Kishore Kumar, the reluctant actor: Eccentric genius who ‘screamed, ranted, pretended to be crazy’ to avoid acting

Born Abhas Kumar Ganguly on August 4, 1929, in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, Kishore Kumar made an indelible mark in the world of Indian cinema with his soulful renditions. However, behind the scenes, he was known for his idiosyncrasies and a deep-seated fear of acting. Despite this, fate had different plans for him as he was drawn into acting due to contractual obligations and the demand for his presence on the silver screen.
Kumar’s journey as an actor began in the 1950s when he was offered roles in various films. He reluctantly accepted, but the moment the camera rolled, he would put on a display of bizarre behavior. From suddenly breaking into loud rants and nonsensical monologues to pretending to be possessed by spirits, Kishore Kumar’s strategies were as diverse as they were effective.He was like a chameleon, always finding new and creative ways to escape acting, recalled veteran actor and filmmaker Rishi Kapoor in an interview years ago. On one occasion, he arrived on set wearing mismatched shoes, claiming that it was his ‘lucky charm’ and he could not act without it.Kumar’s antics not only baffled his co-stars but also left directors exasperated. Despite the challenges he posed, filmmakers couldn’t resist casting him due to his immense popularity and the magical touch he lent to film soundtracks. His on-screen charisma and the ability to effortlessly emote through his songs made him a box-office draw.One of the most memorable instances of his escapades was during the filming of the 1975 hit film Chhoti Si Baat. Kishore Kumar reportedly demanded that the producer, B.R. Chopra, plant a tree on set as a condition for his performance. Chopra reluctantly agreed, and true to his word, Kumar sang the superhit song Na Jaane Kyon with a tree by his side, which has now become a legendary anecdote.
Apart from his peculiar demands, Kishore Kumar had an aversion to makeup and costumes. He would often come to the set wearing his own clothes, without bothering to change for the role. Such was his commitment to avoiding acting that he once declined to act in a film where he was supposed to play himself, stating that he wasn’t fit for the role.Source  TOIHowever, his most audacious act was when he pretended to be mentally unstable to avoid signing a movie. Kishore Kumar showed up for a meeting with a film’s producers wearing a dhoti and kurta, holding a tabla (Indian percussion instrument), and talking gibberish. Worried about the actor’s well-being, the producers decided to abandon the project, much to Kumar’s satisfaction.
Source:- MSN Despite his reluctance, Kishore Kumar’s tryst with acting garnered accolades and awards, including several Filmfare Awards for Best Actor. He eventually accepted that he was destined to be an actor, but deep down, he remained the music maestro who left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions with his golden voice.Today, on what would have been Kishore Kumar’s 94th birthday, the nation pays tribute to the multifaceted genius who may have been a reluctant actor but will forever be remembered as the voice of joy, melancholy, and everything in between.Share your views in the comments