Mahendra Kapoor Biography 
Mahendra Kapoor is one among the most prominent singers of golden era of Bollywood music. He is most popular for songs of Humraaz, Upkaar, Gumraah, Purab aur Paschim and Kismat. After Mohd Rafi and Mukesh, he was the most popular voice during 50s and 60s. He was very much inspired by Mohd.Rafi.
Mahendra Kapoor was born in Amritsar on January 9, 1934. He learnt classical music under classical singers like Pt.Hussanlal, Ustad Abdul Rehman Khan, Pt. Jagannath Bua, Ustad Niaz Ahmed Khan and Pt.Tulsidaas Sharma. His win in Metro Murphy All-India singing competition paved him the direct entry to Bollywood. His debut song was a huge hit, still remembered by music lovers. Song was none other than Aada hai chanda ma of Shantaram’s movie Navrang, released in the year 1958. C.Ramachandra was the composer of this song. The first song itself gave a huge break to this talented singer and throughout 60’s and 70’s, till 90’s he contributed about 25000 songs in various regional languages.
His association with B.R.Chopra needs special mention. The dream songs of his career belong to Humraaz and Gumraah, both directed by B.R.Chopra. Neele gagan ke thale, Kisi Pathar Ki Moorat Se, Na mooh chupake jiyo and Tum agar saat jeene ki wada karo of Humraaz and Yeh hawa and Chalo ik baar phir se ajnabi of Gumraah brought out the singing talent of Mahendra Kapoor and are always regarded as the best songs of Mahendra Kapoor. Not only that, he won Filmfare both these movies too. Songs are Neele gagan and Chalo ek baar se. In both these movies, Sunil Dutt was the leading actor.
His association with Manoj Kumar also needs special mention. Manoj Kumar gave him the super hit patriotic song – Yeh desh ki darthi sona ugale of the movie Upkaar, which gave him National award for best singer. It gave him a Filmfare nomination too. He won Filmfare for the third time singing the song, Aur Nahi Bus Aur Nahi of manoj Kumar movie – Roti kapada aur makaan. Apart from these movies, he has won Filmfare nomination for Sunke Teri Pukar of Fakira.
His other hit songs are - Iktara Bole of Yalgaar, Bharat Ka Rahnewala Hoon of Purab aur Paschim, Badal Jaye Agar Mali of Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi, Ab Ke Baras of Kranti and Tere pyar ka of Dhool ka phool.
Published: N/A
Updated: July 27, 2013
