This Tuesday marks legendary playback singer Mukesh's 102nd birth anniversary. The late legend's playback singer son Nitin Mukesh and actor grandson Neil took to Instagram to pay their tributes to him. Wishing Mukesh on his birthday, Nitin shared a picture of his late father and attached a portion of his famous song 'Kisi Ki Muskurahaton Pe,' from the Raj Kapoor starrer Anari. Neil Nitin Mukesh shared the image on his Instagram Stories, alongside a video of his grandfather singing 'Jane Kahan Gaye Woh Din' from Mera Naam Joker, also starring Raj Kapoor.
Prominent personalities from Indian cinema and beyond wished Mukesh on his birth anniversary. “Tribute to the timeless voice of Mukesh on his Birth Anniversary,” wrote West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. On the other hand, businessman Dr Sanjiv Goenka shared a video featuring some of Mukesh’s most popular songs: ‘Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani’ from Raj Kapoor’s Shree 420, ‘Kabhi Kabhie’ from Amitabh Bachchan and Rakhee’s 1976 film of the same and ‘Main Pal Do Pal Ka’ from the same film, and ‘Mere Man Ki Ganga’ from Raj Kapoor's Sangam. Sanjiv then wrote, “Remembering the legendary Mukesh on his birth anniversary. A voice that continues to echo in our hearts.”
Mukesh is known for his soul-stirring voice that earned him the nickname ‘Tragedy King'. The playback singer is also called 'Voice of Raj Kapoor', as he lent his voice to the legendary actor in iconic films, such as Barsaat and Mera Naam Joker to name two. His other famous credits include ‘Awara Hoon’ from Raj Kapoor's Awaara, the National Award-winning ‘Kai Baar Yuhi Dekha Hai’ from Amol Palekar’s Rajnigandha, and ‘Dost Dost Na Raha’ from Sangam. Mukesh carved a space for himself even amidst legendary singers such as Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, and Manna Dey. His songs often depicted the common man's struggles, sorrows, and hopes, making them resonate with audiences for decades after his passing.
