By Asheesh Poddar
As music lovers across the country commemorate the birth anniversary of legendary playback singer Mukesh today, a touching memorial gathering held earlier this week served as a befitting tribute to the immortal singer and one of his most devoted followers and great admirer from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
On 20 July 2026, the first heavenly birthday of Ashok Kumar, revered across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as the “Voice of Mukesh”, was observed by ‘The Harmony’ at the premises of Jhumurr Socio-Cultural Society, RGT Road, Sri Vijaya Puram. The remembrance meeting brought together many Senior Artistes and close associates who had shared a long musical journey with the late singer. The evening was dedicated to cherishing his memories through music, fellowship and heartfelt reminiscences.
It commenced with a solemn tribute to the two personalities whose lives had become inseparably intertwined through music. The portrait of Ashok Kumar alongwith his Idol Mukesh Ji was garlanded by Shri Abdul Nisar, his closest childhood friend and famed fellow artiste, alongwith Asheesh Poddar, the Convenor. The other renowned artistes of the Isles, Shri/s Abdul Rasheed, Aboo, Anant Ram, Jay Nair, Mohd. Nisar, Vazim, Aktar Hussain, Raaj, Hassan Shah and Shailender Singh paid floral tributes, offering their heartfelt respects while fondly recalling the rich musical legacy left behind by Ashok Kumar.
The commemorative get-together was filled with emotion as all fellow artistes and friends present on the occasion, shared cherished memories of Ashok Kumar’s simplicity, humility, warm-hearted nature and unwavering passion for music. Several speakers recounted memorable moments from their long association with him and highlighted his immense contribution to preserving the golden era of Hindi film music in the Islands. They recalled how his soulful renditions of Mukesh’s immortal melodies had earned him immense admiration from audiences across the archipelago and established him as the most cherished interpreter of Mukesh’s songs in the region.
Adding a soulful dimension to the evening, all the artistes presented a bouquet of evergreen melodies immortalised by the two legendary singers who had profoundly influenced Ashok Kumar’s musical journey and artistic expression. They enriched the evening with few wonderful solo renditions of Mukesh’s evergreen classics, despite being associated with different genres of singing. They performed timeless melodies such as Mai pal do pal ka, Sajan re jhoot mat bolo, Kabhi kabhi mere dil me, Suhani chandni raatein, Jo tumko ho pasand, Zuba pe dard bhari, Kai baar yunhi dekha hai, Jaane kaha gaye woh din, Ek din bik jayega, Kahi door jab, Kahi karti hogi and Chandan sa badan. The prominent Kishore Kumar followers of the Isles also presented Aadmi jo kehta hai (Anant), Kya nazare kya sitare (Nisar M) and Rimjhim gire swan (Shailender), Ashok Kumar’s most favourite songs. Each of the renditions of the evening rekindled fond memories of Ashok Kumar’s captivating stage performances and reflecting his deep love for the timeless numbers of Mukesh and Kishore Kumar.
The tribute concluded on an emotional note with all the artistes joining together in a soulful chorus of the timeless Mukesh classic “Jeena Yahan, Marna Yahan.” The moving rendition symbolised Ashok Kumar’s lifelong devotion to music and his enduring bond with the melodies of Mukesh Ji. As the final notes resonated through the music room, they left the gathering deeply moved, reaffirming a collective resolve to preserve and carry forward Ashok Kumar’s rich musical legacy by continuing to celebrate the timeless songs he loved and popularised.
Significantly, the heartfelt gathering, held just two days before the birth anniversary of Mukesh Ji, became a fitting homage not only to the legendary playback singer but also to the artiste who dedicated his life to keeping Mukesh’s unforgettable melodies alive in the hearts of music lovers across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. It was a poignant reminder that while great voices may fall silent, their music, their influence, and the memories they create continue to inspire generations and remain eternal.