Hemanta Mukherjee (also known as Hemant Kumar) was a legendary Indian playback singer, music director, and composer, celebrated for his contributions to Indian music, particularly in Bengali and Hindi cinema.
Early Life:
- Birth: Hemanta Mukherjee was born on June 16, 1920, in Varanasi, India.
- Family: Originally from a Bengali Brahmin family, his ancestral roots were in West Bengal. Hemanta spent his early years in Varanasi before moving to Kolkata.
- Education: He initially pursued engineering at Jadavpur University but dropped out to follow his passion for music.
Career Highlights:
- Singing Career:
- Hemanta’s voice was deeply melodious and emotive, earning him widespread recognition. He began his singing career in Bengali music before transitioning to Hindi cinema.
- He was greatly influenced by Rabindranath Tagore and became one of the most prominent exponents of Rabindra Sangeet.
- Some of his most iconic Bengali songs include “Ei Raat Tomar Amar” and “Amar Bhitoro Bahire”.
- In Hindi, his playback singing credits include unforgettable classics like “Tum Pukaar Lo” (Khamoshi, 1969) and “Yeh Nayan Dare Dare” (Kohraa, 1964).
- Music Direction:
- Hemanta debuted as a music director in Bengali films and later expanded to Hindi cinema. His first major success was in the Hindi film Nagin (1954), for which his music was groundbreaking.
- He worked with top lyricists and singers of the era, including Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi, and Kishore Kumar.
- His compositions for films like Anand Math (1952), Bees Saal Baad (1962), and Saheb Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962) are considered masterpieces.
- Bengali Film Industry:
- Hemanta played a pivotal role in shaping the golden era of Bengali cinema with his work in films like Harano Sur (1957) and Saptapadi (1961).
- Tagore’s Influence:
- He was instrumental in popularizing Rabindra Sangeet and composed several soulful renditions of Tagore’s poetry.
Awards and Recognitions:
- National Film Awards: Best Playback Singer for his Bengali song “Nimantran” (1970).
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Award: Honored for his lifetime contribution to music.
- Numerous accolades from both the Bengali and Hindi music industries.
Personal Life:
- Marriage: Hemanta married Bela Mukherjee, a singer, and the couple had two children.
- He was known for his modesty and his dedication to his art, remaining a towering figure in Indian music throughout his life.
Death:
- Hemanta Mukherjee passed away on September 26, 1989, in Kolkata, leaving behind an unparalleled musical legacy.
Legacy:
Hemanta Mukherjee remains a cherished icon in Indian music. His songs continue to inspire and resonate with music lovers, cementing his place as one of the greatest musicians in Indian history.