Kishore Kumar Refused to Perform; His Songs Were Subsequently Removed From AIR, Doordarshan

Kishore Kumar’s Songs Were Banned During Emergency After He Refused to Perform for Government Event

New Delhi: Legendary playback singer Kishore Kumar faced a ban on his songs on All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan during the Emergency after he refused to participate in a government-backed programme, according to historical accounts and recollections by his son, singer Amit Kumar.

During the Emergency imposed between 1975 and 1977, the government sought the participation of prominent film personalities in programmes promoting its initiatives. Kishore Kumar was approached to perform at a government-sponsored event, but he declined. According to Amit Kumar’s later account, his father objected to the manner in which the invitation was conveyed and asked officials to send a representative to formally invite him.

Kishore Kumar’s refusal was subsequently followed by a government order restricting the broadcast of his music. On May 4, 1976, All India Radio issued instructions that his songs should not be broadcast, while Doordarshan was also instructed not to show films or excerpts featuring him as a playback singer.

The restrictions reportedly went beyond radio and television. Historical accounts based on the Shah Commission inquiry and archival records say officials also considered measures involving Kishore Kumar’s recordings and films in which he had worked as a playback singer.

The ban was eventually lifted in June 1976, after discussions involving Kishore Kumar and senior figures from the film industry and government.

The episode has since become one of the better-known examples of the pressure faced by sections of India's film and music industry during the Emergency.