This time I am paying tribute to the greatest movie personality in India, Lata Mangeshkar. The lady who has served the industry for 6 decades. I won’t say much about her here, as my immediate next review is on her.
20. Hothon pe bas, teraa naam hai(Yeh Dillagi)
Music:? Actress: Kajol
A seventy year old Lata Mangeshkar singing for an actress, who was just entering the industry. To top that, it was a sensuous number where Kajol was wooing Saif Ali Khan.
19. Aa jaanejaan(Inteqam)
Music: Lakshmikant-Pyarelal Actress: Helen
When we talk of cabrets, the first name that we think of is Asha Bhonsle. But as Lataji has shown in this song, she is second to none no matter what kind of song is this. I have heard only this one cabret of Lataji.
18. Thaade rahiyo(Pakeezah)
Music: Ghulam Mohd. Actress: Meena Kumari
The great offering from one of the greatest actresses that we have seen. In this musical extravaganza, all Lata numbers are special and she has rendered quite a few nice muzras. The one that is close to my heart is th above mentioned one.
17. Rasika baalmaa(Chori Chori)
Music: Shanker-Jaikishen Actress: Nargis
From sensuous to cabret to muzras, lets get to the heart of semiclassical songs. Rasik Balmaa has been a favourite of the crtics, due to the sheer variety, variation in scale and the sincereity with which she sang this number.
16. Mayee ni mayee munder pe teri(Hum Aapke Hain Kaun)
Music: Ram Lakhan Actress: Madhuri Dixit
I often think that the songs of HAHK were made keeping Lataji in mind. Her voice even in the seventies fitted the songs so nicely! This movie is probably her best in last 15 years(I am keeping Yara Silisili of Lekin out.)
15. Kali kali raat re dil badaa sataye(Saiyaan)
Music: Sajjad Hussain Actress: Madhubala
Sajjad Hussain once commented, “Khuda ne Lataji ko banane ke baad, baki kissi ko kyun banaya?” Listen to this song once and you’ll know why he commented so…. There is hardly anything in this song in the form of music, orchestration or variation. Its simply Lataji’s dry voice that has done wonders.
14. Jaago, mohan pyaare jaago(Jaagte Raho)
Music: Shanker-Jaikishen Actress: Nargis
Have you seen the movie? If yes, then you can very easily relate the life that Lataji has put to her voice relating to the movie. The fearful night is over and the dawn of hope is emerging. It was a splendid song and a befitting last song of the greatest on screen couple of Indian cinema.
13. Pyaar kiyaa to darnaa kya(Mughal-e-aazam)
Music: Naushad Actress: Madhubala
Naushad is more wellknown for the gems that he has given for Rafi. But one must listen to the track of Mughal-e-azam to see the Naushad-Lata Chemistry. The fragrance of a rebel for love is what this song stands for.
12. Tum naa jaane kis jahaan mein kho gaye(Sazaa)
Music: SD Burman Actress: Nimmi
I believe this is the first film song of Saheer Ludhianvi. Again, the melancholy of Lata’s voice has done wonders in this song where a lover is searching and awaiting her beloved in a lonely night.
11. Aaja, aayee baahaar(Raajkumaar)
Music: Shanker-Jaikishen Actress: Saadhana
Now lets look at a more popular and slightly faster number. This song had very nice foot tapping music and a sense of freedom associated with this. The sheer pleasure of listening to this song is what puts it so high on my list.
10. Ajib daastaan hai yeh(Dil Aapna Preet Parayee)
Music: Shanker-Jaikishen Actress: Meena Kumari
The love of her life is married to someone else; and she is required to sing on this occasion. The actress puts her heart out with hidden words and Lata brings out the emotions perfectly to make it one of the greatest hits of all times.
9.Kahin deep jale kahin dil(Bees Saal Baad)
Music: Hemant Kumar Actress: Waheeda Rehmaan
It seems, this was the first song that Lataji recorded after a prolonged illness. And look at the voice… un believable. Simply the most haunting number ever created in Hindi films.
8. Kaanton se khinch ke yeh aanchal(Guide)
Music: SD Burman Actress: Waheed Rehmaan
Freedom has different meanings for different people. Rosy found her freedom with Raju Guide. at that moment what came out of her heart was captured in the voice of Lataji. This song itself gives so great feeling of freedom… Don’t believe it? Just hum it and you’ll know!
7. Yaaraa sili sili(Lekin)
Music: Hridayanath Mangeshkar Actress: Dimple Kapadia
Easily the best of Lata in last 20 years. The pitch and variation in her voice, till it goes very high and suddenly falls…. No other singer could have done justice to this song.
6. Aap ki nazron ne samjha(Anpadh)
Music: Madan Mohan Actress: Mala Sinha
The equation of Lata-Madan Mohan remains as one of the greatest in the film industry till date. This song is a perfect example of this equation. For many Lata fans, this tops the chart of all time favourites.
5. Aaja re pardeshi(Madhumati)
Music: Salil Chaudhury Actress: Vyajayanthimala
Another haunting melody from Bimal Roy’s masterpiece. The short line before the music begins, where you hear the raw voice of Lata makes you wonder, what is the need of music for such a talented singer!
4. Aayega aanewalaa(Mahal)
Music: Khemchand Prakash Actress: Madhubala
The song that propelled a young Lata Mangeshkar to the heights of success…. And why not? This was a perfect song with a perfect voice. The song is good enough, but the aalaap before the song begins(khaamosh hai zamaanaa, chup-chup hain sitaare….) that follows the entire octave and steps down gradually makes me listen to it again and again.
3. Phaili hui hai yeh sapnon ki baahein(House No. 44)
Music: SD Burman Actress: Kalpana Kartik
Some may wonder what is this song doing at such a high rank… In simple terms, this song makes me feel like flying with wings into a world unknown! So soothing, so simple, yet so much of impact!
2. Yeh zindagi ushiki hai(Anarkali)
Music: C Ramachandra Actress: Beena Roy
Another music director who had a great chemistry with Lataji was C Ramachandra, who has given several hits with her. Anarkali was probably his masterpiece. This song, which is playing at the background when the wall comes around Anarkali in the last scene is definitely their best. The song goes to a very high pitch “Alvidaa, alvidaa” as the grave gets complete. Its good enough to bring shivers.
1. Woh raat din woh shaam ki(Saiyaan)
Music: Sajjad Hussain Actress: Madhubala
My all time favourite song… Again, Saiyaan is the only movie from which I have included two songs. Why? Just listen to these songs and you’ll know. The first time when heard this number, I could not help but listen to this a continuous 20-25 times to the middle of the night. If any singer can put life in a song, then that’s surely Lataji!