Amit Kumar, an iconic Indian playback singer, actor, and music composer, has left an indelible mark on the Indian music industry. Born on July 3, 1952, he is the son of legendary singer-actor Kishore Kumar and Bengali actress-singer Ruma Guha Thakurta. Over the decades, Amit Kumar has carved his own niche, contributing immensely to Hindi and Bengali music. His melodious voice and unique singing style have captivated audiences for generations.
Early Life and Musical Upbringing
Amit Kumar was born into a family deeply entrenched in music and cinema. His father, Kishore Kumar, was a multifaceted artist known for his unparalleled singing, acting, and directing skills. His mother, Ruma Guha Thakurta, was a talented actress and singer in Bengali cinema. This rich musical heritage greatly influenced Amit Kumar from an early age.
As a child, he was drawn to music and started performing at various cultural events in Kolkata. His first major stage performance took place at a Durga Puja event organized by legendary actor Uttam Kumar. The audience’s overwhelming response inspired him to pursue a musical career. When his mother expressed concerns about him singing Bollywood songs, his father decided to bring him to Bombay, marking the beginning of his professional journey in the entertainment industry.
Early Career and Breakthrough in Bollywood
Before establishing himself as a singer, Amit Kumar appeared in films as a child actor. His father cast him in two of his home productions—Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein (1964) and Door Ka Raahi (1971). While his acting skills were promising, his true passion lay in music.
Amit Kumar’s singing career officially began in the early 1970s. His first recorded song, outside of his father’s compositions, was Hosh Mein Hum Kahan for the film Darwaza (1978), composed by Sapan Jagmohan. However, his big breakthrough came with Bade Achchhe Lagte Hain from Balika Badhu (1976), composed by R.D. Burman. This song not only established him as a talented singer but also won the hearts of millions across India.
Golden Era: 1980s – The Rise to Stardom
The 1980s proved to be the golden era for Amit Kumar. His association with R.D. Burman led to some of the biggest Bollywood hits of the decade. His mesmerizing voice became synonymous with the youthful energy of Bollywood’s leading men.
In 1981, Amit Kumar won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the song Yaad Aa Rahi Hai from the film Love Story. The film’s soundtrack, composed by R.D. Burman, was a massive success. This success propelled Amit Kumar into the league of Bollywood’s top playback singers.
Some of his notable songs from the 1980s include:
- Ka Janu Main Sajaniya (Aap Ke Deewane, 1980)
- Ram Kare Allah Kare (Aap Ke Deewane, 1980)
- Nazar Lage Na Saathiyo (Des Pardes, 1978)
- Tirchi Topiwale (Tridev, 1989)
- Ek Do Teen (Tezaab, 1988)
- Roz Roz Aankhon Taley (Jeeva, 1986)
- Dushman Na Kare (Aakhir Kyon, 1985)
- Sanam Mere Sanam (Hum, 1991)
Amit Kumar also became the voice for many leading actors, including Kumar Gaurav, Anil Kapoor, Mithun Chakraborty, and Govinda. His versatility allowed him to adapt to different musical styles, from romantic ballads to energetic dance numbers.
1990s and the Transition to Live Performances
By the mid-1990s, Amit Kumar began to distance himself from playback singing. Following the death of R.D. Burman in 1994, he became disillusioned with the quality of Bollywood music. He believed that the industry was shifting towards synthetic sounds and less emphasis on melody.
Despite stepping away from mainstream playback singing, he continued to perform live concerts worldwide. His live shows, often featuring Kishore Kumar’s classic songs, remained in high demand. His performances paid tribute to his father’s legacy while also showcasing his own vast repertoire of hits.
Music Production and Independent Work
To keep his musical passion alive, Amit Kumar launched his own music production company, Kumar Brothers Music. Through this platform, he released independent music albums, including:
- MAD
- Pyaar Toh Bas Pyaar Hai
- Dam Dama Dam
- Oh Sweetheart
- Surer Raja
- Sagarika
- Jaanam
- Forever Blue
- Baba Mere
These albums featured a blend of Hindi and Bengali songs, reflecting his deep-rooted love for music beyond Bollywood.
Television and Acting Career
Amit Kumar also ventured into television. In the late 1980s, he lent his voice to Doordarshan’s serials Chunauti and Campus. He also sang title tracks for the Hindi-dubbed versions of Duck Tales and Bob the Builder.
He was a judge on Zee Bangla’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and the reality show K for Kishore, where contestants paid tribute to his father. Additionally, he voiced the character Guru in Guru Aur Bhole, an animated show inspired by Kishore Kumar’s role in Padosan.
Legacy and Influence
Amit Kumar’s contributions to Indian music are immense. His ability to blend classical influences with contemporary sounds made his songs timeless. Though often compared to his father, he carved a unique identity in the industry. His influence continues to inspire aspiring playback singers, and his work remains cherished by music lovers worldwide.
Amit Kumar’s journey is a testament to his love for music and his dedication to maintaining artistic integrity. From Bollywood playback singing to independent music and live performances, he has left a legacy that will endure for generations. His songs continue to evoke nostalgia, reminding us of an era when melody and emotion reigned supreme in Indian music. Whether on stage or in the studio, Amit Kumar remains a true maestro of melody, carrying forward the legacy of his legendary father while creating his own mark in the world of music.
