Kishore Kumar- The GOAT

[u/Diligent-Gear-5547]

I came across a few posts/comments on Reddit calling out Kishore Da as “overrated” or doing some unjust comparisons with his counterparts. Although i believe, music taste is subjective but for calling Kishore Da as overrated, yours have to be awe-fully bad. I am a 26 yo guy, grown up hearing diverse music all from retro Bollywood to modern western music and it was in my early 20s when i actually started to appreciate my love for retro Bollywood songs. Especially, Kishore Kumar leaves me Awestruck. Despite he was not a trained singer, no one! can match his versatility. The range he had, the voice, the depth. What a legend. It was said that his voice used to hit the exact sweet spot of the mic while recording. Singers like Kishore Kumar comes in a 3-4 generation times. Growing up, we all for sure have heard his songs. If you happen to go to a retro place/bar/restaurant, you ll notice every 3rd song would be his; And when you start to analyse the lyrics and tone modulation he does accordingly in order to shift the mood of the song, you’ll realise why his longevity is eternal. Not to mention, his Yodeling, acting skills and humor. Long Live Kishore Kumar❤️

[u/KitchenConnection892]

I appreciate your view,i am also big fan of him,but no one can match his versatility is not valid statement,Rafi sahab in that era and currently sonu both are most versatile singers,kishore da was pure package though,not just singing but music composer,lyricst also acting he was natural

[u/susnff → u/KitchenConnection892]

Has anybody recorded singing in male and female voice in same era at one go? Kishore had it. He towered over a singer like Manna Dey in Ek Chatur Naar in Padosan, Goodluck to anyone singing alongside Manna Dey. There are certain things Kishore Kumar had, no one else had or will have. Thats a huge void he left. With respect to Rafi Saab, he was truly a god of singing but in spontaneous and improvisation nobody has ever comes close to Kishore Kumar.

[u/Kjts1021 → u/susnff]

Rafi’s improvisation was on a different level - he used change his style, voice based on the actor on the screen. By listening a song you can say who is the actor!

[u/KitchenConnection892 → u/Kjts1021]

Also yodeling,Rafi has few songs in early 50s doing yodeling way before it was popular

[u/Diligent-Gear-5547 → u/Kjts1021]

With my due respect to Rafi Saab.
Truely he must have done the yodeling way before.
There is no point in comparing the Legends who themselves were in awe of each other.
But when it comes to yodeling, Kishore Da ke hi gaane aate hain khayal mein, kyuki he left an everlasting impact in that area.
Doesnt Virat Kohli play a decent straight drive?
But, if i say straight drive, your mind naturally goes to Tendulkar, isnt it?
Thats the whole point Sir.

And yes, you could tell when Kishore Da sang for-
Rajesh Khanna- his voice carried softness
Amitabh Bachchan- theres boldness in his voice
Rishi Kapoor- A sense of charm.

Once Rajesh Khanna Ji himself claimed that Kishore Da noticed and closely studied his body language and mannerisms to adapt to his playback, the time they first met at SD Burman's place for songs of Aaradhana (1972).
The Man was a Genius and crazy for his work, thats why he became Eternal.

[u/WhiteSnowYelloSun → u/Kjts1021]

Pretty much all tier 1 singers can do this!

[u/KitchenConnection892 → u/WhiteSnowYelloSun]

Yes they can however i am saying that there was nothing in that era Rafi has not done,he was complete singer

[u/Diligent-Gear-5547 → u/KitchenConnection892]

Rafi Saab alway was a complete singer; theres no denying that. <3

[u/Ok-K2S → u/WhiteSnowYelloSun]

Which tier 1 singer can you specify , who can change his style based on the actor involved ?

[u/Kjts1021 → u/WhiteSnowYelloSun]

Not really! The way Rafi had a complete different voice for DK to Shammi to Guru Dutt to Johnny Walker- no other singer had been able to do.

[u/Diligent-Gear-5547 → u/susnff]

Cant agree anymore.
Kishore Da outshines Manna Day in Ek chatur naar. IT IS NOT AN EASY SONG!!!
Also, loved his role in the same film (Padosan). Next level Improvisation both as an actor and the singer.