‘You can’t recreate Kishore Kumar, only celebrate him’ | Hindi Movie News

Amit Kumar and Sumeet Kumar

As music lovers celebrate Kishore Kumar’s 97th birth anniversary today, his sons Amit Kumar and Sumeet Kumar reflect on the singer’s enduring legacy after recently paying tribute to him through a special charity concert for cancer patients. In a conversation with Bombay Times, the two speak about the timeless appeal of Kishore Kumar’s songs, and why staying true to his individuality matters more than trying to imitate him. Excerpts…Your father continues to inspire generations of singers and music lovers’ decades after his passing. What do you think is the secret behind Kishore Kumar’s timeless appeal, especially among today’s younger audiences?Amit Kumar: I believe the timeless appeal of my father, Kishore Kumar, lies in the honesty and emotional depth with which he approached his music. He never restricted himself to a particular style or generation. Whether it was romance, joy, heartbreak, or humour, he sang every emotion with remarkable authenticity. His voice had a unique ability to connect directly with the listener’s heart. I think today’s younger generation continues to relate to his songs because emotions are universal and timeless. His music remains as fresh and relevant today as it was decades ago.You’ve spent your life both as Kishore Kumar’s son and as an accomplished singer in your own right. When you perform his songs at tribute concerts like this, do you approach them as a son reliving memories or as an artist interpreting a musical classic?Amit Kumar: It is always a deeply emotional experience for me. I approach his songs both as a son carrying precious memories of my father and as a singer who has immense respect for the artist he was. Every time I sing his songs, I feel a sense of nostalgia, but at the same time, I understand the responsibility of presenting them with sincerity and respect. I do not try to imitate him; instead, I try to preserve the spirit and emotion of his music while allowing my own voice and interpretation to come through. For me, performing his songs is a beautiful way of keeping his memory and musical legacy alive.

Mumbai: From left, Playback singers Amit Kumar, Sumeet Kumar, actor Leena Chandavarkar, and daughter of singer Amit Kumar Ganguly, Muktika Ganguly during a concert marking singer, musician and actor Kishore Kumar�s 97th birth anniversary, in Mumbai, Saturday night, Aug. 1, 2026. (PTI Photo)(PTI08_02_2026_000126B)

Audiences often remember Kishore Kumar for his playful personality and effortless singing. What is one lesser-known quality about him that you wish more people knew?Amit Kumar: Beyond his extraordinary talent and his well-known sense of humour, my father was a deeply sensitive and emotional person. He had a very strong sense of individuality and was someone who valued simplicity and authenticity. He was also extremely passionate about creativity and believed in doing things in his own unique way. People often remember his laughter and playful nature, but there was a very thoughtful and sensitive side to him as well. I feel that this depth of emotion is one of the reasons why his voice continues to touch people’s hearts even today.If Kishore Kumar were watching today’s music industry with streaming platforms, AI-generated music, and changing listening habits how do you think he would have responded to this new era?Sumeet Kumar: My father was always a very curious and creative person who embraced new ideas in his own unique way. I believe he would have been fascinated by the technological advancements taking place in music today. At the same time, he would have strongly believed that technology can support creativity, but it can never replace genuine emotion and human expression. He would probably have explored these new platforms with his characteristic originality and sense of humour, while continuing to believe that music must come from the heart and connect with the soul of the listener.

As someone carrying forward your father’s musical legacy, how do you balance preserving his iconic style while creating your own identity as a performer?Sumeet Kumar: Carrying forward my father’s legacy is both an honour and a great responsibility. I believe that preserving his legacy does not mean simply imitating him; it means respecting the values, emotions, and musical spirit that made his work timeless. I try to present his songs with the same sincerity and love while bringing my own personality and interpretation to every performance. My father has been my greatest inspiration, but I also believe that every artist must find their own voice. My endeavour is to celebrate his timeless music while continuing to grow and establish my own identity as a performer.