Remembering Mahendra: The Restless Patriot Who Chose to be ‘Ajanabi’

In the annals of Indian cinema, few voices have stirred the patriotic spirit like Mahendra Kapoor’s. The singer, fondly remembered for his baritone that embodied national pride, was always ‘betchain’ – restless to reinvent himself as an ‘ajanabi’ for his country. Hailing from a modest background, Kapoor trained under classical maestros. His big break arrived with ‘Mere Desh Ki Dharti’, which played on loop across radio waves to boost national resolve. His discography boasts over 1,000 songs, with collaborations that produced timeless hits across generations. This restlessness defined him, often turning down lucrative offers to prioritize songs that served the nation’s heart. He passed away in 2008, but his legacy remains eternal.