Being asked to choose the best Lata Mangeshkar song is a difficult, nay an impossible task. Not surprising, if you consider that she had sung 5,025 Hindi songs besides 35 other Indian languages and a few foreign languages. Her first released Marathi song was Natali Chaitraachi Navalaai in the Marathi film Pahili Mangalaa-gaur (1942) and her last recorded number Saugandh Mujhe Is Mitti Ki was released in 2019. So narrowing down 77 years of her working career to 12 of her best numbers is somewhat daunting. Suffice it to say that there is a number to suit every mood and emotion as well with singers and composers from several generations. Team Viva attempts to do the impossible.
Lag Ja Gale: The gem by Madan Mohan, written by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan for Woh Kaun Thi? (1964), gives a peek into her brilliant modulations and control over higher octaves. If love and longing had a song, this is certainly it.
Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai: Lataji’s voice bubbles and rises like an irreverent cloud. If breaking from the past, making your own path could be summed up, this number from Guide (1965) put to tune by S D Burman and penned by Shailendra is the one.
Aayega Aanewala: Her first hit from the film, Mahal (1949), with music by Khemchand Prakash and lyrics Nakshab Jaarchavi. Don’t miss how each rendition of aayega is different from the other.
Piya Tose Naina Laage Re: Guide certainly added a particular sparkle to her shining career. Shailendra’s lyrics and S D Burman wove magic into the song which personifies the heady rush of first love.
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.
Luka Chuppi: Another number on Waheeda Rehman, but this time not as a lover but a mother. As soon as the news of Lataji’s passing away was confirmed, this song trending on Twitter was adequate proof of its continued popularity. Who cannot feel the depth of emotions in her voice in this A R Rahman number from Rang de Basanti (2006)?
Jiya Jale: Lataji and Rahman had earlier created magic in this song from the Dil Se (1998). The emphatic Malayalam lyrics contrast with the softness of her voice making the song unique and memorable.
Ajeeb Dastan Hai Ye: Don’t you find yourself humming the song when faced with the twists and turns of life? Written by Shailendra and put to tune by Shankar Jaikishan for the film Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai, Lataji’s rendition conveys the quiet stoicism of the character.
Dil Hoom Hoom Kare: This song by Bhupen Hazarika and Gulzar for Rudaali (1993) is magic. The pauses, the high notes, the emotional depth in Lataji’s voice immortalised this song.
Aye Dil-e-Nadan: Kamal Amrohi’s magnum opus Razia Sultan (1983) might have tanked at the box office but the haunting quality of this song written by Jan Nisar Akhtar and put to tune by Khayyam refuses to fade away.
Mausam Hai Aashiqana: Pakeezah (1972) boasts of several stellar numbers but this one is different from the other courtesan song by the singer. The lilting quality imparted by Lataji to the music of Ghulam Mohammad and the words of Syed Amir Haider Kamal Naqvi is unparalleled.
Tere Mere Milan Ki Yeh Raina: Given that Abhimaan ((1973) rested on the premise of the excellent voice of the female lead, Lataji did not disappoint. This duet alongside Kishore Kumar with music by S.D.Burman and lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri is a classic.
And one more to epitomise what she is for music lovers...
Rahen Na Rahen Hum: An underrated gem that does sum up the journey from here. Yes, her songs will continue to perfume our paths and that of generations to come.