(Part 1) Lata sings for S D Burman – Mehfil Mein Meri

It’s Lata Mangeshkar’s 95th birth anniversary today. And we will celebrate S D Burman’s 118th birth anniversary on 1st October. Lata Mangeshkar was one of the most important parts of Burman da’s career. To commemorate both the anniversaries, I thought of presenting a song list of my favourite Hindi film songs by Lata Mangeshkar sung under his baton. The number of songs compelled me to divide the post into two parts. Today’s part focuses on Lata Mangeshkar’s solos for S D Burman.

I’ve taken a break from the yearly review series of Lata Mangeshkar’s Hindi film songs. The series is not receiving wide attention and it’s at least partly due to a very long length of the post as most of the times, the number of songs crosses 30. So I’m thinking of changing the pattern of presentation, trying to make it much shorter and crisper. I haven’t yet finalized the pattern.

Before I digress way too much, let’s come to the point of today’s post.

S D Burman started his Hindi film career in 1946 with the film, Shikari. Lata Mangeshkar started her playback singing career in Hindi films in 1947 under the baton of Datta Davjekar with the film, Aap Ki Seva Mein.

Lata Mangeshkar got an instant recognition with the film Mahal (1949) when the song ‘Aayega Aanewala’ became a pan India hit.

In the late 40s, S D Burman was mainly offering songs to Geeta Dutt, Shamshad Begum, Amirbai Karnataki, Lalita Deulkar, and of course the singing actress Suraiya. His first association with Lata Mangeshkar was for the film Mashal (1950) where she sang a couple of solos. And the alliance went on well in the 70s as well. In all there are about 180+ songs to consider including solos, duets and trios. Lata Mangeshkar was always his first choice and she got to sing all types of songs under his baton. Today’s post is about her solos sung for S D Burman.

Let’s start today’s musical journey with one of the songs from Mashal.

1. Aankhon Se Door Door – Mashal (1950) / Lyrics by Kavi PradeepLata Mangeshkar sang for both Sumitra Devi and Ruma Devi (Ruma Guha Thakurta). Though I also like her song, sung for Sumitra Devi, I have reserved it already for a future post. So I highlighted this equally sweet melody with a touch of Bangal. Lata Mangeshkar sang both the songs with finesse and confirmed her place in Burman da’s musical team.Ruma Devi remembers her beloved, though it seems she hasn’t yet confessed her love to him.

After this juncture, Lata Mangeshkar became the preferred voice for him. Barring the major exceptions of Baazi (1951) where Geeta Dutt was the main singer and Bahar (1951) where Shamshad Begum was the main singer, Lata Mangeshkar was the leading female singer of the majority of the films. There were a few exceptions of course! For the film, Laal Kunwar (1953), Suraiya was the leading lady, who obviously sang for herself while the other songs were sung by Asha Bhosle and Geeta Dutt. Arman (1953), Funtoosh (1956), and Pyaasa (1957) also had no songs by Lata Mangeshkar.The association went on till 1957, when they faced a rift. More about it later.

Let’s first enjoy my favourites from Lata Mangeshkar – S D Burman 1.0

I’ve now 3 songs from the year 1951. Lata Mangeshkar was now his first choice for the female lead. Let’s enjoy the melodies.

2. Jhan Jhan Jhan Jhan Paayal Baje – Buzdil (1951) / Lyrics by ShailendraIt’s a semi classical song by Lata Mangeshkar and if I’m correct it’s based on a traditional bandish, which Burman da used for a Bangla song. I had thought of the song for my yearly review of Lata Mangeshkar songs series, but I didn’t include it. So I immediately added it to this list. The song is beautifully rendered by Lata Mangeshkar and surely one of her bests with Burman da.Nimmi sings the song while Cuckoo dances to it. I think it’s one of the very few songs that Cuckoo didn’t lip sync to but danced to the tune.

3. Thandi Hawayein Lehrake Aaye – Naujawan (1951) / Lyrics by SahirA beautiful and innocent looking Nalini Jaywant lip syncs to Lata Mangeshkar’s sweet voice on screen. One of Lata Mangeshkar’s greatest hits from the 50s. The song maintained its popularity even after all these years, more than 70 years! My God! Today’s songs are difficult to remember after 70 hours! And look at this masterpiece. The tune not only inspired Roshan (twice), but R D Burman also composed a song that makes us feel reminiscent.

4. Tum Na Jane Kis Jahan Mein – Sazaa (1951) / Lyrics by SahirYet another timeless classic by Lata Mangeshkar. The iconic song has a heart touching rendition and Burman da has kept the orchestration to minimum. It doesn’t overpower the melody of the singer’s voice. A very good tune and melody. Incidentally it was the only song by Sahir for this movie and it was and still continues to be the most popular song of the movie.

In Jaal (1952), Burman da divided the songs between Lata Mangeshkar and Geeta Dutt. And all the songs became popular.

5. Chori Chori Meri Gali Aana – Jaal (1952) with Chorus / Lyrics by SahirI selected this song to highlight the fact that Burman da always looked for the background of the film while composing songs. The film Jaal was based on the backdrop of Goa and this peppy, energetic song has an unmistakable touch of Goan music. It’s said that Burman da’s then assistant, N Datta, who belonged to Goa, helped arrange the song for his mentor.

For the film, Taxi Driver (1954) Burman da used a mixture of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle who both sang for Sheila Ramani and Kalpana Kartik. Though usually Lata Mangeshkar was not chosen for club songs, S D Burman did choose her for club songs in Taxi Driver.

6. Dil Jale To Jale – Taxi Driver (1954) / Lyrics by SahirThough not exactly a club song, it is picturised in a club. The club dancer, played by Sheila Ramani, sings the song to cheer up Dev Anand, who appears sad and distressed. The tune is very pleasant and there is no overpowering orchestration, to suit the mood of the song.I also like the happy and cheerful club song, Dil Se Milake Dil Pyar Kijiye.

Bimal Roy’s Devdas was yet another feather in Burman da’s cap. He offered songs to many playback singers from Mubarak Begum, Usha Mangeshkar, Geeta Dutt, Manna Dey, Talat Mahmood to Lata Mangeshkar and Rafi. Very interestingly Suchitra Sen had no songs to lip sync to. Lata Mangeshkar was chosen as the voice of Vyjayanti Mala and had 3 beautiful solos including a couple of Mujra songs. For today’s list I’m presenting,

7. Jise Tu Qubool Karle – Devdas (1955) / Lyrics by SahirI chose this soulful number for today’s list. Chandramukhi is well aware of her position in the society as well as Devdas’s love for Paro, but her heart aches for him. Her true love doesn’t let her see him suffering and ruining himself. Sahir’s excellent lyrics are set to a good tune and the agony in Lata’s voice takes the song to next level.

For the next position, I was torn between Munimaji and House No 44. In Munimji again Lata Mangeshkar and Geeta Dutt both sang for Nalini Jaywant. Lata Mangeshkar had 6 solos in Munimji, while she had only 2 songs in House No 44. But finally I had to choose only one film and I went for,

8. Phaili Hui Hai Sapno Ki Baahein – House No 44 (1955) / Lyrics by SahirThe song seems to have a waltz-like rhythm and it’s melodious. Lata’s voice easily reaches higher octaves and in all the song sounds pleasant.

S D Burman had four releases in 1957, and Lata Mangeshkar was a part of a couple of films, Paying Guest and Miss India. So for the next position, my obvious choice is,

9. Chand Phir Nikla – Paying Guest (1957) / Lyrics by MajroohFor me this sublime melody is among the best Hindi film songs of Lata Mangeshkar. It was Majrooh’s first film with S D Burman and the association went on very well till the 70s. Majrooh’s beautiful lyrics get integrated so well in Burman da’s tune and Lata’s soulful rendition is cherry on the icing.

In the last half of the 50s, Lata Mangeshkar and Burman da separated due to differences. It’s said that during the recording of a song from Sitaron Se Aage, S D Burman wanted to re-record the song, but Lata Mangeshkar couldn’t give a date and the misunderstandings began. The exact reason was never officially declared. During this period from 1957 to 1961, Asha Bhosle was chosen by S D Burman and he continued his career without much problem.

Lata Mangeshkar – S D Burman 2.0 started in the early 60s. Meanwhile Lata Mangeshkar had sung for Jaidev in Hum Dono (1961) and for R D Burman’s first venture Chhote Nawab (1961). Finally Lata Mangeshkar and Burman da met and the differences were solved.Though the songs from Bandini (1963) are popularly mentioned as Lata’s first song after her comeback in his team, the songs from Dr Vidya (1962) were released earlier.There was no looking back then and the melodious journey continued well till the last years of Burman da’s career.

Let’s enjoy selected gems from the 2.0

10. Khanke Kangna Bindiya Hanse – Dr Vidya (1962) / Lyrics by MajroohDr Vidya was Lata’s first release after their reunion. The film had her 4 solos and one duet. While Pawan Deewani would be the most popular song of the movie, I chose to highlight other songs which are also good but lesser known in my opinion. This wedding night song is a delight to listen to. Lata’s expressions are perfect.

11. Mora Gora Ang Laile – Bandini (1963) / Lyrics by GulzarOne of the earlier hits by Gulzar. The lyrics are sublime and Lata’s return to Burman da’s team received critical acclaim as well. Lata Mangeshkar sang a couple of solos for the movie. In my observation, the songs are sung in Asha Bhosle’s style of singing, mainly Jogi Jab Se Tu Aaya. Perhaps Burman da composed those songs keeping in mind Asha’s style of singing.

12. Raat Ka Sama – Ziddi (1964) / Lyrics by Hasrat JaipuriThe film was a hit, so was its music. The songs still maintain their popularity. The story revolves around a stubborn Asha Parekh and how she changes after her encounter with Joy Mukherjee, though the latter’s character, he played in the film wasn’t adorable. Lata Mangeshkar sang a couple of beautiful solos. As the film was during the royalty issue rift between Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, the film had none of their duets. The song has a spectacular opening music and dance and it continues to have a catchy rhythm.The song is presented in the film as an on stage dance performance by Asha Parekh. And thanks to cinematic liberty, not only Asha Parekh changes her costumes during a live performance, the set on stage also undergoes an upside down transformation.

13. Kaanton Se Khinch Ke – Guide (1965) / Lyrics by ShailendraI can’t imagine the songs of Guide in any other voice than Lata Mangeshkar’s. She had three beautiful solos and one duet to her credit. All the songs are pure gold gems and it was difficult to choose.S D Burman started the song with a antara and then comes the mukhada,आज फिर जीने कि तमन्ना हैआज फिर मरने का इरादा हैHow different is this thought! Shailendra could grasp the exact situation in Rosie’s life. What could one say about the tune and Lata’s rendition? The song picturised in Chittor fort is a delight to watch for the different and interesting camera angles capturing the beauty of the landscape.

14. Kitni Akeli Kitni Tanha Si – Talash (1969) / Lyrics by MajroohTalash was a musical superhit, and all the songs do maintain popularity till date. Lata Mangeshkar, with her couple of solos and a couple of duets, outshines. This song has such a different treatment! The musical arrangement, the orchestration, the tune are not a routine Burman da one! It’s distinctly memorable.

As the decade of the 70s was about to start, S D Burman composed great songs for Dev Anand, Waheeda Rehman, Zaheeda starrer Prem Pujari which also marked the directorial debut of Dev Anand. Though then a box office failure, the songs composed by Burman da are still very popular and are considered as one of his bests.

15. Rangeela Re – Prem Pujari (1970) / Lyrics by NeerajAn intoxicated Waheeda Rehman dances to express her anguish. Her facial expressions and her dance both are good, so is Lata’s expressions as a playback singer.

In the 70s as well, though he was almost 65 years old, his enthusiasm and creativity were very much fresh and alive. In the 70s, when most of the stalwart composers of the 50s and the 60s were on a downfall, S D Burman stood tall with his youthful melodies.He not only had blockbusters in the 70s, he did receive Filmfare best composer award for Abhimaan (1973).

Let’s enjoy his melodies by Lata Mangeshkar from the 70s.

16. Megha Chhaye Aadhi Raat – Sharmili (1971) / Lyrics by NeerajThe song is based on raag Patdeep and is one of the finest semi classical Hindi film songs by Lata Mangeshkar. To portray the different moods of the twin sisters, the song starts with a western tune, soon to shift to sitar. The song is wonderfully sung with apt emotions.

The same year saw Burman da compose for Dev Anand and Mumtaz starrer movie, Tere Mere Sapne. With a couple of duets and a beautiful solo, Lata Mangeshkar proved herself as an undisputed queen of playback singing, even when she entered the third decade of her career.

17. Jaise Radha Ne Mala Japi – Tere Mere Sapne (1971) / Lyrics by NeerajThe song is one of my most favourite Lata Mangeshkar solos from the 70s. So full of love, joy and exuberance! It’s unbelievable! The song is more than 50 years old.

18. Daaka Daale Teri Bansi – Anurag (1972) / Lyrics by Anand BakshiPerfect example of a sweet melody! Lata Mangeshkar had 3 solos and a duet to her credit. While I was more inclined to the two popular solos, I again faced a dilemma of choosing between the two. Finally this beautiful composition with marvelous use of flute in the prelude and the interlude. How can a song be so sweet!

19. Ab To Hai Tumse – Abhimaan (1973) / Lyrics by MajroohAbhimaan was one of Burman da’s most popular movies. Based on ego clashes between singer husband and his singer wife, Lata Mangeshkar was a part of all but one song. She sang three beautiful solos and three melodious duets for the movie. While I like Nadiya Kinare for its unusual use of Sarangi, this song seems to me as one of the important junctures in the movie. Jaya Bhaduri’s beginning of singing career, her increasing popularity and hurting of Amitabh’s ego are all effectively portrayed. I also like the orchestration of the song, very catchy and easy on the ear. Burman da was awarded Filmfare best composer trophy for this movie. His second and that too after 20 years of the first!

And to end this melodious journey, I’ve one of his last hits from 1975. Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Chupke Chupke

20. Ab Ke Sajan Sawan Mein – Chupke Chupke (1975) / Lyrics by Anand BakshiI don’t think anyone needs an introduction to the song and the situation in it. Enjoy this melody and Om Prakash’s expressions. Real fun to watch!

A few of his films were released posthumously after his death on 31st October 1975.To make the post crisp and relatively shorter, I decided to choose only 20 songs. Of course a lot of gems couldn’t be accommodated on the list. I encourage the readers to share their favourite solos by Lata Mangeshkar sung for S D Burman.

Disclaimer –Mehfil Mein Meri, claims no credit for any image, screenshots or songs posted on this site. Images on this blog are posted to make the text interesting. The images and screenshots are the copyright of their original owners. The song links are shared from YouTube, only for the listening convenience of music lovers. The copyright of these songs vests with the respective owners, producers and music companies.