Who is a hero? A person with outstanding achievements.
Shankar fits the image perfectly. In a shortest span of time, he, with his music partner Jaikishan, has achieved more than any in the music industry. The vast body of work, the innumerable genres and the huge variety in composition styles created are matchless. The highest number of awards won and the consecutive number of nominations for awards were records of their excellent performance.
Who is a hero? A person who is admired for his strength.
He is strong enough to withstand any adversities at any time as well as one who can show courage when faced with a problem. Shankar matches all the traits mentioned here. When he lost his close friend and associate, Shailendra and his “brother” Jaikishan, one after another, he did not allow his grief to depress him. He showed his mettle by remaining strong and totally focused on the numerous assignments on hand and, single handedly, completed them on time.
Who is a hero? He is one who is there to help another in various ways and give them strength to go on through life’s difficulties.
When Mukesh wanted to pursue a career in acting and couldn’t succeed in it and was struggling financially. Shankar wanted to help him out and had him sing, “Ye mera diwana pan hai” in Yahudi against Dilip Kumar’s objection. He composed music for his close friend, actor/producer Chandrashekhar, for a nominal rupee under the pseudonym Suraj to show his love for his pal. When write/producer/lyricist, Sudhakar Sharma approached him to compose music for his movie, Gori, Shankar immediately agreed to do so with a nominal fee of Re. 1. When others composers weren’t willing to compose the background music for the Films Division documentary “Everest,” he readily agreed to do so as a complimentary gesture to show his pride in the successful expedition for which the Government of India was going to honor him with a Padma Bhushan award. Shankar wanted the government to include Jaikishan in the honor. However, he was told that it cannot be done. So, the magnanimous Shankar settled for a Padma Shree along with his “Jai” which is an unheard of act. There are many more such instances when the composer went out of his way to be there for his near and dear.
Who is a hero? A person who feels a moral obligation to maintain his integrity regardless of how someone treats him.
Again, Shankar wins. At a time when his close associates betrayed him, the man that he was, Shankar never let that deter him from his work. He was a man of great resilience and continued to move on with his head held high. Never did he utter a negative word against the people who backstabbed him for his sentiments towards them did not allow him to. He was contented with the few loyal producers and directors who believed in him for his abilities to deliver the product.
Shankar was a man among men. He stood tall and kept the SJ flag fluttering against harsh winds of time. BRAVO, Shankar! You are a true hero!! Rest In Peace, Great One!!