Born on July 22, 1923, near Delhi, Mukesh was the sixth child of Lala Zorawar Chand Mathur and Chand Rani. His journey into the world of music was serendipitous. After completing his 10th-grade education, Mukesh took a job with the Public Works Department in Delhi. It was during a wedding ceremony that his singing talent was discovered by actor Motilal, who played a pivotal role in launching Mukesh's career.
In 1941, Mukesh made his debut as both a playback singer and actor in the film "Nirdosh." The first Bollywood song he lent his voice to was "Dil jalta hai to jalne do," which quickly resonated with audiences. This marked the beginning of a remarkable career that would see Mukesh become one of the most beloved voices in Indian cinema.
Mukesh's voice became synonymous with the legendary actor Raj Kapoor. Their collaboration resulted in some of the most memorable songs in Hindi cinema, including classics from films like "Awara," "Mera Naam Joker," "Shree 420," and "Sangam." Mukesh's deep, soulful voice perfectly captured the emotions and essence of Raj Kapoor's characters, making their partnership one of the most iconic in the industry.
At the age of 23, Mukesh married Saral Trivedi, also known as Bachhiben. Their love story was not without challenges, as the couple had to elope due to the disapproval of Saral's family. They were married in a temple on Mukesh's 23rd birthday, with the support of actor Motilal, who had played a crucial role in Mukesh's early career.
Tragically, Mukesh's life was cut short during a concert tour in Detroit, USA, where he suffered a massive heart attack. His sudden passing sent shockwaves through the Bollywood industry and left a void in the world of music. Lata Mangeshkar, another legendary singer, ensured that Mukesh's body was brought back to India, where he was laid to rest.
Mukesh was initially inspired by the legendary singer K. L. Saigal, and in his early years, he often imitated Saigal's style. However, with the guidance of music director Naushad Ali, Mukesh developed his own unique singing style, which became his signature and set him apart in the industry.
Mukesh's collaborations with the music director duo Kalyanji-Anandji resulted in numerous hit songs. After his association with Shankar-Jaikishan, Mukesh sang many popular tracks for Kalyanji-Anandji, including classics like "Chhalia Mera Naam," "Mujhko Iss Raat Ki Tanhai Mein," and "Koi Jab Tumhara Hriday Tod De." These songs, among many others, have become timeless treasures in the world of Hindi music.
Mukesh's contribution to Indian music is immeasurable. His voice has touched the hearts of millions, and his songs continue to evoke deep emotions even decades after his passing. As we remember Mukesh on his 48th death anniversary, we celebrate not only his musical genius but also the timeless legacy he has left behind. His songs remain a source of comfort, inspiration, and joy for generations of music lovers, ensuring that Mukesh will always be remembered as one of the greatest voices in the history of Hindi cinema.
Marking 90 Years of Gulzar: Five Songs That Define His Genius
