Mumbai, July 22: Mukesh, whose mellifluous voice
could leave many moist-eyed with its heart-wrenching pathos,
soul-stirring melancholy and deep anguish, was remembered by
scores of die-hard fans, the film industry and family members
on the legendary singer's 80th birth anniversary today.
The seventh-floor residence of the late singer at Napean
Sea road echoed with some soulful Bhajans as his son and
playback singer Nitin rendered some of his father's favourite
prayer songs at a family function.
Mukesh Chand Mathur, born on July 22, 1923, in a middle
class family in Delhi was first noticed by actor Motilal when
he attended a wedding of a common relative.
"My father, who was nudged by friends and family to sing
a song of his idol K L Saigal, left Motilal so impressed by
his voice, that he decided to take him to Bombay to groom him
for the film industry," recounts his son, Nitin.
Mukesh's good looks landed him with a lead role in the
film 'Nirdosh' (1941). However, the film flopped miserably,
forcing him to go back to his first love, music.
His first break 'Dil Jalta Hi To Jalne De' in film `Pehli
Nazar' (1945) picturised on Motilal went on to become a rage
with many seeing in him reflections of K L Saigal.
"I don't think my father imitated Saigal. His singing
only reflected Saigal's style, but then that is natural of any
artiste who idolises his mentor," Nitin said.
However, Mukesh came out with his individualistic style
in Mela (1948) and Andaaz (1949). His numbers 'Tu Kahe Agar,
Jhoom Jhoom Ke Naacho Aaj' and 'Hum Aaj Kahi Dil Kho Bhaite'
hit the celluloid screen in a big way making him a singing
star in his own right.
Bureau Report
