Legendary playback singer and actor Kishore Kumar is celebrated for his unforgettable contribution to Indian cinema, but few people know that he shared a deep and enduring connection with Bihar. While he was born in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, his maternal roots were in Bhagalpur, a city he visited frequently for several decades.

According to reports, Kishore Kumar’s maternal grandfather, Satish Chandra Banerjee, lived in the Rajbari of the Raj family in Adampur, Bhagalpur. His maternal family hailed from Bhagalpur, giving the legendary singer a lifelong connection with the city.

Regular Visits To Bhagalpur: Despite settling in Mumbai after establishing himself in the film industry, Kishore Kumar reportedly returned to Bhagalpur almost every year until the 1960s, particularly during the Durga Puja festivities. During his visits, he is said to have taken part in theatrical performances organised by local Kali Bari and Durga Bari puja committees, strengthening his association with the city beyond family ties.

According to members of his extended family, the legendary singer’s last visit to Bhagalpur was in 1970, when he attended a cultural programme in the city. Bollywood actor and singer Sulakshana Pandit had accompanied him on that visit.

Cycling Through The City And Visiting Sweet Shops: Residents of Bhagalpur still fondly remember seeing Kishore Kumar cycling through the city’s streets during his last visit in 1970. One of the most remembered anecdotes from 1970 recounts how he cycled to Fagu Shah’s sweet shop at Manik Sarkar Chowk to buy sweets. As he rode back towards Adampur, excited admirers reportedly followed him through the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the celebrated singer.

Family Memories Of His Bihar Visits: The Rajbari in Adampur, where his maternal grandfather lived, remained an important family landmark. Bhagalpur also holds significance for the Kumar family, as Kishore Kumar’s elder brother, the legendary actor Ashok Kumar, was married there.

Ashok Kumar’s cousin, Somnath Banerjee, recalled that Kishore Kumar frequently visited the home of his maternal uncle, Shanu Banerjee, during his trips to Bihar. He would often travel to the family’s orchard in Sultanganj to relish mangoes, cross the Ganga by boat and spend time with relatives.

These cherished memories, preserved by family members, continue to highlight the legendary singer’s lesser-known but enduring bond with Bhagalpur.