Remembering Kishore Kumar: The gifted prankster

Kishore Kumar was a hit even at the turn of the century. Though most kids are not familiar with his movies now, they keep listening to his songs, as shown by the millions of views, likes and continuous comments on YouTube and all other music apps.  

Apart from being incredibly talented as a singer and actor, he also excelled as a music composer, lyricist, producer, director, and scriptwriter. But Abhas Kumar Ganguly (that was his real name) was also whimsical, humorous and loved playing tricks. Here are a few real facts about Kishore Da that are sure to bring a smile on your face.  

• As a child, Kishore’s voice was very shrill. His family always laughed, or covered their ears when he tried to sing. They joked that his voice sounded like a bamboo being split in two.  
• However, an injury changed everything for young Kishore. His elder brother and actor Ashok Kumar said in an interview that Kishore injured his toe as a child, and kept crying for hours, since there was no local anaesthesia those days. This continuous crying opened up his vocal chords and it was a miracle when he sang next.   
• Kishore did not know the answers to any of the question in his Class V Math exam. So he filled his answer sheet with jokes, little poems, doodles and smiley faces for his teacher! 
• Kishore Da often played table beats on the classroom bench in college. Angry with this, his Civics teacher told him to stop wasting time with antics around music. Kishore answered with a smile, and politely told the teacher that music was how he planned to earn his living. 
• We've all heard the famous Kishore Kumar number ‘Paanch Rupaiya Bara Ana’ from the film ‘Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi’ (1958). Kishore Da finished his college from Indore and then shifted to Mumbai. But he still owed 5 rupees and 12 anas to the college canteen guy. So he immortalised his debt with this song!  
• Kishore Kumar was a sensitive man and considered the trees in his garden as his closest friends. He had names for these trees and talked to them regularly.