Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments. Singing is often done in a group of other musicians, such as in a choir of singers with different voice ranges, or in an ensemble with instrumentalists, such as a rock group or baroque ensemble. As in many respects human song is a form of sustained speech, nearly anyone able to speak can also sing. Singing can be formal or informal, arranged or improvised. It may be done for pleasure, comfort, ritual, education, or profit. Excellence in singing requires time, dedication, instruction, and regular practice. Professional singers usually build their careers around one specific musical genre, such as classical or rock. They typically take voice training provided by voice teachers or vocal coaches throughout their career.

The human voice

In its physical aspect, singing has a well-defined technique that depends on the use of the lungs, which act as an air supply, or bellows; on the larynx, which acts as a reed or vibrator; on the chest and head cavities, which have the function of an amplifier, as the tube in a wind instrument; and on the tongue, which together with the palate, teeth, and lips articulate and impose consonants and vowels on the amplified sound. Though these four mechanisms function independently, they are nevertheless coordinated in the establishment of a vocal technique and are made to interact upon one another. During passive breathing, air is inhaled with the diaphragm while exhalation occurs without any effort. Exhalation may be aided by the abdominal, internal intercostal and lower pelvic muscles. Inhalation is aided by use of external intercostals, scalenes and sternocleidomastoid muscles. The pitch is altered with the vocal cords. With the lips closed, this is called humming.

The sound of each individual's singing voice is entirely unique not only because of the actual shape and size of an individual's vocal cords but also due to the size and shape of the rest of that person's body. Humans have vocal folds which can loosen, tighten, or change their thickness, and over which breath can be transferred at varying pressures. The shape of the chest and neck, the position of the tongue, and the tightness of otherwise unrelated muscles can be altered. Any one of these actions results in a change in pitch, volume, timbre, or tone of the sound produced. Sound also resonates within different parts of the body, and an individual's size and bone structure can affect the sound produced by an individual.

Singers can also learn to project sound in certain ways so that it resonates better within their vocal tract. This is known as vocal resonation. Another major influence on vocal sound and production is the function of the larynx which people can manipulate in different ways to produce different sounds. These different kinds of laryngeal function are described as different kinds of vocal registers. The primary method for singers to accomplish this is through the use of the Singer's Formant; which has been shown to match particularly well to the most sensitive part of the ear's frequency range.

Vocal registration

Vocal registration refers to the system of vocal registers within the human voice. A register in the human voice is a particular series of tones, produced in the same vibratory pattern of the vocal folds, and possessing the same quality. Registers originate in laryngeal function. They occur because the vocal folds are capable of producing several different vibratory patterns. Each of these vibratory patterns appears within a particular range of pitches and produces certain characteristic sounds. The term "register" can be somewhat confusing as it encompasses several aspects of the human voice. The term register can be used to refer to any of the following:

A particular part of the vocal range such as the upper, middle, or lower registers.

A resonance area such as chest voice or head voice.

A phonatory process (phonation is the process of producing vocal sound by the vibration of the vocal folds that is in turn modified by the resonance of the vocal tract)

A certain vocal timbre or vocal "colour"

A region of the voice which is defined or delimited by vocal breaks.

In linguistics, a register language is a language which combines tone and vowel phonation into a single phonological system. Within speech pathology the term vocal register has three constituent elements: a certain vibratory pattern of the vocal folds, a certain series of pitches, and a certain type of sound. Speech pathologists identify four vocal registers based on the physiology of laryngeal function: the vocal fry register, the modal register, the falsetto register, and the whistle register. This view is also adopted by many vocal pedagogists.

Vocal resonation

Vocal resonation is the process by which the basic product of phonation is enhanced in timbre and/or intensity by the air-filled cavities through which it passes on its way to the outside air. Various terms related to the resonation process include amplification, enrichment, enlargement, improvement, intensification, and prolongation, although in strictly scientific usage acoustic authorities would question most of them. The main point to be drawn from these terms by a singer or speaker is that the end result of resonation is, or should be, to make a better sound. There are seven areas that may be listed as possible vocal resonators. In sequence from the lowest within the body to the highest, these areas are the chest, the tracheal tree, the larynx itself, the pharynx, the oral cavity, the nasal cavity, and the sinuses.

Chest voice and head voice

Chest voice and head voice are terms used within vocal music. The use of these terms varies widely within vocal pedagogical circles and there is currently no one consistent opinion among vocal music professionals in regards to these terms. Chest voice can be used in relation to a particular part of the vocal range or type of vocal register; a vocal resonance area; or a specific vocal timbre. Head voice can be used in relation to a particular part of the vocal range or type of vocal register or a vocal resonance area.

History and development

The first recorded mention of the terms chest voice and head voice was around the 13th century, when it was distinguished from the "throat voice" (pectoris, guttoris, capitis — at this time it is likely that head voice referred to the falsetto register) by the writers Johannes de Garlandia and Jerome of Moravia. The terms were later adopted within bel canto, the Italian opera singing method, where chest voice was identified as the lowest and head voice the highest of three vocal registers: the chest, passagio and head registers. This approach is still taught by some vocal pedagogists today. Another current popular approach that is based on the bel canto model is to divide both men and women's voices into three registers. Men's voices are divided into "chest register", "head register", and "falsetto register" and woman's voices into "chest register", "middle register", and "head register". Such pedagogists teach that the head register is a vocal technique used in singing to describe the resonance felt in the singer's head.

However as knowledge of human physiology has increased over the past two hundred years, so has the understanding of the physical process of singing and vocal production. As a result, many vocal pedagogists, such as Ralph Appelman at Indiana University and William Vennard at the University of Southern California, have redefined or even abandoned the use of the terms chest voice and head voice. In particular, the use of the terms ''chest register'' and ''head register'' have become controversial since vocal registration is more commonly seen today as a product of laryngeal function that is unrelated to the physiology of the chest, lungs, and head. For this reason, many vocal pedagogists argue that it is meaningless to speak of registers being produced in the chest or head. They argue that the vibratory sensations which are felt in these areas are resonance phenomena and should be described in terms related to vocal resonance, not to registers. These vocal pedagogists prefer the terms ''chest voice'' and ''head voice'' over the term register. This view believes that the problems which people identify as register problems are really problems of resonance adjustment. This view is also in alignment with the views of other academic fields that study vocal registration including: speech pathology, phonetics, and linguistics. Although both methods are still in use, current vocal pedagogical practice tends to adopt the newer more scientific view. Also, some vocal pedagogists take ideas from both viewpoints.

The contemporary use of the term chest voice often refers to a specific kind of vocal coloration or vocal timbre. In classical singing, its use is limited entirely to the lower part of the modal register or normal voice. Within other forms of singing, chest voice is often applied throughout the modal register. Chest timbre can add a wonderful array of sounds to a singer's vocal interpretive palette. However, the use of overly strong chest voice in the higher registers in an attempt to hit higher notes in the chest can lead to forcing. Forcing can lead consequently to vocal deterioration.

Classifying singing voices

In European classical music and opera, voices are treated like musical instruments. Composers who write vocal music must have an understanding of the skills, talents, and vocal properties of singers. Voice classification is the process by which human singing voices are evaluated and are thereby designated into voice types. These qualities include but are not limited to: vocal range, vocal weight, vocal tessitura, vocal timbre, and vocal transition points such as breaks and lifts within the voice. Other considerations are physical characteristics, speech level, scientific testing, and vocal registration. The science behind voice classification developed within European classical music has been slow in adapting to more modern forms of singing. Voice classification is often used within opera to associate possible roles with potential voices. There are currently several different systems in use within classical music including: the German ''Fach'' system and the choral music system among many others. No system is universally applied or accepted.

However, most classical music systems acknowledge seven different major voice categories. Women are typically divided into three groups: soprano, mezzo-soprano, and contralto. Men are usually divided into four groups: countertenor, tenor, baritone, and bass. When considering voices of pre-pubescent children an eighth term, treble, can be applied. Within each of these major categories there are several sub-categories that identify specific vocal qualities like coloratura facility and vocal weight to differentiate between voices.

It should be noted that within choral music, singers' voices are divided solely on the basis of vocal range. Choral music most commonly divides vocal parts into high and low voices within each sex (SATB, or soprano, alto, tenor, and bass). As a result, the typical choral situation affords many opportunities for misclassification to occur. Since most people have medium voices, they must be assigned to a part that is either too high or too low for them; the mezzo-soprano must sing soprano or alto and the baritone must sing tenor or bass. Either option can present problems for the singer, but for most singers there are fewer dangers in singing too low than in singing too high.

Within contemporary forms of music (sometimes referred to as Contemporary Commercial Music), singers are classified by the style of music they sing, such as jazz, pop, blues, soul, country, folk, and rock styles. There is currently no authoritative voice classification system within non-classical music. Attempts have been made to adopt classical voice type terms to other forms of singing but such attempts have been met with controversy. The development of voice categorizations were made with the understanding that the singer would be using classical vocal technique within a specified range using unamplified (no microphones) vocal production. Since contemporary musicians use different vocal techniques, microphones, and are not forced to fit into a specific vocal role, applying such terms as soprano, tenor, baritone, etc. can be misleading or even inaccurate.

Vocal pedagogy

Vocal pedagogy is the study of the teaching of singing. The art and science of vocal pedagogy has a long history that began in Ancient Greece and continues to develop and change today. Professions that practice the art and science of vocal pedagogy include vocal coaches, choral directors, vocal music educators, opera directors, and other teachers of singing.

Vocal pedagogy concepts are a part of developing proper vocal technique. Typical areas of study include the following:

Human anatomy and physiology as it relates to the physical process of singing

*Vocal health and voice disorders related to singing

*Breathing and air support for singing

*Phonation

* Vocal resonation or Voice projection

*Vocal registration: a particular series of tones, produced in the same vibratory pattern of the vocal folds, and possessing the same quality, which originate in laryngeal function, because each of these vibratory patterns appears within a particular range of pitches and produces certain characteristic sounds.

* Voice classification

Vocal styles: for Classical singers, this includes styles ranging from Lieder to opera; for pop singers, styles can include "belted out" a blues ballads; for jazz singers, styles can include Swing ballads and scatting.

* Techniques used in styles such as sostenuto and legato, range extension, tone quality, vibrato, and coloratura

Vocal technique

Singing when done with proper vocal technique is an integrated and coordinated act that effectively coordinates the physical processes of singing. There are four physical processes involved in producing vocal sound: respiration, phonation, resonation, and articulation. These processes occur in the following sequence: #Breath is taken #Sound is initiated in the larynx #The vocal resonators receive the sound and influence it #The articulators shape the sound into recognizable units Although these four processes are often considered separately when studied, in actual practice they merge into one coordinated function. With an effective singer or speaker, one should rarely be reminded of the process involved as their mind and body are so coordinated that one only perceives the resulting unified function. Many vocal problems result from a lack of coordination within this process.

Since singing is a coordinated act, it is difficult to discuss any of the individual technical areas and processes without relating them to the others. For example, phonation only comes into perspective when it is connected with respiration; the articulators affect resonance; the resonators affect the vocal folds; the vocal folds affect breath control; and so forth. Vocal problems are often a result of a breakdown in one part of this coordinated process which causes voice teachers to frequently focus in intensively on one area of the process with their student until that issue is resolved. However, some areas of the art of singing are so much the result of coordinated functions that it is hard to discuss them under a traditional heading like phonation, resonation, articulation, or respiration.

Once the voice student has become aware of the physical processes that make up the act of singing and of how those processes function, the student begins the task of trying to coordinate them. Inevitably, students and teachers will become more concerned with one area of the technique than another. The various processes may progress at different rates, with a resulting imbalance or lack of coordination. The areas of vocal technique which seem to depend most strongly on the student's ability to coordinate various functions are: : #Extending the vocal range to its maximum potential #Developing consistent vocal production with a consistent tone quality #Developing flexibility and agility #Achieving a balanced vibrato

Developing the singing voice

Singing is a skill that requires highly developed muscle reflexes. Singing does not require much muscle strength but it does require a high degree of muscle coordination. Individuals can develop their voices further through the careful and systematic practice of both songs and vocal exercises. Vocal pedagogists instruct their students to exercise their voices in an intelligent manner. Singers should be thinking constantly about the kind of sound they are making and the kind of sensations they are feeling while they are singing. Vocal exercises have several purposes, including warming up the voice; extending the vocal range; "lining up" the voice horizontally and vertically; and acquiring vocal techniques such as legato, staccato, control of dynamics, rapid figurations, learning to sing wide intervals comfortably, singing trills, singing melismas and correcting vocal faults.

Extending vocal range

An important goal of vocal development is to learn to sing to the natural limits of one's vocal range without any obvious or distracting changes of quality or technique. Vocal pedagogists teach that a singer can only achieve this goal when all of the physical processes involved in singing (such as laryngeal action, breath support, resonance adjustment, and articulatory movement) are effectively working together. Most vocal pedagogists believe in coordinating these processes by (1) establishing good vocal habits in the most comfortable tessitura of the voice, and then (2) slowly expanding the range.

There are three factors that significantly affect the ability to sing higher or lower:

# The ''energy'' factor — "energy" has several connotations. It refers to the total response of the body to the making of sound; to a dynamic relationship between the breathing-in muscles and the breathing-out muscles known as the breath support mechanism; to the amount of breath pressure delivered to the vocal folds and their resistance to that pressure; and to the dynamic level of the sound. # The ''space'' factor — "space" refers to the size of the inside of the mouth and the position of the palate and larynx. Generally speaking, a singer's mouth should be opened wider the higher he or she sings. The internal space or position of the soft palate and larynx can be widened by relaxing the throat. Vocal pedagogists describe this as feeling like the "beginning of a yawn". # The ''depth'' factor — "depth" has two connotations. It refers to the actual physical sensations of depth in the body and vocal mechanism, and to mental concepts of depth that are related to tone quality.

McKinney says, "These three factors can be expressed in three basic rules: (1) As you sing higher, you must use more energy; as you sing lower, you must use less. (2) As you sing higher, you must use more space; as you sing lower, you must use less. (3) As you sing higher, you must use more depth; as you sing lower, you must use less."

Posture

The singing process functions best when certain physical conditions of the body exist. The ability to move air in and out of the body freely and to obtain the needed quantity of air can be seriously affected by the posture of the various parts of the breathing mechanism. A sunken chest position will limit the capacity of the lungs, and a tense abdominal wall will inhibit the downward travel of the diaphragm. Good posture allows the breathing mechanism to fulfill its basic function efficiently without any undue expenditure of energy. Good posture also makes it easier to initiate phonation and to tune the resonators as proper alignment prevents unnecessary tension in the body. Vocal pedagogists have also noted that when singers assume good posture it often provides them with a greater sense of self assurance and poise while performing. Audiences also tend to respond better to singers with good posture. Habitual good posture also ultimately improves the overall health of the body by enabling better blood circulation and preventing fatigue and stress on the body.

There are eight components of the ideal singing posture:

# Feet slightly apart # Legs straight but knees unlocked # Hips facing straight forward # Spine aligned # Abdomen flat # Chest comfortably forward # Shoulders down and back # Head facing straight forward

Breathing and breath support

Natural breathing has three stages: a breathing-in period, a breathing out period, and a resting or recovery period; these stages are not usually consciously controlled. Within singing there are four stages of breathing: a breathing-in period (inhalation); a setting up controls period (suspension);a controlled exhalation period (phonation); and a recovery period.

These stages must be under conscious control by the singer until they become conditioned reflexes. Many singers abandon conscious controls before their reflexes are fully conditioned which ultimately leads to chronic vocal problems.

Vibrato

Vibrato is used by singers (and many instrumentalists; for instance, string instruments that are played with a bow can produce vibrato tones) in which a sustained note wavers very quickly and consistently between a higher and a lower pitch, giving the note a slight quaver. Vibrato is the pulse or wave in a sustained tone. Vibrato occurs naturally, and is the result of proper breath support and a relaxed vocal apparatus. Some singers use vibrato as a means of expression. Many successful artists have built a career on deep, rich vibrato.

Vocal music

Vocal music is music performed by one or more singers, with or without instrumental accompaniment, in which singing provides the main focus of the piece. Vocal music is probably the oldest form of music, since it does not require any instrument besides the human voice. All musical cultures have some form of vocal music and there are many long standing singing traditions throughout the world's cultures.

Music which employs singing but does not feature it prominently is generally considered as instrumental music. For example, some blues rock songs may have a simple call-and-response chorus, but the emphasis in the song is on the instrumental melodies and improvisation. Vocal music typically features sung words called lyrics, although there are notable examples of vocal music that are performed using non-linguistic syllables or noises, sometimes as musical onomatopoeia. A short piece of vocal music with lyrics is broadly termed a song.

Genres of vocal music

Vocal music is written in many different forms and styles which are often labeled within a particular genre of music. These genres include: Art music, Popular music, Traditional music, regional and national music, and fusions of those genres. Within these larger genres are many sub-genres. For example, popular music would encompass blues, jazz, country music, easy listening, hip hop, rock music, and several other genres. There may also be a sub-genre within a sub-genre such as vocalese and scat singing in jazz.

Popular and traditional music

In many modern pop musical groups, a lead singer performs the primary vocals or melody of a song, as opposed to a backing singer who sings backup vocals or the harmony of a song. Backing vocalists sing some, but usually not all, parts of the song often singing only in a song's refrain or humming in the background. An exception is five-part gospel a cappella music, where the lead is the highest of the five voices and sings a descant, and not the melody. Some artists may sing both the lead and backing vocals on audio recordings by overlapping recorded vocal tracks.

Popular music includes a range of vocal styles. Hip-hop uses rapping, the rhythmic delivery of rhymes in a rhythmic speech over a beat or without accompaniment. Some types of rapping consist mostly or entirely of speech and chanting, like the Jamaican "toasting". In some types of rapping, the performers may interpolate short sung or half-sung passages. Blues singing is based on the use of the blue notes–notes sung at a slightly lower pitch than that of the major scale for expressive purposes. In heavy metal and hardcore punk subgenres, vocal styles can include techniques such as screams, shouts, and unusual sounds such as the "death growl".

One difference between live performances in the popular and Classical genres is that whereas Classical performers often sing without amplification in small- to mid-size halls, in popular music, a microphone and PA system (amplifier and speakers) are used in almost all performance venues, even a small coffee house. The use of the microphone has had several impacts on popular music. For one, it facilitated the development of intimate, expressive singing styles such as "crooning" which would not have enough projection and volume if done without a microphone. As well, pop singers who use microphones can do a range of other vocal styles that would not project without amplification, such as making whispering sounds, humming, and mixing half-sung and sung tones. As well, some performers use the microphone's response patterns to create effects, such as bringing the mic very close to the mouth to get an enhanced bass response, or, in the case of hip-hop beatboxers, doing plosive "p" and "b" sounds into the mic to create percussive effects.

While some bands use backup singers who only sing when they are onstage, it is common for backup singers in popular music to have other roles. In many rock and metal bands, the musicians doing backup vocals also play instruments, such as rhythm guitar, electric bass, or drums. In Latin or Afro-Cuban groups, backup singers may play percussion instruments or shakers while singing. In some pop and hip-hop groups and in musical theater, the backup singers may be required to perform elaborately choreographed dance routines while they sing through headset microphones.

Careers in singing

The salaries and working conditions for vocalists vary a great deal. While jobs in other music fields such as music education tend to be based on full-time, salaried positions, singing jobs tend to be based on contracts for individual shows or performances, or for a sequence of shows (e.g., a two-week series of performances of an opera or musical theater show). Since income from singing jobs can be unsteady, singers often supplement their performing income with other singing-related jobs, such as vocal coaching, voice lessons, or as working as a choral director in a church. Due to the large number of aspiring vocalists, it can be very competitive to get jobs in singing. Church choir soloists can make from $30 to $500 per performance (all figures in US dollars). Performers in a community choral group can earn from $200–$3,000 yearly; members of a professional concert choral group can make $80 and up per performance. Singers who perform on radio or TV shows can make $75 and up per show on a local station and $125 and up per national network show (e.g., CBS or NBC). Jazz or pop singers who perform with dance bands or nightclub show groups can make $225 and up per week. Professional opera chorus singers can make from $350–$750 per week. Opera soloists, for which the number of job openings is very limited, can make from $350 to $20,000 per performance for the most elite performers. Classical concert soloists, for which the number of job openings is very limited, have approximate earnings of $350 per performance and up.

Aspiring singers and vocalists must have musical talent and skill, an excellent voice, the ability to work with people, and a sense of showmanship and drama. Additionally, singers need to have the ambition and drive to continually study and improve, because the process of studying singing does not end after an initial diploma or degree is finished-even decades after finishing their initial training, professional singers continue to seek out vocal coaching to hone their skills, extend their range, and learn new styles. As well, aspiring singers need to gain specialized skills in the vocal techniques used to interpret songs, learn about the vocal literature from their chosen style of music, and gain skills in choral music techniques, sight singing and memorizing songs, and basic skills at the piano, to aid in learning new songs and in ear training or vocal exercises. In Classical singing and in some other genres, a knowledge of foreign languages such as French, Italian, German, or other languages, is needed. Prior to college or university training, aspiring singers should learn to read music, study basic piano, and gain experience with singing, both in choirs and in solo settings.

College or university degrees are "not always required but the equivalent training is usually necessary". Post-secondary training in singing is available for both Classical and non-Classical singers. In the Classical stream, singing can be studied at conservatories and university music programs; credentials that are available range from diplomas and Bachelor's degrees to Master's degrees and the Doctor of Musical Arts. In popular and jazz styles, college and university degrees are also available, though there are fewer programs.

Once aspiring vocalists have completed their professional training, they must then take steps to market themselves to buyers of vocal talent, by doing auditions in front of an opera director, choirmaster, or conductor. Depending on the style of vocal music that a person has trained in, the "talent buyers" that they seek out may be record company A&R; representatives, opera or musical theater directors, choir directors, nightclub managers, or concert promoters. In addition preparing a resume or CV listing their training and performance experience, singers typically prepare a promotional kit that includes professionally taken photographs (head shots); a CD or DVD with excerpts of vocal performances; and copies of reviews from music critics or journalists. Some singers hire an agent or manager to help them to seek out engagements and other performance opportunities; the agent or manager is often paid by receiving a percentage of the fees that the singer gets from performing onstage.

Health benefits

Scientific studies suggest that singing can have positive effects on people's health. A preliminary study based on self-reported data from a survey of students participating in choral singing found perceived benefits including increased lung capacity, improved mood, stress reduction, as well as perceived social and spiritual benefits. However, one much older study of lung capacity compared those with professional vocal training to those without, and failed to back up the claims of increased lung capacity. Singing may positively influence the immune system through the reduction of stress. One study found that both singing and listening to choral music reduces the level of stress hormones and increases immune function. A multinational collaboration to study the connection between singing and health was established in 2009, called ''Advancing Interdisciplinary Research in Singing'' (AIRS).

Singing in non-human species

Scholars agree that singing is strongly present in many non-human species. Wide dispersal of singing behavior among very different animal species (like birds, gibbons, whales, and humans) strongly suggests that singing appeared independently in different species. Currently there are about 5400 species of animals that can sing. At least some singing species demonstrate the ability to learn their songs, to improvise and even to compose new melodies. In some animal species singing is a group activity (see, for example, singing in gibbon families.)

Singing in different natural environments

Joseph Jordania suggested that singing behavior is very unevenly distributed among animal species, living in different environments (on the ground, in the water, in trees). Most of the singing species live on the trees (like many bird species, or gibbons), some live in the water (whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions), and there are no animal species who live on the ground and sing except for humans. This uneven distribution of singing can be crucial for our understanding of the origins of the singing behavior in animals and humans. Jordania explains this fact as the result of the pressure from natural selection. Singing is a very costly behavior, not only because of the energy to produce sounds, but primarily for the security reasons, as all the possible predators can easily learn the whereabouts of a singing animal. Singing species that live on the trees are in a much more favourable situation, as trees allow different species to live according to their body weight. So different animals with different body weight live on different "levels" of the tree branches. For example, a 50 kilo leopard can see and hear the sounds produced by a 15 kilo monkey, but as a lighter monkey can live much higher on the tree branches, it is out of reach of a heavier leopard. Therefore tree living (or arboreal) species feel quite secure to sing or to communicate with a wide range of vocal signals. On the other hand, all the ground living (or terrestrial) animal species, despite the huge weight differences between them (ranging from rabbits to lions and elephants) live on the same "ground level", and maintaining silence is crucially important for them. Even most of the birds, the most ardent singers, stop singing and producing other sounds when they sit on the ground. Therefore, predator threat might be a primary reason why tree living species are generally much noisier than ground living species.

See also: art music

A cappella

Aria

Bel canto

Chanson

Chiaroscuro (music)

Choral music

Fach

Group singing

Human voice

Opera

Overtone singing

Recitative

Singer–songwriter

Sprechgesang

Throat singing

Voice pedagogy

Voice projection

Voice type

Yodeling

Winsingad

See also: popular music

Beat boxing

Belt (music)

Death growl

Humming

Lead vocalist

Rapping

Screaming (music)

Vocoder

References

External links

A Brief History of Singing

Category:Occupations in music *

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name	Muqaddar Ka Sikandar
director	Prakash Mehra
producer	Prakash Mehra
writer	Vijay KaulKader KhanLaxmikant Sharma
starring	Amitabh BachchanRaakhee GulzarAmjad KhanKader KhanVinod KhannaRanjeetRekhaNirupa Roy
music	Kalyanji-Anandji
distributor	Prakash Mehra Productions
released	27 October 1978
runtime	181 mins
country	India
language	Hindi
followed by	}}

''Muqaddar Ka Sikandar'' (Hindi: म�?क़द्दर का सिकंदर, Urdu: مقدر کا سکندر) is a 1978 Indian Hindi film. Produced and directed by Prakash Mehra, it stars Amitabh Bachchan in his third out of six (actually it was 5th of 9) films with Prakash Mehra to date. The films also stars Vinod Khanna, Raakhee Gulzar, Rekha and Amjad Khan. The film was the top grossing hit of 1978, becoming a blockbuster. It placed in the top three grossing hits for the entire 1970s decade. Although, it was nominated for several major Filmfare Awards, including Best Film, it failed to win in any category. It was remade into the Telugu film ''Prema Tarangalu'' (1980).

Plot

Orphaned and abused at a very young age, a young boy faces the harsh side of life as he struggles to make a living by slaving day and night working in the house of a wealthy man named Ramnath. Ramnath does not like him: it is later revealed that another orphan had taken advantage of his kindness in the past, hence his animosity. Ramnath's daughter Kaamna, however, empathizes with the boy and they form a friendship. Eventually he is adopted by a Muslim woman who also works for Ramnath, Fatima, who decides to name him Sikandar. On the occasion of Kaamna's birthday Sikandar, who had promised to replace one of her dolls which he'd broken, steals an expensive doll from a shop to give as a gift. However, Ramnath refuses to let the boy attend the party, and when Sikandar breaks into Kaamna's room to deliver the doll he is caught and accused of trying to rob the house. He and his mother are banished from Ramnath's home. Shortly thereafter, Fatima dies, leaving young Sikandar with the responsibility of looking after her daughter, Mehroo.

As Sikandar is crying in the graveyard, a fakir comes to him and asks him to embrace the woes of life and find happiness in sadness, for then he would become the conqueror of fate. The sequence cuts to a grown up Sikandar (Amitabh Bachchan) zooming on his motorbike singing his favourite tune. It is then revealed that Sikandar has amassed a fortune by turning in smuggled goods to the police and receiving the reward payouts. With all his wealth he has managed to build an impressive house for himself along with setting up a profitable business.

Sikandar still has not forgotten Kaamna (Raakhee) from his childhood. She and her father have fallen on hard times, and Sikandar is anonymously supporting them. Eventually he gets up the nerve to try to talk to Kaamna, but she believes that he betrayed her family and she snubs him. Sikandar is upset by the refusal and becomes a heavy drinker. He also visits Zora Begam's (Rekha) kotha on a regular basis. One night in the bar Sikandar meets up with Advocate Vishal (Vinod Khanna) and a friendship is formed between them when Vishal risks his own life to save Sikandar from a bomb blast. Sikandar introduces Vishal to Ramnath and the two begin to work together.

Zora Begam eventually falls in love with Sikandar, and this in turn angers Dilawar (Amjad Khan) a hard core criminal who loves Zora and will kill any one who lays an eye on her. Upon finding that Sikandar is frequently visiting Zora, Dilawar confronts Sikandar and in the ensuing fight is thrashed by him. He swears to kill Sikandar.

Kaamna discovers Sikandar's kindness to her family and goes to thank him. Encouraged, Sikandar tries to profess his love to Kaamna through a love letter. Because Sikandar himself is illiterate, Vishal transcribes the letter for him, but the plan backfires when Kaamna mistakes the letter as actually being from Vishal. Vishal, unaware that Kaamna is the girl Sikandar loves, falls in love with her, and the two begin to date. Sikandar, upon learning this, struggles with his emotions but decides he must sacrifice his love for the sake of his friendship with Vishal.

Sikandar's visits to Zora Begum have hampered his reputation. His sister's marriage is in dire straits because of this habit. Vishal then visits Zora and offers to pay her for the rest of his life if she would let Sikandar go. Zora, upon learning the reason, promises Vishal that she would die before letting Sikandar visit her again. Sikandar arrives at Zora's in the evening and Zora refuses to let him in. Sikandar demands entry, and when Zora is unable to stop him she swallows a diamond and lets Sikandar in, only to die in his arms.

Dilawar in the meanwhile has formed an alliance with Sikandar's arch enemy JD and upon learning of Zora's death hatches a plan to destroy Sikandar and his family. Dilawar kindaps Kaamna but Sikandar sees them and follows him. JD and his henchmen kidnap Sikandar's sister Mehroo but Vishal follows them and rescues her.

Sikandar rescues Kaamna and sends her home while he battles Dilawar. In the final battle both Dilawar and Sikandar are mortally wounded, and Sikandar tells Dilawar that he never loved Zora. A dying Sikandar reaches the wedding of Kaamna and Vishal. Just as the wedding ceremony is completed, Sikandar collapses. His dying words inadvertently reveal his love for Kaamna, and Vishal sings him his favourite song "Life is going to betray you someday...Death is your true love as it'll take you along..." Sikandar's entire life flashes before him and he dies in Vishal's arms just as the song is completed.

Cast

Amitabh Bachchan ... Sikandar

Vinod Khanna ... Vishal Anand

Rakhee Gulzar ... Kaamna

Rekha ... Zohra

Goga Kapoor ... Goga

Amjad Khan ... Dilawar

Kader Khan ... Fakir Darvesh Baba

Ranjeet ... J.D.

Soundtrack

The Soundtrack was composed by the duo of the brothers Kalyanji Anandji, with the lyrics by Anjaan. {| class=wikitable |- !Song !Singer(s) |- |''Rute Hue Ate Hain Sab'' |Kishore Kumar |- |''Zindagi To Bewafa Hai'' |Mohammad Rafi |- |''O Saathi Re Tere Bina'' |Kishore Kumar |- |''O Saathi Re Tere Bina-Female'' |Lata Mangeshkar |- |''Pyar Zindagi Hai'' |Asha Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar & Mahendra Kapoor |- |''Wafa Jo Na Ki To'' |Asha Bhosle |- |''Dil To Hai Dil'' |Lata Mangeshkar |- |''Salaam-e-Ishq Meri Jaan'' |Lata Mangeshkar & Kishore Kumar |}

References

External links

Category:1978 films Category:Indian films Category:Hindi-language films Category:Films directed by Prakash Mehra Sikandar

de:Muqaddar Ka Sikandar hi:म�?कद्दर का सिकन्दर (1978 फ़िल्म) new:म�?कद्दर का सिकन्दर (सन् १९७८या संकिपा) pl:Muqaddar Ka Sikandar

name	P.B. Sreenivas
background	solo_singer
birth name	Prativadi Bhayankara Sreenivas
alias	PBS
born	September 22, 1930 Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh
instrument	Vocalist
genre	Playback singing, Carnatic music, Ghazal
occupation	Singer
years active	1951-current
notable instruments	}}

P.B. Sreenivas(,,,) is a playback singer from India. He has sung in Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil and malayalam films. He is known for his playback singing in the Telugu and Kannada film industries.

Biography

Born to the couple Phanindra Swamy and Sesha Giriamma, in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, he has completed college with a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

He is fluent in eight languages ( Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, Urdu, English and Sanskrit ) and has penned several ghazals in Telugu. Sreenivas sang duets and triplets with Geeta Dutt, Shamshad Begum and Jikki apart from leading a chorus song. He was introduced in Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu simultaneously in the movie Jathaka Phala (Jathakam) by R. Nagendra Rao.

He debuted in 1952 in Gemini's Hindi film Mr Sampat. In 1955 he also sang in the Malayalam film ''Harishcandra''. His first solo hit came in the movie ''Prema Pasam'' in which he also sang a duet with P. Susheela. Later he sung for the Kannada legend Raj Kumar for a long time and the association was highly appreciated by critics, fans and the industry. In the Tamil industry, he has sung the maximum number of songs for Gemini Ganesan.He has sung for other actors as well but incidentally, he has sung very few songs for M. G. Ramachandran and Sivaji Ganesan.

In ''Pava Mannippu'', Sreenivas sang "Kalangalil Aval Vasantham" written by Kannadasan and set to the tune by the music duo Viswanathan - Ramamurthy. The film ''Adutha Veettuppen'' of Anjali Pictures carried some of his songs. Sreenivas has also sung with P.Susheela, S. Janaki, Bhanumathi, and Lata Mangeshkar for the movie ''Main Bhi Ladki Hoon'' and some North Indian Singers.

His devotional songs include "Sharadha Bhujanga Stothram", "Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatham", "Mukunda Mala", "Shri Mallikarjuna Stotram" and Purandaradasa compositions.

His "home away from home" was the Woodlands Drive-In restaurant in Chennai frequently wrote.

He has headed many music related organizations such as being the president of Iyal Isai Nataka Mandram.

Filmography

! Year	! Film	! Language	! Song
1955
1955	''Rani Ratnaprabha''
1956	''Bhale Ramudu''	Telugu
1959	''Jayabheri''	Telugu
1960	''Bhakta Shabari''
1960	''Runanubandham''	Telugu
1960	''Sahasra Siracheda Apoorva Chinthamani''	Telugu
1960	''Shantinivasam''	Telugu
1961	''Iddaru Mitrulu''	Telugu
1961	''Intiki Deepam Illalu''	Telugu
1961	''Pasamalar''		''Yaar Yaar Avar Yaaro''
1961	''Pava Mannippu''	Tamil	''Kalangalil Aval''
1961	''Thirudathe''
1961	''Sri Seetha Rama Kalyanam''	Telugu
1962	''Atma Bandhuvu''	Telugu
1962		Telugu	''Manasuloni Korika Telusu Neeku Premika''
1962	Dakshayagnam	Telugu
1962	''Kula Gothralu''	Telugu	''Rave Rave Bala Hello My Dear Leela''
1962	''Raktha Sambandham''	Telugu
1962	''Veera Thirumagan''	Tamil	''Paadatha Paatellam''''Roja Malarae''
1963	''Chaduvukunna Ammayilu''	Telugu
1963	''Lava Kusha''	Telugu
1963	''Paar Magale Paar''	Tamil	''Aval Paranthu Ponale''''Madhurai Nagaril''''Madura Nagaril''
1964	''Bobbili Yudham''	Telugu
1964	''Dr. Chakravarthy''	Telugu
1964	''Server Sundaram''	Tamil	''Poga Poga Theriyum''
1965	''Gudi Gantalu''	Telugu	''Neeli Kannula Needala Lona''
1965	''Preminchi Choodu''	Telugu	''Meda Meeda Meda Katti Kotlu Koodabettinatti Kamandu''''Mee Andala Chetulu Kandenu Papam''
1965	''Sri Simhachala Kshetra Mahima''	Telugu	''Jayahe Mohana Roopa Gaana Kalaapa''
1966	''Shri Krishna Pandaviyam''	Telugu	''Yemitaya Nee Leela Krishna''
1967	''Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna''	Telugu
1971	''Sampoorna Ramayanam''	Telugu	''Vedalenu Kodandapani''
1973	''Gandhada Gudi''	Kannada	''Ellu hogalla''''Naavaaduva nudiye kannada''
2010	''Aayirathil Oruvan''	Tamil	''Pemmane''

# Laxmi Pooja (1979) # Gorantha Deepam (1978) # Jeevana Jyothi (1976) # Seeta Kalyanam (1976) # Chelleli Kapuram (1971) # Saptaswarulu (1969) # Ooty Varai Uravu (1967) # Sakshi (1967) # Letha Manasulu (1966) # Tene Manasulu (1965) # Maain Bhi Ladki Hun (1964) # Manchi Manishi (1964)

Awards and recognitions

''Madhavapeddi Satyam award'' by the Siva Foundation ''Vocational Excellence Award'' for his fifty years of dedication to music ''Vidwath Siromani Puraskaram''

Kalaimamani Title by the Government of Tamil Nadu

References

External links

P.B.Srinivas page at IMDb

P.B.Srinivas with Lata Mangeshkar

Category:1930 births Category:Living people Category:Kannada playback singers Category:Kollywood playback singers Category:Indian film singers Category:People from Kakinada Category:Telugu people Category:Telugu playback singers

kn:ಪಿ.ಬಿ.ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ್ ta:பி. பி. ஸ்ரீநிவாஸ் te:ప్రతివాది భయంకర శ్రీనివాస్

name	Kishore Kumar| image Gangulybros01.jpg
background	solo_singer
spouse	Rama Devi, Madhubala, Yogeeta Bali, Leena Chandawarkar
birth name	Abhas Kumar Ganguly
born	August 04, 1929Khandwa, Central Provinces and Berar
died	October 13, 1987Mumbai, Maharashtra
genre	Playback, Rabindra Sangeet, rock and roll
occupation	Singer, actor, director, musician, producer
years active	1946–1987 }}

Kishore Kumar (, , ; born Abhas Kumar Ganguly 4 August 1929 – 13 October 1987) was an Indian film playback singer and an actor who also worked as lyricist, composer, producer, director, screenwriter and scriptwriter. Kishore Kumar sang in many Indian languages including Bengali, Hindi, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Malayalam and Oriya. He was the winner of 8 Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer and holds the record for most number of Filmfare Awards won for that category.

Early life

Kishore Kumar was born into the Bengali Brahmin Ganguly family in Khandwa, Central Provinces and Berar (now in Madhya Pradesh) as Abhas Kumar Ganguly. His father Kunjalal Ganguly (Gangopadhya) was a lawyer. His mother Gouri Devi came from a wealthy Bengali family. Kishore was the youngest of four siblings, the other three being Ashok Kumar (the eldest), Sati Devi, and Anoop Kumar.

While Kishore was still a child, Ashok Kumar became a Bollywood actor. (Later, Anoop Kumar also ventured into cinema with the help of Ashok Kumar). Spending time with his brothers, Kishore also started to take a keen interest in movies and music. He became a fan of singer-actor Kundan Lal Saigal, whom he considered his guru, and tried to follow Saigal's singing style.

Career

After Ashok Kumar became a Bollywood star, the Ganguly family used to visit Bombay regularly. Abhas Kumar changed his name to Kishore Kumar and started his cinema career as a chorus singer at Bombay Talkies, where his brother worked. His first film as an actor was ''Shikari'' (1946), in which Ashok Kumar played the lead role. Music director Khemchand Prakash gave him a chance to sing the song ''Marne ki duayen kyon mangu'' for the film ''Ziddi'' (1948). After this, Kishore Kumar got many other assignments, but he was not very serious about a film career. In 1949, he decided to settle in Mumbai.

Kishore Kumar played hero in the Bombay Talkies film ''Andolan'' (1951), directed by Phani Majumdar. Although Kishore Kumar got some assignments as an actor with help of his brother, he was more interested in becoming a singer. He was not interested in acting, but his elder brother Ashok Kumar wanted him to be an actor like himself.

He starred in Bimal Roy's ''Naukri'' (1954) and Hrishikesh Mukherjee's directorial debut ''Musafir'' (1957). Salil Chowdhury, the music director for ''Naukri'' was initially dismissive of him as a singer, when he came to know that Kishore Kumar didn't have any formal training in music. However, after hearing his voice, he gave him the song ''Chhota sa ghar hoga'', which was supposed to be sung by Hemant Kumar.

Kishore Kumar starred in films ''New Delhi'''' (1957), ''Aasha'' (1957), ''Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi'' (1958), ''Half Ticket'' (1962), and ''Padosan'' (1968). ''Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi'', his home production, starred the three Ganguly brothers, and Madhubala. The film is about romance between a city girl (Madhubala) and a car mechanic (Kishore Kumar), with a subplot involving brothers.

Music director S. D. Burman is credited with spotting Kishore Kumar's talent as a singer, and advancing his singing career. During the making of ''Mashaal'' (1950), Burman visited Ashok Kumar's house, where he heard Kishore imitating K. L. Saigal. He complimented Kishore, but also told him that he should develop a style of his own, instead of copying Saigal. Kishore Kumar did not have a formal training in music. He kept Burman's advice in mind, and eventually developed his own style of singing, which featured the yodeling that he had heard on some records of Jimmie Rodgers bought by his brother Anoop Kumar.

S. D. Burman recorded with Kishore for Dev Anand's ''Munimji'' (1954), ''Taxi Driver'' (1954), ''House No. 44'' (1955), ''Funtoosh'' (1956), ''Nau Do Gyarah'' (1957), ''Paying Guest'' (1957), ''Guide'' (1965), ''Jewel Thief'' (1967), ''Prem Pujari'' (1970), and ''Tere Mere Sapne'' (1971). He also composed music for Kishore Kumar's home production ''Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi'' (1958). Some of their initial films included the songs ''Maana Janaab Ne Pukara Nahin'' from ''Paying Guest'', ''Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke'' from ''Nau Do Gyarah'' (1957), ''Ai Meri Topi Palat Ke Aa'' from ''Funtoosh'', and ''Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si'' and ''Haal Kaisa Hai Janaab Ka'' from ''Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi'' (1958). Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar performed duets composed by S. D. Burman including ''Chhod Do Aanchal'' from ''Paying Guest'' (1957), ''Ankhon Mein Kya Ji'' from ''Nau Do Gyarah'' (1957), ''Haal Kaisa Hai Janaab Ka'' and ''Paanch Rupaiya Baara Aana'' from ''Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi'' (1958), ''Chhedo Na Meri Zulfein'' from ''Ganga Ki Lahren'' (1964), and ''Arre Yaar Meri Tum Bhi Ho Gajab'' from ''[Teen Devian|Teen Deviyan]'' (1965).

C. Ramchandra was another music director who recognized Kishore Kumar's talent as a singer. and their collaborations include ''Eena Meena Deeka'' from ''Aasha'' (1957). Kishore Kumar's work includes, ''Nakhrewaali'' from ''New Delhi'' (1956) by Shankar Jaikishan, and ''C.A.T. Cat Maane Billi'' and ''Hum To Mohabbat Karega'' from ''Dilli Ka Thug'' (1958) by Ravi.

Kishore Kumar produced, directed, and acted in the film ''Jhumroo'' (1961). He wrote the lyrics for the title song, ''Main Hoon Jhumroo'', and composed music for all the songs in the film. Later, he produced and directed the film ''Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein'' (1964). He also wrote the script and composed music for the film. The film is based on the relationship between a father (Kishore Kumar), and his deaf and mute son (played by his real-life son, Amit Kumar). He made another two films called ''Door Ka Rahi'' (1971) and ''Door Waadiyon Mein Kahin'' (1980).

In the 1960s, as an actor, Kishore Kumar built up a notoriety for coming late for the shootings, or bunking them altogether. His films flopped frequently, and he also landed in income tax trouble. As a singer, his work in this period includes ''Zaroorat Hai Zaroorat Hai'' from ''Manmauji'' (1961), ''Gaata Rahe Mera Dil'' from ''Guide'' (1965), and ''Yeh Dil Na Hota Bechara'' from ''Jewel Thief'' (1967).

In the late 1960s, Rahul Dev Burman worked together on the soundtrack of the film ''Padosan'' (1968), in which Kishore Kumar sang the songs ''Mere Saamne Wali Khidki Mein'' and ''Kehna Hai''. ''Padosan'' was a comedy film starring Kishore Kumar as a dramatist-musician, Mehmood as a Carnatic music and dance teacher, and Sunil Dutt as a simpleton named Bhola. Kishore Kumar's character in the film was inspired by the personality of Kishore's own uncle, Dhananjay Bannerjee (a classical singer). The highlight of the film was a musical, comical duel between Kishore Kumar-Sunil Dutt and Mehmood, ''Ek Chatur Nar Karke Singaar''.

1970's and 1980's

In 1969, Shakti Samanta produced and directed the film ''Aradhana'', for which the music was composed by S. D. Burman. S. D. Burman fell ill after recording some duet songs with Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar. Afterwards, his son and assistant Rahul Dev Burman took over the recording. R. D. Burman got Kishore Kumar to solo sing the songs ''Mere Sapno Ki Rani'' and ''Roop Tera Mastana''. Kishore Kumar won his first Filmfare award for the song "Roop Tera Mastana".

In 1970s & 1980s Kishore Kumar sang for Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Jeetendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Dev Anand, Shashi Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Mithun Chakraborty, Sanjay Dutt, Sunny Deol, Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff.

S. D. Burman and Kishore Kumar continued to work together, including ''Phoolon Ke Rang Se'' and ''Shokhiyon Mein Ghola Jaaye'' from ''Prem Pujari'' (1969), ''Aaj Madhosh Hua Jaaye Re'', ''Khilte Hain Gul Yahan'' and ''O Meri Sharmilee'' from ''Sharmilee'' (1971), ''Meet na mila'' from ''Abhimaan'' (1973), ''Pyaar Ke Is Khel Mein'' from ''Jugnu''. In 1975, S. D. Burman composed his last song for Kishore Kumar. S. D. Burman went into a coma for the second time, soon after Kishore recorded the song ''Badi Sooni Sooni Hai Zindagi'' for the film ''Mili''.

R. D. Burman frequently used Kishore Kumar as the male singer, and recorded several songs with him in the 1970s. Some Kishore Kumar-R. D. Burman songs include ''O Maajhi Re'' from ''Khushboo'', ''Yeh Shaam Mastaani'' and ''Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai'' from ''Kati Patang'' (1971), ''Kuchh To Log Kahenge'' from ''Amar Prem'' (1972), "Raat Kali Ek Khwab Mein Aayi" from ''Buddha Mil Gaya ''(1971), ''Musafir Hoon Yaaron'' from ''Parichay'' (1972), ''Diye Jalte Hain'' from ''Namak Haraam'' (1973), ''Meri Bheegi Bheegi Si'' from ''Anamika'' (1973), ''Zindagi Ke Safar Mein'' from ''Aap Ki Kasam'' (1974), ''Agar Tum Na Hote'', ''Humein Tum Se Pyaar Kitna'' from ''Kudrat'', "Mere Naina Saawan Bhadon" from ''Mehbooba'', and ''Chingari Koi Bhadke'' (''Amar Prem''), ''Jab Bhi Koi Kangana'' from ''Shaukeen'' (1986). R. D. Burman also recorded several duets pairing Kishore Kumar with Asha Bhosle and with Lata Mangeshkar. Some of these duets include ''Panna Ki Tamanna'' from ''Heera Panna'' (1973), ''Neend Chura Ke Raaton Mein'' from the film ''Shareef Budmaash'', ''Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai'' from Sanjay Dutt's debut film ''Rocky'' (1981), ''Sagar Kinare'' from ''Sagar'' in [1985], ''Aap Ki Aankhon Mein Kuchh'' from ''Ghar'', ''Jaane Ja Dhoondta'' and ''Nahi Nahi'' from ''Jawani Diwani'', "Kharoshoo" from ''Harjai'' (1982).

Apart from the Burmans, Kishore Kumar worked with other music directors as well. The composer duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal (L-P) also composed many songs sung by Kishore Kumar. Some of their songs include ''Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi'' from ''Mr. X In Bombay'', ''Mere Naseeb Mein Aye Dost'' from ''Do Raaste'', ''Yeh Jeevan Hai'' from ''Piya Ka Ghar'', ''Mere Dil Mein Aaj Kya Hai'' from ''Daag: A Poem of Love'', ''Nahi Mai Nahi Dekh Sakta'' from ''Majboor'', ''Mere diwanepan ki bhi'' from ''Mehboob Ki Mehndi'', ''Naach Meri Bulbul'' from ''Roti'', ''Chal Chal Mere Haathi'' from ''Haathi Mere Saathi'', ''Gaadi Bula Rahi Hai'' from ''Dost'', ''Ruk Jaana Nahi'' from ''Imtihaan'', ''Ek Ritu Aaye'' from ''Gautam Govinda'', ''My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves'' from ''Amar Akbar Anthony'' ''Bahut Khoobsurat Jawan Ek Ladki'' from ''Dostana'' and ''Om Shanti Om'' as well as ''Paisa Yeh Paisa'' from ''Karz''. Laxmikant-Pyarelal also composed several Kishore-Lata duets, including ''Achchha To Hum Chalte Hain'' from ''Aan Milo Sajna'', ''Gore Rang Pe Na Itna'' from ''Roti'', ''Main Solah Baras Ki'' from ''Karz'', and ''Din Mahine Saal'' from ''Avtaar'', ''Tu Kitne Baras Ki'' from ''Karz''. L-P also got Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi to sing duets for the films ''Dostana'', ''Ram Balram'' and ''Deedaar-E-Yaar''. L-P composed a duet with Kishore Kumar and Alisha Chinoy, ''I love you (Kaate Nahin Katate Yeh Din Yeh Raat)'' from ''Mr. India'' in (1987). Salil Chowdhury recorded songs like ''Koi Hota Jisko Apna'' from ''Mere Apne'' and ''Gujar Gaye Din Din'' from ''Annadata''. Ravindra Jain recorded ''Ghungroo Ki Tarah'', and the duet ''Tota Maina Ki Kahani'' from ''Fakira''. Khaiyyaam recorded beautiful duets with Lata Mangeshkar such as ''Hazar Rahein'' from ''Thodisi Bewafai'', ''Aankhon Mein Humne Aapke Sapne Sajaye Hain'', ''Chandani Raat Mein Ek Bar''. Hridaynath Mangeshkar recorded ''Zindagi Aa Raha Hoon Main'' from ''Mashaal''. Kalyanji-Anandji recorded several songs with Kishore Kumar including ''Zindagi Ka Safar'' and ''Jeevan Se Bhari Teri Aankhein'', from ''Safar'', ''Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas'' from ''Black Mail'', ''Apne Jeevan Ki Uljhan'' from ''Uljhan'', ''Mera Jeevan Kora Kagaz'' from ''Kora Kagaz'', ''O Saathi Re'' from ''Muqaddar Ka Sikandar'', ''Khaike Paan Banaraswala'' from ''Don'', ''Neele Neele Ambar Par'' from ''Kalakar'' and ''Pal Bhar Ke Liye'' from ''Johny Mera Naam''.

Other composers including Rajesh Roshan, Sapan Chakravarty, Jaidev, Chitragupta (composer), Usha Khanna, Sohnik Omi, Prem Dhawan, Vanraj Bhatia and Bappi Lahiri also worked with Kishore Kumar. Rajesh Roshan's film ''Julie'' featured songs sung by Kishore Kumar, ''Bhool Gaya Saab Kuchh'' (duet with Lata Mangeshkar) and ''Dil Kya Kare Jab Kisise''. Their other songs include ''Chhookar mere man ko'' from ''Yaarana'', ''Tune Abhi Dekha Nahin'' from ''Do Aur Do Paanch'' and ''Kahan Tak Ye Man Ko Andhere Chhalenge'' from ''Baaton Baaton Mein''. Bappi Lahiri also recorded many songs with Kishore Kumar, including ''Pag Ghunghroo Bandh'' from ''Namak Halal'' (1982), ''Manzilen Apni Jagah Hai'' from ''Sharaabi'' (1984) and ''Chalte Chalte Mere Ye Geet'' from ''Chalte Chalte'' (1976), ''Saason Se Nahi Kadmose Nahi'' from ''Mohabbat'' in (1987) and duets with (Lata Mangeshkar)) like ''Taa thaiya'' from ''Himmatwala'' in (1984), ''Albela Mausam'' from ''Tohfa'' in (1985) and another duet ''Pyar Ka Tohfa'' from the same film.

During the Indian Emergency (1975–1977), Sanjay Gandhi asked Kishore Kumar to sing for an Indian National Congress rally in Mumbai, but Kishore Kumar refused. As a result, the government put an unofficial ban on playing Kishore Kumar songs on the All India Radio or television.

Later years

Kishore Kumar produced and directed some movies in the late 1970s and early 1980s, such as ''Badhti Ka Naam Daadhi'' (1978), ''Zindagi'' (1981) and ''Door Wadiyon Mein Kahin'' (1980). His last appearance as an actor was in ''Door Wadiyon Mein Kahin''.

With patronage from R. D. Burman and Rajesh Roshan, Kishore Kumar's son Amit Kumar also became a Bollywood singer in the 1980s. Kishore Kumar also continued singing for several actors. He also did some stage shows, apparently to earn money to pay his income tax arrears.

Kishore Kumar stopped singing for Amitabh Bachchan in the mid-1980s, after Bachchan did not do a guest appearance in a film produced by him but called a truce with him by singing for him in ''Toofan''. He also temporarily stopped singing for Mithun Chakraborty, after Yogeeta Bali divorced him and married Chakraborty. However, later Kumar sang for him in many films like ''Disco Dancer'', ''Muddat'', and ''Pyar Ka Mandir''.

In the mid-1980s, Kishore Kumar sang for Anil Kapoor in Kapoor's debut film as a leading man, ''Woh Saat Din'' and also recorded ''Mr. India''. He sang a duet with Alka Yagnik, ''Tumse Badhkar Duniya Mein Na Dekha'' for ''Kaamchor'' in (1986). He also recorded some songs for the film ''Saagar'' with R. D. Burman. By this time, he had decided to retire and was planning to go back to his birthplace, Khandwa.

On 13 October 1987, he died of a heart attack in Mumbai at 4:45 pm. His body was taken to Khandwa for cremation. He had recorded his last song a day before he died. The song was ''Guru Guru'', a duet with Asha Bhosle, for the film ''Waqt Ki Aawaz'' (1988) composed by Bappi Lahiri for Mithun Chakraborty and Sridevi.

Kishore Kumar's song ''Pal Bhar Ke Liye'' from the film ''Johny Mera Naam'' (1970) was used in an episode of ''The Simpsons'' titled "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bangalore". His songs have also been featured in several films, including ''Such a Long Journey'' (1998) and ''Side Streets'' (1998). Sony TV organised the television singing contest ''K for Kishore'' to search for a singer like Kishore Kumar.

Personal life

Kishore Kumar married four times. His first wife was Ruma Guha Thakurta aka Ruma Ghosh. Their marriage lasted from 1950 to 1958.

Kishore's second wife was actress Madhubala, who had worked with him on many films including his home production ''Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi'' (1958). When Kishore Kumar proposed to her, Madhubala was sick and was planning to go to London for treatment. At this time, she didn't know that she had a ventricular septal defect, and her father wanted her to wait and consult the London doctors first. Nevertheless, Madhubala married Kishore in 1960. Madhubala was a Muslim, and the two had a civil marriage. Kishore converted to Islam and took the name Karim Abdul. The doctors in London told Madhubala that she would not live for long. The marriage lasted for nine years, and ended with Madhubala's death on 23 February 1969.

Kishore Kumar's third marriage was to Yogeeta Bali, and lasted from 1976 to 4 August 1978. Kishore was married to Leena Chandavarkar from 1980 until his death. Kishore Kumar sired two sons, Amit Kumar (playback singer) with Ruma, and Sumit Kumar with Leena Chandavarkar.

Kumar is said to have been paranoid about not being paid. During recordings, he would sing only after his secretary confirmed that the producer had made the payment. Once, when he discovered that his dues hadn't been fully paid, he landed up for shooting with make-up on only one side of his face. When the director questioned him, he replied "Aadha paisa to aadha make-up." (Half make-up for half payment). On the sets of ''Bhai Bhai'', Kishore Kumar refused to act because the director M V Raman owed him five thousand rupees. Ashok Kumar persuaded him to do the scene. But, when the shooting started, he walked across the floor and, each time he walked a few places, he said, ''Paanch Hazzar Rupaiya'' (five thousand rupees) and did a somersault. After he reached the end of the floor, he went out of the studio, jumped into his car, and ordered his driver Abdul to drive away. On another occasion, when producer R. C. Talwar did not pay his dues in spite of repeated reminders, Kishore turned up at Talwar's residence one morning and started shouting "''Hey Talwar, de de mere aath hazaar''" ("Hey Talwar, give me my eight thousand"). He did this every morning until Talwar paid him.

The film ''Anand'' (1971) was originally supposed to star Kishore Kumar and Mehmood Ali in the lead. Hrishikesh Mukherjee, the director of the film, was asked to meet Kishore Kumar to discuss the project. However, when he went to Kishore Kumar's house, he was driven away by the gatekeeper due to a misunderstanding. Kishore Kumar (himself a Bengali) hadn't been paid for a stage show organized by another Bengali man, and had instructed his gatekeeper to drive away this "Bengali", if he ever visited the house. When Hrishikesh Mukherjee (also a Bengali) went to Kishore Kumar's house, the gatekeeper drove him away, mistaking him for the "Bengali" that Kishore Kumar had asked him to drive away. Consequently, Mehmood had to leave the film as well, and new actors (Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan) were signed up for the film.

In spite of his "no money, no work" principle, sometimes Kishore Kumar recorded for free even when the producers were willing to pay. Such films include those produced by Rajesh Khanna and Danny Denzongpa. On one occasion, Kishore Kumar helped actor-turned-producer Bipin Gupta, by giving him Rs. 20,000 for the film ''Dal Mein Kala'' (1964). When actor Arun Kumar Mukherjee died, Kishore Kumar regularly sent money to his family in Bhagalpur. Mukherjee was one of the first persons to appreciate Kishore's singing talent.

Many journalists and writers have written about Kishore Kumar's seemingly eccentric behavior. Kishore Kumar had put a "''Beware of Kishore''" sign at the door of his Warden Road flat, where he stayed for some time while his bungalow was being done up. Once, producer-director H. S. Rawail, who owed him some money, visited his flat to pay the dues. Kishore Kumar took the money, and when Rawail offered to shake hands with him, he reportedly put Rawail's hand in his mouth, bit it, and asked "Didn’t you see the sign?". Rawail laughed off the incident and left quickly. Kishore Kumar was a loner, and in an interview with Pritish Nandy (1985), he said that he had no friends – he preferred talking to his trees instead. Once, when a reporter made a comment about how lonely he must be, Kishore Kumar took her to his garden. He then named some of the trees in his garden, and introduced them to the reporter as his closest friends.

According to another reported incident, once Kishore Kumar was to record a song for producer-director G. P. Sippy. As Sippy approached his bungalow, he saw Kishore going out in his car. Sippy pleaded him to stop his car, but Kishore only increased the speed of his car. Sippy chased him to Madh Island, where Kishore Kumar finally stopped his car near the ruined Madh Fort. When Sippy questioned his strange behavior, Kishore Kumar refused to recognize or talk to him and threatened to call police. Sippy had to return. Next morning, Kishore Kumar reported for the recording. An angry Sippy questioned him about his behavior on the previous day. However, Kishore Kumar insisted that Sippy must have seen a dream, and claimed that he was in Khandwa on the previous day.

Once, a producer went to court to get a decree that Kishore Kumar must follow the director's orders. As a consequence, Kishore Kumar obeyed the director to the letter. He refused to alight from his car until the director ordered him to do so. Once, after a car scene in Mumbai, he drove on till Khandala because the director forgot to say "Cut". In the 1960s, a financier named Kalidas Batvabbal, patently disgusted with Kishore Kumar's alleged lack of cooperation during the shooting of ''Half Ticket'', gave him away to the income tax authorities. Kishore had to face a raid at his house. Later, Kishore invited Batvabbal home, tricked him by asking him to enter a cupboard for a "chat" and locked him inside. He unlocked Batvabbal after two hours and told him "Don’t ever come to my house again."

Awards

; Filmfare Awards

Winner:

! Year	! Song	! Film	! Music director	! Lyricist
1969	''Roop tera mastaana''		Sachin Dev Burman	Anand Bakshi
1975	''Dil aisa kisi ne Mera''	''Amanush''	Shyamal Mitra	Indeevar
1978	''Khaike Pan Banaras Wala''		Kalyanji-Anandji	Anjaan
1980	''Hazaar raahen mudke dekheen''	''Thodisi Bewafaii''	Khayyam	Gulzar
1982	''Pag ghungroo baandh ke meera nachi''	''Namak Halaal''	Bappi Lahiri	Anjaan
1983	''Hamen aur jeene ki''	''Agar Tum Na Hote''	Rahul Dev Burman	Gulshan Bawra
1984	''Manzilen apni jagah''	''Sharaabi''	Bappi Lahiri	Anjaan
1985	''Saagar Kinaare''	''Saagar''	Rahul Dev Burman	Javed Akhtar

Nominated:

! Year	! Song	! Film	! Music Director	! Lyricist
1971	''Zindagi Ek Safar''		Shankar-Jaikishan	Hasrat Jaipuri
1971	''Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai''	Kati Patang	Rahul Dev Burman	Anand Bakshi
1972	''Chingari Koi Bhadke''	Amar Prem	Rahul Dev Burman	Anand Bakshi
1973	''Mere Dil Mein Aaj''	''Daag: A Poem of Love''	Laxmikant-Pyarelal	Sahir Ludhianvi
1974	''Gaadi Bula Rahi Hai''	''Dost''	Laxmikant-Pyarelal	Anand Bakshi
1974	''Mera Jeevan Kora Kagaz''	''Kora Kagaz''	Kalyanji Anandji	M.G.Hashmat
1975	''Main Pyaasa Tum''	''Faraar''	Kalyanji Anandji	Rajendra Krishan
1975	''O Manjhi Re''		Rahul Dev Burman
1977	''Aap Ke Anurodh''	''Anurodh''	Laxmikant-Pyarelal	Anand Bakshi
1978	''O Saathi Re''	Muqaddar Ka Sikander	Kalyanji-Anandji	Anjaan
1978	''Hum Bewafa Harghiz''		Rahul Dev Burman	Anand Bakshi
1979	''Ek Rasta Hai Zindagi''	''Kaala Patthar''	Rajesh Roshan	Sahir Ludhianvi
1980	''Om Shanthi Om''		Laxmikant-Pyarelal	Anand Bakshi
1981	''Hameh Tumse Pyar''	''Kudrat''	Rahul Dev Burman	Majrooh Sultanpuri
1981	''Chhookar Mere Mann Ko''		Rajesh Roshan	Anjaan
1983	''Shayad Meri Shaadi''	''Souten''	Usha Khanna	Sawan Kumar
1984	''De De Pyar De''	Sharaabi	Bappi Lahiri	Anjaan
1984	''Inteha Ho Gayi''	Sharaabi	Bappi Lahiri	Anjaan
1984	''Log Kehete Hai Main''	Sharaabi	Bappi Lahiri	Anjaan

; Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards

Winner: 1971 - Best Male Playback Singer for ''Aradhana'' 1972 - Best Male Playback Singer for ''Andaz'' 1973 - Best Male Playback Singer for ''Hare Rama Hare Krishna'' 1975 - Best Male Playback Singer for ''Kora Kagaz''

See also

Kishore Kumar filmography

List of Indian playback singers

Hindi songs

References

Further reading

External links

Category:1929 births Category:1987 deaths Category:Bengali people Category:People from Khandwa Category:Indian male singers Category:Indian actors Category:Indian film actors Category:Indian film singers Category:Cardiovascular disease deaths in India Category:Indian comedians Category:Bollywood playback singers Category:Yodelers Category:Bengali musicians Category:Bengali actors Category:Assamese playback singers Category:Indian former Muslims Category:People from Mumbai Category:Hindi film actors Category:Hindi-language film directors Category:Indian film directors Category:Indian film producers

bn:কিশোর ক�?মার de:Kishore Kumar es:Kishore Kumar fr:Kishore Kumar hi:किशोर क�?मार ml:കിഷോർ ക�?മാർ mr:किशोर क�?मार ne:किशोर क�?मार sd:ڪش�?ر ڪمار Kishore Kumar sv:Kishore Kumar te:కిషోర్ క�?మార్ ur:کش�?ر کمار

name	Lata Mangeshkar
background	solo_singer
born	September 28, 1929Indore, Central India Agency, British India
instrument	Vocals
genre	Film music (playback singing)
occupation	Singer
years active	1942–present }}

Lata Mangeshkar (; born September 28, 1929) is a singer from India. She is one of the best-known and most respected playback singers in India. Mangeshkar's career started in 1942 and has spanned over six and a half decades. She has recorded songs for over a thousand Bollywood movies and has sung songs in over thirty-six regional Indian languages and foreign languages, though primarily in Hindi. She is the elder sister of singer Asha Bhosle, and Hridayanath Mangeshkar, Usha Mangeshkar and Meena Mangeshkar. She is the second vocalist to have ever been awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour.

Mangeshkar was featured in the ''Guinness Book of World Records'' from 1974 to 1991 for having made the most recordings in the world. The claim was that she had recorded approximately 25,000 solo, duet, and chorus-backed songs in 20 Indian languages between 1948 to 1974 (30,000 songs between 1948 and 1987, according to the 1987 edition). Over the years, while several sources have supported this claim, others have raised concerns over its veracity, claiming that this number was highly exaggerated and that Mangeshkar's younger sister, Asha Bhosle, had more song recordings than she had.

Early life

Lata Mangeshkar was born in Sikh Mohalla, Indore, in the Central India Agency (now part of Madhya Pradesh). Her father, Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar who belonged to a Gomantak Maratha Samaj family from Goa, was a classical singer and theater actor. Her mother Shevanti (Shudhamati) who was from Thalner, Maharashtra, was Deenanath's second wife. The family's last name used to be Hardikar; Deenanath changed it to Mangeshkar in order to identify his family with his native town, Mangeshi in Goa. Lata was named "Hema" at her birth. Her parents later renamed her Lata after a female character, Latika, in one of her father's plays, ''BhaawBandhan''. Lata is the eldest child of her parents. Meena, Asha, Usha and Hridayanath are her siblings in sequence.

Mangeshkar took her first music lessons from her father. At the age of five, she started to work as an actress in her father's musical plays (''Sangeet Natak'' in Marathi). On the first day in the school, she started teaching songs to other children. When the teacher stopped her, she was so angry that she stopped going to the school. Other sources cite that she left school because they would not allow her to bring Asha with her, as she would often bring her younger sister with her.

Singing career

Early career in the 1940s

In 1942, when Mangeshkar was 13, her father died of heart disease. Master Vinayak (Vinayak Damodar Karnataki), the owner of Navyug Chitrapat movie company and a close friend of the Mangeshkar family, took care of them.

Mangeshkar sang the song "Naachu Yaa Gade, Khelu Saari Mani Haus Bhaari" which was composed by Sadashivrao Nevrekar for Vasant Joglekar's Marathi-language movie ''Kiti Hasaal'' (1942), but the song was dropped from the final cut. Vinayak gave her a small role in Navyug Chitrapat's Marathi movie ''Pahili Mangalaa-gaur'' (1942), in which she sang "Natali Chaitraachi Navalaai" which was composed by Dada Chandekar. Her first Hindi song was "Mata Ek Sapoot Ki Duniya Badal De Tu" for the Marathi film, ''Gajaabhaau'' (1943). Mangeshkar moved to Mumbai in 1945 when Master Vinayak's company moved its headquarters there. She started taking lessons in Hindustani classical music from Ustad Amanat Ali Khan Bhendibazaarwale. She sang “Paa Lagoon Kar Jori” for Vasant Joglekar's Hindi-language movie ''Aap Ki Seva Mein'' (1946), which was composed by Datta Davjekar. Mangeshkar and her sister Asha played minor roles Vinayak's first Hindi-language movie, ''Badi Maa'' (1945). In that movie, Lata also sang a bhajan, “Maata Tere Charnon Mein.” She was introduced to music director Vasant Desai during the recording of Vinayak's second Hindi-language movie, ''Subhadra'' (1946).

Following the partition of India in 1947, Ustad Amanat Ali Khan Bhendibazaarwale migrated to newly formed Pakistan, so Mangeshkar started to learn classical music under Amanat Khan Devaswale. Pandit Tulsidas Sharma, a pupil of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, also trained her.

After Vinayak's death in 1948, music director Ghulam Haider mentored her as a singer. Haider introduced Mangeshkar to producer Sashadhar Mukherjee, who was working then on the movie ''Shaheed'' (1948), but Mukherjee dismissed Mangeshkar's voice as "too thin." An annoyed Haider responded that in the coming years the producers and the directors would "fall at Lata's feet" and "beg her" to sing in their movies. Haider gave Lata her first major break with the song “Dil Mera Toda,” from the movie ''Majboor'' (1948).

Initially, Mangeshkar is said to have imitated Noor Jehan, but later she developed her own style of singing. Lyrics of songs in Hindi movies are primarily composed by Urdu poets and contain a higher proportion of Urdu words, including the dialogue. Actor Dilip Kumar once made a mildly disapproving remark about Mangeshkar's Maharashtrian accent while singing Hindi/Urdu songs; so for a period of time, Lata took lessons in Urdu from an Urdu teacher named Shafi.

“Aayega Aanewaala,” a song in the movie ''Mahal'' (1949) was composed by music director Khemchand Prakash and lip-synced on screen by actress Madhubala.

1950s

In the 1950s, Mangeshkar sang songs composed by various music directors of the period, including Anil Biswas (in films such as Tarana and Heer), Shankar-Jaikishan, Naushad, S. D. Burman, C. Ramchandra, Hemant Kumar, Salil Chowdhury, Khayyam, Ravi, Sajjad Hussain, Roshan, Kalyanji-Anandji, Vasant Desai, Sudhir Phadke, Hansraj Behl, Madan Mohan, and Usha Khanna.

Mangeshkar sang many raga-based songs for Naushad in movies such as ''Baiju Bawra'' (1952), ''Mughal-E-Azam'' (1960), and ''Kohinoor'' (1960). ''Ae Chorre Ki Jaat Badi Bewafa'', a duet with G. M. Durrani, was her first song for composer, Naushad. The duo, Shankar-Jaikishan, chose Mangeshkar for ''Aag'', ''Aah'' (1953), ''Shree 420'' (1955), and ''Chori Chori'' (1956). Before 1957, composer Sachin Dev (S. D.) Burman chose Mangeshkar as the leading female singer for his musical scores in ''Sazaa'' (1951), ''House No. 44'' (1955), and ''Devdas'' (1955). However a rift developed between Lata and Burman in 1957, and Lata did not sing Burman's compositions again until 1962.

Mangeshkar won a Filmfare Best Female Playback Award for Salil Chowdhury's composition “Aaja Re Pardesi,” from ''Madhumati'' (1958). In the early fifties, Lata Mangeshkar's association with C. Ramchandra produced songs in movies such as Anarkali, Albela, Asha, Pehli Jhhalak, Shin Shinkai Bublaa Boo, Azad and Amardeep. For Madan Mohan, she performed for films like Adalat, Railway Platform, Dekh Kabira Roya and Chacha Zindabad.

1960s

Mangeshkar's song "Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya" from ''Mughal-E-Azam'' (1960), composed by Naushad and picturized on Madhubala, still remains famous . The Hawaiian-themed number "Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh" from ''Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai'' (1960) was composed by Shankar-Jaikishan and picturized on Meena Kumari.

In 1961, Mangeshkar recorded two popular bhajans, "Allah Tero Naam" and "Prabhu Tero Naam", for Burman's assistant, Jaidev. In 1962, she was awarded her second Filmfare Award for the song "Kahin Deep Jale Kahin Dil" from ''Bees Saal Baad'', composed by Hemant Kumar.

On June 27, 1963, against the backdrop of the Sino-Indian War, Mangeshkar sang the patriotic song "Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo" (literally, "Oh, the People of My Country") in the presence of Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India. The song, composed by C. Ramchandra and written by Pradeep, is said to have brought the Prime Minister to tears.

In 1963, Mangeshkar returned to collaboration with S. D. Burman. She also sang for R. D. Burman's very first film ''Chhote Nawaab'' and later for his films such as ''Bhoot Bangla'' (1965), ''Pati Patni'' (1966), ''Baharon ke Sapne'' (1967) and ''Abhilasha'' (1969). She also recorded several popular songs for S. D. Burman, including "Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai", "Gata Rahe Mera Dil" (duet with Kishore Kumar) and "Piya Tose" from ''Guide'' (1965), and "Hothon Pe Aisi Baat" from ''Jewel Thief'' (1967).

During the 1960s, Lata Mangeshkar continued her association with Madan Mohan which included the songs "Aap Ki Nazron Ne Samjha" from ''Anpadh'' (1962), "Lag Ja Gale" and "Naina Barse Rim Jhim" from ''Woh Kaun Thi?'' (1964), "Woh Chup Rahen To" from ''Jahan Ara'' (1964), and "Tu Jahan Jahan Chalega" from ''Mera Saaya'' (1966).

The 1960s also witnessed the beginning of Mangeshkar's association with Laxmikant-Pyarelal, the music directors for whom she sang the most popular songs in her career.

She also sang several playback songs for Marathi films, composed by Marathi music directors including Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Vasant Prabhu, Srinivas Khale, Sudhir Phadke and herself (under the name ''Anandghan''). During the 1960s and 1970s, she also sang several Bengali songs, composed by music directors like Salil Chowdhury and Hemant Kumar.

In this period Lata Mangeshkar has recorded duets with Mukesh, Manna Dey, Mohammed Rafi, and Kishore Kumar.

1970s

In 1972, Meena Kumari's last film, ''Pakeezah'' released. It featured popular songs including "Chalte Chalte" and "Inhi Logon Ne" sung by Lata Mangeshkar, and composed by Ghulam Mohammed. She recorded many popular songs for S. D. Burman's last films, including "Rangeela Re" from ''Prem Pujari'' (1970), "Khilte Hain Gul Yahaan" from ''Sharmeelee'' (1971), and "Piya Bina" from ''Abhimaan'' (1973).

Lata Mangeshkar's most notable songs in 1970s were composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal (Laxmi-Pyare) and Rahul Dev Burman. She recorded several songs composed by Laxmi-Pyare in 1960s and 1970s, many of them written by the lyricst Anand Bakshi. She also recorded many hit songs with Rahul Dev Burman in the films ''Amar Prem'' (1972), ''Caravan'' (1971), ''Kati Patang''(1971), and ''Aandhi'' (1975). The two are noted for their songs with the lyricists Majrooh Sultanpuri, Anand Bakshi and Gulzar.

In 1973, she won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for the song "Beeti Na Bitai" from the film ''Parichay'', composed by R. D. Burman, and written by Gulzar. In 1974, she sang her only Malayalam song "Kadali Chenkadali" for the film ''Nellu'', composed by Salil Chowdhury, and written by Vayalar Ramavarma. In 1975, she again won the national award, this time for the song "Roothe Roothe Piya" from the film ''Kora Kagaz'', composed by Kalyanji-Anandji.

From 1970s onwards, Lata Mangeshkar has also staged many concerts in India and abroad, including several charity concerts. Her first concert overseas was at the Royal Albert Hall, London, in 1974. She also released an album of Mirabai's bhajans, ''Chala Vaahi Des'', composed by her brother Hridayanath Mangeshkar. Some of the bhajans in the album include "Saanware Rang Raachi" and "Ud Jaa Re Kaaga". In the early 70s, she released other non-film albums, such as her collection of Ghalib ghazals, an album of Marathi folk songs (koli-geete), an album of Ganesh aartis (all composed by her brother Hridaynath) and an album of ''abhangs'' of Sant Tukaram composed by Shrinivas Khale.

In late 1970s and early 1980s, she worked with the children of composers she had earlier worked with. Some of these composers included Rahul Dev Burman (son of Sachin Dev Burman), Rajesh Roshan (son of Roshan), Anu Malik (son of Sardar Malik), and Anand-Milind (sons of Chitragupt).

1980s onwards

From 1980s onwards, Lata Mangeshkar worked with music directors including Shiv-Hari, Ram Laxman, and A. R. Rahman. She recorded some non-film songs, including ghazals with Jagjit Singh.

In 1990, Mangeshkar launched her own production house for Hindi movies which produced the Gulzar-directed movie ''Lekin...''. She won her third National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for her rendition of the song "Yaara Sili Sili" from the film, which was composed by her brother Hridayanath. During the 1990s, she recorded with music directors including Jatin-Lalit and Nadeem-Shravan. She has sung for Rajshri Productions, including ''Maine Pyar Kiya'' (1989) and ''Hum Aapke Hain Kaun'' (1994).

Mangeshkar has sung for almost all the Yash Chopra films and films from his production house Yash Raj Films at that time, including ''Chandni'' (1989), ''Lamhe'' (1991), ''Darr'' (1993), ''Yeh Dillagi'' (1994), ''Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge'' (1995), ''Dil To Pagal Hai'' (1997) and later on ''Mohabbatein'' (2000), ''Mujhse Dosti Karoge'' (2002) and ''Veer Zaara'' (2004).

A. R. Rahman recorded a few songs with Mangeshkar during this period, including "Jiya Jale" (''Dil Se''), "Khamoshiyan Gungunane Lagin" (''One Two Ka Four''), "Ek Tu Hi Bharosa" (''Pukar''), "Pyaara Sa Gaon" (''Zubeidaa''), "Lukka chuppi" (''Rang de Basanti'') and "O Paalanhaare" (''Lagaan''). She made an appearance in the film ''Pukar'' singing this song.

In 1999, Lata Eau de Parfum, a perfume brand named after her, was launched.

In 1999, Mangeshkar was nominated as a member of Rajya Sabha. However, she did not attend the Rajya Sabha sessions regularly, inviting criticism from several members of the House, including the Deputy Chairperson Najma Heptullah, Pranab Mukherjee and Shabana Azmi. She stated the reason for her absence as ill-health; it was also reported that she had not taken a salary, allowance or a house in Delhi for being a Member of Parliament.

In 2001, Lata Mangeshkar was awarded Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor. In the same year, she established the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune, managed by the Lata Mangeshkar Medical Foundation (founded by the Mangeshkar family in October 1989). In 2005, she designed a jewellery collection called Swaranjali, which was crafted by Adora, an Indian diamond export company. Five pieces from the collection raised £105,000 at a Christie's auction, and a part of the money was donated for the 2005 Pakistan earthquake relief. Also in 2001, she recorded her first Hindi song with the composer Ilaiyaraaja, for the film ''Lajja''; she had earlier recorded Tamil and Telugu songs composed by Ilaiyaraaja.

Lata Mangeshkar's song "Wada Na Tod" is in the film ''Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind'' (2004) and on the film's soundtrack.

On June 21, 2007, she released an album ''Saadgi'', featuring eight ghazal-like songs written by Javed Akhtar and composed by Mayuresh Pai.

Non-singing career

Music direction

Lata Mangeshkar composed music for the first time in 1955 for Marathi movie ''Ram Ram Pavhane''. Later in 1960s, she composed music for following Marathi movies under the pseudonym of ''Anand Ghan''.

1960 - ''Ram Ram Pavhana''

1963 - ''Maratha Tituka Melvava''

1963 - ''Mohityanchi Manjula''

1965 - ''Sadhi Manase''

1969 - ''Tambadi Mati''

She won Maharashtra State Government's Best Music Director Award for the film ''Sadhi Manase''. The song "Airanichya Deva Tula" from the same film received best song award.

Production

Lata Mangeshkar has produced four films:

1953 - ''Vaadal'' (Marathi)

1953 - ''Jhaanjhar'' (Hindi), co-produced with C. Ramchandra

1955 - ''Kanchan'' (Hindi)

1990 - ''Lekin'' (Hindi)

Awards and recognitions

Lata Mangeshkar has won several awards and honors, including Padma Bhushan (1969), Padma Vibhushan (1999), Dada Saheb Phalke Award (1989), Maharashtra Bhushan Award (1997), NTR National Award (1999), Bharat Ratna (2001), ANR National Award (2009), three National Film Awards, and 12 Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards. She has also won four Filmfare Best Female Playback Awards. In 1969, she made the unusual gesture of giving up the Filmfare Best Female Playback Award, in order to promote fresh talent. She was later awarded Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993.

In 1984, the State Government of Madhya Pradesh instituted the ''Lata Mangeshkar Award'' in honuor of Lata Mangeshkar. The State Government of Maharashtra also instituted a Lata Mangeshkar Award in 1992.

In 1974, The Guinness Book of Records listed Lata Mangeshkar as the most recorded artist in the history, stating that she had reportedly recorded "not less than 25,000 solo, duet and chorus backed songs in 20 Indian languages" between 1948 and 1974. Her record was contested by Mohammed Rafi, who was claimed to have sung around 28,000 songs. After Rafi's death, in its 1984 edition, the Guinness Book of World Records stated Lata Mangeshkar's name for the "Most Recordings", but also stated Rafi's claim. The later editions of Guinness Book stated that Lata Mangeshkar had sung no fewer than 30,000 songs between 1948 and 1987.

Although the entry has not been printed in Guinness editions since 1991, reputable sources claim that she has recorded thousands of songs, with estimates ranging up to figures as large as 50,000. However, even the earliest Guinness claim of 25,000 songs (between 1948–1974) was claimed to be exaggerated by other sources, who stated that the number of songs sung by Lata Mangeshkar in Hindi films till 1991 was found to be 5250. Mangeshkar herself stated that she does not keep a record of the number of songs recorded by her, and that she did not know from where Guinness Book editors got their information.

See also

Playback singer

Asha Bhosle

List of Indian playback singers

Bollywood songs

References

Further reading

. A collection of articles written by Lata Mangeshkar since 1952. . . A collection of articles written by Lata Mangeshkar since 1952.

External links

Category:1929 births Category:Indian female singers Category:Indian film singers Category:Recipients of the Bharat Ratna Category:Recipients of the Padma Vibhushan Category:Recipients of the Padma Bhushan Category:Living people Category:Bollywood playback singers Category:Marathi people Category:Kollywood playback singers Category:People from Indore Category:Marathi playback singers Category:Telugu playback singers Category:Kannada playback singers Category:Hindi-language singers Category:Marathi-language singers Category:Bengali-language singers Category:Gujarati-language singers Category:Tamil-language singers Category:English-language singers Category:Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipients Category:Recipients of the Maharashtra Bhushan Award Category:Malayalam playback singers

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