Dhaka, May 29 -- It is no exaggeration to call Kishore Kumar one of the most iconic and successful singers in Indian entertainment history. Ironically, despite being regarded as one of the finest playback singers in Indian cinema, Kishore never received a National Film Award.

In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, his son and singer Amit Kumar revealed that the legendary artist once came close to winning the award but refused to pay a bribe allegedly demanded by someone in the ministry.

Amit recalled the incident surrounding Kishore's 1964 film Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein, which he directed and starred in. The film marked Kishore's shift to direction after a series of unsuccessful acting ventures and went on to become a major box off...