Mahendra Kapoor remains one of Bollywood’s most celebrated playback singers, known for his soulful and powerful voice that moved many deeply. While he won hearts with his romantic songs, his contribution to patriotic music remains unmatched. Not many know that he was also a favourite of the legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi. While Rafi Sahab was loved by millions, Mahendra Kapoor held a special place in his heart. Kapoor considered Rafi his guru and idol, following in his footsteps while carving his own identity in the industry.
In a throwback interview with Lehren, when asked if he was Rafi’s favourite, Kapoor enthusiastically replied expressing “Haanji, haanji!” He was also asked if he imitated Rafi’s singing style to which he clarified, “No, he was just my idol and my inspiration.” He recalled how, at the age of 13-14, he took singing lessons from Rafi the time when he encouraged him to develop his own style rather than simply following his steps . Following Rafi’s advice, Kapoor explored various genres and honed his own unique voice.
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In the same interview, Mahendra Kapoor opened up on his first break after winning the Metro Singing Competition in 1957, which opened the doors to Bollywood playback singing through which he earned his first major break came with Aadha Hai Chandrama Raat Aadhi song from Navrang (1959), composed by C. Ramchandra. He went on to become the voice behind some of Bollywood’s biggest stars including Manoj Kumar, Sunil Dutt, Dilip Kumar, Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan.
While Kapoor sang many romantic and devotional songs, his patriotic renditions remain iconic. Songs like Mere Desh Ki Dharti, Bharat Ka Rahnewala Hoon, and Mere Rang De Basanti Chola still stir emotions across generations. His deep commanding voice brought life to lyrics that resonated with the spirit of the nation, making him a beloved figure in India’s musical history.
Mahendra Kapoor passed away on September 27, 2008, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. Despite his success, he always saw himself as a student of music rather than a teacher and often explored different genres learning various things until his last days. He once said, “The day you think you have become a teacher, your art will stop.” His dedication to evolving as an artist remained until his last breath.
For more fascinating insights into his journey, watch the full interview below.
