MUMBAI:  Versatility is synonymous with Kishore Kumar. Whether it is being an actor, singer, lyricist, producer, director or even a screen play writer, Kumar donned several roles, and did equal justice to each of them. Often by his contemporaries, Kumar was labeled a “complete package”. On the occasion of his 86th birth anniversary, present day music composers pick their own songs that they would have loved composing for Kumar.

Shekhar Ravjiani: I would have wanted him to sing every single song. But if I was asked to pick any particular song, it would be ‘Tera Rasta’ (Chennai Express) and ‘Bin Tere’ (I Hate Luv Storys) to be in his voice. I think he would sound fabulous on these two songs.

Sachin Sanghvi: Since Kishore da was a performer, I think his vocals would suit ‘Tere Mere Beech Mein’ from ‘Shuddh Desi Romance’. The female vocals could be done by Asha Bhosale, simply because their energy for the song would be unmatchable.

Amit Trivedi: I think I would have wanted him to sing the song ‘Zinda Hoon’ (Lootera). He was versatile, but the best range came from the sad songs he sang. Had he sung this song, I think he would have killed it.

Ehsaan Noorani: I would have loved if Kishore da sang a couple of songs composed by us (Shankar Ehsaan Loy). One of them would be the title track of the film ‘Don’ and the other would be the song ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’, simply because of his versatility.

Sulaiman Merchant: One track that would fit the vocals of Kishore da would be ‘Maula Mere’ from ‘Chak De! India’. The song not only has an element of devotion in it, but also the range of vocals are very high and Kishore da would have done a fabulous job.

Lalit Pandit: Every time I compose a track, I think of Kishore Da singing it, as I am a big fan. I would have loved ‘Tujhe Dekha Toh Yeh Jana Sanam’ from the film ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ in his voice.