Mukesh

Bio

Mukesh Chand Mathur (22 July 1923 – 27 August 1976), popularly known as Mukesh, was an Indian playback singer whose rich, baritone voice defined Hindi film music from the 1940s through the 1970s. Born in Delhi, he began his career as an actor-singer in the 1945 film "Pehli Nazar" and soon became the preferred voice for leading men such as Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar. His signature renditions of ghazals and romantic ballads—most notably "Mera Joota Hai Japani" and "Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein"—earned him lasting acclaim and three National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer. Mukesh’s emotive delivery and understated style made him one of the most beloved voices of Indian cinema until his sudden death while on tour in Detroit in 1976.