Lata Mangeshkar
Can any one deny the fact? Are you even thinking of denying this title from the nightingale of India who has charmed the cinema world for 50 years? Can you even think of anyone else for the first 21 ranks of a possible 25 ranks? She is the best. Period. End of Story. Khatam. Khallas.
Lataji’s best ones are totally impossible to list in these 8000 words. She is a living monument. A living history. She is all Indian Playback singing. Neither a male nor a female can think of attaining the feats she has achieved, even if you take the entire world into consideration. End of story.
Some of my favorites are
“Yeh Zindagi usi ki hai”, “Yeh Kahan aa gaye hum”, ’’Hoton pe aisi baat’’, Ruke Ruke se kadam.’’, ’’ Yaara seeli seeli’’, ’’Solah Baras ki” ’’ Aa ja re”, ’’Hawa mein udta jaaye’’, ” Raja ki aayegi baaraat”, “Jaago mohan pyaare” et al
Asha Bhosle
At the twenty second rank is Lataji’s Laadli sister Asha. She along with her love of life Panchamda has done some wonders. Like Lataji, she has sung innumerous wonders. Kya aap sab bhool gayi hain kya, how she sung Tanha Tanha in Rangeela? She is definitely melodious and has the youngness of voice still. She is another great singer who has done wonders time and again
Her “Rahul & I” and other albums are great too.
Aage Bhi Jaane Naa Do, Piya tu, . Aao na, gale lagao na, Dil Cheez Kya, Chura Liya Hai Tumne, Raat Akeli Hai, Dum Maro Dum, Radha Kaise Na Jale, Yaai re, Kambakht Ishq
Shreya Ghosal
At number 23 is Shreya Ghosal who is a very new find.
She is a find of “Saregamapa” program and what a voice she has. She surely is good and has a long way to go All the best to her
Alka Yagnik
She has a cute voice and she is a good singer too. She has won innumerous awards during the romantic late 80s and early 90s period. She has lots to offer Her famous ones are
Mehendi Hai Rachne Waali, Taal Se Taal Mila, Aaye Ho Meri Zindagi, O Ri Chori,
Baahon ke Darmiyaan, Raja ko Rani Se, Mere Mehboob Mere Sanam, Aate Aate, Ghoonghat ki Aad Se
Sadhna Sargam
An upcoming star and an under-rated singer who learnt Hindustani classical singing. She has sweetness and a tone in her voice that is second to none. Sometimes her rendition is so soft that the music become insignificant.
Some of her goodies are
Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye, Pehla Nasha, Dil Mera ek Taara, Kunjom Mailnakkale, Snehidhane and the Saathiya equivalent songs in Maniratnam’s tamil movie are all good.