Tributes to the great singing star K L Saigal on his 115th birth anniversary today.

Tributes to the great singing star K L Saigal on his 115th birth anniversary today.

For all the fame K L Saigal acquired during his career and his legacy that survives beyond his death, it is surprising to learn that the star’s career lasted for only 16 years. He recorded over 170 songs, sadly, many of them lost in the annals of history due to lack of archiving and preservation.

Saigal began his film career in 1932 with New Theatres’ Mohabbat Ke Ansu under a monthly contract of Rs200. Even though the film did not do well, he continued on. The following year, he broke through and became a household name with his melodious voice. Though he had little musical training, he is still considered by many to be one of the finest playback singers of Indian film music.

He was only 42 when he died and the songs he sang have become those we listen to, again and again, generation after generation.