Kishore Kumar always aspired to be a singer while the
acting career was largely thrust upon him. A young Kishore was expected
to emulate the success of elder brother Ashok Kumar and his lack of
training in classical music was seen as a hindrance to a possible career
in playback singing. However, in retrospect, Kishore Kumar's acting
career was only a pale shadow of his supreme achievements with the
microphone.
Kishore made a rather listless acting debut in the 1951 movie Andolen.
Even though he could not make much headway as a singer, Kishore soon
established a firm foothold on the acting front, pairing up with most of
the leading ladies of the day. Comedy was his forte and Kishore Kumar's
funny antics were pivotal in the runaway success of a number of laugh
riots.
One of Kishore's most successful movies was the 1958 bone-tickler
Chalti ka Naam Gaadi which saw him starring alongside his brothers and
actress Madhubala. The brothers followed it up with a sequel, Badhti Ka
Naam Dadhi but it didn't achieve much success. Kishore Kumar's other
prominent humorous flicks are Half Ticket, Padosan, Naukri, Baap Re
Baap, Pyar Diwana, and Hungama.
Door Gagan ki Chaon Main (1964), one of the few serious films in
Kishore Kumar's kitty, established his credentials as a capable actor.
