Blessed to be singer Mukesh's grandson: Neil

Jul 22, 2012 IANS

Mumbai, July 22 (IANS) Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh remembered legendary singer and grandfather Mukesh on his birth anniversary Sunday and says he feels blessed to be his grandson.

"Today is my grandfather Mukeshji's birth anniversary. Cannot tell you how blessed I am to be his grandson and my father's son. I pray to almighty that he bless me this way all my life to be born as their creation and shoulder the responsibility of being called Neil Nitin Mukesh," he tweeted.

Singer Mukesh was born in Ludhiana as Mukesh Chand Mathur, July 22, 1923. He was popular for being the voice of legendary actor Raj Kapoor and has sung some hit songs like "Sab kuch seekha humne", "Kisi ki muskuraahaton pe", "Kabhi kabhie mere dil mein", among others.

He died of a heart attack August 1976 in Detroit, where he had gone to perform at a concert.

"My surname is Mathur. But I choose to call myself by this name. My father started the tradition by keeping his name Nitin Mukesh. So that with him his father Mukeshji's, memories are kept alive," Neil further posted.

"I follow the footsteps to keep the memories of my father and grandfather alive through me. So I call myself Neil Nitin Mukesh. The weight on my shoulders is heavy, for their goodness, kindness and creativity is hard to match. I walk slow and steady to make sure they smile," said the 30-year-old.