Kishore Kumar never touched alcohol, but how did he manage to sing the iconic Amitabh Bachchan song from 'Sharaabi'? Asha Bhonsle spills the secret

The name Kishore Kumar needs no introduction. Considered one of the greatest singers in Bollywood history, Kumar lent his glorious voice to many chartbusters and was the voice of many leading men, such as Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, Devanand, etc. Known for his mellifluous voice and ingenuity, the singing sensation often came up with innovative ideas to make his songs appear more heartfelt and genuine.

In a 2020 video, legendary singer Asha Bhonsle shared an anecdote on how Kumar elevated one of Amitabh Bachchan’s hit songs from the 1984 blockbuster Sharaabi. In the video, Bhonsle reminisced about how, while singing the song, Kumar had a brainwave. He asked producer-director Prakash Mehra about the story behind the song and he learned the song is picturised on Bachchan’s character Vicky, who is drunk out of his wits and disheartened as his girlfriend has not come despite promising to meet him.

He then wisely suggested that while drunk, people struggle to remain upright, so he decided to lie down and sing the song. He asked the assistant to arrange for a table and laid down on it and began to sing. There was a word “Hai” in the song, which he sang with such despondency that it added a subtle morose tone to the song.

Despite staying away from alcohol in real life, he showcased the languid behaviour and the drunken stupor alcoholics experience in that single word.

Sharaabi (1984): A Landmark Action-Comedy

Released in 1984, Sharaabi (meaning The Drunkard) was a Hindi-language action-comedy film both produced and directed by the celebrated filmmaker Prakash Mehra. This project marked the sixth collaboration between Mehra and Amitabh Bachchan, a pairing that had already delivered several major successes on screen. The film’s engaging dialogues were crafted by noted writer Kader Khan, whose sharp and witty writing added depth to the narrative.

In a conversation with cinema historian Rajesh Subramanian, Prakash Mehra once disclosed that the role of the father was first offered to legendary actor Dilip Kumar. However, after reviewing the detailed script, Kumar declined the offer, explaining that the part carried shades of negativity that he was unwilling to portray at that time. Following his refusal, the pivotal role eventually went to veteran actor Pran, who brought his own gravitas to the character.

The Cast and Crew

The film featured an ensemble led by Amitabh Bachchan alongside Jaya Prada. Supporting roles were played by stalwarts like Pran, Om Prakash, and Ranjeet, each contributing significantly to the storyline. Music for Sharaabi was composed by the popular Bappi Lahiri, whose songs not only elevated the film’s charm but also became chartbusters in their own right.

Box Office Success and Legacy

Upon release, Sharaabi struck a chord with audiences and emerged as a blockbuster, cementing its place as one of the most memorable films of the 1980s. The storyline drew loose inspiration from the 1981 Hollywood hit Arthur, though it was localized with a distinctly Indian flavor and sensibility. Its popularity was such that the movie was later remade in Kannada in 1985 under the title Nee Thanda Kanike.