Hemanta Mukherjee (also known as Hemant Kumar, 1920–1989) was one of the most beloved and influential singers and music composers in Indian music history. Born in Varanasi and raised in Kolkata, he became a towering figure in both Bengali and Hindi music, celebrated for his deep, soulful voice and timeless melodies. His career spanned over four decades, during which he left an indelible mark as a playback singer, composer, and producer.
In Bengali music, Hemanta was a leading exponent of Rabindra Sangeet (songs written and composed by Rabindranath Tagore) and modern Bengali songs, earning immense respect for his faithful and emotive renditions. In Hindi cinema, he gained fame as a playback singer and music director in classic films like "Nagin" (1954), "Bees Saal Baad" (1962), and "Anupama" (1966). His haunting melodies like “Yaad kiya dil ne”, “Na tum hamen jano”, and “Beqarar karke” are still cherished today.