The name Kishore Kumar or Kishore Da as I fondly call brings a smile upon faces. It’s not just because he was a great singer, but because he was a great singer also apart from being a extremely funny person. When you think of somebody that can do physical comedy, Kishore Da’s name should be a common choice. It’s hard to believe that he NEVER had any formal training and still managed to sing some of the most difficult song with ease. Being a brother to Ashok Kumar was intimidating enough, Kishore Da not only succeeded in acting but became a legend as a singer. A lot of the songs that you will see in my list are composed by Pancham Da, needless to say that the combo of these 2 Geniuses is just divine.
Choosing top 20 Kishore Da songs is an impossible task but I am going to try my best, although he sung some great duets I am going to list his solos to give a different perspective to this list, so here we go in no particular order
1.Main Shayar Badnaam From Namak Haram
One of the finest Sad songs sung by Kishore Da and Composed by Pancham Da
picturized on Raza Murad who’s dying and whose words are rendered by a
reluctant but thoughtful Rajesh Khanna.
2.Jeevan Se Bhari From Safar
A true Artist at work, Rajesh Khanna plays an artist in this movie and this song brings out his character to the T. A classic composed by Kalyanji-Anandji, I picked this song over Zindagi Ka Safar because it’s different, there a lot of songs that teach about life.
3.Phir Wohi Raat Hai From Ghar
A Dream woven by Gulzar Saab and Pancham Da, brought to life by Kishore Da, an extremely well sung song although some people may point out this song’s similarity to a famous Karen Carpenter Song, it’s the adaptation and singing that makes this song special.
4.Zaroorat Hai From Manmauji
It’s said that before recording this song, Kishore Da ate a lot of pickle which is the last thing any singer would want to do, he not only sung this difficult song composed by Madan Mohan with ease, he ended up picking a filmfare award, talk about overcoming challenges.
5.Main Hoon Jhum Jhum Jhumroo From Jhumroo
Yodelling as good as it gets, this was not only one of first yodelling songs in Indian screen but also the best till date, you will have to hear it to believe it.
6.Aanewala Pal From GolMaal
Another classic from KGP Camp(Kishore Da, Gulzar Saab, Pancham Da), a melodious song in a movie that is dominated by it’s performers, finds a special place of itself.
7.O Hansini From Zahreela Insaan
A not so familiar song but extremely beautiful song that features excellent words.
8.Yeh Kya Hua from Amar Prem
Instant classic featuring Rajesh Khanna, this song can be heard any number of times, and each time you will think this is the first time you’ve heard it.
9.Baad Muddat Ke From Kaash
Another sad song that is meticulously sung by Kishore da featuring Jackie shroff whose undying love for his dying son shows off.
10.Chala Jaata Hoon From Mere Jeevan Saathi
Another jewel in the crown as far as yodelling goes in Indian cinema, a fast paced song featuring Rajesh Khanna.
11.Dil Aaj Shayar Hai From Gambler
A superbly sung song, composed by Senior Burman(Sachin Da). This is a very difficult song but Kishore da seem to do the best when offered the most difficult of them.
12.Dilbar Mere From Satte Pe Satta
A simple yet powerful song professing his love to the lady love featuring Amitabh and Hema Malini.
13.Duniya O Duniya From Naya Zamana
Our Good Old’Dharam Paaji’ featured in this Sachin Da song about world and its beings.
14.Jaane Kya Sochkar From Kinara
One of most favorites, this song arrests you from the get go and keeps you gasping for more. Brilliantly written by Gulzar Saab, as usual impeccably composed by Pancham da, sung by Kishore Da. This is a sure listen for every fan.
15.O Maajhi Re From Khushboo
Ditto as #14, basically the same team(Including Jeetendra), it’s one the best(perhaps best) boat songs on Indian cinema.
16.Panthi From Door Ka Raahi
This song was composed by Kishore Da himself and he was his usual, creative as ever.
17.Kya Khabar From Saaheb
An extremely well composed song by Bappi Lahiri sung to perfection by Kishore da, this song will make you think.
18.Ghungroo Ki Tarah From Chor Machaye Shor
Good old Ravindra Jain saab created this beautiful and difficult song picturized on Shashi Kapoor sung by Kishore Da.
19.Koi Hota Jisko Apna From Mere Apne
Salil Da, do I need to say more, classic from the get go, any lonely person will identify with this song.
20.Maujon Ki Doli From Jeevan Jyoti
Ditto as # 19, but this is a happy song about wedding and Kishore Da put his best.
Take care folks.