I'm here because of my father, says son of legendary singer

Abu Dhabi - Amit Kumar shared interesting anecdotes before each performance

The two-day celebrations at the Indian Social and Cultural Centre Abu Dhabi on receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award had a melodious start with singer Amit Kumar and team rolling back years on Thursday night.
Songs were pitch perfect and had great tales to tell. Yeh Zameen Gaa Rahi Hai from 1980s' Bollywood film Teri Kasam encapsulated the mood of the packed main hall.
Amit paid tribute to his late father Kishore Kumar and said: "Whatever I am today is all because of him."
He mimicked the evergreen superstar of Indian cinema, late Dev Anand, before belting out Pal Bhar Ke Liye Koyee Hamein Pyar Kar Le'
Amit shared interesting anecdotes before each performances and it led to few skeletons tumble out of the closet.
The 64-year-old revealed how his father was asked for bribe by officials to get the National Award for Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein- a 1964-movie produced and directed by Kishore. It was a movie about relationship between a father played by Kishore and his deaf and mute son acted by Amit.
"My father refused to give bribe and didn't win award. The movie was remade in Tamil as Ramu by AV Meiyappan of AVM Productions and it went on to win National Award in 1966," Amit said before singing Koi Lauta De Mere Beete Huye Din'
Amit's half-brother Sumit added zest with Bachna Ae Haseeno' Amit joined Sumit midway for the number, which was one of the biggest hits of 1977 and was later made on actor Ranbir Kapoor in 2008. The remix had included Kishore Kumar's voice.
Singer Manisha was the female voice and mesmerised the audience when she joined Amit for Kora Kagaz Tha Ye Man Mera'from the unforgettable 1960s' romantic 'Aradhana'.
Amit congratulated the ISC on receiving the award, which is the top honour conferred on overseas Indians by the Indian government. He was overwhelmed by the reception to his oldies.
The singer winded up the show with a travel song Main Hoon Jhoom Jhoom Jhumroo. The audience, though, was left rooted to their seats long after the entertainer was gone.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi