Thu Jan 09 11:00:10 UTC 2025: ## Legendary Interview with Kishore Kumar, Unveiled by the Late Pritish Nandy, Re-emerges After His Passing
**Mumbai, India** – The recent passing of renowned journalist, adman, producer, and poet Pritish Nandy has brought renewed attention to one of his most iconic achievements: a 1985 interview with the legendary singer Kishore Kumar for *The Illustrated Weekly of India*. The interview, recently resurfaced online, offers a fascinating glimpse into the eccentric and complex personality of the musical icon.
Nandy’s interview, featuring a cover image of Kumar alongside a skull wearing spectacles, revealed a side of the singer rarely seen. Kumar, a self-proclaimed admirer of Alfred Hitchcock, discussed his unconventional life with remarkable candor. He recounted using income tax records as pesticides, and famously shared his perspective on marriage, stating that wives should prioritize building a home, not careers.
The interview delves into Kumar’s relationships with his four wives, offering unfiltered accounts of his marriages. He spoke openly about his first wife, Ruma Devi, highlighting their differing life goals as the reason for their separation. He poignantly detailed his nine-year commitment to caring for his second wife, Madhubala, during her debilitating illness. He finally expressed happiness with his fourth wife, Leena Chandavarkar, describing her resilience and understanding of life’s ephemeral nature.
The interview also touched upon Kumar’s reluctant foray into acting. He described his early acting career as being “conned” into it, highlighting his struggles against directors and his attempts to avoid stardom, ultimately succumbing to pressure due to his brother, Ashok Kumar’s, fame.
Nandy’s insightful questions drew out Kumar’s unique perspective, revealing a man of contradictions: a reluctant actor who became a screen legend, a playful eccentric who possessed profound depths. The interview has since gained cult status, offering a timeless and revealing portrait of one of India’s most beloved musical figures, and showcasing the journalistic prowess of Pritish Nandy.
First Piper 