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Kishore Kumar: Method in Madness by Derek Bose
As is well known, Kishore Kumar was a man of many parts. He was a singer by choice, an actor by compulsion, a filmmaker by conviction...a writer, music composer, lyricist and above all, a supreme impresario. He was known to be a miser, a madman and a troublemaker who could never be trusted. And then, there are those who knew him well who insist that he was as sober as a monk. So who was the real Kishore Kumar? This book attempts to provide an answer with a well-rounded picture of his personality and rare and lively pictures to supplement the text.
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Hardcover
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 10, 2019
Though I wasn't grown up listening to Kishore da, I began listening to his songs once I knew old is gold and that's forever... This book explores other dimensions of his personality that are unknown to most of us. You can enjoy this book if you are interested in knowing more about this maverick singer who shaped the music in Hindi cinema...
June 19, 2020
What a genius he was.
August 11, 2017
Nicely written. The book is not as detailed as the life of the man of many ways who played many roles behind the camera. A short insight of his life from birth till death. It's good to know him. A notorious boy came to Mumbai to become a Singer instead become an Actor.
February 8, 2020
Ignoring some Grammer mistakes, it is a very well written book about the legend.
January 9, 2021
One of the most poorly edited book I have come across so far. At the same time this book is about a singer who made the life beautiful of so many, therefore, difficult to give up reading. One big star is for the innumerable snaps included in this short book. I hope the author / publisher cleans up the editing part and republishes, it will be a pity if not done.
July 2, 2023
Kishore Kumar: Method in Madness by Derek Bose is a well-researched and comprehensive biography of the legendary singer, actor, and filmmaker. Bose does an excellent job of capturing the many facets of Kishore Kumar's personality, from his early days as a struggling musician to his rise to superstardom.
The book is divided into three parts. The first part, "The Early Years," chronicles Kishore Kumar's childhood and his early career as a singer. Bose provides a detailed account of Kishore Kumar's musical training and his early recordings. He also discusses Kishore Kumar's early acting roles, which were often comedic in nature.
The second part of the book, "The Superstar Years," covers Kishore Kumar's peak as a playback singer and actor. During this period, Kishore Kumar starred in some of the biggest Hindi films of all time, including "Aradhana," "Abhimaan," and "Amar Prem." He also recorded some of his most iconic songs, such as "Mere sapno ki rani," "Aaj kal tere mere pyaar ke charche," and "Dil ka kya kehna."
The third part of the book, "The Later Years," discusses Kishore Kumar's decline in the 1980s and his death in 1987. Bose provides a balanced account of Kishore Kumar's later years, highlighting both his successes and his failures. He also discusses Kishore Kumar's legacy as one of the greatest playback singers and actors of all time.
Kishore Kumar: Method in Madness is a must-read for anyone interested in Indian cinema or music. Bose's book is a well-written and informative biography that provides a comprehensive overview of Kishore Kumar's life and career.
Here are some of the things that I liked about the book:
Bose's writing is clear and engaging. He does a good job of weaving together biographical information with anecdotes and analysis.
The book is well-researched. Bose has interviewed many of Kishore Kumar's friends, family, and colleagues, and he has drawn on a wealth of archival material.
The book is comprehensive. It covers all aspects of Kishore Kumar's life, from his early childhood to his death.
Here are some of the things that I didn't like about the book:
The book is a bit long. It could have been condensed by about 100 pages.
The book is a bit dry in places. Bose could have added more anecdotes and personal insights to make the book more engaging.
Overall, I thought Kishore Kumar: Method in Madness was a well-written and informative biography. I would recommend it to anyone interested in Indian cinema or music.
Here are some additional thoughts on the book:
I was particularly interested in the section of the book that discusses Kishore Kumar's voice. Bose does a good job of explaining how Kishore Kumar's voice was so unique and versatile.
I also enjoyed the section of the book that discusses Kishore Kumar's films. Bose provides a detailed analysis of some of Kishore Kumar's most iconic films, such as "Aradhana" and "Abhimaan."
I think the book would be a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Kishore Kumar. It is a comprehensive and well-researched biography that provides a balanced overview of Kishore Kumar's life and career.
The book is divided into three parts. The first part, "The Early Years," chronicles Kishore Kumar's childhood and his early career as a singer. Bose provides a detailed account of Kishore Kumar's musical training and his early recordings. He also discusses Kishore Kumar's early acting roles, which were often comedic in nature.
The second part of the book, "The Superstar Years," covers Kishore Kumar's peak as a playback singer and actor. During this period, Kishore Kumar starred in some of the biggest Hindi films of all time, including "Aradhana," "Abhimaan," and "Amar Prem." He also recorded some of his most iconic songs, such as "Mere sapno ki rani," "Aaj kal tere mere pyaar ke charche," and "Dil ka kya kehna."
The third part of the book, "The Later Years," discusses Kishore Kumar's decline in the 1980s and his death in 1987. Bose provides a balanced account of Kishore Kumar's later years, highlighting both his successes and his failures. He also discusses Kishore Kumar's legacy as one of the greatest playback singers and actors of all time.
Kishore Kumar: Method in Madness is a must-read for anyone interested in Indian cinema or music. Bose's book is a well-written and informative biography that provides a comprehensive overview of Kishore Kumar's life and career.
Here are some of the things that I liked about the book:
Bose's writing is clear and engaging. He does a good job of weaving together biographical information with anecdotes and analysis.
The book is well-researched. Bose has interviewed many of Kishore Kumar's friends, family, and colleagues, and he has drawn on a wealth of archival material.
The book is comprehensive. It covers all aspects of Kishore Kumar's life, from his early childhood to his death.
Here are some of the things that I didn't like about the book:
The book is a bit long. It could have been condensed by about 100 pages.
The book is a bit dry in places. Bose could have added more anecdotes and personal insights to make the book more engaging.
Overall, I thought Kishore Kumar: Method in Madness was a well-written and informative biography. I would recommend it to anyone interested in Indian cinema or music.
Here are some additional thoughts on the book:
I was particularly interested in the section of the book that discusses Kishore Kumar's voice. Bose does a good job of explaining how Kishore Kumar's voice was so unique and versatile.
I also enjoyed the section of the book that discusses Kishore Kumar's films. Bose provides a detailed analysis of some of Kishore Kumar's most iconic films, such as "Aradhana" and "Abhimaan."
I think the book would be a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Kishore Kumar. It is a comprehensive and well-researched biography that provides a balanced overview of Kishore Kumar's life and career.
April 22, 2018
Kishore Kumar: Method in Madness offers a glimpse into the many hats that this great star would don in his life.
For a person born in the early 1980's, and grown up on Hindi film music, Kishore is a very familiar figure. However, many undiscovered facets of his life have come to light through this book.
The biggest takeaway is that formal learning is alright on its own strength, but sheer success comes through a mix of sheer genius, hard work and an incessant drive and will to excel in one's area of interest. Kishore may have chosen acting and become 'one of' the greatest leading heroes of Indian cinema. Instead, he stuck to his passion and craft and excelled to reach the dizzying height of immortality.
For a person born in the early 1980's, and grown up on Hindi film music, Kishore is a very familiar figure. However, many undiscovered facets of his life have come to light through this book.
The biggest takeaway is that formal learning is alright on its own strength, but sheer success comes through a mix of sheer genius, hard work and an incessant drive and will to excel in one's area of interest. Kishore may have chosen acting and become 'one of' the greatest leading heroes of Indian cinema. Instead, he stuck to his passion and craft and excelled to reach the dizzying height of immortality.
January 1, 2022
Beautiful book on Kishore Kumar - the personality
For a man who had endured so many storms in life, Kishore Kumar kept a surprisingly cheerful front in public. Nobody outside his immediate family ever saw him grieving over a personal misfortune or crying on anybody's shoulders. He was always a man of the masses—a jovial, happy-go-lucky, though somewhat of a scatterbrain whose job, he believed, was to entertain. In terribly pressing circumstances, he would at the most, withdraw himself into a shell and remain incommunicado for a while."
A beautiful para to capture the mood of book
For a man who had endured so many storms in life, Kishore Kumar kept a surprisingly cheerful front in public. Nobody outside his immediate family ever saw him grieving over a personal misfortune or crying on anybody's shoulders. He was always a man of the masses—a jovial, happy-go-lucky, though somewhat of a scatterbrain whose job, he believed, was to entertain. In terribly pressing circumstances, he would at the most, withdraw himself into a shell and remain incommunicado for a while."
A beautiful para to capture the mood of book
May 31, 2021
I read the Kindle version of this book. I must say I am terribly disappointed with this edition. It is rife with typos throughout. Took the joy out of reading about one of the most colourful characters of Indian Cinema.
Judging by the size of the book, I knew this was be a broad sweep of the great man's life. But after a promising start it feels like the author has just rushed through the rest of the book. That proved to be a dampener.
So if you want to read a detailed story of one of the greatest performers in Indian cinema, this is definitely not the book.
Judging by the size of the book, I knew this was be a broad sweep of the great man's life. But after a promising start it feels like the author has just rushed through the rest of the book. That proved to be a dampener.
So if you want to read a detailed story of one of the greatest performers in Indian cinema, this is definitely not the book.
December 30, 2019
It was a good experience to know about the enigmatic Kishoreda. What a personality! .
One of the stalwarts of the Indian film industry. The most versatile singer who could sing any song suiting any actor. Well researched book with nostalgic pictures.
One of the stalwarts of the Indian film industry. The most versatile singer who could sing any song suiting any actor. Well researched book with nostalgic pictures.
August 28, 2018
Nice book.
Very nice book giving insights into his multi faceted character. Must read for all the die hard fans of Kishore Kumar.
Very nice book giving insights into his multi faceted character. Must read for all the die hard fans of Kishore Kumar.
October 31, 2018
A lovely read!
Thoroughly enjoyed reading about the greatest entertainer. The book.captures many moods of Kishore Kumar in a beautiful and succinct manner.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading about the greatest entertainer. The book.captures many moods of Kishore Kumar in a beautiful and succinct manner.
July 7, 2020
Too brief. Nuances have been left out.
August 8, 2020
Amazing kishore
What an eccentric boon about an eccentric man. Glad I read it. One man but still so many things at once
What an eccentric boon about an eccentric man. Glad I read it. One man but still so many things at once
March 16, 2020
There will be very few who will not like the songs of Kishore Kumar. Most know many of the every green songs with a dash of playfulness which were his trademark. No one in the industry has come up to him in the yodeling space. Only he can yodel as well as he does.
The book is a biography of his. How he left Mandwa (made famous by his elder brother Ashok Kumar or Dada moni as he was fondly called in the famous son 'Rail Gadi, Rail Gadi ...' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcLrP...) and came to Mumbai and how he was ridiculed in the initial days. How he acted as a comedian in the initial days along with his singing and how finally became an established singer.
The book also covers his relationship with the four ladies whom he married. All of them have only good things to say about him. Despite the calumny in the gossip magazines he seems to have been fair to all of them. Only Ruma Devi may have something to complain which was lack of attention from him as he was busy making a career for himself during that phase in his life.
A good read to get some better understand of the enigma of Kishore Kumar.
The book is a biography of his. How he left Mandwa (made famous by his elder brother Ashok Kumar or Dada moni as he was fondly called in the famous son 'Rail Gadi, Rail Gadi ...' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcLrP...) and came to Mumbai and how he was ridiculed in the initial days. How he acted as a comedian in the initial days along with his singing and how finally became an established singer.
The book also covers his relationship with the four ladies whom he married. All of them have only good things to say about him. Despite the calumny in the gossip magazines he seems to have been fair to all of them. Only Ruma Devi may have something to complain which was lack of attention from him as he was busy making a career for himself during that phase in his life.
A good read to get some better understand of the enigma of Kishore Kumar.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews