Kaka

I never thought you were a great actor. Why, even in Ittefaq, arguably the best thriller made in the history of Bollywood, it was your performance that had almost ruined the show.

I used to like Aradhana a lot at some point of time. Then I realised it was because of Sharmila and the songs (yes, I know what book she was reading during mere sapnon ki rani).

I used to like Anand too. Then I realised there was more Hrishida in it than anyone.

Your entire career would have been less than half of what it has turned out to be, had Kishoreda not been around.

Yes, you stole the show in Mere Jeevan Saathi, Safar and Daag, and in two very underrated movies - Sachcha Jhoota and Do Raaste. But there too, Kishoreda was there all along.

And yet, I cannot think of my childhood without you. Rangoli on Sunday. You made those songs I had heard so often on my Phillips Two-in-One three-dimensional.

But above all, when I'm really depressed - I mean, in situations when even finding a chunk of mutton in the greasy wrapper after I'm through with a Campari roll doesn't do me any good, I tell myself "I hate tears, Pushpaaaa; Pushpaaaaa, I hate tears".

It works. Like magic. Every time.

Rest in peace. I doubt whether Kishoreda would allow you to, though.