View source for Kishore Kumar: The Ultimate Biography

{{Short description|2022 book by Anirudha Bhattacharjee}}
{{Infobox book
| name              = Kishore Kumar: The Ultimate Biography
| author            = [[Anirudha Bhattacharjee]] and Parthiv Dhar
| subject           = [[Kishore Kumar]]
| awards            = [[National Film Award for Best Book on Cinema]] (2024)
| publisher         = [[HarperCollins India]]
| country           = India
| language          = English
| genre             = Non-fiction
| pub_date          = 2022
| image             = File:Kishore_Kumar,_The_Ultimate_Biography.jpeg
}}
'''''Kishore Kumar: The Ultimate Biography''''' is a book authored by [[Anirudha Bhattacharjee]] and Parthiv Dhar, published in 2022 by [[HarperCollins India]]. It documents the life and career of [[Kishore Kumar]], a prominent Indian playback singer, actor, and filmmaker known for his versatile voice and contributions to [[Bollywood]]. The book covers his journey from his early days in [[Khandwa]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], to his prominence in Indian cinema and music. It received the National Film Award for Best Book on Cinema at the [[70th National Film Awards]] in 2024 for its 2022 edition.<ref name="PIB">{{Cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2045960|title=70th National Film Awards Announced|publisher=Press Information Bureau|date=16 August 2024|access-date=4 March 2025}}</ref>

==Background==
[[Anirudha Bhattacharjee]], an engineer-turned-writer, and Parthiv Dhar, a music historian, are the authors, both of whom have previously written about Indian cinema and music.<ref name="HBL">{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/books/reviews/General/book-review-kishore-kumar-the-ultimate-biography/article66209099.ece|title=Book Review: Kishore Kumar: The Ultimate Biography|publisher=The Hindu Business Line|date=25 November 2022|access-date=4 March 2025}}</ref> The biography is based on interviews, archival records, and anecdotes to provide a comprehensive account of Kishore Kumar's life.<ref name="NIE">{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/lifestyle/books/2022/Dec/24/kishore-kumar-the-ultimate-biography-review-the-many-lives-of-a-maverick-2530762.html|title=Kishore Kumar: The Ultimate Biography Review - The Many Lives of a Maverick|publisher=The New Indian Express|date=24 December 2022|access-date=4 March 2025}}</ref>

==Content==
The book outlines [[Kishore Kumar]]’s life, beginning with his childhood in Khandwa. It details his entry into the Hindi film industry in the 1940s as an actor and singer, and his work as a playback singer, recording over 2,500 songs across various Indian languages.<ref name="HT">{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/books/reviewkishore-kumar-the-ultimate-biography-101673659339670.html|title=Review: Kishore Kumar: The Ultimate Biography|publisher=Hindustan Times|date=25 January 2022|access-date=4 March 2025}}</ref> It also covers his acting in comedies and dramas, and his roles as a director, producer, and composer. His personal life, including his four marriages, and his unconventional behaviour in the industry are also discussed.<ref name="TTI">{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/books/the-many-sides-of-the-maestro-kishore-kumar-the-ultimate-biography-author-anirudha-bhattacharjee-and-parthiv-dhar/cid/1909622|title=The Many Sides of the Maestro: Kishore Kumar: The Ultimate Biography|publisher=The Telegraph India|date=13 January 2023|access-date=4 March 2025}}</ref>
The biography explores his musical collaborations with composers such as [[S.D. Burman]] and [[R.D. Burman]], and his versatility across genres like soulful and lively songs.<ref name="NIE"/> It further notes his eccentric traits, such as his reclusive nature, which distinguished him in Bollywood.<ref name="TTI"/>

==Reception==
Critics praised the book for its research and presentation. [[Hindustan Times]] noted its appeal to Kishore Kumar fans, citing its focus on his musical talent and personality.<ref name="HT"/> [[The New Indian Express]] called it a well-researched work that balances his professional and personal aspects.<ref name="NIE"/> [[The Hindu Business Line]] appreciated its factual depth and lesser-known details.<ref name="HBL"/> [[The Telegraph India]] highlighted its coverage of Kumar's varied roles as a singer and actor.<ref name="TTI"/>
The book won the [[National Film Award for Best Book on Cinema]] in 2024 for its 2022 publication, as per the Press Information Bureau.<ref name="PIB"/>

==References==
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[[Category:2022 non-fiction books]]
[[Category:Indian biographies]]
[[Category:HarperCollins books]]
[[Category:Biographies about musicians]]
[[Category:Biographies about actors]]