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“Who said I’m crazy. The world is crazy; not me.” – Kishore Kumar

Today is the 82nd birth anniversary of actor-singer-lyricist-composer-director-scriptwriter-producer Kishore Kumar and he continues to live within us, through the wonderful numbers he sang, and that have immortalised him for generations to come.A simple man from a small town (Khandwa), he came to erstwhile Bombay just to be a singer. Life had other plans for him and he ended up donning many hats. Some of his songs that continue to mesmerise people, both young and old, are: Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si, Haal Kaisa Hai Janab Ka, Chalte Chalte, Dilbar Mere, Saagar Jaisi Aankhonwali, Saagar Kinare, Roop Tera Mastana, Mere Sapnon Ki Rani and Aanewala Pal among many others. Though SD Burman had given Kishore Kumar his first break as a singer, his friendship with RD Burman resulted in some classics which continue to seep into new generation films as remixes, tributes, adaptations and in some cases even inspire films like the recent YRF production Bachna Ae Haseenon. According to an old interview of RD Burman, “He is flexible. He can sing a classical song better than any of the others. I know because I’ve worked with all of them. He can sing a funny song or a sad song, nobody can beat him in versatility. He has never learnt any music but his ability to grasp is the secret of his success. He observes the music director and mimics.” Kishore was not just a singer par excellence; his creative genius was revered by many and misunderstood by a few. Kishore da, you will live in our hearts forever!