Can anyone really replace Kishoreda?
On stumbling upon a Kishore Kumar interview conducted more than two decades ago, we found what the legend actually thought about acting, movies and the industry in general. He'd clearly stated, "I was conned into (acting). I only wanted to sing. Never to act. But somehow, thanks to peculiar circumstances, I was persuaded to act in the movies."
Kishoreda's passion for music definitely classified him as a playback singer to reckon with, and one of the best singer-actor-directors of yesteryear. In short, a legend.
Regardless, the recent reality show K For Kishore paid him the greatest tribute a singer could ever ask for, although if you read this interview you might think that the singer would have thought otherwise. He did after all refuse to record his idol KL Saigal's songs because "let his songs remain just HIS songs. Let not even one person say that Kishore Kumar sang them better."
MUST READ: Kishore Kumar's candid confessions
Regardless, the show, K For Kishore went on for almost six months with singers, some established and some new, yodelling and mimicking his style. The panel of judges commented on performances week after week and finally with only a few remaining in the contest, one of the greatest Indian singers, Asha Bhonsle was called on to judge for herself and pick the best singer who would be Kishoreda's heir apparent.
Yes, the decision wasn't easy but finally contestant Arnab Chakraborty from Kolkata was selected as the final winner of the show. But what does this title mean? Is he the next Kishoreda of the Indian industry?
"Being the heir apparent means two things. Either I get criticised by the hardcore Kishore Kumar fans as being nothing in likeness to the legend or I take the feedback positively," says Arnab.
"It's definitely going to be difficult for me but I know that from here on I have to work a lot harder than anyone. I have to live up to his name after all. If you saw me give 100 per cent before, I will now have to give 500 per cent to my performances," he adds.
But can anyone replace the original Kishore Kumar?
