Reality shows are not the gateway to Bollywood – Amit Kumar

The country is currently gripped by K for Kishore fever. The legend of Kishore Kumar has been brought back to life. Keeping alive this sprit is his son Amit, who is a part of the jury of this musical reality show. The 55-year-old Amit speaks on his legendary father, his career and more in an exclusive interview with Mayur Lookhar. You’ve been on K for Kishore for six weeks. There must be a sense of nostalgia every time you come to the sets. That is true but I’d like to say that though, he (Kishore Kumar) is not present physically his songs are still a hit among people of all ages. He’s still on top of the world. I’m privileged to be part of this show and I’m enjoying the company of my colleagues Bappi Lahiri and Sudesh Bhosale. Is K for Kishore really about paying respect to the great man or is it about creating Kishore Kumar clones? Kishore Kumar now? Is there any one who wasn’t inspired by him? Honestly speaking, there was only one Kishore and I don’t agree with this clone thing. Every artist has his followers and thus it’s wrong to club them as clones. But at a time when the industry tends to look only for original voices, how will this show benefit the participants? There’s two ways to look at it. The positive is that such shows provide a huge platform for such singers. On the flip side, mere opportunity isn’t enough to succeed in these reality shows. You have to prove yourself. Besides, these shows are not your gateway to Bollywood. Barring a Shreya Ghosal, I haven’t seen any reality show singer who’s made waves in Bollywood. Playback singing is a different cup of tea. Are you looking for one who resembles Kishore’s voice or the overall persona? Resemble is the wrong word to use. Such attempts will not enable them to get the cake from me. Kishore is unmatchable. One needs to draw inspiration but should sing in a style of his own. I look for that variation. Has anyone come close to doing that? I still haven’t found anyone who comes close to Kishore. A few of them are good but not yet excellent. The likes of Chetan, Arnab and Apurva are impressive but they still have a long way to go. Had Kishore Kumar been alive today, how would have he found this show? Ah.! (pauses for a while). That’s a hypothetical question and it merits and equal answer. Let’s put it this way. May be K for Kishore is his wish from the outer world. Perhaps, he wanted this show. Often, he stated that “Ek din jab maroonga, toh sab mujhe dhoondte rejayenge. Jo koi mera gaana gayega, who pagal ho jayega (People will search for me after I pass away. One who sings my song will get immersed into Kishore mania) Sudesh Bhonsale was of the view that the great man never got the respect that he deserved. Your thoughts. No. I don’t think so. His popularity cuts through the globe. He worked like a King and died like one. Perhaps, he didn’t get enough recognition from the government – in terms of awards. However, he never craved for them. That he entertained millions is his real achievement. And he’s still doing it 20 years after his death. Sudesh also said that Kishore didn’t’ get enough recognition from the film fraternity. As a singer, he contributed immensely to the actors’ success but he didn’t get an equal share in their achievement. That’s not true. If Sudesh has said it then its wrong and I’d like to correct him on this. He sang for a whole lot of actors. The last one was Amitabh Bachchan, who himself never shied away from giving credit to him. Perhaps, the only regret is that why didn’t we do this show before. That’s where I thank Sony (channel) for coming up with this brilliant concept. What memories do you cherish of your father? There are too many. It’s difficult to recollect one now. Well, I’ll tell you one which one of the contestants brought out today. Apparently, this took place before my birth. My father used to talk with an imaginary child. Often he used it to present his point of view. Once, he wasn’t happy with a particular track but he explained his point in a hilarious way. Speaking as the imaginary child, he made no bones about his dislike about the track. Then, in his own voice, he asks the child as to why is he speaking like this in front of the music director. This conversation continued until the music director understood the problem. Did it ever bother you that you were always referred to as Kishore Kumar’s son first and then Amit Kumar? It did… No (quickly corrects himself). It never bothered. What irked me was when I was compared to my father. He was simply untouchable. Also, remember that I had to make my place when all these legendary singers were ruling the roost. Thus, my task was always very difficult. Do you reckon that you’ve managed to create your own identify? I ‘d like to believe so. I have my loyal fans, who still write to me via e-mails. Early in my career, I was stacked against the best thus I needed time to grow. It’s the same for everyone. My father too had his share of struggle. I‘ve given many hits and what more does a singer want. I have sung around 800-900 songs, done regular stage shows. If I didn’t possess the talent, then I wouldn’t have made it here today. At times, you’ve been mired in controversies. Your fellow singer Abhijeet was once upset with you getting credit for a song that was sung by him. What’s the truth? I have no clue what you’re talking about. Perhaps, Abhijeet will be the best person to answer it. What’s happening with you on the Bollywood front? I do like singing in films but it’s not like how I used to before. Last year I gave Dil Main Baji Guitar from the film Apna Sapna Money Money. It was a huge hit. What about your current projects? Ah! (pauses and looks at his manager) He’ll be able to tell you better. With Bollywood, you never know what might happen. Luck plays an important factor. I can’t boast much about my Bollywood career. I’ve got limited glory but I’m happy with that. Finally, is there any goal left to be achieved? No. I’m a firm believer in destiny. I never plan things but just take things as they come. At 55, I’m a thoroughly satisfied man. I couldn’t have asked for better.