‘A junction, main road or a park at Bandra should be named after Rishi Kapoor’ : shares Shailendra Singh

Chaitanya Padukone

Eminent senior Bollywood singer Shailendra Singh, who rendered a series of chartbusting  ‘playback’ romantic songs for ‘late’ legend Rishi Kapoor  seemed emotionally upset when I called up to speak to him. “It all happened too fast like a shocking bolt of lightning . Just can’t reconcile and believe that suddenly my dearest friend Chintu ( Rishi Kapoor) is now no longer with us. We both share the same birth date and same year of birth –but just a month apart--that is 04th, he in September and mine is in October,” disclosed Shailendra.    Lamented Shailendra, “On 30th April morning,  I woke up and got the tragic news that is worst than any virus in the world. My dear friend Rishi Kapoor passed away. I first met him in 1971. 

The landmark movie ‘Bobby’ was the first film for both of us--he as a leading hero and me as a play-back singer. It’s been almost 50 years. Frankly, I would not like to talk about him in the past tense. It’s very difficult.. We shared a very strong bond. It was not fair of him to go away so soon. I will miss you--Chintu.  Just  a few months ago I was with him He was his usual jovial,  self and looked okay and normal.  No one knew the end was so near. May his soul rest in peace. Love you Chintu,” shared Shailendra.  As has been the customary tradition over the years, for perpetuating a cinematic  icon’s memory, shouldn’t  a main road or a junction (chowk) at Pali Hill (Bandra West) be named after Rishi Kapoor.

There is an instant positive response from  Shailendra, “Of course, definitely ! I am sure they will figure out and in the near future an avenue, a chowk or even maybe a park, near his Bandra residence, would be named after him,”  exudes singer-actor-acting coach  Singh with traces of emotion in his bass voice. What is that cherished compliment from Rishi which Shailendra holds very close to his heart ?  “Frankly, there are so many fond memories and gestures which give me an emotional high. But  in the recent past, Rishi  during a live concert-show in India, he declared on mic, while on stage that ‘while there were other legendary singers as well who had sung his playback, but his singing voice on-screen belonged to Shailendra Singh’. In fact he called me up after that late night show at maybe 1a.m. and excitedly shared this with me,” recalls the talented veteran singer,  as he  browses wistfully thru his album of old nostalgic photographs with Rishi.  

Seven evergreen hit songs of Rishi Kapoor playback sung by Shailendra Singh : Main Shaayar Toh Nahin ( Bobby), Jaane Do Na ( Saagar), Humne Tumko Dekha ( Khel Khel Main),  Arey Hoga Tumse Pyara Kaun (Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai), Hum Tum Ek Kamre Mein Bandh Ho (Bobby), Jaipur Sey Nikli Gaadi ( Gurudev),  Kisi Peh Dil Agar Aa Jaye (Rafoo Chakkar)