Mumbai: For more than five decades, Mahendra Kapoor mesmerised the nation with his melodious voice.

The veteran singer, who celebrated his 74th birthday, had one wish: “Mahendra Kapoor wants to make a wish that he should continue singing till his last breath, and open for school for music were kids can learn classical music.”

Mahendra Kapoor got his first break in V Shantaram's Navrang in 1958, which opened an entire new world for him.

Then, came songs like ’Chalo Ek Bar Chalo’, ‘Neele Gagan Ke Tale’ and many others which made him a household name.

None of that was enough for the talented singer, who went on to sing more than 25,000 songs in various languages.

He won a National Award in 1968 for the patriotic song ‘Mere Desh Ki Dharti’ in the film Upkaar.

A favourite of the B R Banner, Kapoor feels the film industry gave him what he asked for wholeheartedly, at that.

“Whatever I had wished, God has been fulfilling my wishes. I thank the Almighty and I thank my industry which has brought me up and encouraged me in the singing field,” a beaming Kapoor said.

The singer grew philosophical and said, “All depends upon yourself, if you’re nice then everything is nice. I’ve never regretted.”

Here’s wishing the grand old singer the very best and many more such birthdays.