It’s August 4, and for all you Kishore Kumar fans, it’s the legendary singer’s 78th birth anniversary.

Not only is he remembered for his inimitable style and trademark yodeling, but some of his films — Chalti Ka Naam Gadi, Padosan and Jhumroo to name a few — are also all-time favorites of film buffs and have gained classic status in Indian cinema.

Without any formal training in music, Kishore Kumar had the most versatile voice. He sang in over 500 films for over four decades – from the 1940s to the 1980s.

He came to Mumbai in the year 1946 on the behest of his brother Ashok Kumar — who was by then a mega star. Ashok Kumar had called his youngest brother to the city in the hope that he would make it big in the industry too.

Kishore Kumar’s first film as the lead actor was Andolan (1951), but ironically for many of his earlier films, it was Mohammad Rafi’s voice that was used for playback singers.

He excelled in all genres of acting, but comedy was his strongest point as was singing.