Lata Mangeshkar, the Nightingale of India, passed away in Mumbai at the Breach Candy Hospital on Sunday. The 92-year-old received the moniker because of her melodious voice and that became synonymous with her name during her career spanning eight decades, ever since she started in 1942.
During her career, Mangeshkar sang for numerous movies and forged a close bond with many actors over time. Among those, Sharmila Tagore fondly remembers the songs sung by the legend in her films, where she played the lead role.
Tagore shares, “I was a little child when I was taken to watch ‘Mahal’ (1949) and the only thing I remember is the song `Aayega Aanewala`, with Madhubala on the swing. Then of course there was ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ (1960). India’s history and evolution is connected to Lataji. She sang for decades because her voice was absolutely natural. A lot of people force their voice to sound a certain way, but hers was God-gifted. I’ve watched her sing; in those days people would record with an orchestra, and hers was inevitably first-take okay. She sang in so many languages with perfect pronunciation. Her voice is incomparable and will remain immortal.”
Taking about her personal favourites, Sharmila says, while Lataji’s voice is timeless, ‘Kuch Dil Ne Kaha’ from ‘Anupama’ tops the list for her.
In an exclusive interview with mid-day.com, Sharmila Tagore shares some of the evergreen Bollywood songs sung by Lata Mangeshkar for her in Hindi films.
Kuch Dil Ne Kaha, Anupama (1966)
Kuch Dil Ne Kaha, Tagore’s favourite song sung by Mangeshkar is from her 1966 film, Anupama. The film stars Tagore along with Dharmendra, Deven Varma and Shashikala. While it was directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, the lyrics were written by Kaifi Azmi and the music was composed by Hemant Kumar. Mangeshkar also sang ‘Dheere Dheere Machal’ for the same film, which is another popular track.
Kora Kaagaz Tha Yeh Mann Mera, Aradhana (1969)
For Bollywood fans around the world, ‘Kora Kaagaz Tha Yeh Mann Mera’ from the 1969 film ‘Aradhna’ is not only one of the most iconic songs but also an all-time favourite is sung by Lata di and Kishore Kumar. Aradhna was directed by Shakti Samanta and starred Tagore and Rajesh Khanna in the lead roles. Mangeshkar also sang two other songs for the Hind romantic drama called `Baghon Mein Bahar Hai’ with Mohammed Rafi and `Chanda Hai Tu Mera Suraj Hai Tu`. Tagore says even her granddaughter (Inaaya Naumi Kemmu) sings the latter now and is completely mesmerised when she listens to it on the television.
Raina Beeti Jaaye, Amar Prem (1972)
‘Raina Beeti Jaaye’ is among Tagore’s favourite songs sung by Mangeshkar with lyrics by Anand Bakshi. It is from her 1972 film, ‘Amar Prem’, which was yet another romantic drama directed by Shakti Samanta. A remake of the Bengali film Nishi Padma (1970), the film stars Tagore with Rajesh Khanna and Vinod Mehra, and is known for its music and soundtrack composed by RD Burman.
Hum Aur Tum, Tum Aur Hum, Daag (1973)
Sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar, ‘Hum Aur Tum, Tum Aur Hum’ is from the 1973 romantic drama ‘Daag’, which was directed and produced by Yash Chopra. The music for the film was composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal and the lyrics were written by Sahir Ludhianvi.
