Remembering Mukesh Chand Mathur on His Death Anniversary

By Amit Kumar

Mukesh Chand Mathur, widely known simply as Mukesh, was one of India’s most celebrated and enduring playback singers. Born on July 22, 1923, in Delhi, Mukesh’s soulful voice left a lasting impression on Indian cinema and music, making him an iconic figure in Bollywood’s golden era.

Mukesh’s singing career began in the 1940s, and he quickly rose to prominence with his distinctive, melancholic voice that beautifully conveyed deep emotions. He became the voice behind many legendary actors, most famously Raj Kapoor. His songs like “Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaaye,” “Awaara Hoon,” and “Sab Kuch Seekha Humne” continue to resonate with music lovers even decades later.

Mukesh was honoured with several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer and multiple Filmfare Awards, acknowledging his immense contribution to music.

On August 27, 1976, Mukesh passed away suddenly at the age of 53. He was on a concert tour in Detroit, Michigan, United States, performing alongside other renowned artists including Lata Mangeshkar. On the morning of that day, Mukesh complained of chest pain shortly after taking a shower. He was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead due to a heart attack. His unexpected demise was a significant loss to the Indian music fraternity and his millions of admirers worldwide. Following his death, many of Mukesh’s recorded songs were released posthumously in various films, ensuring that his voice continued to enchant audiences. His final recorded song was “Chanchal Sheetal Nirmal Komal,” featured in the film Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978).

Mukesh’s funeral took place in Mumbai, with a large gathering of actors, musicians, and fans paying their respects. His legacy lives on, inspiring generations of playback singers and music enthusiasts.

On this solemn anniversary, the music world remembers Mukesh not only for his timeless melodies but also for the heartfelt emotion he brought to every song he sang