Mahendra Kapoor was a great Indian playback singer whose rich, melodious voice left a lasting influence on the music industry. On January 9, 1934, Kapoor was born in Amritsar, Punjab. Throughout his distinguished career, which lasted several decades, he became well-known in Bollywood and regional films. Famed for his adaptability, Kapoor was a favorite of fans and music directors due to his expressive singing and wide vocal range.
His passionate interpretations of patriotic songs in movies like “Upkar,” “Roti Kapda Aur Makaan,” and “Purab Aur Paschim” are what people remember him for the most. Kapoor’s path to fame was paved with hard work and extensive instruction under legendary figures in classical music. When he became victorious in the All India Singing Competition, his tenacity paid off, propelling him into stardom.
He wrote around 25,000 songs in different Indian languages while working with renowned composers like Naushad, Kalyanji-Anandji, and Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Mahendra Kapoor, who won important honors like the Padma Shri and the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer, leaves a legacy that motivates upcoming musicians. Because of his unparalleled contribution to Indian music, he is regarded as a legendary figure in the history of Indian cinema.
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Early Life Of Mahendra Kapoor
Growing up in a family with a strong musical background, Kapoor’s love of singing was fostered from an early age. Recognizing his son’s talent, his father—a classical singer himself—encouraged him to pursue music. Having had rigorous training in classical music in his early years, Kapoor’s subsequent aspirations in playback singing were well-founded. He became well-known in the local music scene without much time, thanks to his beautiful voice and flawless performance of classical ragas.
Even in the face of early difficulties, such as budgetary limitations, Kapoor’s resolve and commitment to his work remained unwavering. He refined his abilities by participating in several cultural gatherings and contests, progressively making a name for himself as a talented vocalist. The moment Kapoor was found by well-known music director O.P. Nayyar and was allowed to sing for the 1956 film “CID” was when he made his debut.
This launched Kapoor’s renowned, five-decade-long career as a playback singer. His early experiences not only influenced his musical path but also gave him a feeling of thankfulness and humility that he carried with him throughout his career. Generation after generation of music lovers and aspiring singers are inspired by Mahendra Kapoor’s heritage.
Profile Of Mahendra Kapoor
- Full Name: Mahendra Kapoor
- Date of Birth: January 9, 1934
- Birth Place: Amritsar, Punjab, British India
- Spouse Name: Pravinlata Kapoor
- Children’s names: Rohan Kapoor, Benu, Anu, and Purna
- Relatives: Sidhant Kapoor (Grandson)
- Nationality: British Raj, India
- Religion: Hinduism
- Marital Status: Married
- Occupations: Playback singer
- Genres: Rafi Melody
- Years active:1956–2002
Mahendra Kapoor’s Personal Life
Beyond his job achievements, Kapoor loved his family and found comfort and support in them during his tough work. After getting married, Kapoor had one son and three daughters. His spouse, kids, in-laws, and grandchildren all survived him. Mahendra’s last day of life was September 27, 2008. His tremendous musical legacy is still inspiring and captivating listeners throughout the globe.
In the 1980s, his son Rohan starred in a few movies, including Prakash Mehra’s Imandaar and Yash Chopra’s Faasle and Love 86. Later, he performed in stage productions alongside his son. Mahendra is a vocalist from the golden age. He is still one of Bollywood’s most well-known singers, having provided the voice for practically all of the industry’s biggest stars and heroes.
Mahendra Kapoor’s Career
The first playback singer from India to record in English was Kapoor. The band Boney M requested that he perform their songs in Hindi. M-3 was the pop album’s name. Chori Chori Chalo and O Meri Champe Ki Daali! are a couple of the CD’s tunes. Most of Mahendra Kapoor’s well-known hit songs are from the motion pictures directed by B. R. Chopra. Mahendra Kapoor also sang a duet called Kaisi Haseen Aaj Baharon Ki Raat in the film Aadmi. One of the main actors, Manoj Kumar, declined to lend Talat’s voice to him. Kapoor sings in films in Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi, Bhojpuri, and Marathi.
Being the voice of Dada Kondke in all of his films made him quite popular. Mahendra Kapoor was profoundly influenced by the late singer Mohammed Rafi, whom he considered to be his master. He was taken to Bombay at a young age and began studying classical music. Pt. Hussanla and Pt. Tulsidaas Sharma is one of his professors. Kapoor became victorious in the Metro Murphy All-India Singing Competition.
Notable songs
- Bhojpuri
- “Ishq Karaye O Jiski Jeb Me”
- “Hansi Hansi Panda Khiwanle”
- “Doliya Utha Ke”
Marathi
- Abol Zalis ka saajani.. अबोल झालीस का साजणी
- Saang kadhi kalanar tula.. सांग कधी कळणार तुला
- Sur tech chhedita.. सूर तेच छेडीता, गीत उमटले नवे
- Madhu ithe ana chandra tithe.. मधू इथे अन् चंद्र तिथे झुरतो अंधारात
- Swapnaat pahile je te roop hech hote.. स्वप्नात पाहिले जे ते रूप हेच होते
- Nako menaka nako urvashi …
- Anjanichya suta tula Ramacha Vardaan
Hindi
- “Bharat Ka Rahnewala Hoon” – Purab Aur Paschim (1970)
- “Hey Ramchander keh gaye Siya se”- Gooi (1970)
- “Sansar ki har shae” – Dhund (1973)
- “Aur Nahin Bas Aur Nahin” – Roti Kapada Aur Makaan (1974)
- “Fakira Chal Chala Chal” – Fakira (1976)
- “Ab Ke Baras” – Kranti (1981)
- “Andhere Mein Jo Baite” – Sambandh (1982)
- “Beete Hue Lamhon Ki Kasak Saath” – Nikaah (1982)
- “Chehra Chupaliya Hai Kisi – Nikaah (1982)
- “Dil Ki Yeh Arzoo Te Koi – Nikaah (1982)
- “Mangi Thi Ek Duajo – Shakti (1982)
- “KAB TALAK SHAMA JALI” – Painter Babu (1983)
- “JAB YAAD KI BADLI CHAHTI HAI” – Painter Babu (1983)
- “Dil Hi Dil Mein Le Liya” – Aaj Ki Awaaz (1984)
- “Tere Pyar Ki Tamanna” – Tawaif (1984)
- “De Daru De Daru” – Karma (1986)
- Title Song of Mahabharat (1988)
Awards
Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer
- 1977 Nominated – “Sunke Teri Pukar” – Fakira
- 1975 Won – “Aur Nahi Bus Aur Nahi” – Roti Kapda Aur Makaan
- 1968 Won – “Neele Gagan Ke Tale” – Hamraaz
- 1968 Nominated – “Mere Desh Ki Dharti” – Upkar
- 1964 Won – “Chalo Ek Bar” – Gumrah
National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer
- 1968 Won – “Mere Desh Ki Dharti” – Upkar
Others
- 1972 – Padma Shri
- 2008 Won – “Dada Saheb Phalke Academy Award” – Phalke Golden Voice Singer
- 2008 Won – “Maharashtra State Award” – Life Time Achievement
- 2002 Won – “Lata Mangeshkar Puruskar” – Madhya Pradesh State Award
- 2000 Won – “Bollywood Music Awards- New York” – Life Time Achievement Award
- 1967 Won – “Mian Tansen Award” – Sati Nari – Tum Nacho Ras Barse
Upshot
Mahendra Kapoor, a prominent character in the Indian music scene, is renowned for his playback singing contributions and his diverse voice. Throughout a career spanning more than 40 years, Kapoor received multiple distinctions, including the esteemed Padma Shri award, for his dedication and enthusiasm for music. His exceptional ability to switch between classical and patriotic songs with ease has made a lasting impression on Bollywood and beyond.
Music lovers of all generations continue to be captivated by Kapoor’s association with renowned composers and his unique vocals in timeless tunes such as “Neele Gagan Ke Tale” and “Mere Desh Ki Dharti.”. Mahendra Kapoor’s vast discography, which captures the vibrant cultural fabric of Indian film, serves to further perpetuate his legacy. His dedication to musical originality and quality has served as an inspiration to many budding vocalists.
Being a trailblazer in playback vocals, Kapoor’s impact goes well beyond his time, cementing his status as an enduring representation of the Indian musical legacy. A peek into the history of Indian playback singing may be found in Mahendra Kapoor’s biography, which provides a wealth of information on the development of Bollywood music. His life and work serve as a monument to the melody’s eternal power and the significant influence that music has on cultural identity.
FAQs
Q1: Who was Mahendra Kapoor?
A1: Mahendra was a well-known playback singer in India who was praised for his ability to sing in a variety of genres for Indian films. From the 1950s through the 1980s, he was a prominent character in Bollywood music thanks to his strong voice and capacity to arouse strong emotions.
Q2: Mahendra was born when and where?
A2: Mahendra was born in Amritsar, Punjab, India, on January 9, 1934. His hometown’s vibrant cultural scene fostered his early interest in music.
Q3: Which of Mahendra’s songs are the most well-known?
A3: The songs that have made Mahendra most famous are “Neele Gagan Ke Tale,” “Chalo Ek Baar Phir Se,” “Mere Desh Ki Dharti,” and “Har Karam Apna Karenge.” These songs have had a lasting impression on the Indian music scene.
Q4: Over his career, what honors did Mahendra Kapoor win?
A4: Mahendra Kapoor received numerous honors, including the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for his performance of “Mere Desh Ki Dharti.” In appreciation for his services to music, he was also granted the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian accolades.
Q5: What impact did Mahendra Kapoor have on Indian music?
A5: Mahendra Kapoor has made a huge impact on Indian music. He collaborated with some of the top music directors of the day and recorded songs in several Indian languages. His commitment to his art and versatility in music have left him with a long legacy in Indian film.
Q6: What was Mahendra Kapoor’s date of death?
A6: Mahendra Kapoor passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, on September 27, 2008.
His music has inspired and pleased generations of music lovers. You can look through Mahendra Kapoor’s vast repertoire and listen to his classic songs to learn more about his life and accomplishments.