New Delhi: ‘Swar kokila’ (the nightingale) or simply ‘Didi’ — these are some of the names associated with legendary vocalist Lata Mangeshkar, who breathed her last in Mumbai Sunday. Ever since she recorded her first song for the Marathi film ‘Kiti Hasaal’ in 1942, generations have loved and admired her unique silken voice.
Only the second vocalist after doyenne of Carnatic music M.S. Subbulakshmi to be conferred the Bharat Ratna (2001), Mangeshkar was also awarded the Legion of Honour, France’s highest civilian award, in 2009. Filmmaker Yash Chopra once said: “There can be no comparison between her and other Indian singers. Other singers follow music; in Lata’s case, music follows her.” The singer was 75 when she recorded the song ‘Tere liye’ for Chopra’s film Veer Zara. Despite her age, the finesse, control and range of her voice made her the undisputed queen of playback singing.
Here are some of her most iconic songs:
Zara si aahat: Written by Kaifi Azmi and composed by Madan Mohan, this song from the film Haqeeqat (1964) is one of the most memorable ones sung by Lata Mangeshkar. Her haunting voice, harkatein (vibrations) and ability to transcend from higher to lower ones gives this song character.
Lag ja gale: Another gem by Madan Mohan, written by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan for the film Woh Kaun Thi? (1964), this song is popular even among those who are not into old Bollywood music. Lata’s voice modulations and control over higher octaves is brilliant.
Piya tose naina laage re: Lyricist Shailendra wrote this song, S D Burman weaved it into music and Lata Mangeshkar breathed life into it for the film Guide (1965). The innocence in her voice makes the song sound delightful.
Is mod se jaate hain: The Gulzar-RD Burman-Lata trio has produced many beautiful songs. But this song from the film Aandhi (1975) is in the list for the beautiful variations Lata takes with utter perfection.
Bahon mein chale aao: This romantic song by the Lata-RD Burman duo for the film Anamika (1973), is another popular composition. Her voice in this song has a unique playfulness, proof of her versatility.
Ye kahan aa gaye hum: Javed Akhtar-Shiv Hari’s composition and Lata’s powerful vocals transformed this into a magical song, an ode to love and companionship, in the movie Silsila (1981).
Ye dil aur unki nigaahon ke saaye: This song from Prem Parbat (1973), composed by Jaidev in Raag Pahadi and written by Jan Nisar Akhtar, is another gem. The calming and mellifluous voice of Lata makes it a favourite.
Dil hoom hoom kare: This hauntingly beautiful song by Bhupen Hazarika and Gulzar for the film Rudaali (1993), is simply magical. The pauses, the high notes, the emotional depth in Lata’s voice immortalised this song.
Jiya jale: This A R Rahman song from the 1998 film Dil Se is easily one of the best of his career. The powerful Malayalam lyrics, softness of Lata’s voice and upbeat music makes it one of a kind.
Luka chuppi: This is easily one of the best songs based on the relationship between a mother and child. Heavily laden with emotion, the lyrics of this A R Rahman song from Rang de Basanti (2006), were enhanced by the tenderness of Lata’s voice.
(Edited by Gitanjali Das)
Also Read: ‘Meri awaaz hi pehchaan hai’ — Lata Mangeshkar, a voice that could move millions to tears