Hemanta Kumar, also known as Hemant Kumar and Hemanta Mukherjee, was a legendary figure in the Indian music industry. His soulful voice and mesmerizing compositions made him a household name, earning him the title of the “voice of God.” In this blog post, we take a closer look at the life, career, and legacy of this iconic singer, music director, and producer.
Hemanta Kumar’s Early Life & Education:
Born on June 16, 1920, in Varanasi, British India, as Hemanta Mukhopadhyay, he grew up in a culturally significant household. With not much known about his biological family, Hemanta attended the Nasiruddin School and later the Mitra Institution School in Kolkata. Despite initial objections from his father, he pursued a career in music, leaving academics due to health problems.
Hemanta Kumar’s Personal Life:
In 1945, Hemanta Kumar married Bela Mukherjee, a singer from Bengal, and together they had two children, Jayant and Ranu. Jayant continued the family’s connection to the entertainment industry by marrying Bengali film actress Moushumi Chatterjee, while Ranu pursued a music career in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Hemanta Kumar’s Career:
Hemanta Kumar’s musical journey began in the 1940s with his first song for the Bengali film Rajkumarer Nirbbasan. His breakthrough as a music director came with the Bengali film Abhiyatri in 1947. He gained popularity as a playback singer in Hindi films, contributing soulful vocals to iconic songs for actors like Dev Anand and Sunil Dutt. His talent also extended to Rabindra Sangeet, solidifying his position as a versatile artist.
Hemanta Kumar’s Net Worth:
Hemanta Kumar’s net worth at the time of his death in 1989 was estimated to be around $20 million. His successful career as a singer, music director, and producer contributed to his financial success.
Hemanta Kumar’s Death:
On September 26, 1989, Hemanta Kumar passed away after returning from a concert in Dhaka. His daughter-in-law, Moushumi Chatterjee, recollects his final words as “Such agony, such agony.” Despite his departure, his influence continues to live on through his timeless melodies.
Hemanta Kumar’s Legacy:
The Gramophone Company of India, also known as Saregama, continues to honor Hemanta Kumar’s musical contributions by annually releasing an album featuring his timeless songs, thoughtfully repackaged to suit the evolving commercial landscape.
Hemanta Kumar’s Social Media & Discography:
While details about his social media presence are not available, Hemanta Kumar’s extensive discography includes memorable albums such as “Nagin,” “Bees Saal Baad,” “Anand Math,” and many more.
Conclusion:
Hemanta Kumar’s legacy is one that resonates through the ages. As we remember the “voice of God,” his soulful compositions and contributions to Indian cinema continue to inspire and captivate music lovers worldwide.
FAQs
What is Hemanta Kumar’s full name?
- His full name is Hemanta Mukhopadhyay.
When and where was Hemanta Kumar born?
- He was born on June 16, 1920, in Varanasi, Benares State, British India.
How many children did Hemanta Kumar have?
- He had two children, Jayant (son) and Ranu (daughter).
What is Hemanta Kumar’s net worth?
- At the time of his death in 1989, his net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.