That golden voice turned 90 in September this year. No singer has captured the imagination of an entire nation like Lata Mangeshkar has from Madhubala and Nargis to Madhuri Dixit and Kajol. She has done playback for all of them, singing songs that were melancholy, romantic, contemplative, joyful and even peppy, a domain that is normally that of her sister Asha Bhosle. Her voice is heavenly. Her range is wide. Her expressions are always so right. And she is incapable of singing out of tune.
Many other singers emerged but couldn’t last; it was often said that she and her sister ensured that the competition did not survive, but there is no denying that it was her voice that ensured that every music director – including those who had once fought with her, like S.D. Burman – eventually returned to her.
Here is rewinding to some of the unforgettable songs by India’s favourite voice:
Kabootar Ja Ja Ja – From the motion picture, Maine Pyar Kiya, 1989, directed by Sooraj Barjatya. A romantic song taking us back to times when pigeons delivered mail for us.
Tujhe Dekha Toh Yeh Jana – All-time hit song for the all-time legendary movie Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge that managed to make every girl blush is one of her best and deserves a mention.
Lag Jaa Gale – I don’t know if there’s any other song produced and sung as good as this one. Composed by Madan Mohan.
Satyam Shivam Sundaram – One of the best songs sung by Lata didi for the movie, Satyam Shivam Sundaram.
Hothon Pe Aisi Baat – This is a duet sung by Lata didi and Bhupinder Singh for the movie Jewel Thief, the finest movie of the industry. And the best thing about this song is that it was recorded in one take and was a major hit.