About Mukesh
Mukesh Chandra Mathur, the finest Hindi playback singer, was born in Delhi on 22 July 1923, in a small middle class family. He was nicknamed as `The Man With the Golden Voice` for his melodious voice and immense potentiality in music. Mukesh was the sixth in a family of ten children. Father Lala Zorawar Chand Mathur was an engineer and mother was Chand Rani. From his boyhood, Mukesh was inclined to music and thought music as his destiny. The music teacher who came home to teach Mukesh`s sister Sundar Pyari, found a willing but secret pupil in Mukesh, who used to listen in from the adjoining room.
After completing his matriculation in 1940, Mukesh took up a job in Delhi Department of Public Works. During this time, Mukesh experimented with voice recordings and gradually developed his singing abilities. He had already given up his job as an assistant surveyor at his father`s workplace. At the age of 17, he came to Mumbai to become a singer. Mukesh`s father was not at all interested but gave in to the persuasion of his wife and brother and so, it was a singing career for the teenaged Mukesh.
The melodic voice of Mukesh was discovered by character actor Motilal in 1940. Mukesh was noticed while singing at his elder sister Ram Pyari`s wedding. This first impression of Mukesh`s voice created a good impact on Motilal who invited Mukesh to stay at his residence in Mumbai. He also engaged the legendary Pandit Jagannath Prasad to train the young singer. The sincerity in Mukesh and his passion for singing may have inspired directors to cast him as a singing hero. This budding singer of that time, Mukesh, was an ardent admirer of the great K. L. Saigal, probably the greatest singer hero of those times. During this period, Mukesh bagged a role in a Hindi film, Nirdosh in 1941. His first song was a ghazal `dil hi bujha hua ho to` composed by Ashok Ghosh as an actor singer for Nirdosh opposite Nalini Jaywant. His acting and singing career further proceeded as he acted in `Sukh dukh` opposite Sitara Devi. The music for the film was directed by the revered Khemchand Prakash. This was followed by `Adaab arz` in 1942.
Mukesh got his break as a playback singer in 1945 with the film `Pehli Nazar`. The first song he sang for a Hindi film was `Dil Jalta Hai to Jalne De`, which was incidentally picturised on the actor Motilal. Mukesh`s singing became more noticed when he sang for Motilal in the film `Moorti` in 1945. Here Mukesh sang two solos `Maana ke tum haseen ho` and `Haseenon se haseenonko`. The first glimmer of stardom came with the hugely successful `Dil jalta hai` from the film `Pehli Nazar`. Here Mukesh`s open and uninhibited admiration of K. L. Saigal was on full display in his singing. In fact the young impressionable Mukesh had heard his adored idol in the immortal `Jab Dil Hi Toot Gaya` and yearned to sing a song like that. Anil Biswas turned his dream to reality. When `Dil jalta hai` was heard, thousands of music lovers mistaken to be the voice of Saigal as Mukesh had effectively cloned his hero. Even Saigal himself was surprised after hearing the song.
Mukesh got married in 1946 to Sarla Trivedi, daughter of a Gujarati Brahmin millionaire, in a temple in Kandiwali, at the residence of Mr. R. D. Mathur. The couple was blessed with five children as Rita, Nitin, Nalini, Mohnish and Namrata (Amrita). Mukesh is the grandfather of the present Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh. In 1953, Mukesh co-starred with Suraiya in `Mashooqa` and wind up his acting carrier in 1956, he starred in his last film `Anurag` with Usha Kiron. In this movie, Mukesh came up with another talent and was admired for this great job for composing the songs `Kisse Yaad Rakhoon` and `Pal bhar ki pehchan` are part of this collection. Though Mukesh`s burning desire was to follow in the footsteps of K.L. Saigal, veteran composers Naushad and Anil Biswas would have none of it. They took it upon themselves to wean Mukesh from his Saigalesque inclinations.
Veteran composers Naushad and Anil Biswas tried to bring out the actual singer and individuality of Mukesh and part him from his Saigalesque inclinations. They succeeded in doing this with the song `Jeevan Sapna Toot Gaya` in 1948. Naushad insisted on pulling up Mukesh sternly whenever he imitated Saigal. He brought out his individualism in several early songs for Dilip Kumar like `Gaye Ja Geet Milan Ke` and `Hum Aaj Kahin Dil Kho Baithe`. The voice of Mukesh was too much associated with the songs that people could not imagine the songs in any other voice.
Mukesh sang the songs for Dilip Kumar in Mehboob`s `Andaz` in his singing career. In fact, the great female voice of Lata Mangeshkar was introduced to the Bollywood film industry by Mukesh. He insisted that Lata meet Naushad and when the then struggling phenomenon was reluctant, he personally accompanied her to the composer`s residence. Lata`s big break in `Andaz` was brought by Mukesh and she never looked back after that. Generosity, benevolence and sincerity were second nature to Mukesh. These attributes were the reason for his long-standing relationships with actors, composers and co-singers.
The most memorable and cherished of all was the relationship of Mukesh with Raj Kapoor. The famous Bollywood singer is best known for the songs he sang as a playback singer for Raj Kapoor, a legendary actor and director of Bollywood in the 1950s and 1960s.
The friendship of Raj Kapoor and Mukesh started after their first meeting on the sets of `Bansri`. Raj Kapoor was introduced as Prithviraj Kapoor`s son. The first meeting turned to a great friendship with the progression of time. The two figures of the Bollywood film industry decided to work together and Mukesh sang for Raj Kapoor in his first film `Neel Kamal`, as leading man. From that day on, till his sudden tragic death Mukesh was Raj Kapoor`s voice in the actor`s own productions as well as in all leading outside banners. Mukesh`s sweet, vulnerable and extremely sincere voice articulated the emotions of Raj Kapoor, the `Indian tramp,` very effectively. Songs like `Awaara Hoon`, `Mera Joota Hai Japani` could not have been sung by anybody else. Raj Kapoor`s screen persona cannot be so closely identified with Mukesh`s voice because the two were so entirely compatible. The musical `Dum Dum Diga`, the plaintive `Aansoo Bharthain`, the sweetly rustic `Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo` and the heart wrenching `Jaane Kahan Gaye Woh Din`, were songs that typified the films and character of Raj Kapoor.
Mukesh died of a heart attack on 27 August 1976 in Detroit, Michigan, USA, where he had gone for a concert. His body was carried back to India by the great Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar. A grand funeral ceremony took place and many prominent personalities, actors, personalities of the Indian film industry, and fans paid tribute to the Indian singer. The death news of Mukesh made Raj Kapoor remark "I have lost my voice." These words by Raj Kapoor were a testimony to the timeless and unforgettable association of Mukesh`s voice in playback to the immensely popular songs of Raj Kapoor`s films.
Songs of Mukesh
Mukesh, the great singer of Indian film industry was renowned for his unforgettable voice and the number of songs he gifted to the industry. His dynamic voice is still alive as it used to be at his time among his fans and in the Bollywood.
As Mukesh had the desire to be a singer from his boyhood, he moved to Delhi in 1940 with a wish to try his luck in the Hindi film industry. During this time, Mukesh had recorded secretly some non filmy songs in Delhi. After a few days of nomadic rambling, Mukesh sang the song "Dil Hi Bujha Hua Ho To" in the film `Nirdosh` which was his debut as a singer. In 1944 he followed with a duet song "Jara Boli Ri Ho" with singer Kusum for the film `Us Paar`. In 1945 he sang the song with Khursheed "Badariya baras gayi us paar" for the film `Murti`. During this time, his voice was noted by a number of people and he had established a small place for himself in the hearts of his audience. After his initial journey, Mukesh started getting offers from music directors and composers. In 1945, Anil Biswas asked him to record a song "dil jalta hai to jalne de" on `Darbari` raag for the film `Pehli Nazar`. After the great hit of this song, Mukesh got offers for the films like `Aag`, `Anokhi Ada`, `Mela`, `Veena` and `Vidya`.
The year 1949 was a milestone in the life of Mukesh. He bagged the offer of singing with the music of two young musicians Shanker and Jaikishen. The young Raj Kapoor asked them to provide music for his own films. Shanker-Jaikishen asked Mukesh to sing for them. From then afterwards the voice of Mukesh was recognised with the actor Raj Kapoor. Films like `Aawara` and `Shree 420` spread the voice of Mukesh and the songs like "aawara hoon" and "mera joota hai japani" became very famous. Mukesh`s individuality was recognised in the songs from the films `Mela` (1948) and particularly `Andaaz` (1949) under the influence and guidance of Naushad. Mukesh was identified for the songs of `Andaaz` (1949) which was a major triumph for Mukesh. All his four solos were raging hits like `Tu Kahe Agar`, `Jhoom Jhoom ke Naacho Aaj`, `Hum Aaj Kahin Dil Kho Baite`, `Toote na Dil Toote na`.
Mukesh`s partnership with Raj Kapoor that started with `Aag` in 1948 was a huge success with the composition of Ram Ganguly in the song `Zinda Hoon Is Tarah`. This was accompanied with the composition of R.D. Burman in `Ek Din Bik Jaayega` in the film `Dharam Karam` (1975). Later Mukesh gave innumerable hits from the films `Awaara` (1951), `Shri 420` (1955), `Parvarish` (1958), `Anadi` (1959), `Sangam` (1964), `Mera Naam Joker` (1970). Though time did not favour Mukesh always Mukesh made an exclusive come back with the song `Yeh Mera Deewanapan Hai` from Yahudi (1958).Other hits that year like `Madhumati`, `Parvarish` and `Phir Subah Hogi` meant there was no turning back. Later Mukesh worked with S.D. Burman who composed those two masterpieces for the singer `Chal ri Sajni` from `ombay ka Babu` (1960) and `O Jaanewaale Ho Sake to Laut ke Aana` from `Bandini` (1963). The later hits of Mukesh were `Main to Ek Khwab Hoon` from `Himalay ki God Mein` (1965), `Jeena Yahaan Marna Yahaan` from `Mera Naam Joker`, `Maine Tere Liye hi Saat Rang ke Sanpne Chune` from `Anand` (1970), `Main na Bhoolonga` from `Roti, Kapda Aur Makan` (1974) , `Main Pal do Pal ka Shayar Hoon` and `Kabhi Kabhie` from `Kabhi Kabhie` (1976).
Working with various music directors, music composers and lyricists and co singers like Laxmikant Pyarelal, Kalyanji Anandji, Salil Choudhary, Usha Khanna, R.D. Burman, and S.D. Burman proved to be beneficial for the career of Mukesh. Another music director to have used Mukesh`s voice well was Khaiyyam. The lyrics of Sahir Ludhianvi, Khaiyyam`s music and Mukesh`s voice created magic in the film `Kabhi Kabhie`. His song `Chanchal, Sheetal, Nirmal, Koma`l from Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978) gave him the ultimate fame.
Mukesh received Filmfare awards for his great works and his devotion in the film industry. Songs like `Sab Kuchh Seekha Hamne Anari`, `Sabse Bada Nadan Wahi Hai`, `Jai Bolo Beiman Ki Jai Bolo`, `Kai Baar Yun Bhi Dekha Hai` `Kabhi Kabhee Mere Dil Mein`, `Hothon Pe Sacchai`, `Dost Dost Na Raha`, ` Sawan Ka Mahina` , `Bas Yehi Apradh Main`, `Ek Pyar Ka Nagma`, `Main Na Bhoolunga`, `Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar`, `Ek Din Bik Jayega, Maati Ke`, `Suhani Chandni Raten`, `Chanchal Sheetal` brought the fame and name he deserved along with the awards in various category.
As Mukesh had the desire to be a singer from his boyhood, he moved to Delhi in 1940 with a wish to try his luck in the Hindi film industry. During this time, Mukesh had recorded secretly some non filmy songs in Delhi. After a few days of nomadic rambling, Mukesh sang the song "Dil Hi Bujha Hua Ho To" in the film `Nirdosh` which was his debut as a singer. In 1944 he followed with a duet song "Jara Boli Ri Ho" with singer Kusum for the film `Us Paar`. In 1945 he sang the song with Khursheed "Badariya baras gayi us paar" for the film `Murti`. During this time, his voice was noted by a number of people and he had established a small place for himself in the hearts of his audience. After his initial journey, Mukesh started getting offers from music directors and composers. In 1945, Anil Biswas asked him to record a song "dil jalta hai to jalne de" on `Darbari` raag for the film `Pehli Nazar`. After the great hit of this song, Mukesh got offers for the films like `Aag`, `Anokhi Ada`, `Mela`, `Veena` and `Vidya`.
The year 1949 was a milestone in the life of Mukesh. He bagged the offer of singing with the music of two young musicians Shanker and Jaikishen. The young Raj Kapoor asked them to provide music for his own films. Shanker-Jaikishen asked Mukesh to sing for them. From then afterwards the voice of Mukesh was recognised with the actor Raj Kapoor. Films like `Aawara` and `Shree 420` spread the voice of Mukesh and the songs like "aawara hoon" and "mera joota hai japani" became very famous. Mukesh`s individuality was recognised in the songs from the films `Mela` (1948) and particularly `Andaaz` (1949) under the influence and guidance of Naushad. Mukesh was identified for the songs of `Andaaz` (1949) which was a major triumph for Mukesh. All his four solos were raging hits like `Tu Kahe Agar`, `Jhoom Jhoom ke Naacho Aaj`, `Hum Aaj Kahin Dil Kho Baite`, `Toote na Dil Toote na`.
Mukesh`s partnership with Raj Kapoor that started with `Aag` in 1948 was a huge success with the composition of Ram Ganguly in the song `Zinda Hoon Is Tarah`. This was accompanied with the composition of R.D. Burman in `Ek Din Bik Jaayega` in the film `Dharam Karam` (1975). Later Mukesh gave innumerable hits from the films `Awaara` (1951), `Shri 420` (1955), `Parvarish` (1958), `Anadi` (1959), `Sangam` (1964), `Mera Naam Joker` (1970). Though time did not favour Mukesh always Mukesh made an exclusive come back with the song `Yeh Mera Deewanapan Hai` from Yahudi (1958).Other hits that year like `Madhumati`, `Parvarish` and `Phir Subah Hogi` meant there was no turning back. Later Mukesh worked with S.D. Burman who composed those two masterpieces for the singer `Chal ri Sajni` from `ombay ka Babu` (1960) and `O Jaanewaale Ho Sake to Laut ke Aana` from `Bandini` (1963). The later hits of Mukesh were `Main to Ek Khwab Hoon` from `Himalay ki God Mein` (1965), `Jeena Yahaan Marna Yahaan` from `Mera Naam Joker`, `Maine Tere Liye hi Saat Rang ke Sanpne Chune` from `Anand` (1970), `Main na Bhoolonga` from `Roti, Kapda Aur Makan` (1974) , `Main Pal do Pal ka Shayar Hoon` and `Kabhi Kabhie` from `Kabhi Kabhie` (1976).
Working with various music directors, music composers and lyricists and co singers like Laxmikant Pyarelal, Kalyanji Anandji, Salil Choudhary, Usha Khanna, R.D. Burman, and S.D. Burman proved to be beneficial for the career of Mukesh. Another music director to have used Mukesh`s voice well was Khaiyyam. The lyrics of Sahir Ludhianvi, Khaiyyam`s music and Mukesh`s voice created magic in the film `Kabhi Kabhie`. His song `Chanchal, Sheetal, Nirmal, Koma`l from Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978) gave him the ultimate fame.
Mukesh received Filmfare awards for his great works and his devotion in the film industry. Songs like `Sab Kuchh Seekha Hamne Anari`, `Sabse Bada Nadan Wahi Hai`, `Jai Bolo Beiman Ki Jai Bolo`, `Kai Baar Yun Bhi Dekha Hai` `Kabhi Kabhee Mere Dil Mein`, `Hothon Pe Sacchai`, `Dost Dost Na Raha`, ` Sawan Ka Mahina` , `Bas Yehi Apradh Main`, `Ek Pyar Ka Nagma`, `Main Na Bhoolunga`, `Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar`, `Ek Din Bik Jayega, Maati Ke`, `Suhani Chandni Raten`, `Chanchal Sheetal` brought the fame and name he deserved along with the awards in various category.
Achievements of Mukesh
Often referred to as the `Man with the Golden Voice,` Mukesh wooed the hearts of many with his melancholic songs. He was inimitable in his forte, so much so that after his death, Raj Kapoor stated, "…When he died…I felt, there goes my breath, there goes my soul. I know what went away from me. There was a void, a vacuum..." In his singing career Mukesh won several accolades for his mellifluous voice. He achieved awards for his great songs and these became the identity of this great music personality. However he was also known for his pleasant personality and that explains his rapport with a number of people in the Indian film industry.
Mukesh owes his entry into the Hindi film industry to Motilal, an actor. He was discovered by the latter at his elder sister, Ram Pyari`s, wedding. Motilal was so impressed that he invited Mukesh to stay at his residence in Mumbai. He also engaged the legendary Pandit Jagannath Prasad to train Mukesh and hone his voice. The legendary singer received encouragement and guidance from for films during his initial years. Mukesh got his break as a playback singer in 1945 in the film `Pehli Nazar` for the song `Dil Jalta Hai to Jalne De`. Prior to this he also starred in a film, Nirdosh (1941) but the film did not do well at the box office.
This song was an instant hit and Mukesh was noticed by stalwarts like Anil Biswas who gave him another major break that proved to be one of the vital stages of Mukesh`s singing career. With the progression of time people came to recognise Mukesh`s voice and it became an icon for the sad songs. His voice had a distinct appeal that was admired by the music directors, composers and his fans as well. The great achievement of Mukesh was that he was the only person who worked with the great contemporary actors, music directors, singers and co singers of the industry. Mukesh was successful in earning his fame and securing a revered place in the hearts of the people he worked with.
Peerless voice was not the only reason why Mukesh was loved by his contemporaries. He was a good human being as well. He was instrumental in introducing Lata Mangeshkar. There was a bond between the two. She considered him as a great artiste, a great soul and a very dear brother. The two greats, shared many memorable songs together. Besides her, actors like, Dilip Kumar, openly admitted their admiration for the singer. In films like Andaz, Madhumati, Mela, etc Mukesh sang for Dilip Kumar. Songs like, "Suhana Safar," "Hum aaj kahin dil kho baithe", "Tu kahe agar jeevan bhar", "Toote na dil toote na", "Jhoom jhoom ke naacho aaj" were runaway hits.
The pensive `Mr. Bharat` Manoj Kumar used Mukesh`s voice in most of his films. `Tum bin jeevan kaise beeta poocho mere dil se` sings the forlorn Manoj to the reluctant sanyasin Sadhana in `Anita`. There is the wonderfully hummable `Ek pyar ka naghma hai` from the painfully realistic `Shor`. And there are flirtatious songs from `Sanyasi` where a chaste Manoj resists the gorgeous temptress Hema Malini. The great actor Dev Anand was recognised with the voice of Mukesh in his films. His songs used to be totally inseparable for not only the senior actors but also for later actors like Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan and many others. After all who can forget melodious numbers like `Kahin Dur Jab,` `Maine tere liye hi saat rang ke,` `Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein` or `Main Har Ek Pal Ka Shair Hoon`!
Mukesh`s personal achievement lies in the relationships he cherished during his singing career. In his successful career he came across famous music directors like Kalyanji-Anandji, music composer Sardar Malik, music director Anil Biswas, Roshan Lal, producer Motilal, actors like Raj Kapoor, Manoj Kumar, O. P. Nayyar, Shankar- Jaikishan, Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri. The duo of O.P Nayyar and Mukesh was proved to be the milestone in the career of both. For Kalyanji--Anandji, Mukesh sang in a record breaking 57 films. Laxmikant Pyarelal, used Mukesh in 45 films including their first film `Parasmani` and achieved great success. The last song Mukesh sang was `Chanchal, Sheetal, Nirmal Komal` for Laxmikant Pyarelal in 1976.
Together with Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi, he completed the trinity of silver voices who enriched and enraptured through the Golden Era of Hindi cinema playback. Mukesh worked with some recent music directors like Laxmikant Pyarelal, Kalyanji Anandji, Salil Choudhary, Usha Khanna, Khaiyyam, R.D. Burman, and S.D. Burman and sang countless numbers. His work with the lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi and musician Khaiyyam created magic in the film `Kabhi Kabhie`.
Mukesh received awards for his dedication and innumerable hit songs he gifted to the Bollywood film industry. In 1974, Mukesh received National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the song `Kain baar yoon bhi dekhaa hai` from Rajnigandha. He also received Filmfare Awards for the songs `Sab Kuch Seekha` in the movie `Anari` (1959), `Sabse bada naadan wahi hai` in `Pehchaan` (1970), `Jai Bolo` in `Be Imaan` (1972) and the title song of `Kabhie Kabhie` (1976). Many songs of Mukesh were released in 1977 and 1978 after his demise. The songs of the films like `Dharam Veer`, `Amar Akbar Anthony`, `Khel Khiladi Ka`, `Darinda`, and `Chandi Sona`, `Aahuti`, `Paramatma`, `Tumhari Kasam`, and `Satyam Shivam Sundaram`. Innumerable songs from the movies like `Shaitan Mujarim`, `Premika`, `Patthar Se Takkar` (1980), `Sanjh Ki Bela`, `Maila Anchal` (1981), `Aarohi` (1982), `Chor Mandali` (1983), `Nirlaj` (1985), `Love and God` (1986), `Shubh Chintak` (1989), and his last known release of `Chand Grahan` (1997).
On several occasions, Mukesh won Filmfare Awards for his songs. A list of his awards is:
Mukesh also bagged Bengal Film Journalists` Association Awards in the years for the following categories:
•1967 for `Teesri Kasam`
•1968 for `Milan`
•1970 for `Saraswatichandra`
Mukesh owes his entry into the Hindi film industry to Motilal, an actor. He was discovered by the latter at his elder sister, Ram Pyari`s, wedding. Motilal was so impressed that he invited Mukesh to stay at his residence in Mumbai. He also engaged the legendary Pandit Jagannath Prasad to train Mukesh and hone his voice. The legendary singer received encouragement and guidance from for films during his initial years. Mukesh got his break as a playback singer in 1945 in the film `Pehli Nazar` for the song `Dil Jalta Hai to Jalne De`. Prior to this he also starred in a film, Nirdosh (1941) but the film did not do well at the box office.
This song was an instant hit and Mukesh was noticed by stalwarts like Anil Biswas who gave him another major break that proved to be one of the vital stages of Mukesh`s singing career. With the progression of time people came to recognise Mukesh`s voice and it became an icon for the sad songs. His voice had a distinct appeal that was admired by the music directors, composers and his fans as well. The great achievement of Mukesh was that he was the only person who worked with the great contemporary actors, music directors, singers and co singers of the industry. Mukesh was successful in earning his fame and securing a revered place in the hearts of the people he worked with.
Peerless voice was not the only reason why Mukesh was loved by his contemporaries. He was a good human being as well. He was instrumental in introducing Lata Mangeshkar. There was a bond between the two. She considered him as a great artiste, a great soul and a very dear brother. The two greats, shared many memorable songs together. Besides her, actors like, Dilip Kumar, openly admitted their admiration for the singer. In films like Andaz, Madhumati, Mela, etc Mukesh sang for Dilip Kumar. Songs like, "Suhana Safar," "Hum aaj kahin dil kho baithe", "Tu kahe agar jeevan bhar", "Toote na dil toote na", "Jhoom jhoom ke naacho aaj" were runaway hits.
The pensive `Mr. Bharat` Manoj Kumar used Mukesh`s voice in most of his films. `Tum bin jeevan kaise beeta poocho mere dil se` sings the forlorn Manoj to the reluctant sanyasin Sadhana in `Anita`. There is the wonderfully hummable `Ek pyar ka naghma hai` from the painfully realistic `Shor`. And there are flirtatious songs from `Sanyasi` where a chaste Manoj resists the gorgeous temptress Hema Malini. The great actor Dev Anand was recognised with the voice of Mukesh in his films. His songs used to be totally inseparable for not only the senior actors but also for later actors like Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan and many others. After all who can forget melodious numbers like `Kahin Dur Jab,` `Maine tere liye hi saat rang ke,` `Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein` or `Main Har Ek Pal Ka Shair Hoon`!
Mukesh`s personal achievement lies in the relationships he cherished during his singing career. In his successful career he came across famous music directors like Kalyanji-Anandji, music composer Sardar Malik, music director Anil Biswas, Roshan Lal, producer Motilal, actors like Raj Kapoor, Manoj Kumar, O. P. Nayyar, Shankar- Jaikishan, Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri. The duo of O.P Nayyar and Mukesh was proved to be the milestone in the career of both. For Kalyanji--Anandji, Mukesh sang in a record breaking 57 films. Laxmikant Pyarelal, used Mukesh in 45 films including their first film `Parasmani` and achieved great success. The last song Mukesh sang was `Chanchal, Sheetal, Nirmal Komal` for Laxmikant Pyarelal in 1976.
Together with Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi, he completed the trinity of silver voices who enriched and enraptured through the Golden Era of Hindi cinema playback. Mukesh worked with some recent music directors like Laxmikant Pyarelal, Kalyanji Anandji, Salil Choudhary, Usha Khanna, Khaiyyam, R.D. Burman, and S.D. Burman and sang countless numbers. His work with the lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi and musician Khaiyyam created magic in the film `Kabhi Kabhie`.
Mukesh received awards for his dedication and innumerable hit songs he gifted to the Bollywood film industry. In 1974, Mukesh received National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the song `Kain baar yoon bhi dekhaa hai` from Rajnigandha. He also received Filmfare Awards for the songs `Sab Kuch Seekha` in the movie `Anari` (1959), `Sabse bada naadan wahi hai` in `Pehchaan` (1970), `Jai Bolo` in `Be Imaan` (1972) and the title song of `Kabhie Kabhie` (1976). Many songs of Mukesh were released in 1977 and 1978 after his demise. The songs of the films like `Dharam Veer`, `Amar Akbar Anthony`, `Khel Khiladi Ka`, `Darinda`, and `Chandi Sona`, `Aahuti`, `Paramatma`, `Tumhari Kasam`, and `Satyam Shivam Sundaram`. Innumerable songs from the movies like `Shaitan Mujarim`, `Premika`, `Patthar Se Takkar` (1980), `Sanjh Ki Bela`, `Maila Anchal` (1981), `Aarohi` (1982), `Chor Mandali` (1983), `Nirlaj` (1985), `Love and God` (1986), `Shubh Chintak` (1989), and his last known release of `Chand Grahan` (1997).
On several occasions, Mukesh won Filmfare Awards for his songs. A list of his awards is:
| Year | Songs | Year | Songs |
| 1959 | Sab Kuchh Seekha Hamne (Anar) | 1972 | Jai Bolo Beiman Ki Jai Bolo (Be-Imaan) |
| 1970 | Sabse Bada Nadan Wahi Hai (Pehchan) | 1976 | Kabhie Kabhie Mere Dil Mein" (Kabhie Kabhie) |
Mukesh also bagged Bengal Film Journalists` Association Awards in the years for the following categories:
•1967 for `Teesri Kasam`
•1968 for `Milan`
•1970 for `Saraswatichandra`