MUMBAI: A few legendary singers like Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey and Mohammed Rafi have created fireworks in the music industry. Among these singers of the Golden Era, there is one more prodigy who will always be remembered for his songs that stirred up sentiments and bought back a thousand memories. He is none other than Mukesh, each word rolling from his lips was a pearl.

Whether it's a blissful song like Kabhie Kabhie Mere Dil Mein or a song like Dil Jalta Hai To Jalne De that cries for pain in love, Mukesh's voice could paint numerous shades of melancholy which was the reason he was often christened as The Man with the Golden Voice....

To pay a tribute to this torch-bearer on his 87th birth anniversery, a musical evening was organized in the voice of Babla Mehta, reputed as the living voice of Mukesh on 23 July, following his birthday 22 July at Manik Sabhagriha, Bandra.
Mehta is a singer, sound recordist and a music director who has carved a niche for himself in the music industry without any formal training in music.

The theme of the evening was Raj Kapoor to Amitabh Bachchan... as Mukesh is one of the few singers who belted out some classic numbers and an endless list of hits with both the stars. The melodious evening began with one of the most popular songs Bachpan Ke Din... setting the mood for the evening.

As the evening proceeded with tracks like Jeena Isi Ka Naam hai, Chand Ko Kya Maloom and Kai Baar Yun Bhi Dekha Hai, a light atmosphere gripped the auditorium. The audience that consisted of people both young and old, was seen humming the tunes reminiscent of the past era 

Mehta also dedicated the song Apni Kismat Kuch Aisi Ki Dil Toot Gaya, to Manori Singh, saxophone player in RD Burman band. Singh expired on 13 July this year 

Ek Din Bik Jayega Mati Ke Mol from the movie Dharam Karam was a hit among the audiences. Mehta's vocal style mirrored to Mukesh, giving it a very original touch. The singer kept alive the audience by insisting them to singing along with him.

Mehta kept a constant interaction with the audience by walking on the isles while humming his favourites. Mera Joota Hai Japani and Suhana Safar Aur Yeh Mausan Hasin were the highlights of the show and bagged maximum audience enjoyment.

Mehta's entourage consisted of 12 musicians and seven additional chorus singers maintained a perfect tempo and beat throughout the show 

A list of celebrities including Gargi Patel, Ayub Khan, Rajev Paul, Varun Bali, Kabir Bedi and Manoj Joshi were present to support the singer. The event was hosted by RJ Anuraag Pandey and actor Suchitra Pillai who unfortunately failed to deliver a subtle mood to the otherwise perfect evening. Forbidding the duo's act, there was a perfect harmony in the music that flowed.

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