Mumbai, September 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Legendary singer Kishore Kumar was once banned from being played on All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan for nearly a year during the Emergency imposed by the Indira Gandhi government between 1975 and 1977.
The story of how the ban came into effect was recalled by Kishore Kumar’s son, singer Amit Kumar, during his appearance on actor-comedian Kapil Sharma’s show.
Amit Kumar recalled that Kishore Kumar was at the peak of his career as a playback singer when the Emergency was declared in 1975.
“He got a call from Delhi. Someone from the Ministry rang up, and my father picked up the phone,” Amit said.
According to him, the official asked Kishore Kumar to travel to Delhi for a show, saying, “Kishore Saab. We are sending your ticket. You come from tomorrow’s evening flight. You have a show the day after tomorrow.”
Kishore Kumar, however, asked the official to send a representative to speak to him in person.
“Only then would I be able to come, and not otherwise. If God also comes and tells me, I will not be able to come,” Amit recalled his father saying.
The response reportedly angered the official, who threatened to ban Kishore Kumar.
Amit said that the ban was imposed within two hours of the phone call. Kishore Kumar’s songs were subsequently barred from being broadcast on AIR and Doordarshan.
Despite the ban, Kishore Kumar’s popularity remained strong. After the Emergency was lifted, his songs returned to All India Radio and Doordarshan.
Kishore Kumar received his first singing break from music director Khemchand Prakash, who gave him the opportunity to sing ‘Marne Ki Duayen Kyon Mangu’ for the 1948 film ‘Ziddi’.
He went on to become one of Hindi cinema’s most celebrated playback singers, with popular songs including ‘Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhagi Si’, ‘Mere Sapno Ki Rani’, ‘Yeh Shaam Mastani’, ‘O Mere Dil Ke Chain’, ‘Hamen Tumse Pyar Kitna’, ‘Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas’ and ‘Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana’.
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