Date:28/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/28/stories/2008092861471100.htm

National

Mahendra Kapoor passes away

Mahendra Kapoor

Mumbai: Veteran playback singer Mahendra Kapoor, whose voice delighted countless music lovers across generations, died here on Saturday evening after a heart attack. He was 74.

He is survived by his wife, three daughters and a son.

Family sources said he had a kidney ailment and was undergoing dialysis. But he had recovered, they said.

The end came suddenly at 7.30 p.m. and he died in his sleep, the sources added.

The Maharashtra government recently selected him for the Lata Mangeshkar Award for his lifetime contribution in the field of playback music.

The funeral will take place on Sunday.

Mr. Kapoor was born in Amritsar on January 9, 1934, but moved to Mumbai. He was inspired by Mohammed Rafi and won an all-India singing competition early in his career.

Mr. Kapoor received the national award for best male playback singing for “Mere Desh Ki Dharti...” in Upkar.

He was a recipient of the Padma Shri. “Chalo Ek Bar Phirse...’ in Gumrah won him his first Filmfare Award in 1963.

“Neele Gagan Ke Taley...” (Humraaz) in 1967 and “Nahi Nahi Bus Aur Nahi...” (Roti Kapda aur Makan) won him the Filmfare Award once again in 1974. — PTI