Kishore Kumar Ganguly aka Kishore Kumar is not just a name but a label, pretty sure all will agree. Evergreen and immortal as regarded by many Kishore Kumar is undoubtedly one of the greatest and best playback singers the Indian Film Industry got. A complete genius who wherever put his hands on turned things into gold.
His voice is such an appealing and melodic one that still today it melts down people’s hearts and changes their mood in a fraction of seconds. Songs sung by him are never old, rather give that retro vibe to go gaga over.
Kishore Kumar, the G.O.A.T. of the 19th-century music industry
Born the youngest of four siblings on 4th August 1929 to Bengali Brahmin parents in Khandwa (in Madhya Pradesh). His native name was Abhas Kumar Ganguly which he later changed to Kishore Kumar.
His two elder siblings being the famous Ashok Kumar, and Anoop Kumar who ventured into Indian Cinema before and hence paved a way for Kishore Kumar also to start his career in Bollywood. His uncanny knack for singing marked the starting of a new era in Indian playback Singing and changed its perspective completely.
He has tried his hands on everything from the soothing love songs to the sad heartbreaking songs to that of funny and ecstatic songs, classical, and emotional songs which constantly created newer challenges for him and he never stepped back rather conquered everything by giving newer heights. He is truly a legend not to be reborn.
Hence if you are an audiophile and love songs then this is the cue, the best old Kishore Kumar songs are listed below which you can listen to on loop:
1. Mere Sapno Ki Rani (Aradhana):
This song along with the combination of R.D. Burman’s flute from Aradhana became an anthem but is still and will continue to be a fresh and soothing song for appeasing any female heart.
2. O Saathi Re (Muqaddar ka Sikandar):
If you are a lover of soulful songs then this is one of Kishore Kumar's songs that is meant to be on the playlist. His voice mixed with the mesmerizing performance from Amitabh Bachchan immortalized this sorrowful song from the movie Muqaddar ka Sikandar.
3. Kuch Toh Log Kahenge (Amar Prem):
It’s pretty relatable! A song with fantastic lyrics depicting no matter what people will judge every time. Having Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore as the lead, this song sung by Kishore da is unforgettable.
4. Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi (Mr. X in Bombay):
Kishore da is not only remembered for his sensational songs but also his majestic acting. This romantic song sung by him was also picturized with him as the lead is one to be played on loop.
5. Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas (Blackmail):
What a relaxing song to enjoy with an assurance of it never being a tiring one. Most popular and most loved, this beautiful song featuring Rakhi and Dharmendra is an all-time favorite though it has been remixed yet the original is unbeaten.
6. Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si (Chalti ka Naam Gaadi):
Where this song featured a beautiful couple Madhubala and Kishore da on one side which made the "barish" song captivating, on the other hand with his majestic voice this song is idolized as the best Bollywood Love song in rain.
7. Yeh Shaam Mastani (Kati Patang):
Pretty confident that this song is known to everyone. Not only because it belongs to a superhit Shakti Samanta collection but also because of how this was sung. Personal favorite!
8. O Hansini (Zehreela Insaan):
Picturized on the hills this quintessentially popular piece belongs to the sought-after playlist of Kishore Kumar giving us the panoramic view of the hills and contrasting to it was the performance given by the dashing Rishi Kapoor making the song finest.
9. Jai Jai Shiv Shankar (Aap ki Kasam):
Oozing out that madness in this song Kishore da transformed it into an energetic piece that matches the nature of Shiva and made it an evergreen anthem played everywhere till today. Remade a lot but never can beat the original.
10. Meri Bhole Balam (Padosan):
The catchy music and gripping lyrics undoubtedly will make you be in awe of the song. Wonderfully sung by Kishore Kumar this song is a splendid creation from R.D. Burman Kishore Kumar's playlist.
11. Ek Chatur Naar Karke Sringar (Padosan):
One word to describe this song, marvelous! No wonder why the song reached extreme heights, the melody giant duo Kishore Kumar and Manna Dey’s clinical perfection with madness and superb energy made it bound to reach. Though the words don’t make much sense yet it's hysterical. Made to repeat.
12. Mere Saamne Wali Khidki Mein (Padosan):
R.D. Burman and Kishore Kumar, whenever this duo collaborated, larger-than-life songs were created and gifted to the audience. Playing Sunil Dutt’s voice Kishore Da made this song everlasting.
13. Meri Bheegi Bheegi Si (Anamika):
Voicing the legendary actor Sanjeev Kumar, this song is a classic served by Kishore Kumar. Nostalgic songs speak out one’s feelings, loud and are soothing to the ears. A song to change mood!
14. Aanewala Pal (Gol Maal):
A perfect travel song with appealing music and notes describing the philosophy of life in a comedy art again is a must in the playlist and not to be overlooked.
15. Gaata Rahe Mera Dil (Guide):
Emitting romance everywhere the Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar track makes everyone feel it through the whole heart. This Dev Anand classic with the lyrics of Gulzar has created magic all around.
16. Roop Tera Mastana (Aradhana):
Another iconic song of legendary Kishore Kumar and R.D. Burman is perfect for hitting the dance floors which went on to become one of the most loved songs for a dance number and this is the song that earned Kishore Kumar his first Filmfare as “Best Playback Singer”.
17. Rim Jhim Gire Sawan (Manzil):
With the vocals of Kishore Kumar, this song picturized on Amitabh Bachchan and Moushumi Chatterjee is a blessing to ears.
18. Zindagi Ke Safar (Aap Ki Kasam):
A wonderfully composed song vocalized by the Legendary Kishore Kumar, this song describing the long journey life has to prepare has made the utmost mark inside people’s hearts becoming immortal.
19. Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi (Aandhi):
This song which witnessed the pairing of acclaimed singers to form a legendary song for a well-esteemed personality i.e Indira Gandhi whose biopic is termed to be Aandhi is undoubtedly one of the most delightful songs to relax upon.
20. O Mere Dil Ke Chain (Jeevan Saathi):
These musical romantic songs of R.D.Burman, Kishore Kumar are as grooving as it was 40 years before. With Rajesh Khanna and Tanuja as the lead, this song explodes hormones till today.
21. Aake Seedhi Lage (Half Ticket):
As fun as Kishore Kumar. This song reveals that this man could do anything and everything. Since the female voice was unavailable, Kishore Kumar took up the responsibility of performing in both the vocals of male and female, astonishing the masses.
22. Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana (Andaz):
Well, most of Rajesh Khanna’s numbers during those days were sung by Kishore Kumar and this song is famous for that yodeling which this magician did at the end and turned the song to be a nostalgic piece, though there were other two versions of it this one served to be the best.
23. Yeh Dosti (Sholay):
Loved and remembered for generations now and to come. A duet by Manna Dey and Kishore Kumar from the masterpiece Sholay still gives goosebumps of how majestically Kishore da sang for Dharmendra and Manna dey rendered the voice to Amit Ji depicts friendship and is considered to be one of his famous friendship songs.
24. Khaike Paan Banaraswala (Don):
This song blew a soul to this film which was a breather. Popular and loved "Khaike Paan Banaraswala" changed the film’s fortunes and gave a huge success to the film as well as to Amitabh Bachchan and no doubt that Kishore Kumar’s imitation left everyone stunned.
25. Om Shanti Om (Karz)
Kishore Kumar’s modulation at his work is proved at every step and every challenge he took which is why these massively successful songs are still unbeaten and resonates with people more though there have been several alterations and remixes done. One such example is Om Shanti Om by Kishore Kumar.
26. Humein Tumse Pyar (Kudrat):
As infectious and as romantic as it was in 1981. This song by Kishore Kumar echoes the emotions of love and sadness with utmost clarity. No wonder why it was a chartbuster and became an evergreen song to celebrate love.
27. Ke Pag Ghungroo Badh (Namak Halal):
The way Kishore Da imitated the actors it felt that the song was sung by them, even this song is no exception. The reason why it is watched till today with that same enthusiasm is the way he sang, the music and definitely, the performance rendered by Amit Ji makes it yet another popular one.
28. Chukar Mere Mann Ko (Yaarana):
“Chukar Mere Mann Ko Kiya Tune Kya Ishara” is the soft soothing voice of the vocalist with the appealing background music, this song feels heavenly. Of all Kishore Kumar songs, this is a little distinct, where apart from his madness renditions modulates the song with a soft voice.
29. Shayad Meri Shaadi Ka Khayal (Soutan):
He indeed was a superstar. A versatile singer who could sing any mood and the songs are representations of his flexibility and wonderfully depicts his ability to change moods instantly. This rendition by Kishore Kumar for Rajesh Khanna and Tina Munim is still popular and fresh.
30. Eena Meena Deeka (Aasha):
Rock songs are nothing new; this 1957 song is believed to be the first rock song sung by the Genius along with Asha Ji and he proved that he can experiment in any genre. The rhythm of this song is extremely funny and fast, and the chorus is hilarious. Kishore Kumar was also the lead in the film.
31. Ek Ajnabee Haseena Se (Ajnabee):
A timeless song immortalized by Kishore Kumar, this romantic melody features the sizzling chemistry of Rajesh Khanna and Zeenat Aman in the movie Ajnabee is every bit romantic. You can even play it for your lady love, pretty sure she would be amazed.
32. Musafir Hu Yaron (Parichay):
It’s said hum sab "Ek Musafir Hai Iss Bhare Duniya Mein" and this song gives the whole meaning to it. It awakes and Musafir aware of the wanderer in us. This song lyricized by Gulzar and sung by the maestro takes us to a different world and makes us a part of it with ease. Must listen!
33. Chingari Koi Bhadke (Amar Prem):
Another superhit from the Rajesh Khanna RD Burman Kishore Kumar album which has the same fragrance even after years. Lyricized by Anand Bakshi, this song still leaves an exquisite impact.
34. Pyaar Deewana Hota Hai (Kati Patang):
Kati Patang directed by Shakti Samanta was a well-acclaimed female-oriented film and Rajesh Khanna, as usual, was as dashing as one could haven’t thought of. This stardom and this aura he owes’ to the legend Kishore Da whose songs added a boon to it. Even this classic from Kati Patang is again mesmerizing.
35. Agar Tum Na Hote (Agar Tum Na Hote):
The popular title track which has made a permanent place in our hearts was recorded in multiple versions but who can surpass the melody maestro, hence this wonderful piece composed by RD Burman is a must on the playlist.
36. Dil Kya Kare (Julie):
Favorite! The finest lyrics by Anand Bakshi and yes, Kishore Kumar nailed it. From a bold movie of that era, this song made a mark. Remixed and remade a lot in later years, it helped singers to create a position.
37. Neele Neele Ambar Par (Kalakaar):
Sung by Kishore da, composed by Kalyanji-Anandji, this song though it had its Mukda remade from a Tamil song sung by S.P. Balasubhrahmanyam, yet gives us the true feeling and indeed is a song to groove over.
38. Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan (Yaarana):
“Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan, Kahan Aisa Yaarana” if not mistaken then this song has found a place in our respective playlists and our hearts. The friendship song depicts the pious relation and is one of the finest Kishore songs.
39. Haal Kaisa Hai Janab Ka (Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi):
The man himself in the lead along with Madhubala, Ashok Kumar this movie is worth watching whereas the song on the other side is just magnificent in every way. Both Kishore Kumar and Asha Ji's performance was stellar.
40. Phoolon Ki Rang Se (Prem Pujari):
An evergreen classic was sung by Kishore da, composed by S.D. Burman and lyricized by Neeraj continues to be counted as the most preferred song.
41. Sagar Kinare (Saagar):
Featuring the beautiful couple, young Rishi Kapoor and his “Bobby” co-star Dimple Kapadia who again rocked the screens with their awful performance, and the icing on the cake was the song from Kishore Kumar composed by R D Burman and lyrics penned by Javed Akhtar remembered till date.
42. Yeh Kya Hua (Amar Prem):
With lots of short questions, this soulful song was quite interesting and not to say but the legendary voice paved a greater path for the song. Classic!
43. Apni Toh Jaise Taise (Laawaris):
A song with untitled fun, vocals of Kishore Kumar playing for Amitabh Bachchan this song is definitely for the craziest person in you. Vibe Changer!
44. Tere Mere Milan Ki (Abhimaan):
Abhimaan is a love story, a movie that gradually became a piece of art and the musical melodies in it changed the picture and gave it a new life. This song by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar shook our hearts to the core and stole it away. A must can listen on loop.
45. Chalte Chalte Mere Ye Geet (Chalte Chalte):
“Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna” and yes till today Kishore Kumar resides in our hearts and will continue to do so. As romantic as he was this song is a classic and the lyrics, I can assure will touch your hearts within seconds.
A never-ending list! This man has conquered our hearts with his striking performances every time and never really failed to impress us. Even after years of his death, these songs give us the most required vibe for every emotion.
His versatility is unforgettable. A mad genius who knew songs to the core. Kumar’s madness and tantrums blew soul to the songs which made people believe that he is a natural singer.
Not many singers have had that extreme talent that Kishore Kumar possessed. He had that extraordinary ability to deliver the best recordings which woes the masses every time they heard his songs, though he wasn’t formally trained, his talent was exceptionally gifted.
A voice that is remembered and will continue to be remembered even after now. A unique personality whose stardom is incomparable.
Though this success wasn’t an easy path yet he made it possible. It’s next to difficult to choose the best from old Kishore Kumar Songs but here is the list to repeatedly listen to, swear it won't disappoint you.
If I missed out on any of those beautiful songs, forgive me and comment the song name below to help everyone add that to the playlist.
Also, do like and share this list of beautiful, old, and soulful Kishore Kumar songs with everyone, especially your parents, they would love it(Let me know how they felt after you showed them the song list)
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