Singer Mahendra Kapoor passes away

Noted Bollywood singer Mahendra Kapoor, 74, passed away on Saturday evening at his residence at Bandra in Mumbai.

Kapoor was a heart patient and earlier too had suffered a stroke. He was also suffering from a kidney-related ailment.

He is survived by three daughters and a son, Rohan Kapoor.

Known for his patriotic songs picturised on actor Manoj Kumar, Kapoor got his first break in Bollywood after music director C Ramchandra gave him break to sing the song, Aadha Hai Chandra Ma, Raat Aadhi. The song was a hit and Kapoor shot to fame.

Kapoor was a favourite of producer-director B R Chopra and sang many songs in his films.

However, his most famous song was Meri Desh Ki Dhartee, Sona Ugle, Ugle Heere Moti for Upkaar on Manoj Kumar which won the prestigious national award.

His singing style was quite similar Mohammad Rafi whom he considered as his guru. He also won India's hightest civilian award, the Padmashree.

He also conducted popular Antakshari programmes with his son, actor turned anchor Rohan Kapoor.