Mukesh
The Voice that Echoes Through Time
Mukesh Chand Mathur, fondly known as Mukesh, left an indelible mark on the Hindi film industry as one of its most revered playback singers. Born on July 22, 1923, in Delhi, Mukesh's musical journey was nothing short of extraordinary, earning him a place among the legends of Indian cinema.
Mukesh hailed from a Mathur Kayastha family and was the sixth among ten children. Born to Zorawar Chand Mathur, an engineer, and Chandrani Mathur, his early exposure to music was through his sister, Sundar Pyari, who received music lessons at home. Little did they know that this casual introduction would set the stage for Mukesh's illustrious career.
Leaving school after the 10th grade, Mukesh briefly worked for the Department of Public Works. However, his heart was in music. A music teacher who came to instruct his sister discovered Mukesh's latent talent, and this marked the inception of his tryst with music.
Mukesh's voice first caught attention when he sang at his sister's wedding, a performance noticed by Motilal, a distant relative. This encounter led him to Bombay (now Mumbai), where he received singing lessons from Pandit Jagannath Prasad. Mukesh's debut as an actor-singer came in the 1941 film "Nirdosh," with his first hit song being "Dil Jalta Hai To Jalne De" in 1945's "Pehli Nazar."
In his early years, Mukesh was an ardent admirer of K. L. Saigal and often imitated his idol. However, with the guidance of music director Naushad Ali, Mukesh developed his unique singing style, setting him on a trajectory distinct from his influences. Naushad played a pivotal role in helping Mukesh break free from the shadows of Saigal, allowing him to craft his musical identity.
Mukesh's collaborations with various composers resulted in timeless classics. He was the voice behind actors like Raj Kapoor, Manoj Kumar, Feroz Khan, Sunil Dutt, and Dilip Kumar, earning him a reputation as the go-to playback singer for emotional depth and fervour.
Mukesh recorded approximately 1,300 songs, prioritising quality over quantity. His notable collaborations with Shankar–Jaikishan, Kalyanji Anandji, and others produced unforgettable melodies. His songs for Raj Kapoor, including "Kahin door jab din dhal Jaaye" from "Anand" and "Ek Pyaar ka Nagma hai" from "Shor," remain etched in the hearts of fans.
In 1974, Mukesh was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for "Kai Baar Yuhi Dekha Hai" from the film "Rajnigandha." He also clinched several Filmfare Awards for songs like "Sab Kuch Seekha Humne," "Sabse Bada Naadan," "Jai Bolo Beimaan Ki," and "Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein."
His renditions in films like "Anari," "Mera Naam Joker," and "Kabhie Kabhie" showcased his versatility, evoking a myriad of emotions in the listeners.
Mukesh's personal life mirrored the struggles and triumphs that often accompany a career in the arts. He eloped with Saral Trivedi, daughter of Raichand Trivedi, due to societal opposition to their union. The couple weathered challenges and celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary shortly before Mukesh's untimely demise.
Mukesh's death on August 27, 1976, during a concert in Detroit, Michigan, was a great loss to the world of music. His legacy, however, lives on through his timeless melodies. His grandson, Neil Nitin Mukesh, carries forward the family's artistic heritage.
Google honoured Mukesh on his 93rd birthday anniversary in 2016, a testament to his enduring impact on Indian music. His songs, such as "Jeena yahan marna yahan" and "Maine Tere Liye Hi Saat Rang Ke," continue to captivate audiences, transcending generations
Mukesh's voice, marked by its emotional depth and soul-stirring resonance, remains an eternal source of inspiration, ensuring that he will forever be remembered as one of the luminaries of Hindi playback singing.
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