Kishore Kumar's contribution to Marathi cinema

On his 85th birth anniversary, we take a look at the singing legend of Bollywood, Kishore Kumar. The versatile actor, who has always showcased his talent in acting and singing in Hindi films, has also contributed to Marathi films. Kishore Kumar was a phenomenon for Indian music industry. He was an acclaimed singer and an equally acclaimed actor too. Kishore was known for his excellent comic timing and his comedy was considered as class of its own. Kishore’s Marathi connect was also very strong as his fourth wife actress Leena Chandavarkar was a Maharashtrian by birth. He sang in many Indian languages including Bengali, Hindi, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Malayalam, Oriya, and Urdu. On the occasion of his birth anniversary we look at his connection with Marathi films and artists.

Kishore Kumar sang one of the most popular Marathi sings till date ‘Ashwini Ye Na’ from Sachin Pilgaonakr’s movie ‘Gammat Jammat’ featuring actors Ashok Saraf and Charusheela Sable. Till date the film is remembered for the song and as Varsha Usgaonkar’s debut film. The song is about a man who is missing his wife and calling for her. Kishore managed to bring that feel of longing as well as maintained the comic element of the situation in the film. Arun Paudwal had composed music for this film.

Kishore Kumar’s another Marathi song ‘Tuzhi Mazhi Jodi Jamli’ also features actor Ashok Saraf along with actress Kishori Shahane. This film too was directed by Sachin Pilgaonkar. For this film too Arun Paudwal was the music director. The film was directed by Sachin Pilgaonkar with whom Kishore has worked in about 21 movies in various capacities. In both the films Sachin hired Kishore Kumar to lend his voice for Ashok Saraf who was then a big star of Marathi films.