Twenty best songs of Lata-didi? Let's look at it this way: one song per category? that beats twenty; one song per major Music Director? easily beats twenty; good songs in 1960s/1970s/1980s? still, beats twenty. This one person has done it all, in many languages, different types of music; you name it and she's done it - and done it in style!
The task, then, is impossible, but here is my humble try. I know I've missed this and that song. People have drawn lists of hundred great Lata songs, and still have missed a few that I would pick up in 10! The sheer magnitude of her work is so huge, and so is the magnitude of her quality work.
I've been a little partial to some offbeat songs, as I think they don't get enough credit as it is. Naturally, I've dropped a few well-known masterpieces. Here I go:
1 Uthaaye Jaa Unke Sitam(Naushad - Andaaz)
Sublime, divine, classy. If only words could describe something like this!
2 Saajan Ki Galiyan(Shyam Sundar - Baazar)
Very early Lata; very different style, maybe influence of the era. But still, the raw talent makes its mark. Very offbeat song, early in her career; the genius in the making, or already there?
3 Tum Na Jaane Kis Jahan Me(S.D. Burman - Sazaa)
Uff. This song has some nostalgic ingredient. It just take you away from your present, away from yourself.
4 Hum Pyar Me Jalne Walon Ko(Madan Mohan - Jailor)
Another song that I cannot describe in words. It does something to me is all I know.
5 Ruth Ke Tum To Chal Diye(Anil Biswas - Jalti Nishani)
Anil Biswas, the eccentric genius, was also known for his difficult to sing compositions. This one is ranked low, just because I don't know how to reorganize this list! A terrific song, not so well known.
6 O Sajana(Salil - Parakh)
A simple, lucid song, that's for once a pleasure to watch too. Sadhana has never looked so good. Everything about this song is so right!
7 Kuch Dil Ne Kaha(Hemant - Anupama)
Listening to this song is like living a dream. This Salil-da's gem is one of the most delicate, fragile songs that I've come across.
8 Raaton Ke Saaye Ghane(Salil - Annadata)
Another Salil-da's gem. It's not a just a coincidence, that most of the music directors have written best of their songs for Lata. Probably they believe that however difficult composition they come up with, Lata is going to sing it. This song is a perfect example of that. A * very* offbeat song, from an otherwise utterly forgettable movie.
9 Phaili Hui Hai Sapano Ki Baahen(S.D. Burman - House Number 44)
Romantic melody, that is paced so well. A mood enhancer, this song is.
10 Jarasi Aahat Hoti Hai(Madan Mohan - Haquiquat)
Kahin yeh woh to nahi. How do you describe lucid dreams?
11 Rasik Balama(Chori Chori - SJ)
Who can forget this haunting song? Another difficult song, exploiting the range that one and only Lata could deliver.
12 Unko Yeh Shikaayat Hai(Madan Mohan - Adalat)
Well, Madan Mohan and Lata is a golden combo. This song from Adalat has all the'gham' packed into it, and without resorting to melodrama. Again, it's hard to conceive anyone else singing this one.
13 Seene Me Sulagate(Anil Biswas - Taraana)
This duet with Talat is another romantic melody that I can listen to again and again. Kuch Aakh me aansoo baki hai jo. Lata and only Lata can do that.
14 Lag Ja Gale(Madan Mohan - Woh Kaun Thi)
Well, I better stop this ranking business. Another romantic classic.
15 Woh Chup Rahe To(Madan Mohan - Jahan Aara)
The versitility. The controlled and yet powerful delivery. Another offbeat composition. A rope-walk done with masterly precision, and ease.
16 Mohe Bhool Gaye Saawariyaan(Naushad - Baiju Bawara)
Another prowess of the goddess(what else?). Classical compositions.
17 Jyoti Kalash Chalake(Sudhir Phadke - Bhabhi Ki Chudiyan)
A little known composer(outside Maharashtra), Sudhir Phadke, has given this one gem of a song(which isn't a surprise for people who are acquainted with Marathi music scene). A spiritual experience.
18 Aisa Sama Na Hota(Bappi Lahiri - Toote Khilone)
What, Bappi Lahiri! Again, the best song has to be written for Lata! This is very Bappi-unlikely song, except for the pace. Hurricane of a song. Surprisingly not many have heard this one(and thankfully, very few have seen this one. don't).
18 Tumse Bichadke Chain Kahan(Madan Mohan - Maharaja)
Hmmm. Madan Mohan, again. This is another strikingly original tune, and not to mention a very difficult to render. Surprisingly less known, again. Maybe too daringly different.
19 Betab Dil Ki(Madan Mohan - Haste Jakhm)
I can fill the list with more Lata-Madan Mohan combo songs. Another example of Lata's measured emphasis on words.
20 Dikhayi Diye Yun(Khaiyaam - Bazaar)
While we're talking about the words, this is a great Ghazal rendition - beautiful words, subtle meaning. You can get lost.
I've already come to twenty. so here are few songs, I cannot but not mention!
Rahe Na Rahe Hum(Roshan - Mamta)
Na Jaane Kyun(Salil - Rajanigandha)
Ai Dile Nadaan(Khaiyam - Raziya Sultan)
Chaand Phir Nikala(S.D.Burman - Paying Guest)
Dil To Hai Dil(Kalyanji, Anandji - Muqaddar Ka Sikandar)
Ruke Ruke Se Kadam(Madan Mohan - Mausam)
Yun Hasaraton Ke Daag(Madan Mohan - Adaalat).
Gham Ka Khazana(Jagjit, Sajda(Non-Filmi)
Hum Hai Mataye Kucha-o-bazaar Ki Tarah(Madan Mohan - Dastak)
I can write volumes. But I gotta stop somewhere.
