United News of Bangladesh

Gouri Kunj, the iconic Mumbai bungalow once owned by legendary singer and actor Kishore Kumar, has entered a new chapter as part of the property now houses Indian cricketer Virat Kohli’s One8 Commune restaurant. Located in the upscale seaside neighbourhood of Juhu, the bungalow has long been associated with Kishore Kumar, one of Hindi cinema’s most celebrated singers and actors. Named after his mother, Gouri Devi, Gouri Kunj was much more than a home for Kishore Kumar. It was a private retreat where he composed music, met friends and colleagues and enjoyed time away from the busy film industry. The property was surrounded by greenery, lawns and courtyards, reflecting Kumar’s love for nature and privacy. A peaceful retreatBuilt during the height of Kishore Kumar’s career in the mid-20th century, the bungalow was designed as a quiet escape rather than a grand display of wealth. Its open spaces, natural light and garden surroundings created a relaxed atmosphere. The setting also reflected Kumar’s preference for a private and informal lifestyle despite his immense fame. The bungalow became closely linked to some of the singer’s well-known eccentricities. In a widely cited 1985 interview, Kumar reportedly said he considered the trees in his garden among his closest companions and had given names to some of them. He was also known for his strong desire for privacy. A sign outside the entrance reportedly carried the words, “Beware of Kishore.” A meeting place for music loversGouri Kunj was also associated with Kumar’s passion for music. Friends from the film industry, composers and other collaborators often visited the residence. The spacious gardens and relaxed surroundings offered a setting where Kumar could spend time with people from the industry without the formal atmosphere often associated with celebrity homes. From heritage bungalow to modern restaurantPart of Gouri Kunj was leased for Virat Kohli’s One8 Commune in 2022, bringing a modern restaurant into a property with a rich connection to Hindi cinema. The restaurant’s design retains elements that echo the bungalow’s original character, including an emphasis on natural light, greenery and open spaces. Warm wooden finishes, brass details and large glass panels are combined with indoor plants and vertical greenery, creating a contemporary setting while maintaining the property's connection with nature. The transformation has given part of Gouri Kunj a new purpose while keeping the historic property connected to Kishore Kumar’s legacy. For visitors, the site now offers a glimpse of how a landmark associated with one of Indian cinema’s most beloved artists has evolved while retaining traces of its past. Source: NDTV

It is no exaggeration to call Kishore Kumar one of the most iconic and successful singers in Indian entertainment history. Ironically, despite being regarded as one of the finest playback singers in Indian cinema, Kishore never received a National Film Award. In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, his son and singer Amit Kumar revealed that the legendary artist once came close to winning the award but refused to pay a bribe allegedly demanded by someone in the ministry. Amit recalled the incident surrounding Kishore’s 1964 film Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein, which he directed and starred in. The film marked Kishore’s shift to direction after a series of unsuccessful acting ventures and went on to become a major box office hit. When asked if it was true that a bribe was demanded for the award, Amit confirmed, “Yes, that happened. He got a call from Delhi from someone in the ministry. At that time, Haqeeqat, Dosti, and Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein were being considered (for the national award). “They told my father, ‘If you do something, give something, then we can get you nominated.’ My father was like, ‘Why are you after my life? My film is a hit.’” Mugafi joins Nagarjuna-Dhanush film ‘Kubera’ as global partner The film, inspired by the American film The Proud Rebel, received both critical and commercial acclaim. It was later remade in several Indian languages. Notably, its Tamil remake, Ramu, went on to win the national award. “The film ran for 23 weeks at Super Cinema. In Delhi-UP, the film was a silver jubilee. Then he sold the rights to a Tamil filmmaker. The remake was called Ramu. That won the national award,” Amit added. Though best known for his singing, Kishore Kumar directed 12 films in total, of which eight were released. His final directorial work, Mamta Ki Chhaon Mein—considered a spiritual sequel to Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein—was released in 1990, three years after his death.