Mukesh: The Soulful Voice of Indian Cinema
Image Courtesy: Google Doodle
Mukesh Chand Mathur (22 July 1923 – 27 August 1976) better known mononymously as Mukesh, was an Indian playback singer. Mukesh is considered to be one of the most popular and acclaimed playback singers of the Hindi film industry.
Life and Career
Mukesh was born on July 22, 1923, in Delhi, India. He showed a keen interest in music from a young age and moved to Mumbai (then Bombay) in the 1940s to pursue a career in playback singing for Hindi films. Initially, he faced challenges and struggled to find opportunities. His breakthrough came in 1945 when he sang the song “Dil Jalta Hai To Jalne De” for the film “Pehli Nazar.”
Mukesh’s soulful and emotive voice quickly captivated audiences, and he became one of the most sought-after playback singers in the 1950s and 1960s. He collaborated with music directors like Naushad, Shankar-Jaikishan, and Madan Mohan, among others, creating numerous melodious and memorable songs.
Some of his most famous and beloved songs include “Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein,” “Chandan Sa Badan,” “Jeena Yahan Marna Yahan,” “Maine Tere Liye Hi Saat Rang Ke Sapne,” and “Dost Dost Na Raha.” Mukesh passed away on August 27, 1976, at the age of 53. His untimely demise was a significant loss to the Hindi film industry and left a void that remains in the hearts of music lovers to this day.
Award and Legacy
Throughout his career, Mukesh received several accolades for his exceptional singing talent. He won the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the song “Kai Baar Yuhi Dekha Hai” from the film “Rajnigandha” (1974). He followed that up with wins in 1976 at the Filmfare Awards for four songs, most notably “Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein,” the title track of the film Kabhie Kabhie and the inspiration for today’s Doodle.
Mukesh’s voice was known for its depth, emotion, and the ability to connect with the listeners’ hearts. He had a unique style that perfectly complemented the on-screen emotions of the actors he lent his voice to. His songs continue to be popular and evoke nostalgia among generations of music enthusiasts.
Mukesh’s legacy as one of the all-time great playback singers of Indian cinema is firmly established. Even decades after his demise, his songs remain timeless classics, and his contribution to the world of music is cherished and celebrated by fans and music aficionados alike. On 22 July 2016, Google celebrated Mukesh’s 93rd Birthday with a doodle.
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