गाए लता, गाए लता - Part 3 (non-Hindi)

Namaskaar. Thank you so much for appreciating the last 2 parts of "गाए लता, गाए लता" - my tribute to the legendary Lata Mangeshkar. In case you have missed to visit it, here are the links - गाए लता, गाए लता - Part 1 (Solo) and गाए लता, गाए लता - Part 2 (Duets).

This is the last part in the 3-part series in which I will cover Lata's songs in the Indian languages other than Hindi. I am going to present 13 of her best solo non-Hindi songs below - 5 Marathi, 3 Bengali and 1 each in Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Telugu and Tamil. Hope you will like these too. Please do leave a comment on the blog itself. Thank you again.

1) (আকাশ প্রদীপ জ্বলে) Akash Prodip Jole - Bengali Non-film (1956), Lyrics: Pabitra Mitra, Composer: Satinath Mukherjee

Apparently, this is Lata's first Bengali song! (or was it "Prem ekbari esechilo nirobe" composed by Hemant Kumar? I am not sure though) Lata sang over 200 songs in Bengali. According to Snehasis Chatterjee who has compiled 13 volumes of Lata Geetkosh, this number is 296! All of my Bengali friends have confirmed that Lata's pronunciation of Bengali words was 100% perfect, if you don't know her name, you may not be able to tell whether she was a Bengali or not, such was the perfection. In his article "Nightingale's tryst with Bengali music", the famous writer Ranjan Dasgupta recollects his conversation with Lata Mangeshkar, and I quote below a sentence from his above-mentioned article:

"She (Lata Mangeshkar) had once said,”My best Bengali songs are composed by Satinath Mukhopadhyay, Salil Chowdhury, and Hemant da (Hemanta Mukherjee). ‘Akash Pradip Jole’, ‘Saat Bhai Champa’, and ‘Jabar Bela’ are some of my best numbers.”"

You won't believe but my list of Lata's Bengali songs that I had compiled for this blog had all three songs mentioned above but had to leave out the last one due to the limit on no. of songs I would like to present.

While listening to Lata's Bengali songs, you may wonder which is sweeter - Lata's voice or Bengali language? I would say both complement each other to produce the real magic for the listeners. Enjoy the song. 

2) (আশার শ্রাবণ মানে না তো মন) Asharh Sraban Mane Na To Mon from Bengali film "Monihar" (1966), Lyrics: Mukul Dutt, Composer: Hemanta Mukherjee aka Hemant Kumar

Directed by Salil Sen, "Monihar" is a typical love triangle between elder brother Ajay (Soumitra Chatterjee), younger brother Arun (Biswajit Chatterjee) and Bandana (Sandhya Roy). Soumitra Chatterjee was to Bengali cinema what Amitabh Bachchan is to Hindi cinema. Excellent music by Hemant da, the movie had 11 songs out of which Lata sang 4 solo and 1 duet, all great songs. This particular song starts with a lambi taan of 17 seconds. Anyone who claims to be a good singer must try this lambi taan before staking the claim. Sitar and Tabla are major accompanying instruments in the composition as well as on screen.

3) (সাত ভাই চম্পা জাগোরে) Saat Bhai Champa Jagore - Bengali Non-film, Lyrics: Salil Chowdhury, Composer: Salil Chowdhury

This song is yet another sweet Bengali gem. It is one of the most popular songs till date. The composition looks modern (compared to Rabindra Sangeet) however it is still a classical based song. The tune is catchy, excellent use of Accordion, Violin and Tabla. The beat, if slowed down a little, would match the beat of the songs played in Garba - that's my thought, I may be wrong though.  You will love the fast rhythm and the happy mood the song creates. Here is an interesting thing - there is short 2 min. video of Pt. Ajay and Kaushiki Chakrabarti singing this song in one of the programmes that was telecast live on Akash TV many years back. You can watch it here - Pt. Ajay and Kaushiki Chakrabarti version. Enjoy the original song below.

4) (জোনাকাৰে ৰতি) Jonakare Rati from Assamese film "Era Bator Sur" (1956), Lyrics: Bhupen Hazarika, Composer: Bhupen Hazarika

Typical Assamese sweet song. It starts with humming in a haunting voice which was Lata's strength. We have witnessed many of her haunting melodies composed by Hemant Kumar such as "Kahin Deep Jale Kahin Dil", "Jhoom Jhoom Dhalti Raat", "Gumnam Hai Koi", "Mera Saaya Saath Hoga", etc. This song is no different. Great voice control. Use of Shehnai, Flute, Dholak and Cymbals is very soothing to ears. Hope you will like the song.

5) (ಬೆಳ್ಳನೆ ಬೆಳಗಾಯಿತು) Bellane Belagaayithu from Kannada film "Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna" (1967), Lyrics: Pundalika Dhuttharagi, Composer: Lakshman Berlekar

This song reminds me of extremely melodious songs from old Marathi films from 1950's. Typical set up of a village house, a fresh looking Gruhini (housewife) sweeping the courtyard, sprinkling the water thus creating a very pious environment. This song is apparently Lata's first Kannada song, the composition is inspired by the famous Hindi song "Jyoti Kalash Chhalke" composed by Sudhir Phadke for the film "Bhabhi Ki Chudiyan" (1961). Please listen to the very sweet Taan on the word "Chaluvaa..". The Thehrav of the song is amazing. Enjoy the song.

6) (માઝમ રાતે) Majham Raate - Gujarati Non-film, Lyrics: Venibhai Purohit, Composer: Purushottam Upadhyay

We have so far covered Lata's Bengali, Assamese and Kannada songs. Singing in a particular language requires the singer to adapt to the peculiarity of that culture, language and composition. And Lata has done so beautifully that you don't doubt if she belongs to that region/language. Even for this Gujarati song, listen to the typical Gujarati folk music that she has adapted to so well. Without the God's gift and her own efforts this would not have been possible, it's surely not as easy as she makes us to believe! Hope you like the song.

7) (నిదురపోరా తమ్ముడా) Nidurapora Thammuda from the Telugu film "Santhanam" (1955), Lyrics: Anisetti Subba Rao, Composer: Susarla Dakshinamurthy

This is the first of the few Telugu songs that Lata Mangeshkar recorded in her entire singing career. It is a soul-stirring lullaby a young girl is singing to make her younger brother sleep. Lata ji has given the meaningful lyrics an eternal life through her extraordinary rendition. This song is very popular till date amongst the Telugu speaking audience. 

8) (எந்தன் கண்ணாளன்) Enthan Kannaalan from the Tamil film "Vaana Ratham" (1956), Lyrics: Kambadasan, Composer: Naushad

"Udan Khatola" (1955) was an extremely popular Hindi film starring Dilip Kumar and Nimmi. It had some wonderful songs by Lata and Rafi, composed by the legendary composer Naushad. The film was dubbed in Tamil and released in 1956 as "Vaana Ratham". All the compositions from Hindi were reused in Tamil with the Tamil lyrics by Kambadasan. There is a good blog by Sriram V comparing the two films - Hindi and Tamil, in which he interestingly calls Lata's pronunciation of Tamil words as "abysmal" as P. Susheela's Hindi pronunciation!! The blog also gives links to all Hindi and Tamil songs from these 2 films. Anyways, let's just enjoy young Lata's voice and mastery once again. The creator of the following video has mentioned that he has mixed the video of Hindi film with the audio of Tamil song, so it is not synchronized, nevertheless, it is still very pleasing to ears.

Now, I am going to present last 5 songs from my mother tongue - Marathi. I normally listen to old Hindi songs, so Marathi songs is not my forte; however, these 5 songs have remained with me since my childhood, they all are real gems, very high in quality of music and delivery, by a team of extremely intelligent and talented artists. 

9) (ये जवळी घे जवळी) Ye Javali Ghe Javali from the Marathi fillm "Manasala Pankh Astat" (1961), Lyrics: V. S. Khandekar, Composer: Meena Mangeshkar (Khadikar)

The first one is a song composed by Lata's younger and talented sister Meena Mangeshkar-Khadikar. It was penned by the Jnanapeeth Award winner author Padma Bhushan Vishnu Sakharam Khandekar. The song depicts the feelings of an island who is alone in the huge sea around it. The island represents the downtrodden people in the society while the sea represents the well settled society. The original movie song can be watched here since it is not available to play outside YouTube. Given below is the video which is the reproduction of the same song by Lata ji during her rare program on Mumbai Doordarshan. It is always a great pleasure to see the legendary singers perform live. Whenever I have watched Lata Mangeshkar sing live, one thing that is prominently noticed is that there are zero or very minimal hand movements. Ordinary singers use their hand movements to assist their singing, but great singers do it through their vocal cords only! Also, do not miss Lataji's beautiful smile at 01:40 in the song. :-)

10) (अखेरचा हा तुला दंडवत) Akheracha Haa Tulaa Dandavat from the Marathi film "Maratha Tituka Melvava" (1964), Lyrics: Kavi Yogesh (Bhalaji Pendharkar), Composer: Anandghan (Lata Mangeshkar)

What is unique about this song is that it is penned by one of the greatest directors of Marathi movies - Bhalji Pendharkar, and is composed by the legendary Lata Mangeshkar herself under the name Anandghan (आनंदघन). The film is based on the Chhatrapati Shivaji era and highlights the contributions of common people towards the Swarajya movement spearheaded by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The song is picturized in the hilly areas and hence the composer has very intelligently used the echo in the song. Lataji's voice adds to the beauty of the song which was picturized on Jeevankala.

11) (नीज माझ्या नंदलाला) Neej Mazya Nandlala - Marathi Non-film (1970), Lyrics: Mangesh Padgavkar, Composer: Shriniwas Khale

One of the greatest lullaby's of all times. What a divine and extremely difficult composition by Khale saheb and rendered equally beautifully by Lata ji. One thing that strikes you in this song is the ठहराव of the composition. Khale saheb was such a genius, that in many of his songs, it is very difficult for the singer to keep pace with the लय and ताल. Enjoy this gem.

 

12) (तुम्ही रे दोन, दोनच माणसं) Tumhi Re Don Donach Manas from the Marathi film "Chaani" (1977), Lyrics: Aarati Prabhu, Composer: Hridaynath Mangeshkar

The famous director V. Shantaram had earlier worked with Prabhat Film Company, however, later formed his own film company viz. Rajkamal Kala Mandir. This particular film was produced by V. Shantaram himself. It was an extremely bold movie in those times. The story was about the hardship faced by the child born out of a wedlock between an Adivasi girl and a foreigner. Pt. Hridaynath Mangeshkar, as a composer, has done brilliant work in this film. The song has a different rhythm and beat than the normal songs, and the instruments seen on the screen are the same which are used to create the background music of the song. By 1977, Lataji's voice quality was no longer the same as was in early 1950's, and understandably so. Yet, she creates the magic by literally playing with the beat and the rhythm. Apart from this song, I also like the other one in the film viz. To Ek Rajaputra. Hope you will enjoy the song.

13) (मज सांग लक्ष्मणा जाऊ कुठे) Maj Saang Laxmana Jaau Kuthe - Marathi Non-film (Geet Ramayan) (1955), Lyrics: G. D. Madgulkar, Composer: Sudhir Phadke

Shriniwas Khale, Hridaynath Mangeshkar and Sudhir Phadke are the 3 composers without whom the Marathi music - be it film or non-film - is incomplete. The reason to add this song is that the songs from the famous Geet Ramayan (a collection of 55 songs depicting the entire story of the epic Ramayana) were originally sung by various singers; however, later when records/cassettes were published, all songs were sung by the composer Sudhir Phadke himself which were equally popular. Aakashvani have been playing original song recordings every year from the Ram Navmi day for next 10 days. Out of 55 songs, Lata had sung only one song, hence was tempted to include it as the last song in the series. It's a sad song, Lata, through her voice, has portrayed extreme pain and anguish that Seeta goes through when she was left in the jungle by Lakshman on the order from Ram. Hope you will like the song.

Thus, I conclude my tribute to the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar. Her songs will continue to be with us in every moment of our lives, her memories will be cherished always, and we will remain indebted to her till the end of our lives for the sheer pleasure she has given to us through her masterly songs. 

It's been a very emotional yet very fulfilling journey personally for me for last 2 weeks. Thank you for being with me in this journey. Please leave a comment in the blog and share further if you have liked it. Namaste.

गाए लता, गाए लता - Part 2 (Duets)

Namaskaar. I am extremely glad to share that the 1st part of गाए लता, गाए लता received a very good response! Thank you. Hope you liked the songs presented there. 

Today, I am going to present 10 of her best duet songs. From the ocean of Lata's songs, it was extremely difficult to pick up 10, I do not claim that these are The Best Duets, since it is very subjective, however in each of these songs, the quality of singing by both the singers is of very high class. 

Out of 10 duets, two are with Talat Mahmood while one each with Mukesh, Mohammad Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosale, Geeta Dutt, Hemant Kumar, Manna Dey and Sudhir Phadke. Yes, you will hear a Hindi duet of Lata with Sudhir Phadke!! Hope you would like all these songs.

1) Seene Mein Sulagate Hain Armaan from Tarana (1951), Co-singer: Talat Mahmood, Lyrics: Prem Dhawan, Composer: Anil Biswas

This song, in my view, is the best Hindi duet song ever made. It is picturized on the best on-screen couple of that era - Dilip Kumar and Madhubala. It is said that when Anil Biswas had composed this song, it was supposed to be a male solo song. But Lata heard about the divine composition, she wanted to sing it as well, so she expressed her wish to Anil da and the song was converted into a Duet! But, what a great justice both - Lata and Talat - have done to this song. Anil da must be given due credit for mentoring Talat and Lata. Tarana was a classic example of Anilda's genius as a composer. Particularly note how Lata sings the last stranza viz. "Ek Aisi Aag Lagi Man Mein" and the second line of it "Chup Hoon To Kaleja Jalta Hai", quite brilliant! Enjoy the song.

2) Bade Armanon Se Rakkha Hai Balam Teri Kasam from Malhar (1951), Co-singer: Mukesh, Lyrics: Indeevar, Composer: Roshan

There have been number of Mukesh-Lata songs from Raj Kapoor's films like Aah, Awara, Barsat, etc.; however, I chose to select this song since it is picturized on a new male actor Arjun and Shammi (who has played secondary roles in many films) and it is composed by Roshan. "Malhar" was the only film produced by Mukesh. Roshan had at least 10 Super hit movies against his name viz. "Bawre Nain", "Hum Log", "Naubahar", "Aji Bus Shukriya", "Barsat Ki Ek Raat", "Aarati", "Dil Hi To Hai", "Tajmahal", "Devar" and "Mamta". He was the favorite music composer of Ameen Sayani. He had orchestration like Shankar Jaikishan, Theka like Husnlal-Bhagatram and melody like S. D. Burman. "Na To Karawan Ki Talaash Hai" is still a very popular Kawwali. The peculiarity of this song is the short music pieces in each of the lines. Use of accordion and flute and the rhythm creates a happy mood. 

3) Ritu Aaye Ritu Jaaye Papihe from Hamdard (1953), Co-singer: Manna Dey, Lyrics: Prem Dhawan, Composer: Anil Biswas

This is not a song, but a Raag-Mala (series of Raags). It is composed in Raag Sarang, Malhar, Jogiya, Basant Bahar, and few more. Anil Biswas was the first music composer to introduce a Raag-Mala in Hindi films. 13 years later, Laxmikant-Pyarelal composed another Raag Mala in the film "Sau Saal Baad" (1966) in "Ek Ritu Aaye, Ek Ritu Jaaye" sung by Manna Dey and Lata. Another one that comes to my mind is from the Marathi Film "Suvasini" (1961) in which Sudhir Phadke had composed a song comprising of 4 Raags in 4 different stanzas, it was sung by the great Asha Bhosale. The song was "Jiwalaga Kadhi Re Yeshil Tu". 

The song being presented today is picturized on Shekhar and Nimmi. As such the duet songs are very difficult since it requires highest level of coordination amongst both the singers, you can imagine how difficult it would be to sing a purely classical duet. But the young Manna Dey and Lata have sung it so effortlessly, they sound so pure and sweet! Listen and appreciate the beauty of the song.

4) Dil Mein Sama Gaye Sajan from Sangdil (1952), Co-singer: Talat Mahmood, Lyrics: Rajendra Krishna, Composer: Sajjad Hussain

In my list of 10 best duets of Lata, there are 2 with Talat (the other one being presented at the start of this blog), which no one can ignore. Such is the finesse of both the singers, lyricists and composers, that one can only salute their work. The song starts with a prelude by Lata in her impeccable style, after which the song picks up its fast rhythm nicely composed with the use of Piano, Violin and rhythm instrument. The fast rhythm lasts until the end. The song is beautified further by very sweetly delivered Harkats by both Lata and Talat. E.g. listen to the Harkats on the word "Sama", "Hawa", etc. In the last stanza, Lata achieves the perfect beat (समेवर येणे). The off-screen chemistry between Dilip Kumar and Madhubala, that apparently started with the 1951 film "Tarana" is very much evident on screen as well, making the song a treat to watch.

5) Aa Mohabbat Ki Basti Basayenge Hum from Fareb (1953), Co-singer: Kishore Kumar, Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Composer: Anil Biswas

Kishore Kumar's singing career had started in 1946 at the young age of 17. By 1953, he had sung under number of leading music composers of that time like S. D. Burman, Khemchand Prakash, O. P. Nayyar, Husnlal Bhagatram, etc. In 1953, for the first time, Anil Biswas called him for his film "Fareb", and gave him 2 solos ("Mere Sukh Dukh Ka Sansar" and "Husn Bhi Hai Udas Udas") and 1 duet with Lata. All were skeptical including Lata about whether Kishore Kumar will be able sing such serious songs, but Anil Biswas had full faith in his choice. And Kishore Kumar did not disappoint. Btw, Kishore Kumar was also the main lead actor of the film along with Shakuntala Paranjape! In this particular song, you will experience the magic of Kishore and Lata. Enjoy.

6) Dil Leke Dil Diya Hai Ehsan Kya Kiya Hai from Stage (1951), Co-singer: Mohammad Rafi, Lyrics: Sarshar Sailani, Composer: Husnlal Bhagatram

This is wonderful duet by the two greats - Rafi and Lata. Composed by Husnlal Bhagatram in their typical style using Punjabi Theka. I have written in detail about Husnlal-Bhagatram which you are read here.  Husnlal-Bhagatram had composed more than 15 duets for Rafi and Lata viz. "Sun Mere Sajana Re" (Aansoo 1953), "Mahi O Mahi O Dupatta Mera Dai De" (Meena Bazar 1950), "Humein Duniya Ko Dil Ke Dard" (Aadhi Raat 1950), "Zara Tumne Dekha To Pyaar Aa Gaya" (Jal Tarang 1949), "Chhota Sa Fasana Hai Tere Mere Pyaar Ka" (Birha Ki Raat 1950) and so on. All of them are so good that it is difficult to choose one of them. Hope you like this song.

7) Ye Ruki Ruki Hawayein from Daman (1951), Co-singer: Asha Bhosale, Lyrics: Raja Mehdi Ali Khan, Composer: K. Datta (Datta Korgaonkar)

This is the first ever duet for two of the greatest female singers the Hindi Film industry has ever produced! Asha Bhosale sounds so different and raw at the beginning of her career that it was unbelievable to see the magical transformation she brought in her singing over next 50 years. In this song, while Lata sings the sad version, Asha is given the lighter version. Together they sound mesmerizing. 

8) Kismat Ka Nahin Dosh Baware from Sajni (1956), Co-singer: Sudhir Phadke, Lyrics: Pt. Narendra Sharma, Composer: Sudhir Phadke

I am sure that many of you would not have thought that Sudhir Phadke would have composed for Hindi films, or even if he would have, he would not have sung a duet with Lata, but guess what, this is true!! You would be surprised to know that Sudhir Phadke has composed for around 10 Hindi films viz. "Gokul" (1946), "Aage Badho" (1947), "Malti Madhav" (1951), "Murliwala" (1951), "Pehli Taarikh" (1954), "Ratna Ghar" (1954), "Sajni" (1956), "Gokul Ka Chor" (1959), "Bhabhi Ki Chudiya" (1961), "Pyar Ki Jeet" (1962) and "Veer Savarkar" (2001). This particular song is a male voice prominent song, Lata joins Sudhir Phadke only for singing the Mukhada yet she creates a wonderful impact. Enjoy this extremely rare song.

Here is another surprise - please listen below to the short audio commentary (32 seconds only) about the song. Hope you will like this too.

Sajni Song Audio Commentary: 

9) Ankhiyan Bhool Gayi Hai Sona from Gunj Uthi Shehnai (1959), Co-singer: Geeta Dutt, Lyrics: Bharat Vyas, Composer: Vasant Desai

This one again is a rare song in the sense that there are not many duets of Lata Mangeshkar and Geeta Dutt. Composer Vasant Desai is known for his music for the films such as "Dahej" (1950), "Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje" (1955), "Toofan Aur Diya" (1956), "Do Aankhen Barah Haath" (1957) and "Guddi" (1971); however, "Gunj Uthi Shehnai" happens to be his best and most popular film. The song being presented here was picturized on Ameeta (female lead) and Jeevankala (her friend). Geeta Dutt sings for Jeevankala while Lata sings for Ameeta. In this song, Geeta Dutt matches Lata's golden voice with her spontaneity. Listen carefully to Geeta Dutt's delivery of words like 'Sona', 'Jaadutona', etc. Amazing voice throw! 

"Gunj Uthi Shehnai" story was written by well-known Marathi poet G. D. Madgulkar. Surprisingly, Prem Dhawan - who was a famour Hindi Film lyricist - has choreographed this movie and also played a small role in the movie. The legendary Ustad Bismillah Khan's shehnai is a treat for the ears. Enjoy the song.

10) Sanwale Salone Aaye Din Bahar Ke from Ek Hi Rasta (1956), Co-singer: Hemant Kumar, Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Composer: Hemant Kumar

This is the last song in this part. There have been so many great duets by Lata and Hemant Kumar; however, the reason I chose this one is because it is different - it has Sunil Dutt and Meena Kumari in the lead - a rare combination. Secondly, Hemant Kumar has amply used mouthorgan which as per my knowledge very few music directors like S. D. Burman, R. D. Burman have done. Thirdly, you will see a double bicycle in the song, which must have been a rare view in 1950's. And lastly, you don't see many happy songs of Meena Kumari :-). Lata's sharp voice compliments nicely with Hemant Da's low pitch haunting voice.

That was Lata Mangeshkar for you! Hope you liked all the songs. Do leave a comment please. Thank you and have a great time.

गाए लता, गाए लता - Part 1 (Solo)

Namaskaar. Tomorrow, i.e., on 6th Feb 2023, it will be exactly a year since Lata Mangeshkar left for heavenly abode. The whole year has gone by, but not a single day without Lata's songs. Such is the magic and treasure she has left behind for millions of her fans. Her songs have accompanied us in every mood of our life - happy or sad, cheerful or frustrated, angry or calm, excited or bored. 

I would like to pay homage to her memory by presenting some of her best songs in a 3-part series (Part 1 - Solo, Part 2 - Duets and Part 3 - non-Hindi). 

This is how I remember Lata! 

Part 1

To begin with, let's look at what some of the legends have said about Lata.

Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan: "Kambakht she never sings tuneless or unmusical"

Sajjad Hussain: "Only Lata and Noorjehan are the real singers, rest all are secondary"

S. D. Burman: "When we have original Lata with us, why should we rely on a duplicate?"

O. P. Nayyar: "To not acknowledge the greatness of her (Lata's) singing is like not acknowledging the power of the Sun, it is only Lata who can sing a melody"

In this part, I would be presenting 12 of her best solo songs. I am thankful to my cousin brother - Shridhar Kulkarni from Belgaum (who is also a good classical singer himself) - for helping me identifying the Raag of many of the songs. All photos are from the internet while videos are courtesy YouTube.

Hope you would like the songs. Please leave a comment. Thanks.

1) Gaaye Lata, Gaaye Lata from Daman (1951), Lyrics: Raja Mehndi Ali Khan, Composer: K. Datta

Datta Korgaonkar was one of the leading music directors of his times. He had mainly worked with Noorjehan, however he gave Lata some of his best compositions. Many of the songs that Lata sang in early '50s were tragedy songs, this one comes as a surprise as it creates a happy mood.

2) Dard Ki Yeh Raat Gujar Jaa from Baghi (1953), Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri, Composer: Madan Mohan

The film "Baghi" (1953) was based on a story from Arabastan. The film contained 5 songs of Lata. Madan Mohan, who was considered to be the king of Ghazal compositions, surprises us with a completely different genre in this song which was based on Arabian music with Mandolin as a major. Lata's rendition touches the heart, particularly the way she pronounces the word "Betaab" in the line "Ai Dil-e-Betaab Thahar Jaa".

3) Bedard Tere Dard Ko Seene Se Laga Ke from Padmini (1948), Lyrics: Wali Saheb, Composer: Ghulam Haider

This is one of the very early songs in her career. We often hear Lata-Ghulam Haider's "Dil Mera Toda" song from the film "Majboor" (1948) on the Radio. Master Ghulam Haider had called Lata for the recording this song; however, he was so busy with other recording that he forgot about Lata. She had to wait for 8 hours before she finally recorded the song. This is the last recorded song of Master Ghulam Haider in India since he went to Pakistan after partition. Listen to the young Lata and her sharp yet melodious voice.

4) Toote Hue Armanon Ki from Lahore (1949), Lyrics: Rajendra Krishna, Composer: Shyamsundar

This 1949 film Lahore was based on the pains of partition. Shyamsundar had composed 10 songs for this film out of which Lata sung 4 solo songs. "Baharein Phir Bhi Aayengi" is an all-time hit. "Ik Aans Bandhaye Jaati Hai", and "Toote Huye Armanon Ki Ik Duniya Basaye" are other two wonderful songs. In this particular song, please listen carefully its prelude music and words. The song is based on Raag Shivranjani. Nargis' act and Lata's voice are perfect match.

5) Dheere Se Aajaa Ri Ankhiyan Mein from Albela (1951), Lyrics: Rajendra Krishna, Composer: C. Ramchandra

The greatest Lori (lullaby) ever composed in a Hindi film. It is composed in Raag Mishra Pilu. Another one equally great Lori that comes to my mind is in Marathi "नीज माझ्या नंदलाला" by the great Shriniwas Khale saheb. Master Bhagwan, Rajendra Krishna and C. Ramchandra created a magic in Albela. All of its songs are still very popular with the audience. C. Ramchandra composed yet another gem for Lata in "Shin Shina Ki Bubla Bu" (1951) viz. "Tum Kya Jaano Tumhari Yaad Mein Hum Kitna Roye".

6) Mujhe Kisi Se Pyaar Ho Gaya from Barsaat (1949), Lyrics: Jalal Malihabadi, Composer: Shankar Jaikishan

The young duo of Shankar and Jaikishan produced the sheer excellence in their first film Barsaat (1949) with Raj Kapoor. Out of 10 songs, Lata has sung 7 solos and 2 duets with Mukesh. It is said that the recording of the songs used to happen late at night, after which the entire crew used to go for a Chai to a nearby Tapari. Barsaat created history and gave name and fame to Shankar, Jaikishan, Lata, Rajendra Krishna and Shailendra. What a team it was! Enjoy the extremely melodious song composed in Raag Bhairavi and picturized on Nargis.

7) Jaanewaale Se Mulaqaat Na Hone Paayi from Amar (1954), Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni, Composer: Naushad

I consider this as one of the 3 best composition of Naushad for Lata, the other two being - "Tod Diya Dil Mera" from Andaz (1949) and "Haal-e-Dil Main Kya Kahoon" from Udan Khatola (1955). The song is composed in Raag Shuddha Kalyan and picturized on my favorite Madhubala. The use of Shehnai at the beginning of the song to depict the pains of the character shows the skill of the composer. The entire song has been sung by Lata with amazing ठहराव (voice control in crude terms). Watch and listen to this wonderful song.

8) Ai Dilruba Nazarein Mila from Rustom Sohrab (1963), Lyrics: Jan Nisar Akhtar, Composer: Sajjad Hussain

Sajjad was a genius, extremely talented composer yet very temperamental. He was a perfectionist. Yet, he used to praise Lata for her singing prowess like no one has done, and it meant a lot to her. This song is from the 1963 film Rustom Sohrab based on the poem by the same name by Persian poet Firdausi. Sajjad has used the Persian style of music so effectively that the song leaves a long-lasting impact on you even hours after you watch/listen to it. In my opinion, this is the best song Lata has ever sung. So difficult, yet so melodious. Hats off to the Lyricist, Composer and Singer for awarding us with this gem. 

9) Haye Re Woh Din Kyon Naa Aaye from Anuradha (1960), Lyrics: Shailendra, Composer: Pt. Ravishankar

(L to R): Ali Akbar Khan (Sitarist) 
Lata, and Pt. Ravishankar

The world-famous Sitar Maestro - Pandit Ravishankar - has composed for very few films in Hindi. Anuradha released in 1960 happens to be his best film ever. The song is composed in Raag Janasammohini. The film is about the life of a Doctor (played by Balraj Sahni), his wife (played by Leela Naidu) and son. The Doctor is always engrossed in his work, considers his profession as noble one and likes to serve poor people, so much so, that he neglects his family, particularly his wife. The song penned by Shailendra correctly depicts the her plight. Lata has poured her soul in this song and hence brings tears to our eyes.  

10) Apni Apni Kismat Hai from Wafa (1950), Lyrics: Aziz Kashmiri, Composer: Vinod

Vinod was one of the few composers who never made it big in spite of having the qualities. He composed around 200 songs in 27 Hindi films in his lifetime. However, credit goes to him for giving Lata some of his wonderful compositions. This particular song is considered to be his best. Lata produces sheer quality in her rendering specially in the stanzas. 

11) Zulmi Sang Aankh Ladi from Madhumati (1958), Lyrics: Shailendra, Composer: Salil Chaudhary

This is my favorite song from Madhumati (1958). Picturized on beautiful Vaijayantimala. Salil Chaudhary has used the folk music to the greatest effect. This is one more Lata song in happy mood. And what a composition! Picturization, Vaijayantimala's act, Chorus, Music and Lata's voice everything looks so perfect. The use of chorus is pleasing and does not in any way interrupts the flow and beauty of the song. The use of Flute is very prominent. Listen to the sweet harkat by Lata on the words like Kaisi.

12) Tumhare Bulane Ko Jee Chahata Hai from Ladli (1949), Lyrics: Behzad Lakhnavi, Composer: Anil Biswas

Anil Biswas ruled the Hindi film industry from late 30's to early 50's and has given us some of the greatest melodies of all time. He was the one who taught Lata the breathing technique when standing in front of the microphone. With films like Gajre (1948), Anokha Pyar (1948), Ladli (1949), Jeet (1949), Girls' School (1949), Beqasoor (1950), Arzoo (1950), Lajawab (1950), Tarana (1951), Do Sitare (1951), Aaram (1951), Do Raha (1952), Fareb (1953), Waris (1954) and Naaz (1954), Anil Biswas and Lata duo enthralled the audience for years with their melodious sweet songs. 

Lata has already achieved immortality through her songs. Let's remember the legendary artist on her first death anniversary and salute her work.

Hope you liked the songs. Please leave a comment. Thanks.