Sumit Kumar Recalls Watching Kishore Kumar Perform ‘Eena Meena Deeka’ During His Stage Shows on Indian Idol

XX June 2026, Mumbai: Indian Idol paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Kishore Kumar as his son, Sumit Kumar, took to the stage to celebrate his father’s timeless musical legacy and share fond memories from his childhood.

Sharing his thoughts, Sumit Kumar said, “Indian Idol has always been a platform where extraordinary voices and emotions come together. Being a part of the Kishore Kumar special celebration was truly memorable, as his music continues to inspire and connect with audiences across generations. His voice, his versatility, and his unmatched charm made him a legend, and watching these talented singers pay tribute to his timeless legacy was a beautiful experience.”

Later in the episode, after contestant Manraj delivered an energetic performance on the evergreen classic ‘Eena Meena Deeka’, the song brought back fond memories for Sumit, who recalled watching his father, Kishore Kumar, perform it on stage.

Recalling those cherished memories, Sumit shared, “My memory of this song… Bachpan mein Bhaiya aur Baba both used to perform this song on stage. So this song, I used to recall. Aur ek gaana tha, ‘Ek Chatur Naar,’ jismein it was not planned, par end mein jugalbandi mein Baba Bhaiya ke upar aake baith jaate the aur main Bhaiya ka pithoo. I could never stand ki aise kaise ho gaya ki Bhaiya haar gaye. Main stage pe jaake dono ke upar baith jaata tha. This song, particularly ‘Eena Meena Deeka’, Baba used to perform this song in all his stage performances. Aapne bohot accha gaaya hai, maza aa gaya.”

(“This song brings back so many childhood memories. When I was young, both my elder brother and my father used to perform this song on stage. Whenever I hear it, those memories come flooding back.

There was another song, ‘Ek Chatur Naar.’ It wasn’t planned, but during the final jugalbandi, my father would climb onto my brother’s shoulders. I, of course, was completely on my brother’s side. I just couldn’t accept the idea of my brother losing! So I would run onto the stage and climb on top of both of them.

This song in particular, ‘Eena Meena Deeka,’ was one that my father performed at almost every stage show. You sang it so beautifully—it was an absolute delight to listen to.”)

The nostalgic exchange offered viewers a rare glimpse into Kishore Kumar’s life beyond the recording studio, as Sumit fondly remembered the fun, spontaneity, and playful moments that made his father’s stage performances so unforgettable.

Don’t miss this special episode of Indian Idol, airing every Saturday and Sunday on Sony Entertainment Television and streaming on SonyLIV.