Kishore Kumar: The Unofficial Biography: The Ultimate Biography Paperback – 1 Oct. 2022

This is the most detailed and researched biography ever on the maverick genius, arguably the greatest male playback singer ever in Indian film music. Full of facts with impeccable referencing, the book aims to clear many perceptions and misinformation that float around regarding the genius artist. I would have loved to see more elaborate depictions of his post- Aradhana 70s times ( barring the emergency controversy), but I could understand the limitations the authors might have had in terms of keeping the book within an acceptable size. It's an information warehouse and highly recommended for all the Kishore Kumar fans.

Countless Kishore lovers including me, probably used to brag about, knowing everything about this brilliant eternal character called Kishore Kumar, now after going through this journey called " KK- The Ultimate biography" I can vouch those innumerable details about the magical God gifted virtuoso, which have been vividly elucidated through this mesmerizingly written book, have changed my thinking.The splendid research painstakingly made by the authors (as I know them personally) for more than a decade by going places, taking interviews to the key people and also by going through a lot of old magazines / newspaper/ books are quite resplendent, which added splendour in the book.For a personality like Kishore, it is really difficult to fathom where to start and which point to stress and what area to be ignored, the authors could able to stress more on 40s & 50s and the way they have been detailed with timeline sequence were just spectacular.This book is not only about trivia and anecdotes (which all KK lovers are aware by now), this book outshines those and depicts a picture KK, who was not only a musical genius with God gifted voice, also who was standard human being having emotions, intellects, sentiments, privacy like any other human being.Thanks to the authors to list out a series of notes (at the end of the book) to justify the sources from where the information been gathered, and which intrinsically justifies the amount of hard work and research and readings went into the contents and contexts of the book.A few aspects to me could have been touched upon1) Interviews with the co singers (male & female during early and mid-eighties)2) Contents of 70's could be more exhaustive like 50s & 60s3) Exclusive chapters on Sashi, Dharam, Sanjeev & Amitabhalthough they have been mentioned in many places.Notwithstanding of all of these, this is a must-read book for any biography hunters and while describing any subjects in detail, authors give cues and connects to many other related matters and contexts (viz. other related songs, Hollywood songs and movies), which are indeed an enlightening to all the readers.Last but not the least, whenever there is any interesting connect, (on the same page or at the end of the books as notes), it is customary to google and you tube the matters before jumping onto the next page, to take the pure delight and fun. As a reader this has helped me a lot and which might be a helpful tip to other readers.In the end, kudos to the authors for choosing one of the most difficult characters of the musical idols, to chance upon and accomplish it with flying colours.

You’ll love this book if you’re a fan of Kishore da like me. Wonderful book which takes you down the memory lane.

Reading through this book, one is transformed into the depths of the time of Kishore. To make it possible for us, the readers, to know this genius in his elements up close as has been made possible by these two passionate fans-authors, after such a long time of his passing, is simply incredible. The amount of passionate research and hard work that has gone into building this book to bring out the actual man that Kishore Kumar was, is reflected not just in the written words but in between the lines. In a world where research on someone would mean a casual google search on the persona to most of us, Parthiv and Aniruddha's actual hardcore groundwork is easily reflected in their work. It is indeed most aptly named 'The Ultimate Biography'. Mesmerizing to read each and every snippet of Kishore's life and all that he lived with and lived for; this book is indeed riveting from start to finish. Highly recommended read not just for all that have known this star of their times, but all that would want to know a true artiste who lived and loved passionately, a maverick in a world that forces to conform, a true genius transcending time boundaries. Simply incredible piece of work!

Very well researched and written . A great book that must be in every Film lovers library./

Felt like getting to know a legend I idolize better and why he deserved all that adulation. A genius indeed and the authors made it feel like going through the sets of a Bollywood movie with the behind the scenes story of every familiar set. Priceless!

I recently finished the book called 'Kishore Kumar the Ultimate Biography'. This book is the result of many years of research by Aniruddha Bhattacharya and Parthiv Dhar. After ordering on Amazon, I started reading it with infinite curiosity and some sort of academic interest. As a result, it was not possible to finish it quickly. However, it took way longer than my initial expectations. There are several reasons for this. It contains such a vast amount of information about Kishore’s adolescent life (especially childhood and pre-adolescence) that it took me aback. These events are quite historic – dating back to the 1930s and 1940s, but this book delivers so much unknown information that I was surprised. I must admit I read some parts repeatedly. This is where the beauty of the book lies – it makes you think as you read! The history behind Kishore’s early movies and songs has been painted carefully and his days of struggle have been depicted in terrific detail. There were several instances when I discovered an unknown song while reading, and I looked it up on YouTube to watch the scene, listen to the song, and have a feel for the real-life story. Kishore’s rise to fame as a singer and the inside stories about his timeless songs have been illustrated extremely well. This remarkable feat was achievable only because the authors used several sources of information – starting from other books on Kishore Kumar to several published interviews. Whenever possible, the authors included personal conversations with Kishore’s Khandwa and college friends, as well as people in his inner circle. (I remember about ten years ago, Parthiv once told me about his experience in Khandwa. One of Kishore's childhood friends told Parthiv that Kishore often used to sing in the afternoon sitting at the edge of the forest with his friends. During these sessions, a deer used to come out of the forest to hear him sing and go back in once the song was over.) This is a comprehensive documentary biography about Kishore Kumar decorated with numerous rare pictures and references. In the words of the authors, it is 'The Ultimate Biography'. It is safe to say that the use of the word 'ultimate' here is completely valid.-Lapita Sarkar