Mahendra Kapoor – the talented singer of bollywood.
Mahendra Kapoor had created a place for himself in bollywood singing during the age when there was tough competition. Mohammed Rafi, Manna Dey, Mukesh, Talat Mehmood, Kishore Kumar were all established during the golden age when Mahendra Kapoor had to show his capability.
He did well in the film Dhool Ka Phool, where most of his songs were picturised on Rajender Kumar. Songs like “tere pyar ka” composed by Ravi and sung by Mahendra Kapoor became landmark hit in 1959.
He had mainly contributed in BR Chopra’s films, where his singing talent was utilised very well. His songs in the film Humraaz, titled “neele gagan ki tale” picturised on Raj Kumar and composed by Ravi became a big hit. Similarly his songs in the film Waqt, picturised on Shashi Kapoor became successful.
In the mid-60s, Mahendra Kapoor contributed a lot in Manoj Kumar’s films. His song “mere desh ki sharti” in the film Upkaar, composed by Kalyanji Anandji almost became a national song over the years. He sang notable songs in the other films of Manoj Kumar including Purab aur Paschim. He had the capability of stretching his voice in devotional songs. He also sang songs composed by OP Nayyar in films like Baharen Phir Bhi Ayegi, picturised on Dharmender and Kismat picturised on Biswajeet.
At the same time he sang melodious songs in the film Gumraah, for Sunil Dutt, replicating the style of his guru Mohammad Rafi. With the advent of new types of films and coming up of new singers in the 80s, Mahendra Kapoor faded out of the industry. Even then his songs in Nikah, released in the early 80s, caught the attention of music lovers. He is one of the most humble singers who had acknowledged the contribution of his composers. His songs should be restored and preserved with the films.
By: Rumi Chatterji.
