But to just give an introduction, Kishore Kumar (August 4, 1929 – October 13, 1987) was an Indian film playback singer and actor. Along with Mukesh and Mohammed Rafi, he dominated Indian film playback music from the 1950s to the 1970s. Kumar also achieved notable success as a lyricist, composer, producer, director, screenwriter and scriptwriter.

Kishore Kumar was a prolific vocalist and sang in many Indian languages including Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Malayalam and Oriya. He is also widely regarded as the most versatile singer in the history of Indian cinema and a maverick of sorts for lending his voice to songs that did not conform to the norms of the day.

On the occasion of, the versatile Indian singer-actor-director-composer, Kishore Kumar’s birthday, on Tuesday,4th August and everyone remembered him.

It would have been the versatile actor’s 80th birthday.

His fans and music lovers went back in time as radio stations and TV channels played old melodies of Kishore Kumar.

Often called a genius, he rocked over Bollywood playback music for two decades and is remembered to this day for his ability “to create drama through singing”. No one has been able to take his place till date.

Remembering him on his 80th birth anniversary, ace composer Anu Malik said: “His birthday is a very special day and emotional day for me. I believe that he was made of music. I had this great fortune to work with dada when I was growing as a composer. I did many songs with him and that was a great experience.”

Anu Malik said that he listens to some of his everlasting songs in the morning and is planning to watch any of his best films on DVD.

“He was a great soul...a man who was very romantic, emotional, loveable and adorable to the core. He was just plain honest. I can’t put what he meant to me in words. He was a family man and just like a father to me,” Anu Malik added.

The legend was born in “Khandwa” in Madhya Pradesh; he was one of four siblings who included famous actors “Ashok Kumar” and “Anup Kumar”.

Despite not having any formal training, Kishore Kumar dominated the Indian film music scene from the 1950s to the 1970s, making people laugh and cry with his performances.

From fun numbers like “Ek ladki bheegi bhaagi”, “Mere samne wali khidki”, “Dekha na hai re” to romantic songs such as “Pal pal dil ke paas rehti ho”, “Ye naina, ye kajal” and “Roop tera mastana” - he sang all kinds of songs.

He was a creative vocalist and sang in many Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Malayalam and Oriya.

He also achieved success as a lyricist, composer, producer, director, screenwriter and scriptwriter. Kishore Kumar famously acted in “Half Ticket”, “Padosan”, “Mr X in Bombay”, “Jhumroo”.

“Kishore Kumar had this ability to create drama through his singing. He was one of those very few singers who had a certain amount of acting involved in their singing. With that he could easily create different characters and emotions through his voice, which was great. His singing was so effortless. People called him an Indian star but for me he was a world star,” said lyricist Prasoon Joshi.

“He was plain genius. I wish I had got the fortune of writing a few songs for him. He was so versatile,” he added.

He passed away at the age of 58 on Oct 13, 1987 and is survived by two sons and wife Leena Chandravarkar.

According to singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan, Kishore Kumar was the passionate fan of K.L. Sehgal and had a God gifted voice.

“I think the greatest musical talent that the indian film industry had produced ever is Kishore Kumar. His voice itself was a god given asset which did not require to have technical expertise, classical knowledge, etc. Only once in a million years can an artist like him be born,” Shankar Mahadevan said.

Even young and budding singer looks up to Kishore Kumar and considers him their inspiration.

“He was an ultimate performer, impeccable singer behind the mike, terrific professional and humour par excellence. A perfect artist with a blessed tone and unmatchable versatility. Nobody can be him. I am so inspired by him,” said singer Akriti Kakkar.