Mukesh Chand Mathur was one of the finest male playback singers of bollywood who was commonly known as Mukesh, ‘The Man With the Golden Voice’ in the industry. He was born on 22nd July, 1923 at the capital of India, New Delhi. He had a magic in his voice with which he casted a spell on listeners. He was interested in acting and singing from childhood and was a great fan of Kundan Lal Saigal popularly known as K.L Saigal. He was first noticed by Motilal who was a popular actor of his times. He was noticed when he sang at his sister’s wedding and he was send for his voice training in 1940 in Mumbai under Pandit Jaganath Prasad.
Hit songs of Mukesh are listed below:

1. Tu Kahe Agar - Andaz
2. Khayalon Mein Kisi Ke - Bawre Nain
3. Mera Joota Hai Japaani - Shree 420
4. Yeh Meraa Deewanaapan Hai - Yahudi
5. O Janewale Ho Sake To Laut Ke Aanaa - Bandini
6. Dost Dost Naa Rahaa - Sangam
7. Sawan Ka Mahina - Milan
8. Ek Din Bik Jaayega - Dharam Karam
9. Kabhie Kabhie Mere Dil Me - Kabhi Kabhie
10. Awaara Hoon - Awaara

Mukesh made his singing debut in the year 1941 with the movie ‘Nirdosh’ in which he also acted as a hero. The movie was unable to do well at box office. He sang the song “Dil Hi Bujha Hua Hai To” in the movie. He was established in the industry by the song “Dil Jalta Hai To Jalne De” from the movie ‘Pehli Nazar’ in 1945. The song was picturised on Motilal. This song almost imitating the legendary singer actor K. L. Saigal brought him instant popularity. There was no looking back for Mukesh after that. He really blossomed under the music directors like Naushad and Anil Biswas who gave him some more useful tips. As a result he developed a style of his own in the movies like ‘Mela’ (1948), ‘Anokha Pyar’ (1948) and ‘Andaaz’ (1949).

He has given his voice mostly to legendary Raj Kapoor and Manoj Kumar which made him famous as Raj Kapoor’s ghost voice. He sang some very popular songs such as “Awaara Hoon”, “Jaane Na Nazar”, “Mera Joota Hai Japani”, “Yeh Mera Deewanapan Hai”, “Kisi Ki Muskurahaton Pe Ho Nissar”, “Aa Ab Laut Laut Chalein” and many more. He last sang in the movie ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’ in 1978 which was prerecorded but released after his death on 27th August, 1976. He has worked with Shankar Jaikishen, Laxmikant Pyarelal, S.D. Burman, Kalyanji Anandji, Salil Chowdhury, Usha Khanna etc. He has also received the National Award for the song ‘Kahin Baar Yun Bhi Dekha Hai’ for ‘Rajnigandha’ (1974) and ‘Filmfare Award’ for best playback singer four times.