Mukesh | Biography, Songs & Lyrics
Mukesh Chand Mathur (22 July 1923 – 27 August 1976), widely known as Mukesh, was an exceptionally talented Indian playback singer who left an indelible mark on the Hindi film industry. Renowned for his soulful and melodious voice, Mukesh is celebrated as one of the most popular and acclaimed singers in the history of Indian cinema. His remarkable contributions garnered him numerous accolades, including four Filmfare Awards for Best Male Playback Singer and a National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer.
Born into a family of musicians in Delhi, India, Mukesh displayed his musical inclination from a tender age. Under the guidance of his father, Lala Zorawar Chand Mathur, a professional engineer, and his mother, Chand Rani, a classical singer, Mukesh honed his skills in both playing the tabla and singing classical music. His passion and dedication paved the way for his entry into the film industry.
In 1941, Mukesh made his debut as an actor-singer in the film “Nirdosh.” His first playback song, “Dil Hi Bujha Hua Ho To,” quickly established him as a prominent voice in Hindi cinema. Mukesh became the preferred singer for several leading actors of his time, such as Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, Dilip Kumar, and Guru Dutt, lending his soul-stirring voice to evoke emotions and add depth to their characters.
Mukesh’s contribution to Hindi film music is unparalleled. His songs were characterized by their profound emotional impact and timeless melodies. With versatility as his forte, he effortlessly traversed various genres, including classical, semi-classical, folk, and pop. Moreover, Mukesh’s musical brilliance extended beyond singing, as he also showcased his talent as a composer, crafting enchanting melodies for several films.
Among his numerous accomplishments, Mukesh clinched the coveted Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer four times, bestowed upon him for his exceptional renditions in “Barsaat” (1957), “Shree 420” (1955), “Awaara” (1951), and “Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya” (1959). In addition, he was honored with the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for his mesmerizing performance in “Rajnigandha” (1974).
Tragically, Mukesh’s life was cut short by lung cancer, and he passed away in Detroit, Michigan, in 1976 at the age of 53. Nevertheless, his legacy lives on as one of the greatest playback singers of all time. Even today, Mukesh’s iconic songs continue to captivate audiences of all ages, resonating deeply with their emotional depth and timeless appeal.
Some of Mukesh’s most beloved songs, such as “Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche Hain” from “Barsaat,” “Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya” from “Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya,” “Awaara Hoon” from “Awaara,” “Jeene Kahan” from “Mera Naam Joker,” “Kai Baar Yuhi Dekha Hai” from “Rajnigandha,” “Teri Meri Kahani” from “Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani,” “Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam” from “Kabhi Kabhie,” “Dilruba” from “Amar Prem,” and “Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi” from “Mughal-e-Azam,” continue to enchant and resonate with listeners across generations.
Mukesh’s eternal melodies and his profound impact on Indian music have cemented his status as an iconic figure in the realm of playback singing. His songs continue to inspire, entertain, and evoke emotions, making him an everlasting legend in the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide. Below you can check out the lyrics to some of Mukesh’s popular songs.
Listen to the complete discography of Mukesh on Amazon Music