Amit Kumar to sing in city

Remember the hit 80s movie Teri Kasam? Remember heart-throb Kumar Gaurav giving life to the lilting lyrics of Yeh Zameen Ga Rahi Hain on the misty hills in Teri Kasam?

Now, you will soon get to see live the man who actually voiced those unforgettable numbers which are as much a hit today as they were 20 years ago.

Amit Kumar will perform live in Auckland in May in a one-off performance which is already generating huge interest among music lovers. Amitji, son of the legendary Kishore Kumar, will be singing many popular numbers from his own and his super star father’s collection.

Also singing with Amitji will be well known local artiste Gopal Bhatia, the man behind the Yeh Zameen Ga Rahi Hai – Amit Kumar show coming to Auckland.

Gopal, also a presenter on Radio Tarana, talks to Indian Weekender’s Arvind Kumar about Amit Kumar’s visit.

When is the Amit Kumar show? Date, tickets prices, availability, venue, etc . . . ?

Show is on Saturday, May 1, at Logan Campbell Centre Greenlane, Auckland, Tickets prices are VIP $35 (reserved ) $30 (general ), $5 discount if bought before March 31, tickets are available at all Indian outlets and can also be booked by calling 09 624 6330.

Why did you choose to bring Amit Kumar?

Amit is talented singer just like his father, legendary Kishore da. Most Auckland music lovers know that I am a great fan of Kishore da and have been doing many shows and giving musical tributes to him. This time, I have an opportunity to have his own son Amit Kumar to give him a musical tribute along with legendary musicians who have been working with Kishore Kumar and R.D.Burman from the music industry. This is also Amit Kumar’s first time in New Zealand.

Is Amitji keen to come to New Zealand, this being his first visit?

Yes, for sure, when I spoke to him and proposed him for the NZ concert he was very keen to come perform and share musical memories of his legendary father, Kishore Kumar, as well as singing his own hit numbers.

Is he accompanied by an orchestra?

As I have mentioned,the musicians coming from Bollywood were involved in making the original music for legendary music director R D Burman and performed with Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar and many more.

What popular numbers will he be singing (his own) and those of his legendary father Kishore Kumar?

Well, many of his popular songs like Bade Achhe Lagte Hain from Balika Badhu and of course Yeh Zameen Ga Rahi Hai (please note the name of the show is Yeh Zameen Ga Rahi Hai ) and also his father's hit numbers like Roop Tera Mastana and many more.

Will he be singing Main Ekh Panchi Matwala Re . . . ? Who is the original singer?

The song is composed by his father and sung by himself, he would love to sing it

What’s Amitji's favourite song?

He found this question difficult to answer because there are many songs which are his favourite.

How many New Zealand shows are planned?

This is going to be the one and only show.

What are your views of Amit Kumar as a singer? Are you singing with him as well?

Well, besides directing the entire concert, singing with Amit Kumar will be a great honour and privilege as he is the son of my all time favourite idol Kishore da.

What are your views of Kishore Kumar and RD Burman?

Kishore da and Pancham da were the greatest musicians of all time. They have left memories of an immortal musical journey. This show is to keep their music alive for years to come.

At what age did Amit Kumar start singing, do you know?

Amit Kumar made his debut in singing and as a child actor at the age of 11 in his father's movie Door Ka Rahi. He recorded a song Main Panchi Matwaala Re as child singer artist. This song was removed from the film later by Kishore Kumar.

Why is the show labelled Yeh Zameen Gaa Rahee Hai . . . ?

This is the title of the show because it is sung by Amit Kumar himself and composed by RD Burman. This is the theme of our show.