Mahendra Kapoor Remembered on 17th Death Anniversary: Ruhan Kapoor Says, “My Father Lived Like a Saint”

On the 17th death anniversary of the legendary Bollywood singer Mahendra Kapoor, known for iconic songs like Mere Desh Ki Dharti, Chalo Ek Baar Phir Se Ajnabi Ban Jayein Hum Dono, and Neele Gagan Ke Tale, his son, singer and actor Ruhan Kapoor, paid a heartfelt tribute. Mahendra Kapoor, born on January 9, 1934, in Amritsar, left an indelible mark on Bollywood with his versatile singing across romantic, patriotic, and devotional genres over five decades. He passed away on September 27, 2008, in Mumbai at the age of 74. In an extensive conversation with Mayapuri, Ruhan Kapoor shared memories of his father, his legacy, and the profound impact of his music. (Mahendra Kapoor 17th death anniversary tribute)

Remembering Mahendra Kapoor on His 17th Death Anniversary: Ruhan Kapoor Shares Heartfelt Tribute

Remembering Mahendra Kapoor Over 17 Years

When asked how he remembers his father over the past 17 years, Ruhan said, "It feels like only 17 days have passed, or as if it was just yesterday. He is still very close to us. At times, it feels like 17 years have been like 17 ages, as if he is so far away. But for artists who dedicate their entire lives to art and music, whose voice echoes all around us, they never truly leave. Even though he is not physically with us, his creations and music remain forever. His songs make us feel his presence constantly. Honestly, I never feel he is far away—it’s as if he hasn’t left. There’s so much life in his voice that whenever we listen to his songs, it feels like he’s right here with us. My father left behind a musical legacy for us, the nation, and the world that will never fade. The greatest thing is that no matter the time of day or our mood, we can always find one of his songs to suit it. For the past 17 years, we have been living with his voice." (Ruhan Kapoor remembers father Mahendra Kapoor)

Favorite Song and Its Significance

When asked about his favorite song by Mahendra Kapoor, Ruhan found it challenging to choose, given the vast variety of songs his father sang. "He sang countless songs across different moods and genres. His songs can lift someone out of depression. His romantic songs, like Aadha Hai Chandrama, Raat Aadhi from Navrang and Tere Pyar Ka Aasra Chahta Hoon from Dhool Ka Phool, are still hummed by people today. When he met Manoj Kumar, his song O Mera Rang De Basanti Chola from Shaheed became so iconic that every generation loves it. After that, it became almost mandatory for him to sing in Manoj Kumar’s films. His song Mere Desh Ki Dharti from Upkar became immensely popular. Manoj Kumar once told me that BBC had declared it India’s most popular song. It resonates with people of all ages. He also sang beautiful devotional songs. My father was deeply religious and lived like a Sufi saint—not just singing bhajans but embodying their spirit. His interactions with everyone, from children to prime ministers, were always warm and equal. Even today, you can hear his voice in Om Sai Ram at Shirdi or during the Ganga Aarti. He sang not just bhajans but also naats for Muslims and shabads, including Guru Gobind Singh’s Deh Siva Bar Mohe Ihai, which is used as an anthem in schools. His songs are unforgettable because they reflect his soul."

Association with Manoj Kumar

Ruhan confirmed that after O Mera Rang De Basanti Chola from Shaheed, Mahendra Kapoor became Manoj Kumar’s preferred singer. He shared an anecdote: "Manoj Kumar’s greatest strength was preparing the artist before recording, instilling patriotic fervor to bring out their best. When this song was recorded, it was so beautiful that Manoj Kumar approached my father and said he was starting his own production house, and my father would sing for it, with every song creating history. My father thought Manoj was speaking in the heat of the moment, but six months later, Manoj called him to discuss Upkar. The next day, my father met him at music director Roshan’s place in Juhu. Manoj shared the story, cast details, and the song’s mukhda, written by Gulshan Bawra. When Mere Desh Ki Dharti was recorded, it made history. After that, my father sang for almost every Manoj Kumar film, including Hai Preet Jahan Ki Reet and Bharat Ka Rehne Wala Hoon from Purab Aur Paschim, a favorite of our respected Prime Minister. Those who love their country can never forget Mahendra Kapoor’s voice. His songs dominate on August 15 and January 26. Creating a song that truly reflects the soul of the nation is Manoj Kumar’s artistry." (Mahendra Kapoor iconic songs Mere Desh Ki Dharti)

Why Mahendra Kapoor’s Songs Remain Timeless

Ruhan attributed the enduring popularity of his father’s songs to the deep patriotism within him. "The pain of the 1947 partition left a mark on him. Though he was in Bombay (now Mumbai) at the time, his roots were in Punjab. He received news of the partition’s horrors through phone calls and letters from friends and relatives, which deeply affected him. Whenever he got a chance to sing patriotic songs, he poured his heart into them. His entire being resonated with patriotism, perhaps a connection from a past life as a freedom fighter. He always dreamed of a prosperous nation. He performed music concerts for soldiers and thousands of shows abroad, where I saw audiences moved to tears, perhaps realizing the value of their homeland while being far away." (Bollywood patriotic and romantic singer Mahendra Kapoor)

Relationships with Raj Kapoor, B.R. Chopra, and Manoj Kumar

Ruhan shared insights into his father’s deep bonds with industry giants. "My father sang for B.R. Chopra’s films from Dhool Ka Phool to Mahabharat. It was Yash Chopra who introduced him to B.R. Films. During a recording at Mehboob Studio for Sohni Mahiwal, Yash Chopra heard my father’s song Chand Chhupa Hai and was impressed. He inquired about the singer and learned it was Mahendra Kapoor. The next day, Yash called him and recorded four superhit songs for Dhool Ka Phool. Later, he sang for V. Shantaram’s Navrang under C. Ramchandra’s direction, with songs like Aadha Hai Chandrama becoming iconic. B.R. Chopra never left my father’s side, and he sang the title track for Mahabharat, which became popular across India and Pakistan. With Manoj Kumar, I was an assistant director on Kranti at 16. My father’s bond with Raj Kapoor was special. In Russia, where Raj Kapoor was revered, my father performed at a show unaware that Raj was present. Hearing the applause, Raj was surprised and watched my father perform a song in Russian, which left the audience spellbound. Raj joined him on stage, calling him his ‘younger brother’ and even played the harmonium while Raj sang. Their friendship grew, and Raj promised to have him sing for his films, resulting in Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega."

Singing in Multiple Languages

Mahendra Kapoor sang in nearly every Indian language, including Odia, Bhojpuri, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi, Rajasthani, and Marwadi, as well as English. "He was the voice of Dada Kondke in Marathi, the comedy king. He won seven state awards for best singer. In Gujarati, he recorded songs for months at Tardeo Studio. He was the first Indian singer to record in English, including a bestselling pop album M3 with Boney M. He also sang in Suriname’s local language, Sranami, where he was immensely popular." (Ruhan Kapoor interview about Mahendra Kapoor legacy)

Memorable Concert Moments

Ruhan recalled numerous memorable incidents from his father’s international concerts. "Every show had something special. My father thanked God for the love he received beyond his imagination. In America, England, Australia, and South Africa, his shows were always successful. I saw the audience’s passion for his music. He performed many shows with Dilip Kumar, who only did concerts with my father. At London’s Royal Albert Hall in 1980, organized by Patel Brothers, the 7,500-seat venue was packed. My father was joined by Dilip Kumar. During preparations, an English police officer informed him that Mohammed Rafi’s sons wanted to meet him. My father met them briefly and invited them to stay for the show. He arranged for two garlands from a South Indian temple and called Rafi’s sons on stage, honoring them as the sons of his guru. He touched their feet, saying he was honoring his ustad in Mumbai. The emotional moment left the audience spellbound. Back in India, Rafi called my father, blessing him with tears in his eyes." (Remembering Mahendra Kapoor 2008 Mumbai death)

Never Singing with Mohammed Rafi

Ruhan clarified why his father never sang duets with Mohammed Rafi, despite their similar voices. "Rafi was my father’s guru, and their voices had a Punjabi resonance, but Rafi’s was heavier due to his age. Rafi once told my father, ‘Mahendra, people will pit us against each other, so it’s better we don’t sing together.’ However, they sang a duet for Aadmi, Kaisi Haseen Aaj Baharon Ki Raat, filmed on Dilip Kumar and Manoj Kumar. Initially, Rafi sang it with Talat Mahmood, but their voices didn’t match. When Talat fell ill, my father was reluctant to replace him, as Talat was his idol. Talat convinced him to record it, resulting in a beautiful duet."

No Regrets Over Dadasaheb Phalke Award

When asked if Mahendra Kapoor felt disappointed about not receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Ruhan said, "No, because he knew it was for filmmakers, not singers. I believe singers and musicians who have made significant contributions to cinema should also be considered for this award, as music is integral to filmmaking."

Mahendra Kapoor as a Playback Singer

As a singer and actor himself, Ruhan described his father’s prowess as a playback singer. "Singing and acting, especially playback singing, are closely linked. My father’s singing brought life to an actor’s performance. He trained in music from a young age and acted in college plays, winning best actor awards annually. His Urdu diction and humor shone through in songs like Thande Thande Paani Se Nahana Chahiye from Pati Patni Aur Woh. He treated his work as worship."

Lessons from His Father

Ruhan shared his father’s most impactful advice: "He always encouraged me. From a young age, I was passionate about music and trained under Tulsidas Sharma. My father said, ‘Music is food for the soul. Whatever profession you choose, never break your bond with music.’ I worked as an assistant director and actor, but music remained my anchor. He never let me sing his songs, encouraging me to experiment. When I wanted to act, he said, ‘I won’t go with you. You must struggle on your own. If people know you’re my son, they’ll offer you tea, but your work will depend on your ability.’ When I got Fasle with Yash Chopra, he didn’t even know I was Mahendra Kapoor’s son. My father struggled his way up too—his father was a cloth merchant with no film connections. He never pampered me and taught me to travel by bus or train while assisting Manoj Kumar." (Bollywood singer Mahendra Kapoor family memories)

Plans for the 17th Death Anniversary

On September 27, 2025, Ruhan plans to honor his father by releasing a Sufi song in Punjabi, a poem by Baba Farid, with a video. "I chose this because my father lived like a Sufi saint, though I wouldn’t call him one. He loved Baba Farid’s poetry. Manoj Kumar sent me this poem and asked me to sing it in my father’s memory. The song, Dekh Farida Mitti Khali, carries a message of love, urging us to stop fighting over petty things."

Ruhan Kapoor’s tribute reflects the timeless legacy of Mahendra Kapoor, whose voice continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, embodying patriotism, devotion, and artistry.

FAQ

Q1. Who was Mahendra Kapoor?

Mahendra Kapoor was a legendary Bollywood playback singer known for his versatility in romantic, patriotic, and devotional songs over five decades.

Q2. When was Mahendra Kapoor born and when did he pass away?

He was born on January 9, 1934, in Amritsar and passed away on September 27, 2008, in Mumbai at the age of 74.

Q3. Who is Ruhan Kapoor?

Ruhan Kapoor is Mahendra Kapoor’s son, and he is also a singer and actor who often shares memories and tributes to his father.

Q4. What are some of Mahendra Kapoor’s iconic songs?

Some of his most celebrated songs include “Mere Desh Ki Dharti,” “Chalo Ek Baar Phir Se Ajnabi Ban Jayein Hum Dono,” and “Neele Gagan Ke Tale.”

Q5. What did Ruhan Kapoor say about his father on the 17th death anniversary?

Ruhan Kapoor described his father as someone who “lived like a saint” and shared heartfelt memories of Mahendra Kapoor’s life, career, and musical legacy.

Q6. Why is Mahendra Kapoor remembered in Bollywood?

He is remembered for his soulful voice, versatility across genres, and the enduring impact of his music on generations of listeners.

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