Kishore Kumar possessed the remarkable ability to navigate and reinterpret the constraints of classical music. While he often broke free from these traditional structures, he never disregarded their significance. His songs could be sung by anyone, irrespective of their formal training or background. Consider the song ‘Thande Thande Paani Se Nahana Chahiye,’ a humorous song from the movie ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh.’ Despite its lightheartedness, the lyrics ‘Gaana aaye ya na aaye gaana chahiye’ (Whether you know how to sing or not, you should sing) perfectly capture the spirit of attempting a Kishore Kumar song. The awareness of classical knowledge and rigorous practice becomes apparent when one tries to replicate his nuanced style. This was a reflection of the depth of his musical understanding. His song ‘Ik Chatur Naar Karke Shringar,’ from the film ‘Padosan,’ is a delightful example of this, where he playfully engaged in a melodic battle with Manna Dey, with Kishore Kumar injecting a spirit of freedom, breaking the rigidness of classical training.
Breaking Barriers: Kishore Kumar’s Rise in the World of Music
By The Chhattisgarh1 Min Read