Kishore Kumar was known for his unforgettable voice and unmatched talent, but behind the fame was a man who lived through love, heartbreak, and deep personal loss. In a rare interview from 1985, the legendary singer opened up like never before—talking about his four marriages, his emotional journey with Madhubala, and what truly mattered to him in life. His words, honest and moving, offer a glimpse into the man behind the music.
A mismatch of values with Ruma Devi
In conversation with Pritish Nandy, Kishore reflected on his first marriage to Ruma Devi, describing it as a mismatch of values. While he acknowledged her talent and ambition, he admitted they had very different expectations from life. Ruma was focused on building a career in music, while Kishore longed for a more traditional domestic partner. Their conflicting priorities ultimately led to their separation.
A promise kept with Madhubala
The iconic singer then spoke about his second wife, actor Madhubala, who battled a congenital heart condition and passed away at a young age. He revealed that he had known about her illness before they married but chose to honour his commitment nonetheless. For nine years, he cared for her as her health steadily declined, witnessing her pain and emotional struggle firsthand. Despite her suffering and confinement to bed, he remained by her side, offering constant support, laughter, and comfort—just as her doctors had advised—until her final moments.He was candid about his third marriage to Yogeeta Bali, calling it a mistake. He felt she was never truly committed to the relationship and was more focused on her bond with her mother than on building a life with him. The marriage, he implied, lacked seriousness and quickly fell apart.
Finding peace with Leena Chandavarkar
Kumar concluded the interview on a more reflective note, speaking warmly about his then-wife, Leena Chandavarkar. Though she was also an actress like his previous partners, he felt she was fundamentally different. Having experienced personal tragedy with the loss of her first husband, Kishore believed Leena had gained a deeper understanding of life’s fragility. Her resilience and perspective, he said, brought a sense of peace and happiness to his life.
A legacy beyond the mic
Kishore Kumar was a multi-talented artist known for his work as a singer, actor, and music director. He began his career as a chorus singer at Bombay Talkies and got his first break with the song Marne Ki Duayen Kyon Mangu in Ziddi. Famous for his unique yodelling style—seen in hits like Yeh Dil Na Hota Bechara and Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana—he drew inspiration from Jimmie Rodgers and Tex Morton. Honoured with the Lata Mangeshkar Award in 1985, he was later commemorated through the Kishore Kumar Award. He passed away on October 13, 1987.
