Amit Kumar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Amit Kumar (born 3 July 1954) is the elder son of the late all-rounder (composer, singer, lyricist, film maker, writer, actor), Kishore Kumar. He decided to follow in his father’s footsteps. Though (like his father) he did not train in Indian classical music, he did his riyaaz in the form of singing practice, mainly of his father’s songs.
Amit’s first recording was Main Panchi Matwala Re for his father in Door Ka Rahi (1971). But his first major adult song (he was 11 when Door Ka Rahi was recorded in 1965) was R. D. Burman’s Bade Ache Lagte Hain (Balika Badhu). He had recorded earlier for MISA (Madan Mohan) and for a Rajesh Khanna film with music by Salil Choudhary, but these films never took off.
Amit Kumar enjoyed greater success during the 80's and initial 90's, becoming the signature voice for actors like Kumar Gaurav, Anil Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan and other actors. He shared an excellent rapport with R.D Burman producing songs including 'Bade Achche Lagte Hai', 'Kya Hua Ik Baat Par', 'Maang Loonga Mai Tujhe Taqdeer Se', 'Ye Zameen Ga Rahi Hai', 'Roz Roz Aankhon Tale', and 'Jaaneman Jaanejigar', and a number of his songs appeared in various Bollywood films. Media drew comparisons between Amit Kumar and his father, Great Kishore Da, creating a possibly higher bar of expectation for Amit's talent than a normal young singer with lesser pedigree. Even so, the name recognition aided Amit in developing his own singing style and increasing his own noteriety.
During late 80's and initial 90's he delivered hits with composers such as Rajesh Roshan, Laxmikant Pyarelal, Anand Milind, Jatin Lalit, and Ram Laxman. These included 'Kabse Kare Hai Tera Intezar', 'Kehdo Ke Tum Ho Meri', 'Mai Jis Din Bhula', 'Pehla Pehla Pyar Hai', 'Tip Tip Tip Barish', 'Tere Liye Saari Umar Jaagu', 'Aankho Mein Band Kar Loo', 'Jao Tum Chahe Jahan', and 'Sooney Shaam Saverey'.
Mid 90's saw rise of other singers like Kumar Sanu (who suffers from horrible nasal fits) and Udit Narayan. During this phase Amit Kumar share of popular musical hits decreased as composers drifted towards other singers. Currently Amit Kumar performs international stage shows highlighting his father's and his own songs.
