March in Mumbai, which is nowhere close to her best. Her personal best and national record of 63.82m was set in 2022 and she finished fourth at the previous edition of the continental meet in Bangkok in 2023. The day will also see Indian quarter-milers go through the preliminary round grind to advance to the semifinals scheduled later during the day. Rupal Chaudhary, Vithya Ramraj (both women), Jay Kumar and Vishal TK (both men) will be in action in their respective 400m heats. The quarter-milers are also expected to do well in the 4x400 relays to be held later in the championship but have already been struck by controversy after a woman member of the team was dropped owing to a suspected dope violation. At the fag-end of day one, onus will be on India's star distance runner and Asian Games medallist Gulveer Singh to enhance medal tally. The 26-year-old will compete in men's 10,000m. Singh has a personal and season's best time of 27:00.22 seconds posted earlier in March on the USA circuit. Sawan Barwal will be the second Indian runner in fray in the 25-lap race. Sarvesh Anil Kushare (men's high jump qualification) and Yoonus Shah (men's 1500m heat) will also be in action on day one of the Asian meet. The Indian men's triple jump team of Praveen Chithravel and Abdulla Aboobacker too have a bright chance of a podium finish. Aboobacker is the defending champion. Chithravel's season's best of 17.37m recorded during a domestic meet in April, has given a big boost to his confidence. "There will be no triple jump qualification on day one. The competitors will directly showcase their potential in the final on day two," chief national coach Radhakrishnan Nair said. The spotlight will also be on Avinash Sable (men's 3000m steeplechase) and rising stars such as Jyothi Yarraji (100m hurdles) and Parul Chaudhary (women's 3000m steeplechase). The elite continental showpiece will feature 2000 athletes from 43 countries of the region with China and Japan being the most successful in terms of medals won. India is third on the all-time list. In the previous edition held in Bangkok, India logged its joint best ever performance, snaring 27 medals, including six gold, 12 silver and nine bronze. The Indian contingent would be hoping to at least match, if not better, this performance.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kishore Kumar's son Amit reveals he used to kick his 'mummy' Madhubala while sleeping: 'Aapka ladka bahut laat maarta hai'
Legendary playback singer Kishore Kumar 's son, Amit Kumar , recently shared heartfelt recollections of his early years and the unique family dynamics that shaped his childhood. Amit spoke openly about his father's marriages and his own bond with his stepmothers — particularly the late actor Madhubala . Amit opens up about sleeping with Madhubala In a conversation with Vickey Lalwani, Amit revealed that he maintained a neutral and affectionate relationship with each of his father's wives. He mentioned that he once lived with his father and Madhubala and warmly remembered calling her "mummy." Kishore Kumar and Madhubala's love story 'Yes, I would. I was comfortable. I never grumbled about anything. I used to call her 'mummy' only. She used to come here as well, once or twice. I had a habit of kicking a lot while sleeping at night. Madhu ji used to sleep between me and Baba. Main pair maarta tha, mujhe maalum nahi (I would kick in my sleep),' he shared. Amit recalled a light-hearted moment between his father and Madhubala, saying, 'She once told him, 'Aapka ladka bahut laat maarta hai (your son kicks a lot)'.' He also praised Kishore Kumar for being a devoted husband to the ailing Madhubala. 'He took immense care of her. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo He took her to London for treatment,' he added. Amit called them a 'fantastic and superhit pair' in real life. Amit about spending holidays in Mumbai with parents The singer also expressed gratitude for the unconditional love he received from both his parents, despite their separation. He also recalled spending holidays in Mumbai and called it 'heaven'. He was always keen to meet his father whenever he visited Kolkata, which he did very often. Amit's bond with his father's wives Amit also shed light on the harmonious bond shared by his mother, Ruma Guha Thakurta, and Kishore Kumar's fourth wife, Leena Chandavarkar. They had been staying together in the same house for 12 years. They all used to eat together and were broad-minded. 'I am lucky that way. I really love my parents; I miss them. They taught me these things,' he said. Kishore Kumar passed away in 1987 following a heart attack. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
