'Wives should first learn how to make a home': Kishore Kumar

One of the most iconic singers of Bollywood in the 1970s, Kishore Kumar often made headlines for his family life and failed marriages. The legendary playback singer was married four times, and he once opened up about these well-known relationships.Kishore Kumar about his marriage with Ruma GhoshAt just 21, Kishore tied the knot with Bengali actress Ruma Ghosh, and they got divorced in 1958. Kishore talked about their marriage in an old interview with The Illustrated Weekly of India. “She wanted to build a choir and a career. I wanted someone to build me a home. How can the two reconcile? You see, I’m a simple-minded villager type. I don’t understand this business about women making careers. Wives should first learn how to make a home.

And how can you fit the two together? A career and a home are quite separate things. That’s why we went our separate ways,” he revealed.

Kishore Kumar about Madhubala's demiseIn 1960, Kishore married actress Madhubala. Madhubala suffered from a congenital heart condition, and after her demise, he got married again. Kishore stated that he knew she was ill before marrying her. He fulfilled his promise by making her his wife even though he knew she was dealing with a congenital heart problem.

He took care of her for nine long years. “She was such a beautiful woman and she died so painfully. She would rave and rant and scream in frustration. How can such an active person spend nine long years bedridden? And I had to humour her all the time. That’s what the doctor asked me to do. That’s what I did till her very last breath. I would laugh with her. I would cry with her,” he stated.Kishore Kumar and Yogeeta Bali's marriageKishore’s third marriage was to actress Yogeeta Bali in 1976, and they ended their marriage in 1978.

“That was a joke. I don’t think she was serious about marriage. She was only obsessed with her mother. She never wanted to live here,” he said.Kishore Kumar's marriage with Leena ChandavarkarIn 1980, Kishore found companionship with actress Leena Chandavarkar, with whom he remained until his death in 1989. He spoke of her with warmth and empathy.“She too is an actress like all of them, but she’s very different. She’s seen tragedy. She’s faced grief. When your husband is shot dead, you change. You understand life. You realise the ephemeral quality of all things. I am happy now,” he said.Kishore Kumar passed away in 1989 following a heart attack.