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.