Lesser known facts about Hemant Kumar

Hemant Kumar, born Hemanta Kumar Mukhopadhyay, was a multifaceted artist known for his contributions as a playback singer, music director, and film producer in the Indian film industry. Here are some lesser-known facts about Hemant Kumar:

1. Early Life and Education:
   Hemant Kumar was born on June 16, 1920, in Varanasi, British India. His early education took place in Calcutta (now Kolkata), where he showed an early interest in music.
2. Versatility as a Singer:
   Hemant Kumar was renowned for his soulful and versatile singing. While he was known for his playback singing in Hindi films, he also sang in several other languages, including Bengali, Marathi, and Oriya.
3. Founding Geetanjali Records:
   Hemant Kumar founded Geetanjali Records, his own music label, in 1953. This label played a crucial role in promoting and preserving Bengali music, and it provided a platform for new and talented artists.
4. Bengali Music and Poetry:
   Apart from his work in Hindi cinema, Hemant Kumar made significant contributions to Bengali music. He collaborated with poets like Rabindranath Tagore, Nazrul Islam, and others to create timeless compositions.
5. Contribution to Bengali Cinema:
   In addition to being a playback singer, Hemant Kumar also worked as a music director for Bengali films. His compositions in Bengali cinema are highly regarded and include some evergreen songs.
6. Famous Collaboration with Salil Chowdhury:
   Hemant Kumar had a notable collaboration with another legendary music director, Salil Chowdhury. Their partnership resulted in some memorable and socially relevant songs in Hindi cinema.
7. Hindi Film Production:
   Hemant Kumar ventured into film production with his company Hem Films. He produced and directed a few Hindi films, including the critically acclaimed “Bees Saal Baad” (1962).
8. Acting Stint:
   Hemant Kumar also tried his hand at acting. He appeared in a few Bengali films, showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry.
9. Recognition as a Music Director:
   Hemant Kumar won the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director for his work in the film “Nagin” (1954). His compositions in films like “Kohra” (1964) and “Bees Saal Baad” are considered classics.
10. Poetry and Literary Pursuits:
    Hemant Kumar was not only a musician but also a poet. He wrote under the pseudonym “Snehlata.” His literary contributions included poems and songs that reflected his deep understanding of emotions and relationships.
11. Tragic Death:
    Hemant Kumar passed away on September 26, 1989, at the age of 69. His untimely death left a void in the music industry, but his timeless songs continue to be cherished by music lovers.