03 May 2025

The Unfading Legacy of Amit Kumar: A Son's Quest to Keep His Father's Musical Heritage Alive

As I listened to the timeless classic, re-recorded by Amit Kumar, the son of legendary playback singer Kishore Kumar, I couldn't help but reflect on the Ganguly family's illustrious legacy in the Indian film industry. The Ganguly brothers - Kishore Kumar, Ashok Kumar, and Anoop Kumar - were an integral part of Bollywood's golden era, producing hit after hit. This talented family, along with a constellation of musicians, directors, and producers, dominated the silver screen, creating an era of unparalleled musical excellence.


Amit Kumar, blessed with a melodious voice like his father, burst onto the scene like a meteor, delivering chartbuster hits and captivating audiences with his soulful renditions. However, his meteoric rise was short-lived, and his popularity began to wane over time. The emergence of cheaper copycats and the industry's possible bias against him due to his family's dominance may have contributed to his decline.


Despite this, Amit Kumar has continued to sing, albeit not for the big screen. Instead, he has found a new platform on YouTube, where he shares his music with fans who still cherish the good old days. At 72, Amit Kumar remains committed to his craft, and his fans continue to enjoy his timeless classics.


It's a poignant reminder that life is full of ups and downs. Amit Kumar's story is a testament to the fleeting nature of fame and the importance of resilience. Instead of lamenting his downfall, he has chosen to focus on his passion for music, singing for the love of it.


"Zindagi ke safar mei gujar jaate hain jo makaam... Wo phir nahi aate" (In the journey of life, we pass through places that never come again). Amit Kumar's journey is a beautiful illustration of this truth. Despite the unpredictability of life, he has found a way to keep his father's musical heritage alive, and for that, his fans will forever be grateful.

26 January 2025

The Unseen Beauty of Bharat

As I reflected on my recent visit to a remote village in North Bihar, I was struck by the stark contrast between rural and urban India. While cities boast of modern amenities and a fast-paced lifestyle, rural India has a unique charm that is often overlooked.


The village I visited was a breath of fresh air – literally! The clean air, blue skies, and starry nights were a welcome respite from the pollution and chaos of city life. But what struck me most was the simplicity and kindness of the people.


During my visit, I witnessed an incredible act of kindness. It was exam season, and students from neighboring villages had come to take their 10th board exams and intermediate exams. However, with no hotels or hostels to accommodate them, the villagers stepped in to help. Without hesitation, they opened their homes and shops, offering the students free lodging for the duration of their exams.


This selfless act of kindness left a deep impression on me. In a world where urbanization is increasingly eroding our sense of community, rural India still holds on to the values of kindness, empathy, and generosity.


 Rural India may not have the glamour and glitz of city life, but it has a beauty and simplicity that is worth cherishing.