The songs of influential playback singer Mukesh are woven deeply into the canon of Hindi cinema, steeped in earnest melancholy and cherished as treasured gifts. • Born in Delhi in 1923, young Mukesh Chand Mathur began his journey towards stardom in Mumbai. His relative, established actor Motilal, brought him there after recognising his singing talents. • Mukesh began landing roles as a singer-actor with his debut “Dil Hi Ho Bujha Hua To” on the 1941 film Nirdosh. He explored playback singing; in 1945, he even voiced Motilal’s performance on Pehli Nazar. • In 1948, Mukesh contributed vocals for actor Raj Kapoor on Aag, which kick-started a lifelong bond for two stalwarts of Hindi cinema. • Other songs Mukesh voiced for Kapoor include “Sab Kuch Seekha Humne” for 1959’s Anari—which earned him the first of four Filmfare Awards for Best Male Playback Singer— “Dost Dost Na Raha" in 1964’s Sangam and “Jane Kahan Gaye Woh Din” for 1970’s Mera Naam Joker. • The singer was a favourite of cricket player B. S. Chandrasekhar, whose teammates would reportedly hum Mukesh songs to help spur on his famous spin bowl.