Mamata remembers Kishore Kumar on his 90th birth anniversary
Amit Kumar, Kishore Kumar's son from his first wife Ruma Guhathakurta, was also present at the programme.
Kolkata: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee paid rich tributes to Kishore Kumar on the singing legend's 90th birth anniversary on Sunday.
“Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana...Fondly remembering Kishore Kumar, legendary singer, on his birth anniversary,” Ms Banerjee posted on her twitter handle choosing an evergreen hit of the singer.
Members from Kishore Kumar's family, including veteran actress Leena Chandavarkar, were present at a musical extravaganza to observe the versatile singer's birth anniversary programme at Nazrul Manch here.
Ms Chandavarkar, Kishore Kumar's widow and former Bollywood actress, said, “It is great to come here again after 1992.
“We have lots of fond memories associated with this city, which held a special place in Kishore-da's heart.”
Amit Kumar, Kishore Kumar's son from his first wife Ruma Guhathakurta, was also present at the programme.
As Amit came to Ms Chandavarkar's side on the podium to thunderous applause from the audience, she said, “See the family of Kishore-da is in your city. Your love and affection had made him Kishore Kumar.”
Singer Kavita Krishnamurthy said Kishore Kumar "will live in the hearts of future generations. He is timeless".
Bengali megastar Prosenjit Chatterjee said in a tweet, “His voice has been an integral part of my acting career. His songs have given countless junior singers a source of livelihood. No festival is complete in Bengal without playing his songs .”
Chatterjee, who is often asked to croon Kishore's timeless playback Bengali number 'Chirodini Tumi Je Amar' (which he lip-synced in the film 'Amar Songi') at functions, further tweeted, "There can be only one Kishore Kumar in a century."
Amit Kumar Fans' Club celebrated the day by garlanding Kumar's statue located in southern parts of the city.
Local FM channels played the tracks of Kumar, who won the record eight Filmfare Awards.
As tracks like 'Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si", "Haal Kaisa Hai Janaab Ka," "O Sathi Re", "Ki Ashay Badhi Khelaghar" were dished out throughout the day — audience and singers paid tribute to the singer in phone-ins amid playing of tracks.