Kishore Kumar, the legendary singer whose voice continues to captivate generations, remains one of the greatest musical icons in Indian cinema. With timeless classics like Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhagi Si, Hamen Tumse Pyar Kitna, Roop Tera Mastana, and Yeh Shaam Mastani, his melodies have stood the test of time, enchanting listeners even decades later. However, during the turbulent years of the Emergency (1975-1977) imposed by Indira Gandhi’s government, Kishore Kumar found himself at the center of a political storm. Refusing to comply with government directives, he faced severe repercussions—his songs were abruptly banned from All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan.
This unprecedented censorship, which played out against the backdrop of the popular Binaca Geetmala music countdown, became one of the most politically charged cultural moments in Indian history. Yet, despite these challenges, Kishore Kumar’s music endured, reaffirming his lasting legacy in the hearts of music lovers.
The introduction of Binaca Geetmala in 1952
Following India’s independence, All India Radio (AIR) imposed strict regulations on broadcasting Hindi film music, creating a void for music enthusiasts. This gap was soon filled by Binaca Geetmala, a radio show launched in 1952 on Radio Ceylon (now Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation), which quickly became a cherished source of entertainment for listeners across India. As one of the few international broadcasters accessible to Indian audiences, the show played a key role in popularizing film songs.
Emergency in 1975- Governement turns to Bollywood
By the 1970s, Kishore Kumar had firmly established himself as one of the most sought-after playback singers. However, his soaring career faced an unexpected hurdle during the Emergency declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. The period saw increased media restrictions and government-imposed censorship, with Indira Gandhi’s son, Sanjay Gandhi, taking an active role in policy implementation. His Twenty Point Programme aimed to drive various reforms, and Bollywood was seen as an influential medium to promote these initiatives. As a result, actors and singers were encouraged to lend their voices in support of the government's message, marking a significant intersection between politics and the entertainment industry.
Around January 1976, Sanjay Gandhi’s brainchild, Geeton Bhari Shaam, was devised to promote government schemes, and Kishore Kumar’s participation was demanded. A trunk call from Delhi by Sayed Muzaffar Hussain Burney, a senior official in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, set the confrontation in motion.
Kishore Kumar's response to Emergency
Known for his fiercely independent nature, Kishore Kumar was characteristically blunt, and outright refused. In an interview with Pritish Nandy years later, he made his stance clear: “Who knows why they come? But no one can make me do what I don’t want to do. I don’t sing at anyone’s will or command.”
Kishore's songs banned from AIR and DD
Kishore Kumar’s refusal to comply with government demands led to significant backlash. CB Jain labeled him as “non-cooperative,” prompting the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, under Vidya Charan Shukla, to take strict action. His songs were banned from All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan for three months, with officials instructed to lock away his records. Record companies were also pressured to halt sales, with HMV complying while Polydor resisted. There were even discussions about blocking censor certificates for films featuring his playback singing and preventing international broadcasters like the BBC from airing his songs.
Ban lifted from Kishore Kumar's songs
Despite the harsh ban, Kishore Kumar’s influence remained unshaken. Eventually, Vidya Charan Shukla, whose family had old ties with Kishore’s in Khandwa, took the initiative to mend relations. On June 14, 1976, Kishore formally conveyed his willingness to cooperate with the government.
Two days later, on June 16, the ban was lifted. In a fitting moment of poetic justice, All India Radio played Kishore Kumar’s Dukhi Man Mere as the first song, marking his triumphant return. Radios across the country once again echoed with his timeless voice, much to the relief and joy of his fans.
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