July 22, marks the birth anniversary of the legendary playback singer Mukesh. He was born as Mukesh Chand Mathur in 1923 and was considered one of the greatest male playback singers in the film industry, alongside legends like Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar. His voice had a unique and touching quality that could deeply move people to tears.
Mukesh, proclaimed as ‘Voice of the millennium’, is one of the iconic singers who was considered among the most popular and acclaimed playback singers of the Hindi film industry back in the 60s.
Legendary singer Mukesh got his big break with the film “Pehli Nazar” in 1945. He went on to sing some of the most memorable songs in movies like “Aag” (1948) and “Dharam Karam” (1975). He had a special association with , and together, they created some of the most iconic songs in Indian cinema. Today, we celebrate the legacy of this remarkable singer and the beautiful music he gifted to the world.
His song ‘Kai Baar Yuhi Dekha Hai’ from the film ‘Rajnigandha’ (1973) won him the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer. He was among one of the legendary top three playback singers, he even sang for actor Dev Anand and was the first voice of celebs like Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Rishi Kapoor, and Rajesh Khanna.
On the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary, take a look at his timeless melodies:
1. Ek Pyaar Ka Naghma Hai
The track first appeared in the 1972 film ‘Shor’ and became an instant hit due to its soulful lyrics written by Santosh Anand and composition by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. The song received massive response from the audience.
2. Awara Hoon
Penned by Shailendra and composed by Shankar Jaikishan the song featured in the film ‘Awaara’ and became an instant hit. The song represents the carefree character of the protagonist, Raj Kapoor, who accepts life’s obstacles with optimism.
3. Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan
Talking about Mukesh’s iconic song, how can someone forget this evergreen hit from the film ‘Mera Naam Joker’. This soulful track is an ode to life’s journey, capturing the essence of pleasures, sorrows, and emotions felt along the road.
4. Aa Ab Laut Chalein
The track from the film ‘Jis Desh Me Ganga Behti Hai’, in which Raj Kapoor plays a rustic villager highlights a desire to return to one’s roots and motherland. Mukesh’s powerful performance, supported by Shankar Jaikishan’s music and Shailendra’s evocative lyrics, elevates the song to an emotional and unforgettable level.
5. Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaaye
From the film ‘Anand’ (1971), this soulful song is a poignant reflection on life’s transient nature. Sung by Mukesh for ‘s character in the movie, the song tugs at the heartstrings with its heartfelt lyrics penned by Yogesh and soul-stirring music composed by Salil Chowdhury. It beautifully captures the bittersweet emotions of love, loss, and cherishing the moments we have.
These songs not only showcase Mukesh’s exceptional vocal abilities but also highlight his ability to evoke emotions and connect with listeners on a profound level. Each song has its own unique essence and continues to be cherished by music enthusiasts across generations.
