On the birth anniversary of legendary singer-actor Kishore Kumar, television actress Shiwani Chakraborty — known for her role in the popular show Anupamaa — shared rare personal stories about the icon's deep bond with her family in Khandwa, the birthplace of the legendary artiste. Among the most striking revelations: Kishore Kumar learnt English from Shiwani's grandfather during his childhood visits to the town.

A Khandwa Connection Rooted in Childhood

Shiwani, who hails from Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh, said she grew up immersed in family stories about the legendary singer. 'I am also from Khandwa and I am proud to be a Khandwa girl because such a legendary artiste, Kishore Kumar ji, was born there,' she said. She noted with some regret that she never got the chance to meet him personally, though her elder sister did. 'I consider myself unlucky because I couldn't even sit in his lap as a child, though my elder sister did,' she added.

Visits to Gauri Kunj and the Family Home

According to Shiwani, whenever Kishore Kumar returned to Khandwa and visited his ancestral home, Gauri Kunj, he would make it a point to call on her grandfather. 'He learnt English from my grandfather. Even after my parents got married, my mother also had the opportunity to meet him. Every time he visited Khandwa, he ensured he came to our home,' she recalled. She described him as warm-hearted, lively, and someone who never arrived empty-handed — bringing jalebi and rabdi from his favourite local sweet shop and insisting the entire family eat together.

Pranks, Music and a Missed Opportunity

Shiwani recounted that Kishore Kumar and his elder brother Anoop Kumar would tease family members and fill gatherings with laughter. Her father, she said, often recalls the incredible energy the singer brought into their home. On one occasion, after hearing Shiwani's father sing as a child, Kishore Kumar was reportedly so impressed that he urged her grandfather to send the boy to Mumbai to pursue music. Her grandfather declined, asking, 'What career will he build in Mumbai?' Shiwani reflected: 'Maybe destiny had other plans, because today I got the opportunity to come to Mumbai and work in the entertainment industry.'

Crowds, Hot Water and a Narrow Lane

One of the most vivid memories passed down to Shiwani involves a visit tied to a 'Kishore Night' event in Khandwa, when the singer came to meet her family at their rented home in a narrow lane. 'The lane outside our house was packed with people trying to catch a glimpse of him. The crowd became so huge that family members had to sprinkle hot water outside just to make people step back and clear some space,' she said. The anecdote speaks to the extraordinary public adoration Kishore Kumar commanded even in his hometown.

Rakhi, Respect and a Cherished Legacy

Shiwani also revealed that Kishore Kumar's sister-in-law once tied Rakhi to her grandfather, underscoring the personal warmth between the two families. 'Though that connection no longer exists today, whenever he visited us, he gave immense love and respect to my grandfather and our entire family. Those memories are precious to us,' she said. On Tuesday, she paid tribute to the singer on social media by sharing a rare black-and-white family photograph featuring Kishore Kumar alongside members of her family during one of his Khandwa visits, captioning it: 'When you are a Family proud feeling Happy birthday Kishore Dadu.' For Shiwani, the legend has never been just a name — he has always been 'Kishore Dadu'. Shiwani Chakraborty currently plays Meeta Kothari in Anupamaa.