Indore Celebrates Kishore Kumar's 96th Birth Anniversary at Christian College

Indore, Aug 4 (PTI) - The 96th birth anniversary of the legendary Kishore Kumar was marked with heartfelt tributes and melodious renditions at Indore's Christian College, where the iconic singer once studied. The celebration took place in the venerable halls of the 141-year-old institution, as former and current students gathered in significant numbers alongside fans to honor the versatile artist.

A cake cutting ceremony was held in memory of the singer-actor-musician within the college premises, his alma mater. The occasion was further enlivened by local singers who captivated the audience by performing Kumar's timeless hits such as "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna" and "Sara Zamana Haseeno Ka Deewana". The evocative performances transported the attendees back to the golden era of Bollywood, celebrating the enduring legacy of Kishore Kumar.

Emotional anecdotes about Kumar’s student life and his impactful journey remain a cherished part of the college's lore. Born on August 4, 1929, in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, Kishore Kumar, who was originally named Abhas Kumar Ganguly, adopted his now-famous moniker upon entering the film industry.

Kumar's connection to Christian College dates back to 1946-1948 when he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree and resided in the college hostel. According to Dr. Deepak Dubey, the administrative officer of the college, young Kumar was passionate about singing, albeit shy, often singing from behind curtains during performances.

His academic pursuit ended prematurely in 1948 when he left the college to seek a career in Mumbai, leading to his meteoric rise as one of the greatest singers in Indian cinema history. A whimsical snippet from his college days recalls a debt of five rupees and 12 annas he owed to a canteen handler affectionately known as Kaka. This amusing detail is believed to have inspired the line "Paanch Rupaiya Barah Aana" in the famous song from his film "Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi".

Memories of Kumar also linger around a tamarind tree near the old hostel where he often sang with friends, earning a reputation among professors for skipping classes.

Despite his passing on October 13, 1987, in Mumbai, Kishore Kumar’s heart remained with Khandwa, where his final rites were performed, cementing his connection to both his birthplace and Christian College.

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