Happy Birthday to Shabbir Kumar

Shabbir Kumar, born as Shabbir Sheikh, on October 26, 1954, in Baroda, Gujarat, into a family with a very humble background. Shabbir’s family never had any musical background. His mother singing “Naat” to her children was his only exposure to singing as a child. He started by imitating her and soon his natural talent got over and he started singing the songs he heard on his neighbour’s radio.

Although his love for singing was evident from a young age, mainly due to financial constraints, he never thought that being a singer was also an option and was inclined towards securing a government job. Despite all this, he continues to sing and imitate his idol, Mohammad Rafi, throughout his school and college. Encouraged by his friends, he decided to join “Melody Makers,” which was one of the leading orchestras in Mumbai. He worked extensively with them and earned quite a fan following as a singer who sang Rafi’s song.

Shabbir’s career took a significant turn when he attended the funeral of the legendary Mohammed Rafi. An incident during the funeral, where his wristwatch fell into Rafi’s grave, was interpreted by Shabbir as a divine sign that he was to be Rafi’s musical successor. This momentous event propelled him to pursue singing with renewed vigor. He also joined the group of Mohammed Rafi fans who did shows of “Ek Shaam Rafi Ke Naam,” a stage show produced in Rafi’s honour.

Shabbir’s big break came with the film “Tajurba” in 1981, where Usha Khanna gave him her first song, “Ek Nahin Hum Do.” Usha ji also used him for the songs “Aankh Dil Ki Zubaan Hoti Hai,” in Adat Se Majboor (1982), “Piya Piya Mujhe Apne Hi Rang Mein,” in Anokha Bandhan (1982), and “Dhuan Dhuan Mera Dil Hua,” in Bekhabar (1983).

However, it was his collaboration with the music director duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal who gave him his early hits like “Banjare Hum Banjare (Baghavat), Jab Tak Pyar Nahin Hota (Farz Aur Kaanoon), and “Paas Aate Rahen (Mehandi Rang Layegi).

1983 was a true breakthrough year for Shabbir Kumar, as he sang for two of the biggest hits of the year: “Coolie” under Laxmikant-Pyarelal and “Betaab” under RD Burman. With Coolie, he became the voice of Amitabh Bachchan, which was a really big achievement for a new singer. With songs like “Mujhe Peene Ka Shauk Nahin,” “Jawani Ke Rail Kahin,” “Lambuji Tinguji,” “Sari Duniya Ka Bojh Hum Uthate Hai,” “Hum ka Ishq Hua,” “Accident Ho Gaya,” and “Mubarak Ho Tumko Haj Ka Mahina” becoming a rage all over India, Shabbir was the next big thing in the Hindi film industry.

The same year he became the voice of newcomer Sunny Deol in the musical “Betaab,” where he sang “Jab Hum Jawan Honge,” “Teri Tasveer Mil Gayee,” “Tumne Dee Awaaz,” “Apne Dil Se Badi Dushmani Ki,” and “Badal Yun Garajta Hai.” The film’s success established him as one of the most sought-after singers of the time.

One of Kumar’s first notable performances was a duet with Lata Mangeshkar, ‘Shaam Hai Ye Kuch Khoyi Khoyi’ from the film ‘Prem Tapasya’ in 1983. Additionally, music director Anu Malik brought him on board to sing for Rajiv Kapoor in his debut film ‘Ek Jaan Hain Hum’ in the same year. He also sang for the debut film of Anil Kapoor, “Woh 7 Din.”

In 1985, Shabbir lent his voice to the film “Meri Jung,” delivering the iconic song “Zindagi Har Kadam Ek Nai Jung Hai,” which became an anthem of resilience and hope. His ability to convey the spirit of the characters he sang for was evident, further solidifying his place in the industry.

Riding the success of his early songs, Shabbir went on to sing in films like Baazi (1985), Sohni Mahiwal (1984), Geraftaar (1985), Ghulami (1985), Mard (1985), Meri Jung (1985), Pyar Jhukta Nahin (1985), Sultanat (1985), Teri Meherbaniyan (1985), Aap Ke Sath (1986), Ilzaam (1986), Dacait (1987), Deewana Tere Naam Ka (1987), Itihaas (1987), Jawab Hum Denge (1987), Maashuka (1987), Mr. India (1987), Loha (1987), Pyar Mohabat (1987), Paap Ki Duniya (1987), Tezaab (1988), Aaj Ka Arjun (1990), Ghayal (1990), Kaarnaama (1990), Paap Ki Kamaee (1990), Shola Aur Shabnam (1992), and many more.

Throughout the 1980s, Kumar’s voice became synonymous with many leading actors of the era, including Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Mithun Chakraborty, Rishi Kapoor, and Sunny Deol. His ability to adapt his singing style to suit different actors and genres made him a versatile and invaluable asset to Hindi cinema.

Some of his notable songs include “Kangna Oye Hoye Kangna,” “Pyar Kiya Nahi Jaata” in Woh Saat Din, “Bol Do Mitti Bol Soniye” “Mujhe Dulhe Ka Sehra” in Sohni Mahiwal , “Tumse Milkar Naa Jaane Kyon,” “Tumhe Apna Saath Banane Se,” “Chahe Lakh Toofan Aaye” in Pyar Jhukta Nahin, “Aana Jana Laga Rahega (Giraftaar),” “Teri Meherbaniyan (Teri Meherbaniyan),” “Zeehal-e-Musqeen (Ghulami),” “Buri Nazarwale Tera,” “O Maa Shero wali” in Mard, “Pyar Ke Do Pal Koh (Pyar Ke Do Pal),” “Jaano Jaanam Jaaneman (Sultanat),” “Jab Jab Kisi Ladake (Kala Dhanda Goray Log),” “Hairaan Hoon Main (Jawab Hum Denge),” “Mere Yaar Ko Mere Allah (Dacait),” “Tujhe Itna Pyaar Kare (Kudrat Ka Kanoon),” “Saajan Aajao Wada Yeh (Aag Hi Aag),” “So Gaya Yeh Jahan (Tezaab),” and many more.

As the decade drew to a close, Shabbir continued to dominate the playback singing scene with hits like “Gori Hai Kalaiyan” from “Aaj Ka Arjun” and “Sochna Kya” from “Ghayal” in 1990. These songs not only topped the charts but also became evergreen numbers that are still celebrated today. Some of his later songs include “Dil Pe Qayamat Dhaye Tumhari Choodiyan (Tyagi),” “Tu Pagal Premi Awara (Shola Aur Shabnam),” “O Radha Tere Bina (Radha Ka Sangam), and many more.

Over the years, Shabbir has worked with all the leading music directors, notably Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Rahul Dev Burman, and Anu Malik, of Hindi films and has sung more than 6,000 songs he has rendered in his career. In the early 90s, Shabbir Kumar saw a decline in his career as the audience’s tastes changed and new talents like Kumar Sanu and Udit Narayan emerged. It was the time of decline for all the super singers of the 80s, like Suresh Wadkar, Anwar, Mohammad Aziz, and many more.

Even after the peak of his career, Shabbir continued to charm the audience with his voice through stage shows and private albums. His contribution to the cultural and entertainment landscape of India has been recognised with numerous awards and honors. Some of his later songs include O Yaaro Maaf Karna (Aa Ab Laut Chalen), Kisi Ne Sach Hi Kaha Hai (Ghath), Jeevan Ke Sang Ek Aur Jung (Ek Aur Jung), Ya Habibi (Awara Paagal Deewana), Hamare Baad (Aan), I Don’t Know What To Do (Housefull), Mere Bachche (Satrangee Parachute) and many more.

Shabbir’s family life is anchored by his wife, Mehtaab, and their children. He is a proud father to Dilshaad Shabbir Shaikh, who has followed in his footsteps as a singer, and two daughters, Rubina Mallick and Tehzim, who are also singers. The family’s shared passion for music underscores their bond and artistic legacy.

Despite his success, Shabbir faced controversies, notably in 2012, when he questioned veteran singer Lata Mangeshkar’s claim about receiving an apology letter from Mohammed Rafi. This incident brought him into the limelight, not for his singing but for standing up for what he believed was the truth about Rafi’s legacy.

Shabbir’s journey from a child who was drawn to music by his mother’s singing to a celebrated playback singer is a proof to his dedication and love for the art.

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Post Curtsy: tasveermehal.com