Mukesh

A great fan of K.L. Saigal, Mukesh Chandra Mathur was born July 22, 1923 in Delhi to an engineer Zorawar Chand Mathur and Chand Rani. He was very fond of acting and singing from a very early age. Mukesh was first discovered by Motilal, a famous actor, when he sang at his sister’s wedding. Motilal took him to Mumbai where he arranged singing lessons for him, not long after he got a break in acting in his first movie “Nirdosh” in 1941. His first song as an actor –singer was “Dil Hi Bujha Hua Ho To” in his first movie. In 1946 he married Sarla Trivedi Raichand, together they had five children, Rita, Nitin, Nalini, Monish and Namrata. As it turns out Nitin Mukesh is a Popular Playback Singer. Songs made popular by Mukesh, Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein, Dost Dost Na Raha, Gaye Ja Geet Milan Ke, Mera Joota Hai Japani, Awara Hoon,Tu Kahe Agar and many more wonderful selections. He was known as the “Voice of Raj Kapoor.” In 1973 he won the very prestigious “National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer.” Mukesh together with Usha Kotnis toured the West Indies in 1967, they were accompanied by many well-known musicians, Manohari Singh (Saxaphone Player), Dheeraj Kumar (Accordion Player) and others. They performed at the Maha Sabha Hall in Guyana. In Trinidad they had performances at the Globe in Port of Spain, Ritz in Barataria and Naparima Bowl in San Fernando, to many adoring fans. August 26, 1976 Mukesh and his son Nitin sang together at a very memorable concert in Detroit, USA. Unfortunately it was the first and last time that father and son would perform together, as August 27, 1976 Mukesh died from his fifth and last heart attack. His passing left a void in family and fans alike. “In an age when even a little success distorts a person’s perspective, Mukesh, despite International fame was a very humble man. He has left behind him memories of greatness, both as a human being and as a singer.”Lata Mangeshkar. We have also added a verbal Biography of the late Mukesh Chandra Mathur by Chandra Maharaj, with a sample of a wonderful song at the end. Please take a moment to listen to it. (Copyright Nisha Sharma 2023)