Kishore Kumar’s death on October 13, 1987, marked the end of an era in Indian music and cinema. He passed away at the age of 58 after suffering a fatal heart attack at his residence in Mumbai. The loss was deeply felt across the nation, as fans, friends, and family mourned the passing of a man whose voice had brought joy to millions.
His son, singer Amit Kumar, later recalled eerie details from that tragic day in an emotional interview with Rediff. “On that day, he refused to allow [Amit’s stepbrother] Sumeet to go swimming and was very anxious that my flight from Canada would land on time,” Amit shared. He also recounted that Kishore Kumar was already experiencing symptoms of a heart attack but joked about it. “He was suffering from symptoms of a heart attack but joked that if we called a doctor, he would have a heart attack. In fact, he was laughing and talking with Leena when he keeled over. Leena at first thought that he was playing a prank,” Amit said.
Tragically, it wasn’t a joke. Kishore Kumar collapsed suddenly and passed away as he was rushed to the hospital, on the very same day his brother Ashok Kumar was celebrating his birthday. It was a cruel irony.
Towards the end of his life, Kishore Kumar had become increasingly disillusioned with his professional commitments. According to Amit, “He was very unhappy with the songs he was getting. He wanted to return to Khandwa, which he loved. Even in his shows, he always called himself Kishore Kumar Khandwawala.”
Kishore’s personal life was as dramatic and colorful as his film career. He was married multiple times — six, by some counts. His first wife, Ruma, parted ways with him early on due to conflicting aspirations: he wanted a homemaker; she sought a career. His marriage to the legendary Madhubala followed, after she broke up with Dilip Kumar. She proposed to Kishore during the filming of Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi. Her death left him emotionally shattered.
Later, he married Yogeeta Bali, who helped him through illness. They married in 1972 and went public with their relationship in 1975. However, family concerns and career worries led to their separation. It was with Leena Chandavarkar that Kishore reportedly found peace and companionship. As Amit said, “With Leena Chandavarkar, Baba finally found happiness.” She had lost her husband and was struggling when Kishore cast her in Mamta Ki Chhaon Mein. Initially hesitant, she eventually accepted his proposal. Their bond remained strong until his final moments.
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