K. L. Saigal

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Saigal 1938

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KL Saigal

K. L. Saigal

Kundan Lal Saigal (11 April 1904 – 18 January 1947) was an Indian singer and actor who is considered the first superstar of Hindi cinema. He is remembered for his distinctive voice and his contribution to the Indian music and film industry.

Early Life

K. L. Saigal was born in Jammu, in the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. His father, Amar Chand Saigal, was a tehsildar at the court of the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. Saigal showed an early interest in music and was influenced by the Bhakti movement and the devotional music of Bhajans and Kirtans.

Career

Saigal's career began in the early 1930s when he joined the New Theatres in Calcutta (now Kolkata). His first film was Mohabbat Ke Ansu (1932), but it was Devdas (1935) that catapulted him to stardom. His portrayal of the tragic hero and his soulful singing made the film a landmark in Indian cinema.

Music

K. L. Saigal's music was characterized by his deep, resonant voice and his ability to convey emotion through his singing. Some of his most famous songs include "Babul Mora Naihar Chhooto Hi Jaye," "Jab Dil Hi Toot Gaya," and "So Ja Rajkumari." He sang in several languages, including Hindi, Bengali, and Punjabi.

Filmography

Saigal acted in 36 feature films, including Chandidas (1934), Street Singer (1938), and Tansen (1943). His performances were noted for their emotional depth and his ability to bring characters to life.

Personal Life

K. L. Saigal was known for his humble and down-to-earth personality. Despite his fame, he remained deeply spiritual and was a follower of the Bhakti movement. He struggled with alcoholism, which eventually led to his untimely death at the age of 42.

Legacy

K. L. Saigal's influence on Indian music and cinema is profound. He is often credited with setting the standard for playback singing in Indian films. Many later singers, including Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi, and Kishore Kumar, have cited him as an inspiration.

Related Pages

• Hindi cinema
• New Theatres
• Devdas (1935 film)
• Bhakti movement
• Lata Mangeshkar
• Mohammed Rafi
• Kishore Kumar