Melody Queen Lata Mangeshkar passed away earlier today at the age of 92. She leaves us all silent, at a loss for words and yes… for musicaholics, bereft of an evergreen voice. Her vocal range extended over three octaves and she lent her voice to leading onscreen ladies. Among her last commercial recording were tracks for Veer Zara.
Her last two recorded music include a Gayatri Mantra for the Isha Ambani-Anand Piramal wedding in 2019. Later the year, she recorded a song as a tribute to the Indian Army. “I was listening to PM Modi’s speech a few days ago. He said some lines which struck a chord and were deeply moving. And today I offer it as my tribute to Indian soldiers and to every Indian. Jai Hind,” was her prelude to the music video, based on Modi’s slogan Saugandh Mujhe is Mitti Ki.
Known fondly as the “Nightingale of India”, Lata Mangeshkar won several awards and accolades for her melodious voice. She was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 2001. With three National Film Awards, 15 Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Awards, four Filmfare Best Female Playback Awards, two Filmfare Special Awards, and a Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, Lata Mangeshkar remains one of the most celebrated playback singers in Bollywood.
Among the ICONIC songs by the Nightingale:
1) Lag jaa gale (Film: Who Kaun Thi?)
One of the finest pieces by Madan Mohan, the song is known as much for Mohan’s brilliance as it is for the soulful voice. Didi’s voice soars through those top notes and descends with equal ease.
2) Tujhe Dekha Toh Yeh Jana (Film: Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge)
This song is an unforgettable one. A duet by Kumar Sanu and Lata Mangeshkar, the number was an instant hit, when DDLJ released. Who knew, that this song and the movie will both become evergreen pieces of cinematic art?
3) Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (Film: K3G)
Starring A-listers Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Hrithik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor, this movie was a massive hit. The title track sung was by Lataji, and not surprisingly, it is soul-stirring.
4) Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein (Film: Ajnabee)
The score and soundtrack for Ajnabee, starring Rajesh Khanna and Zeenat Aman, was composed by R. D. Burman and lyrics were written by Anand Bakshi.
5) Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna (Film: Guide)
Based on RK Narayan’s novel of the same name, Guide is the story of smooth-talking tourist guide Raju. The movie’s chart-buster was the song Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna. Penned by Shailendra and composed by S.D. Burman, it turned out to be a cult classic.
6) Humko Humise Chura Lo (Film: Mohabattein)
Another beautiful romantic track by Lata Mangeshkar and Udit Narayan, Humko Humise Chura Lo dates back to the 2000 release, Mohabattein. The song is picturized on Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai and is an ode to “together forever.”
7) Tere Bina Zindagi Se (Film: Aandhi)
“Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa To Nahin” was written by none other than famous lyricist Gulzar and composed by R.D. Burman. The film featured Suchitra Sen and Sanjeev Kumar.
8) Pyar Hua Iqrar Hua (Film: Shree 420)
The timeless song has been sung by Manna Dey and Lata Mangeshkar. The 1955 comedy-drama, produced and directed by Raj Kapoor, had Nargis, Nadira and Kapoor essaying the lead roles. The music was composed by the team of Shankar-Jaikishan, and the lyrics were penned by Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri.
9) Didi Tera Devar Deewana (Film: Hum Apke Hain Kaun)
The one, a duet in tango with S.P. Balasubramaniam, went on to become an anthem at most Indian weddings. The music was scored by Raam-Laxman, while lyrics were written by Dev Kohli in this evergreen 1994 release.
10) Sawan Ka Mahina (Film: Milan)
The 1967 film was directed by Adurthi Subba Rao starred Nutan and Sunil Dutt in lead roles. The award-winning and very popular music was composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal.
Read Also: Remembering ‘Swara Kokila’ Lata Mangeshkar
Khamoshi toh nahin hai. Unki awaaz amar hai.