Unknown facts about Kishore kumar

Kishore Kumar, one of India’s most legendary playback singers, actors, and filmmakers, had a fascinating life filled with interesting and lesser-known facts. Here are some intriguing facts about Kishore Kumar:

Multifaceted Talent: Kishore Kumar was not just a singer; he was also an accomplished actor, music composer, lyricist, director, producer, and screenwriter. He acted in over 80 films and directed and produced several others.
Lack of Formal Training: Despite being one of the greatest singers in Indian cinema, Kishore Kumar had no formal training in music. His unique voice and natural talent made him a standout in the industry.
Aspired to be a Singer, Not an Actor: Kishore Kumar initially came to Mumbai with the dream of becoming a playback singer, but his elder brother, Ashok Kumar, a famous actor, encouraged him to try his hand at acting. Although he acted in several successful films, his heart was always in singing.
Quirky Personality: Kishore Kumar was known for his eccentric and quirky personality. He had a playful nature and would often engage in pranks on film sets. He even had a signboard outside his home that read, “Beware of Kishore.”
Yodelling: Kishore Kumar was famous for his yodelling, a singing technique he mastered by listening to Western music, particularly Swiss and Austrian folk songs. This became one of his trademarks and set him apart from other singers of his time.
Four Marriages: Kishore Kumar was married four times. His wives were Ruma Guha Thakurta, Madhubala, Yogeeta Bali, and Leena Chandavarkar. His marriage to actress Madhubala is particularly well-known, especially given the tragic nature of her untimely death.
Reluctant Actor: Although he was a successful actor, Kishore Kumar was never fond of acting and often tried to avoid it. He would reportedly demand high fees for films or behave eccentrically on set to discourage producers from casting him.
Tax Avoidance Pranks: Kishore Kumar had an aversion to paying taxes, which led to some humorous incidents. On one occasion, when an income tax officer came to his house, Kishore climbed a tree and pretended to be insane, yelling, “I don’t have any money!”
A Rebel Artist: Kishore Kumar had a rebellious streak. During the Emergency in India (1975-77), he refused to sing for a government event organized by Sanjay Gandhi, leading to a temporary ban on his songs on All India Radio and Doordarshan.
Composer and Lyricist: Kishore Kumar composed music for several films, including his own productions. He was also a lyricist and wrote many of his songs, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
Filmfare Awards: Kishore Kumar won eight Filmfare Awards for Best Male Playback Singer, making him one of the most awarded singers in the history of Indian cinema.
Unreleased Projects: Kishore Kumar had several ambitious film projects that were never completed. One such project was a science fiction film titled “Zindagi” that he had planned in the 1960s, but it was never made.
Fear of Ghosts: Despite his larger-than-life personality, Kishore Kumar had an irrational fear of ghosts. He would avoid staying in hotels that were rumored to be haunted and insisted on leaving film sets before sunset.
Philanthropic Side: Kishore Kumar was known for his generosity. He would often help struggling artists financially and never hesitated to support those in need, though he rarely publicized his charitable acts.
Mysterious Death: Kishore Kumar passed away on October 13, 1987, on his elder brother Ashok Kumar’s birthday. The cause of his death was a heart attack, but the timing and circumstances added an air of mystery to his demise.