It is no exaggeration to call Kishore Kumar one of the most iconic and successful singers in Indian entertainment history. Ironically, despite being regarded as one of the finest playback singers in Indian cinema, Kishore never received a National Film Award.

In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, his son and singer Amit Kumar revealed that the legendary artist once came close to winning the award but refused to pay a bribe allegedly demanded by someone in the ministry.

Amit recalled the incident surrounding Kishore’s 1964 film Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein, which he directed and starred in. The film marked Kishore’s shift to direction after a series of unsuccessful acting ventures and went on to become a major box office hit.

When asked if it was true that a bribe was demanded for the award, Amit confirmed, “Yes, that happened. He got a call from Delhi from someone in the ministry. At that time, Haqeeqat, Dosti, and Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein were being considered (for the national award).

“They told my father, ‘If you do something, give something, then we can get you nominated.’ My father was like, ‘Why are you after my life? My film is a hit.’”

The film, inspired by the American film The Proud Rebel, received both critical and commercial acclaim. It was later remade in several Indian languages. Notably, its Tamil remake, Ramu, went on to win the national award.

“The film ran for 23 weeks at Super Cinema. In Delhi-UP, the film was a silver jubilee. Then he sold the rights to a Tamil filmmaker. The remake was called Ramu. That won the national award,” Amit added.

Though best known for his singing, Kishore Kumar directed 12 films in total, of which eight were released. His final directorial work, Mamta Ki Chhaon Mein—considered a spiritual sequel to Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein—was released in 1990, three years after his death.