The Best of the Melody Queen's songs. Review on Twenty Best Songs of Lata Mangeshkar

Lata Mangeshkar is India’s greatest singer, known as the Melody queen. Born on September 28, 1929, Lataji started her career in 1942 and has sung filmi and non-film songs in more than 20 languages. Known for her mastery over music, this legendary singer is respected by Indians as the incarnation of the Goddess of music Saraswati.

Lata Mangeshkar has a special place in the history of Indian film music. There is no doubt that each of her songs is a gem and will be remembered by many generations to come. On the occasion of her 80th birthday, here’s a selection of twenty of her great songs. I know it is difficult to select 20, but these are twenty of my favourite songs of Lataji (with youtube links provided).

1. Aayega Aanewala is one of the first major hits of Lataji. From the 1949 movie Mahal, the music is by Khemchand Prakash. You can visualise the ethereal beauty of Madhubala in this song. An interesting feature was that Lata sang away from the mike and then moved closer to the mike while singing to give the effect of an approaching Madhubala. https://youtube.com/watch?v=03DXW_rV54U

2.Vande Mataram from the 1952 movie Anand Math is of course our national song by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. Hemant Kumar’s music and Lataji’s voice truly makes you remember the freedom struggle and fills your heart with love for our great nation. https://youtube.com/watch?v=xj1Iy4nRMkc

1. Rasik Balma from the 1956 movie Chori Chorihas music by Shankar-Jaikishan. It is said that when producer Mehboob Khan was ill, he asked Lataji to sing this song for me and that by itself helped him to treat his fever. https://youtube.com/watch?v=YaZK0XvDTvI

1. Panchi Banoo Udti Phiro is another super song from the 1956 movie Chori Chori, music by Shankar-Jaikishan. This lilting song captures the essence of a free bird soaring in the sky. https://youtube.com/watch?v=_Yi5fpPmMH8

   
   




2. Aaje Re Pardesifrom the 1958 hit movie Madhumatiis one of Lata’s favourite songs. Music by the genius Salil Chowdhury helped Lata to win her first filmfare award for this melodious song. https://youtube.com/watch?v=83TdsFUy3lQ

   
   




3. Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya is an all-time great classic from the 1960 mega movie Mughal-E-Azam. The music by Naushad transports you to the grandeur or Akbar’s darbar. https://youtube.com/watch?v=plsRqFDk-2A

   
   




4. Woh Bhooli Dastanis a haunting song from the 1961 movie Sanjog. The music is by Lata’s favourite musician Madan Mohan. https://youtube.com/watch?v=CusmKbiv5Q4

   
   




5. Kahin Deep Jale Kahin Dil is another haunting melody, from the 1962 film Bees Saal Baad, with music by Hemath Kumar. Lataji was very ill before this song recording but managed an impressive performance. https://youtube.com/watch?v=fy_55626GyU

   
   




6. Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon is a non-film song with music by C Ramchandra and written by Pradeep. This song was sung in 1962 in the backdrop of the China war and the song moved Pandit Nehru to tears. Even today this song is used to remind us of the bravery of our armed forces. https://youtube.com/watch?v=LyAhYbwUr2U

   
   




7. Lag Ja Gale Ke from the 1964 movie Woh Kaun Thiis another gem by Madan Mohan. This romantic song is one of my favourites. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ym8lVlXw_lc

   
   




8. Hothon Pe Aisi Baat is a great song from the 1967 movie Jewel Thief. Lata’s voice, music by S D Burman and the dance by Vyjayanthimala made this song a super hit. https://youtube.com/watch?v=x92K2mUeYZ0

   
   




9. Kora Kagaz Tha Yeh Man Merafrom the 1969 super hit movie Aradhanahas music by S D Burman. Lata’s duet with Kishore is truly one of the greatest duets of Hindi film music. Lata and Kishore’s voices blend together amazingly. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ql1-jjEPErw

   
   




10. Aa Jaane Ja from the 1969 movie Inteqamis a rare cabaret song by Lata. Laxmikant-Pyarelal composed the music specially for Lata making this a hit. https://youtube.com/watch?v=mh1PhljB688

    
    

14.Bahon Me Chale Aao from the 1973 movie Anamikahas music by R D Burman. Lataji has sung this sensuous song brilliantly. https://youtube.com/watch?v=5yWNcp4_OMU

1. Mere Naina Sawan Bhadon from the 1976 movie Mehboobais a R D Burman special which is sung by Lata and Kishore separately. Other similar songs are Agar Tum Na Hote, Rimjhim Gire Sawan which have two versions by Lata and Kishore. https://youtube.com/watch?v=OlzqV_GaEAM

   
   




2. Satyam Shivam Sundaram from the 1978 movie by the same name has music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Lataji has had a special relation with Raj Kapoor and RK made this movie keeping Lata’s life as a background. More than a movie song, this song sounds like a bhajan as Lata’s voice drips with devotion. https://youtube.com/watch?v=zRqzqsphmRY&feature=related

   
   




3. Toone O Rangeele from the 1980 movie Kudratwith music by R D Burman is a melodious song by Lataji. https://youtube.com/watch?v=GHFtJBaIIVM&feature=PlayList&p=90CBD0CC31E3FB55&pla
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4. Sun Saiba Sun from the 1985 movie Ram Teri Ganga Maili is a lilting song with music by Ravindra Jain and is a special song sung for the RK banner by Lata. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ye2ufyRxb1E

   
   




5. When Hindi film music seemed to be on a decline, the song Dil Deewana from the 1989 superhit movie Maine Pyar Kiya brought melody back to the music industry. Raam-Laxman’s music resurrected Lataji’s career and made her change her decision to retire. https://youtube.com/watch?v=32tNhs2Vk8U

   
   




6. Yara Seeli Seeli from the 1990 movie Lekinhas music by Lata’s brother Hridaynath Mangeshkar. Listen to the ease with which Lata handles the high notes. A truly great classical based song. https://youtube.com/watch?v=G7dn5RZjEYk

   
   

Hoped you liked this review. Please do share your favourites from this list and also your Lata favourites, not on this list.