#GoldenFrames: Mukesh, the most popular and acclaimed playback singer of Indian cinema - Mukesh is often referred to as- Navbharat Times Photodhamal

1/11

Mukesh is often referred to as 'The Man with the Golden Voice' for his melodious and heartbreaking songs that resonate with the viewer. Mukesh sang a total of around 1,300 songs. However, the number is less than those sung by some of his contemporaries, but the fact is that Mukesh emphasised on quality rather than quantity. The singer was also popular as being the voice of actors Raj Kapoor, Manoj Kumar, Feroz Khan, Sunil Dutt and Dilip Kumar.

In This Pic : mukesh

Pic Courtesy : BCCL

2/11

Mukesh was born in a Mathur Kayastha family in Delhi. His parents were Zorawar Chand Mathur, an engineer, and Chandrani Mathur. He was the sixth in a family of ten children.

In This Pic : Mukesh

Pic Courtesy : BCCL

3/11

Mukesh developed an interest in music at a young age. He left school after the 10th grade and worked briefly for the Department of Public Works. The singer experimented with voice recordings during his employment in Delhi and gradually developed his singing and musical instrumental skills.

In This Pic : mukesh

Pic Courtesy : BCCL

4/11

Motilal, a distant relative, first noticed his voice when Mukesh sang at his sister's wedding. Motilal took him to Mumbai and arranged for singing lessons by Pandit Jagannath Prasad. Mukesh was such a fan of singer K. L. Saigal that he used to imitate his idol in his early years of playback singing. He created his own singing style with the help of music director Naushad Ali, who helped Mukesh to come out of his Saigal style and create his own style.

In This Pic : Mukesh

Pic Courtesy : BCCL

5/11

Mukesh received Filmfare Awards for the songs "Sab Kuch Seekha Humne" in the movie 'Anari' (1959), "Sabse Bada Naadan Wahi Hai" in 'Pehchaan' (1970), "Jai Bolo Beimaan Ki" in 'Beimaan' (1972) and "Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein", the title song of the movie 'Kabhie Kabhie' (1976). He also received the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the song "Kai Baar Yuhi Dekha Hai" from 'Rajnigandha' (1974). The singer comparatively sang fewer songs in the 1970s, which could have attributed to his failing health due to his worsening heart problem.

In This Pic : mukesh

Pic Courtesy : BCCL