Kundanlal Saigal, a towering figure of early Bollywood, rose to immense fame with his role in the 1935 film “Devdas” but tragically succumbed to alcohol at the young age of 42, leaving behind a legacy of iconic music and a life marked by both brilliance and personal struggle.
A Legend’s Rise and Tragic End
Long before actors like Dilip Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan dominated the silver screen, Kundanlal Saigal was Bollywood’s undisputed star. Born in Jammu, he captivated audiences with his soulful voice and powerful acting, particularly in the titular role of the 1935 hit, “Devdas.”
Despite his meteoric rise, Saigal’s life was marred by a severe dependence on alcohol. He passed away in January 1947, the year India gained independence, due to liver damage. He was just 42 and reportedly had very little money left, having returned to his hometown of Jalandhar with hopes of reviving his career.
From Humble Beginnings to Stardom
Saigal’s journey to stardom was anything but conventional. As a young man in Jalandhar, he felt unfulfilled and took on various odd jobs across the country, from selling sarees and typewriters to working at a hotel in Shimla.
His innate passion for singing eventually drew him to Kolkata, which was then the bustling heart of India’s film and entertainment industry. There, he caught the eye of New Theatres, a prominent production company, securing a contract for Rs 200 per month.
His early films didn’t make much impact, but 1934 proved to be his breakthrough year with the hit song “Prem Nagar” from the film “Chandidas.” The very next year, “Devdas” solidified his status as a cinematic icon.
Art, Addiction, and Self-Doubt
Kidar Sharma, who worked with Saigal, famously wrote in his autobiography that Saigal had “two passions: Music and alcohol; one made him and the other destroyed him.” Saigal himself often doubted his abilities, believing he could only truly perform when under the influence.
Music composer Naushad once had Saigal record a song both sober and drunk, ultimately choosing the sober version, a testament to Saigal’s raw talent. Yet, Saigal once told a director, “Please forgive my staggering but I do not sing with my body but soul.” He even admitted, “I have no clear understanding of the grammar of music. I manage to sing because of a strong feeling about how certain sounds should feel.”
A Pioneer’s Unique Approach
Saigal was known for his unconventional methods. He was one of the first performers to insist on live recordings for his songs. For the iconic Bhairavi Thumri “Babulmora Naihar Chooto Hi Jaaye” in “Street Singer” (1938), Saigal insisted on recording it live as he walked the street, with a microphone following him in a truck.
This daring choice, at a time when playback singing was already common, allowed him to convey the raw emotion and authenticity of his character like no other singer could.
A Heart of Generosity
Beyond his talent, Saigal was remembered for his incredible sensitivity and generosity. Kidar Sharma recounted a poignant story from Saigal’s salesman days: a poor girl longed for a green saree he was selling but couldn’t afford it. When she died suddenly, Saigal was so moved that he donated the saree for her funeral and stopped selling them altogether.
In another instance, deeply moved by a blind beggar’s singing, Saigal impulsively gave him Rs 5000 – a significant sum at the time, equivalent to approximately Rs 75,000 today. When Kidar Sharma expressed shock, Saigal simply replied, “You think the one who gives me ever counts?”
The Final Chapter
As his health rapidly declined, Saigal retreated to Jalandhar. Doctors had given up hope, and his family, heartbroken, allowed him to drink as he pleased in his final days. His sister-in-law later recalled his spirit even then, saying, “Kundan was a great soul, an unusual person. He was ill… but would tell us jokes and make us laugh.”
He even spoke of shaving his head and playing roles of sadhus upon his return to Bombay. But tragically, his condition worsened, and he passed away on the morning of January 18, 1947, leaving behind an irreplaceable legacy of melodies.
- Kundanlal Saigal was a pre-independence Bollywood superstar, famous for his role in “Devdas” (1935) and his soulful singing.
- He tragically died at 42 due to alcohol addiction, reportedly penniless.
- Despite his struggles, he was known for his profound generosity, once giving a blind beggar Rs 5000 (a very large sum then).
- Saigal was a pioneer, famously insisting on recording his songs live, even while walking the streets.
Saigal’s son later clarified that while his father did drink, he didn’t witness excessive drinking or drunkenness at home, offering a different perspective on the star’s private battle. His life remains a poignant tale of immense talent, personal demons, and a lasting impact on Indian cinema.
