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Amit Kumar: The 10 Best Kishore Kumar Songs

Last updated on: May 15, 2013 14:50 IST
Amit Kumar

In show business with its fickle-minded patrons, Kishore Kumar's voice still resonates more than 25 years after he passed into the ages.

His son Amit Kumar, an accomplished singer himself, likes his father's lesser known songs with comic elements the most.

"Like the song Aaj Na Jaane Pagal Manwa (from his 1956 film) Begunaah. The film was taken down after Paramount (the Hollywood studio) realised that the film was a shot-by-shot remake of its production Knock On Wood so most people don't know about it," reveals Amit Kumar.

"The song features his famous yodelling," he says.

Amit Kumar list his 10 all-time favourite Kishore Kumar songs.

Continuing our celebration of 100 years of Indian cinema.

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Chingaari Koi Bhadke

Last updated on: May 15, 2013 14:50 IST
Amit Kumar sings Chingaari Koi Bhadke


Film: Amar Prem
Music: Rahul Dev Burman
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

This is one of Panchamda's most beautiful compositions.

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Husn Bhi Hai Udaas

Last updated on: May 15, 2013 14:50 IST
Amit Kumar sings Husn Bhi Hai Udaas


Film: Fareb
Music: Anil Biswas
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

This is one of my father's lesser known films; it released in 1952.

This song, a ghazal, is one of my all-time favourites.

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Aa Chal Ke Tujhe Main Le Ke Chaloon

Last updated on: May 15, 2013 14:50 IST
Amit Kumar sings Aa Chal Ke Tujhe Main Le Ke Chaloon


Film: Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein
Music: Kishore Kumar
Lyrics: Kishore Kumar

When this film was released in 1964 we didn't think it would go on to become the timeless classic it is now. My father also wrote the song.

It conveys a really sweet sentiment.

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Dukhi Man Mere

Last updated on: May 15, 2013 14:50 IST
Amit Kumar sings Dukhi Man Mere


Film: Funtoosh
Music: S D Burman
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi

This song from the hit Dev Anand starrer is a classic S D Burman composition.

Isse kehte hain bandish (This is what we call a composition).

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Milte Hi Nazar

Last updated on: May 15, 2013 14:50 IST
Amit Kumar sings Milte Hi Nazar


Film: New Delhi
Music: Shankar-Jaikishan
Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri and Shailendra

My father was cast opposite Vyjayanthimala in this 1956 film.

Although the song Nakhrewali became the most popular from this film's album, I like Milte Hi Nazar more.

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Khilte Hain Gul Yahan

Last updated on: May 15, 2013 14:50 IST
Amit Kumar sings Khilte Hain Gul Yahan


Film: Sharmeelee
Music: S D Burman
Lyrics: Neeraj

Another wonderful composition from S D Burman.

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Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi

Last updated on: May 15, 2013 14:50 IST
Amit Kumar sings Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi


Film: Mr X In Bombay
Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Lyrics: S A Ansari

It's incredible how talented Laxmikant-Pyarelal were.

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Hum Hain Raahi Pyar Ke

Last updated on: May 15, 2013 14:50 IST
Amit Kumar sings Hum Hain Raahi Pyar Ke


Film: Nau Do Gyarah
Music: S D Burman
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri

This is a very difficult song. It's like trying to sing a tongue-twister.

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Chup Ho Ja

Last updated on: May 15, 2013 14:50 IST
Amit Kumar sings Chup Ho Ja


Film: Bandi
Music: Hemant Kumar
Lyrics: Rajinder Krishan

Another lesser known song sung by my father that I really like.

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Aye Zindagi Hui Kahan Bhool

Last updated on: May 15, 2013 14:50 IST
Amit Kumar sings Aye Zindagi Hui Kahan Bhool


Film: Namumkin
Music: Rahul Dev Burman
Lyrics: Gulzar

A particularly contemplative number.