Kishore Kumar was one of the greatest singing talents ever produced in India. As a one-of-a-kind artist, he was known for his timeless songs, versatile voice, unmatched stage energy and unique personality. The legendary singer is credited for giving some of the most iconic songs to the industry. Apart from his chartbuster songs like Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si and Chalti Ka Naam Gadi, among others, Kishore’s personal life used to also make headlines. However, amid all this, several stories surrounding the singer’s quirky behaviour also used to interest people. In a new interview, the singer’s son, Amit, opened up about one such rumour that claimed Kishore kept skulls and bones at his home.
Amit Kumar opens up about Kishore Kumar’s habit of keeping bones and skulls at home
Amit Kumar recently sat down for an interview with Vickey Lalwani, where he clarified certain rumours and myths about his father, Kishore Kumar. Among others, he talked about the rumour that his father kept skulls and bones to scare certain unwanted people away. Amit acknowledged that his father did keep skulls and bones at his home. However, they were not any spooky collection meant to ward off people. Instead, they were souvenirs bought during a family trip in Africa. In his words:
“Woh toh hum lekar aaye thay. Hum log show karne gaye thay East Africa, Nairobi. Wahan par he had that hobby of collecting and buying such curios… toh wapas aate waqt hum sab lekar aaye thay. In fact, abhi bhi hai woh, in trust.”
Amit mentioned that his father, Kishore Kumar, had a deep love for African culture. He liked its art, music and traditional items. The same curiosity towards global culture is reflected in his music. When asked about the rumours around Kishore Kumar’s alleged ‘eccentric nature’, Amit clarified that they were just rumours. Even once, a film producer, SD Narang, who had heard such tales about Kishore da’s strange habit, came to their home and started to stomp on the floor to find a hidden door. In fact, the late singer himself used to joke about it. Recalling his dad’s words, Amit said:
“Woh khud par mazak karte thay… he was like, ‘Theek hai, duniya kehti mujhe pagal, main kehta hoon duniya ko pagal… bolne do pagal… achha hai, kyun na’.”
Amit claims Kishore Kumar had a premonition about his death in 1987
Earlier, in an interview with Rediff, Amit Kumar shared that despite his playful personality, Kishore da had a strong sixth sense. On the day he passed away in October 1987, he had an instinct about his demise and was nervous. He was wondering if Amit’s flight from Canada would land on time or not. At the same time, he asked his other son, Sumeet, not to go swimming and joked about feeling the signs of a heart attack while talking with his then-wife, Leena Chandavarkar. Consequently, when he fell unconscious, she felt that he was doing a prank for a few minutes until she realised he wasn’t.
More about Kishore Kumar’s career
Kishore Kumar, who is regarded as the most influential singer in Indian history, started his career as a chorus singer at Bombay Talkies and later stepped into acting in the 1940s. His comic timing was especially admired on-screen while his iconic songs like Tera Mastana, Mere Sapno Ki Rani, Zindagi Ek Safar and more made him a household name. He is estimated to have recorded 2,905 songs in multiple languages during his career and collaborated with composers like R.D. Burman, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, and more, until his demise.
What do you think about Amit Kumar’s interesting revelations about Kishore Kumar?
Next Read: Reem Shaikh Bruises Foot On ‘Laughter Chefs 2’ Sets, Shares Mirror Selfie Of Injured Leg