Kal, Aaj Aur Kal: The Musical dynasties of Bollywood

Talk about nepotism and dynasties in Bollywood all you want, it's a universe of unequal equals even there. Even those who have their foot firmly in the B-Town door, so as to speak, have their struggles. Some make success stories of themselves, others not so much. We're a relatively young film industry, we're mostly two or three generations in the business and not everybody has made it as big as the movers and shakers of yore. We stroll down memory lane and leaf through history books and even take the help of our trusty know-it-all search engine friend to fill in the gaps. For brevity's sake, we've only included direct relations. We even asked those who were keen on talking to share their musical beginnings with us and to tell us where they're headed. Here's taking a look at a list of Bollywood's biggest musical families carrying forward a cherished legacy along...

THREE'S COMPANY

THE MUKESHS

Mukesh Chand Mathur > Nitin Mukesh > Neil Nitin Mukesh

Mukesh Chand Mathur was Bollywood royalty in the era of Raj Kapoor. But his earliest beginnings in Bollywood, came courtesy of a distant relative, the actor Motilal. He debuted as an actor singer in Nirdosh (the song was Dil Hi Bhuja Hua Ho To, he turned playback singer with Pehli Nazar (the song was Dil Jalta Hai To Jalne De). He went on to sing for Dilip Kumar and later, Raj Kapoor, with the legendary music director Naushad mentoring him in his early days. The singer would go on from strength to strength, eventually doing a number of songs with Kalyanji-Anandji. Mukesh died of a heart attack at 53 in Detroit, Michigan, USA and is survived by son Nitin and his other children.

Son Nitin was forced to take up his father's legacy with his father's untimely death. And had to complete the US concert in his stead along with Lata Mangeshkar. He shares, "I had to undergo quite a bit of struggle. When I started off music, it was a mode of survival for me since I lost my father at a very young age and I had an entire family to support singlehandedly and I wasn't willing to butter people up to get playback singing projects." He didn't have to and instead worked with the choicest music directors of the 80s and 90s - the likes of Khayyam saab, Laxmikant Pyarelal, Bappi Lahiri, Rajesh Roshan, Nadeem Shravan and Anand Milind. He leaned towards music pretty early. He recalls how, at age five, he'd bunk school and visit his father's studio. He shares, "My father who was a school dropout and started working at the age of 16, always wanted all of his children to be well educated because he faced a lot of struggle throughout his life and he didn't want any of us to face a similar kind of hardship. He always maintained that singing is a beautiful hobby, but a painful profession because of what life put him through. I remember he was very adamant of sending me to London School Of Economics to pursue a higher degree because I was hellbent on pursuing music. In a matter of six months, I returned from London because I realised I was never cut out to live the white-collar dream.

The day I landed in Bombay, I expected my father to be annoyed because I wasted his hard-earned money but my father was convinced that music was my life's calling and he hugged me and said that I would carry on his legacy with the same kind of respect, passion and commitment. From that day onwards, I poured my heart and soul into music and till date, I'm called the Badshah of Shows. Today I'm 66 and I think I'm just getting better at the game than when I was 35. Nitin says he has seen the same twinkle in son Neil's eyes that his father oncesw in his and adds, "There's a saying in the Mukesh parivaar that has been passed on from generations - 'You can choose to be anything in life but u cant choose to be a singer, it comes from a  divine blessing'." A proud father, he admits, "I would be very grateful to God if Neil does become a successful music producer, not because he is a Mukesh product but because music runs in his veins. The world needs to know that Neil is a self-made man who learnt the piano, photography, production, painting all on his own and even though he choose to become an actor, music eventually found him. My father penned a beautiful line to me that I always refer to when I talk to Neil - 'While I have promises of gifts for your siblings I have nothing but responsibilities for you, that was not my fault you choose to be my eldest son, the mantle automatically falls on you'. However Neil is a better son than I could have ever dreamt of becoming and I'm sure he will take the legacy ahead."

Proof that the apple never falls too far from the tree, Neil started out an actor, but has found his calling in music and is slated to release an international album soon. He says, "Dad completely supported my decision (to become an actor) but he secretly pushed me to pursue riyaaz on the sidelines so I didn't lose out on my musical side. He was mighty pleased when I told him I wanted to give a shot to singing apart from acting and directing.

Music won't be a full-time activity for me because acting is my first love, but I'd like to give my best shot. It would be a complete honour to cut an album with my father someday because I would like to bring to life that dream which he couldn't cherish with my grandfather. And yes, I would also like to inculcate a musical sense in my offspring and be as supportive as my parents were in the decisions I made."

THE MALIKS

Sardaar> Dabboo > Amaal and Armaan

Sardaar saab belonged to the golden era of Bollywood music. A student of Ustad Allauddin Khan, he was also a trained dancer. While he was a gifted singer as well, Rafi and Mukesh took prominence, he admittedly took "the path of least resistance" and he limited himself to music direction. He worked through the 1940s and 50s, but made a mark only with Laila Majnu in 1953 and later Thokar's Ae Gham-e-Dil, followed by Main Garibon Ka Dil in Aab-e-Hayat (1955) , which remains one of his most memorable songs. The soundtrack for Sarangaa (1960) would become his crowning glory. He died at 81, in 2006, with around 600 songs to his credit and is survived by sons Anu Malik and Dabboo Malik. 

Daboo took a different path, initially opting for acting. He told us, "I tried my hand act acting, and I did several stage shows as a performer for most of my late twenties.... But it was in my early 30s, that Sohail Khan heard my Song Thoda Sa Pyaar Hua Hain and gave me a chance to compose for Maine Dil Tujhko Diya. That's when I told my father I was  taking the plunge into music direction. Along with that film, I signed Yeh Zindagi Ka Safar with the Bhatts! Dad was really happy as he felt it was something I was destined to do. Today, if he was here, he would be happy to see the way Amaal and Armaan are making a place in the industry.

Daboo's sons Amaal and Armaan have made their marks - as a composer and singer respectively. The brothers debuted with Salman Khan-starrer Jai Ho and followed it up with a string of hits that continue to this day. Says Amaal, "The first time I told my dad that I wanted to be a composer, he was like, 'Really?'. He knew I was a good music producer, but he never knew that I could compose, but I surprised him! I was 16 years old at the time."

Amaal believes his brother Armaan was born to sing. He says, "Armaan is a born singer. My dad knew he would become a singer or at least take an interest in it." Says Armaan, "I never had to tell my dad I wanted to be a singer. By age 10 I was on Sa Re Ga Ma performing and competing with the best! Jingles and songs for the likes of Vishal Shekhar, Salim-Sulaiman and Shankar Ehsaan Loy followed."

Daboo's brother Anu Malik found success far sooner. Debuting as a composer with Hunterwali in 1977, he went on to become one of the biggest and most well-known composers of the 90s. He is also considered a singer of some note. He has won a National award for his work in JP Dutta's Refugee. The year 1993 would prove to be his breakthrough year with Baazigar being his biggest success that year followed by Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayi.

He has done over 300 films, continues to remain an important voice and a part of the music fraternity in Bollywood.

Daughter Anmol began her singing career as early as age seven in 1996, for the film Diljale. She has also sung in films like Biwi No 1 and Mela. The last film she sang for is Welcome Back. She is a trained pianist and a songwriter, writing a song called Graduation at age 18, which was promoted by Aamir Khan. And while she has sung quite a few Bollywood songs in all these years, she came to the fore with a non-film single called Lamhein, an official version of Coldplay's Paradise. Anu recreated the music while Manoj Muntashir wrote the Hindi lyrics. The song had around 45 lakh views at last count.

THE KRISHNAS

Shivram Krishna> Bhagwan Shivram > Divya Kumar

Pt. Shivram was given his first break by V. Shantaram, who signed him for two of his films – Teen Batti Chaar Raasta (1953) and Surang (1953). This was followed by two more films in 1960 - Phool Aur Kaliyan and Kaale Gore, the latter remained unreleased. Following the success of those films, Dhirubhai Desai and Nakhshab Jarchavi signed him for their next films, Oonchi Haveli (1955) and Raftaar (1955) respectively. The songs of these two films were also quite successful. Then came Sati Ansuya (1956), another film by Dhirubhai that sealed his fate as a composer of mythological films. Upon his death in 1980, he was survived by his eight children - most of them musicians or singers.

Bhagwan was a percussionist who worked with everybody from Laxmikant-Pyarelal to RD Burman to Himesh Reshammiya.

Divya has steadily made a name for himself, debuting as a singer with with the film Tutiya Dil (Alakh Niranjan was the song) by friend, composer Gulraj Singh, then Aafaton Ke Parinday (Ishaqzaade) for Amit Trivedi. SInce then, there has been no looking back for this playback singer, who has worked with SEL and Sachin-Jigar (with the latter on several films). However, Divya credits his mother with his singing career. He says, "My mom was the one who found out that I could sing (otherwise I wanted to play drums all my life). Being from a musical family, you generally don't have to go any other way." He further feels, "Singing is a gift, a blessing from my grandfather Pt Shivram ji. It had to come out sometime.. All I have, is given by him, it's his blessings. I've never seen or met him. I'm just trying to make his soul happy through whatever I can do. Singing is just something I had to get into."

THE MUKHERJEES

Jahar> Manas > Shaan and Sagarika

Not much is known about Jahar Mukherjee, Shaan's grandfather. We know that the man was a Bollywood lyricist. But that's about it. 

Shaan and Sagarika's father, however, was a composer who was still relatively well known in the 1980s. His works include Shaayad, Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyon Aata Hai, Aao Pyar Karein among others.

Shaan (born Shantanu) and Sagarika, however made it big on the Indipop scene, when Bollywood music had taken a backseat. While Shaan continues to flourish with a successful playback and performing career, Sagarika took a leave of absence after marriage, returning to singing, most recently with Mikey McCleary.

TWO OF A KIND

THE BURMANS

SD> RD

Over four decades, father and son ruled Bollywood. Each had their distinctive styles. Sachin Dev was a member of the Tripura royal family and began his career with Bengali films. He has done 89 Hindi films in all. He began as a Bollywood composer with 1947's Do Bhai (the breakthrough song was Mera Sundar Sapna Beet Gaya sung by Geeta Dutt). He is best remembered for his work in Bandini, Guide and Aaradhana.

His son Rahul Dev, was fondly known to the industry and fans as Pancham Da, and he reigned supreme from the 60s to the 90s. RD composed his first song at 9 (Aye Meri Topi - Funtoosh) and later (Sir Jo Tera Chakraye - CID), which his father used in those films' soundtracks. He initially started out as an assistant to his father, playing harmonica in his father's orchestra. While RD debuted with Mehmood's Chhote Nawab, Teesri Manzil was his first hit. He went on to work on several hit soundtracks, often completing his father's unfinished works in the early days. By the late 80s though, musical tastes began to change and his fame waned. He died of a heart attack a few years later. Thanks to the everlasting popularity of his songs, they continue to be used as references in popular culture. He is survived by his wife, the singer Asha Bhosle.

THE GANGULYS

Kishore> Amit

Kishore Kumar was one of the three Ganguly brothers of showbiz - Ashok and Anoop being the other two. While he was a fairly successful comedic actor, his real skill lay in playback singing. He will forever be remembered for his biggest hits that ran the entire gamut of human emotion; the man was that good! He is also popular as a singer for regional films as well.

Son Amit Kumar, who vocally sounds a lot like his father, but has his own style, withdrew from playback, switching to live shows instead. His last Bollywood outing was with. However, citing lack of good quality music, Amit Kumar withdrew from playback singing and concentrated on live orchestra shows since 1995

- See more at: http://www.mid-day.com/photos/in-pictures-music-runs-in-these-families/9133/97824#sthash.QNyvTVuM.dpuf

THE NAGRATHS

Roshan> Rajesh

Roshanlal Nagrath (he was more famously known by the mononym Roshan) was a music composer, who found success in a collaboration with director Kidar Sharma. It was his Baawre Nain that set the ball rolling. It was the 1960s that was his decade with hits like Nigahen Milane Ko Jee Chahta Hai (Dil Hi Toh Hai) and the soundtrack for Taj Mahal.

Rajesh Roshan carried the torch forward, debuting with Kunwara Baap, followed by Julie and a string of hits stretching from the 70s all the way to 2013's Krissh 3.

THE SHAHS

Kalyanji> Viju

Kalyanji Virji Shah is one half of the hugely popular composer duo Kalyanji Anandji. Bharat Bhushan–Nirupa Roy-starrer Samrat Chandragupta (1959) was his first film solo. Brother Anandji joined him on Satta Bazar and Madari (1959) and they continued working on over 250 films throughout their career. Chalia (1961) was their first hit together. Their repertoire includes the best songs of the decades they were active in.

Kalyanji's son Viju was best known for his work in Tridev, Vishawatma (Saat Samundar remains a hit), Mohra, Gupt and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan among others.

THE MAHADEVANS

Shankar> Siddharth

Shankar Mahadevan obviously needs no introduction. His long list of achievements in enough to leave anyone Breathless. Beginning with AR Rahman in Tamil films as a singer, he, along with Loy Mendonca and Ehsaan Noorani, started their music composing career in Bollywood with four films in 1999 alone -- Rockford, Bhopal Express, Shool and Dillagi. The trio is widely revered for their versatility and range. 

Shankar's son Siddharth made quite the impact, debuting with Zinda in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and following it up with several songs since. The youngest Mahadevan, Shivam debuted with Dhoom 3's Bande Hain Hum Uske.

THE NARAYAN JHAS

Udit>Aditya

A former resident of Nepal, Udit was the go-to voice in the 90s for most composers. As a playback singer, he had several hits to his credit, his breakthrough coming with Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak where he sang all the songs for the male lead. Son Aditya joined him in Bollywood as a child artiste in 1995 with Akele Hum Akele Tum. In Aditya's later years, anchoring and acting followed. But it was a monster hit, Tuttad Tuttad -- in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela -- that had everyone go wow. But work didn't follow. Our writer Deepali Singh, who recently interviewed him for dna After Hrs told us that "While his playback career might not be much to write home about, on the singing front, Aditya’s never been short of work. He’s been hosting Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs, hosting shows and performing live for audiences across the country and abroad." Post Ram-Leela, we learned, he was working on an alum and his reason for doing so, he mnetioned was, "It has always been my dream to produce my own album and now I’m doing that."

THE PANDEYS

Anjaan> Sameer

Lalji 'Anjaan' Pandey was the lyricist responsible for hits like Khaike Paan Banaras Wala (Don) and songs from Muqaddar Ka Sikandar and Yaarana. He  is known to have worked with composers like Pt Ravi Shankar, OP Nayyar, Kalyanji Anandji, Shankar-Jaikishan, RD Burman, Rajesh Roshan and Bappi Lahiri.

Born Shitala Pandey, 'Sameer' is now a Guinness record holder for writing the most lyrics for films. He has, on several occasions credited his father for his position in the industry. His work with composers spans everybody from Rajesh Roshan, Ilayaraja, Jatin Lalit, Dilip Sen-Sameer Sen, Nadeem-Shravan, Anand Milind, Anu Malik, A. R. Rahman, Himesh Reshammiya, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Sajid-Wajid, Pritam and Sachin-Jigar among others.

THE RESHAMMIYAS

Vipin> Himesh

Not much is known about the man, except that he was one of the first composers to use electronic instruments in films and that he has worked with the biggest composers of the 70s and 80s and with his son Himesh as well.
Himesh began as a producer of TV serials, getting a break as a composer with Salman Khan-starrer Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya and later as a singer with Aashiq Banaya Aapne. He is known for his nasal twang. Or least used to be.

THE RATHODS

Shravan> Sanjeev-Darshan

Shravan Rathod was one half of the hit Nadeem-Shravan composer duo, who were all the rage in the 90s and 00s. Starting out in Bollywood in 1981 with Nadeem Saifi in Maine Jeena Seekh Liya (which was sung by Amit Kumar), the two moved on to bigger, better projects. But it was Aashiqui that really got them going. Sadak, Deewana, Saajan, Raja Hindustani and Pardes followed and they became a force to reckon with. By and by, they split and Shravan quit music after a while.

Shravan's sons Sanjeev and Darshan's first release was Mann in 1999. Their last release was NH10 in 2015. In between, came films like Deewane, Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai, Khiladi 420, Aashiq, Rishtey, Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke, Excuse Me, Grand Masti and more.