Kishore Kumar’s voice has been the soul of some of Amitabh Bachchan’s most iconic songs — from “Are Diwano Mujhe Pehchano” and “Apni Toh Jaise Taise” to “Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge” and “Sara Zamana.” For many fans, Kishore’s singing is synonymous with Amitabh’s on-screen presence. While their musical collaborations remain timeless, there’s always been a wish among fans to see the two legends share the screen as actors. Now, veteran lyricist Sameer has revealed that Kishore Kumar, too, once expressed a desire to act alongside Amitabh Bachchan.
Recalling the moment after a song recording, Sameer said Kishore Kumar had told Amitabh: “Amit, maine tujhe se kabhi koi baat nahi ki… par mere ek mann hai… main chahta hoon ki… maine sabko acting karte huye dekha hai… magar jab tujhe acting karte huye dekhta hoon… maine toh dekh acting chod di hai… par tujhe actor bante huye dekh… mujhe laga ki mujhe tere saath ek picture karni hai… tu mere saath ek picture karega (Amit, I’ve never really spoken to you about this, but there’s something in my heart… I’ve seen everyone act… but when I see you act, I feel like I should do a film with you. I quit acting, but watching you made me want to act again… Will you do a film with me).”
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Sameer recalled that Amitabh was taken aback and, folding his hands in respect, responded: “Dada, main hi ek bacha tha kya barbaad hone ke liye?” (Dada, was I the only fool left to be ruined?)” A surprised Kishore reportedly asked him, “Arey tu kya bol raha hai? Barbaad matlab kyun? (What are you saying? Why ruined?)” To this, Amitabh humbly clarified: “Dada, main aapke saath 100 janam tak kaam nahi kar sakta… aap jo singing mein acting karte ho… woh mujhe expressions dene mein jaan nikal jaati hai… aapke jaise actor doosra paida nahi ho sakta… 500 Amitabh Bachchan aapke saamne kuch nahi hai… main aapke saath kaam nahi kar sakta (Dada, I couldn’t work with you even in a hundred lifetimes… the way you act through your singing, I struggle just to deliver expressions. There can never be another actor like you. Even 500 Amitabh Bachchans are nothing compared to you. I can’t match your level).”
Amitabh Bachchan has often referred to Kishore Kumar as a genius and credited his timeless songs for keeping him relevant in the hearts of the audience even today.
