When I read about the great Indian singer, Mahendra Kapoor’s death, I felt a jolt. It was as if I had lost a part of my existence. I had grown up listening to Mahendra Kapoor’s songs and I was his big fan.
Though I don’t know much about his background, I was very much impressed by his simplicity. A few years back, I chanced upon as interview he was giving on a TV channel. He was simply attired and his answers were humble. When asked about his initial struggle in the film industry, he very simply said he didn’t have to struggle. That, when young, he once participated in a singing competition, was noticed, and that was that. No ego, no ornamental words. He didn’t have to look back. His type of songs came to him only and he was satisfied. Simple and humble words.
Though he was a great singer, he never attempted to come in the limelight. While talents of other great singers like Rafi and Kishore Kumar cannot be denied, I believe, Mahendra Kapoor, Manna Dey and Talat Mehmood were a class apart with their distinct voices. Only these singers could have done justice to the songs that have sung. Who can forget Kapoor’s “Chalo ek baar phir se”, Manna’s “Laga chunri mein daag” and Talat’s “Phir vahi shaam, vahi gham, vahi tanhai hai”. Even after decades, these songs are liked by all and sundry.
While Talat and Kapoor are no more with us, may God rest their souls in peace. Manna Dey is still with us. Thank God for that. May he live forever-he is the last of the Greats.
Though I don’t know much about his background, I was very much impressed by his simplicity. A few years back, I chanced upon as interview he was giving on a TV channel. He was simply attired and his answers were humble. When asked about his initial struggle in the film industry, he very simply said he didn’t have to struggle. That, when young, he once participated in a singing competition, was noticed, and that was that. No ego, no ornamental words. He didn’t have to look back. His type of songs came to him only and he was satisfied. Simple and humble words.
Though he was a great singer, he never attempted to come in the limelight. While talents of other great singers like Rafi and Kishore Kumar cannot be denied, I believe, Mahendra Kapoor, Manna Dey and Talat Mehmood were a class apart with their distinct voices. Only these singers could have done justice to the songs that have sung. Who can forget Kapoor’s “Chalo ek baar phir se”, Manna’s “Laga chunri mein daag” and Talat’s “Phir vahi shaam, vahi gham, vahi tanhai hai”. Even after decades, these songs are liked by all and sundry.
While Talat and Kapoor are no more with us, may God rest their souls in peace. Manna Dey is still with us. Thank God for that. May he live forever-he is the last of the Greats.
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