Bollywood singing legend: Mahendra Kapoor, a special tribute

November 13 2014

Leading British Asian music composer salutes music legend and someone he had honour and pleasure working with…

A SLICE of Bollywood history and old world glamour come to North London tomorrow.

Top South Asian Music composer Kuljit Bhamra will be presenting a special tribute evening to singing legend Mahendra Kapoor (1934-2008).

Bhamra will be joined at the special event at The VIP Lounge in Edgware by Mahendra’s son, Bollywood actor and singer Rohan (also known as Ruhan) Kapoor and Mahendra’s grandson, Siddhant.

Mahendra Kapoor enjoyed a 50-year career in Bollywood, making some 25,000 songs, and collaborated with one of the greatest singing legends of all time, in Bollywood, Mohammed Rafi.

Bhamra, who composed music on hit film, “Bend it Like Beckham” the West End smash, “The Far Pavilions” and is working on the forthcoming musical stage version of Bend It Like Beckham, told www.asianculturevulture.com: “I had the pleasure of producing two Punjabi albums with Mahendra Kapoor and realised on the first day that he was an enormously talented singer.

Kuljit Bhamra

“Normally, when singers sing at a high pitch, the volume of their voice increases and sometimes distorts the recording. Also, low pitches tend to diminish in volume and are difficult to project.

“However, I was shocked to see that the recording meters remained almost constant as he sang!

“His voice control and singing range were amazing and these, coupled with his smooth tone, made him successful as a playback singer.

“I am pleased to be able to hold this tribute concert in his memory and thrilled that his Bollywood star son Rohan will be attending as a special guest.”

Mahendra Kapoor and Mohammad Rafi recorded the song, “Kaisi Haseen Aaj Baharon Ki Raat” from the 1967 film “Aadmi“, together.

Kapoor was awarded the Padma Shri by the Indian government and his patriotic songs, including “Mere Desh Ki Dharti” from the 1972 Manoj Kumar film “Upkaar”, remain popular.

He also sang in regional Indian languages and English but it was his contribution to Bollywood music that most endeared him to his many fans.

Bhamra said Kapoor’s music has a continuing legacy that he wants to acknowledge and celebrate and the Kapoor family are in London, making something more meaningful possible.

Bhamra added that one of the tracks, “Aj Tenu Nachna Pao”, from the albums he and Mahendra recorded is still a staple blasted out by wedding DJs.

Rohan featured in megahit director Yash Chopra’s “FAASLE” and followed it in 1986 with “Love 86” alongside screen legend, Govinda.

There will also be live music on the evening from Base2Base, and singers Shahid and Rekha Sawhney and Mahendra’s grandson Siddhant will be making his own tribute, delivering a presentation, entitled “An Illustrious Career” about his famous grandfather.

• Friday, November 14, The VIP Lounge, 47 High St, Edgware, HA8 7DD. Tickets £30 and £25
  Box Office 020 8951 4441
  Doors open 7pm-Buffet Dinner (included in ticket) from 8pm. Music from 9pm

Main picture: Mahendra Kapoor (centre) with Kersi Mistry (courtesy of Kuljit Bhamra)

Video – song ‘Tum Agar Saath Dene ka Vada Karo‘ sung by Mahendra Kapoor featuring Sunil Dutt