Mahender Kapoor
Sept 27, 2008 Mahendra Kapoor ‘The Great’ passed away in Mumbai. May God rest his soul in peace. Amen!
I markedly remember the very first film I saw on Theatre – way back in 72 or 73 – with my Dad, that movie was ‘Purab or Paschim’. That film left an ‘indelible’ impression on my mind and the song ‘Jab Zero Diya mere Bharat Ne…’ became like an Anthem for me – it still is. On numerous occasions I sang this in school assemblies standing on Dias and then on hardly any 15th August or 26th January School celebrations passed without me singing that song.
“Mahendra Kapoor sang it”, was told by my Dad. That is when I came to know about him and since then has been a fan of his voice. His voice – over the period – became synonymounus with the patriotic songs. ‘Mere Desh Ki Dharti…’ another great one. His high pitched voice suits and do magic along with the sentiment, must tell u that. Though I am no singer my self but have appreciating ears for music.
Md. Rafi, Mukesh, Talat, S D Burman, Hemant, all were great singers and I admire all. Talat Mehmood’s ‘Tasveer Banata Hoon; Tasveer Nahin Banti…’ is one of my countless favorite of many. Each one of these greats deserves accolades for what they gave us. I – as a music fan – am indebted to all of them.
But then my very very favorites were are and shall always be: Kishore then Manna Dey and Mahendra Kapoor.
Mahendra Kapoor + Ravi + B R Chopra and Sunil Dutt made a great team. ‘Kisi Pathar Ki Murat se Mohabbat Ka Irada hai….’ Or ‘Tum Agar Saath Dena Ka …’ (Gumraah film) or MK with late O P Nayyar… what else a music lover wish!
I can go on and on and on…
But, what made me MK’s big fan is his singing Shiv Kumar Batalvi’s poetry.
Listen it here, any of it and you will know what I mean.
May God rest his soul in peace. For me he is still around us, as I am listening to him singing Btalavi’s poem ‘Bhatti Waliye PeeRaan Da Pharga Bhun De…’
PI.
