Amit Kumar Reveals Kishore Kumar Declined National Award After Refusing to Pay Bribe to Ministry Official

May 29, 2025 : Kishore Kumar, one of the most legendary and versatile figures in Indian cinema, never received a National Film Award — a surprising omission given his unparalleled success as a playback singer and filmmaker. Now, his son Amit Kumar has revealed a possible reason: Kishore refused to pay a bribe for the honour.

In a recent interview with journalist Vickey Lalwani, Amit shared a lesser-known incident from the 1960s, when Kishore Kumar’s directorial venture Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein was being considered for the National Awards. The 1964 film, which starred Kishore and a young Amit, was a critical and commercial hit.

“He got a call from Delhi — someone from the Ministry,” Amit recalled. “At the time, Haqeeqat, Dosti, and Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein were in the running for the National Award. They told my father, ‘If you do something, give something, then we can get you nominated.’ He replied, ‘Why are you after my life? My film is already a hit!’”

Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein, inspired by the American film The Proud Rebel, had an impressive run, completing 23 weeks at Mumbai’s Super Cinema and celebrating a silver jubilee in the Delhi-UP circuit. Despite this success, the film didn’t receive a National Award — but ironically, its Tamil remake Ramu did.

Noting the irony, Amit said, “He sold the rights to a Tamil filmmaker, and the remake Ramu won the National Award.”

Though best known as a singer, Kishore Kumar had a notable career as a filmmaker. He directed 12 films in total, of which 8 saw release. His final film, Mamta Ki Chhaon Mein, a spiritual successor to Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein, was released in 1990 — three years after his death. It starred Amit Kumar, Ashok Kumar, Rajesh Khanna, and Leena Chandavarkar.

Kishore Kumar’s refusal to compromise his principles, even at the cost of prestigious recognition, reflects the integrity that defined his life and career. While awards may have eluded him, his legacy as a musical genius and creative powerhouse continues to resonate across generations.