Happy Birthday Lata Mangeshkar: 10 Evergreen Songs By The Nightingale Of India Cinema

The Nightingale of India, Lata Mangeshkar turns 90 today. With a career spanning seven decades, the iconic singer has given us many hit songs and her golden voice has won millions of hearts across the globe. She is one of the best-known and most respected playback singers of India Cinema. Little wonder, the leading heroines of the day insisted in their contracts that the songs picturised on them will be rendered by Lata. She was nearly always the first choice for the composer even otherwise. On the singer's 90th birthday, let's take a look at her best songs that are cherished and loved even today by many. 

Aayega Aanewala from Mahal (1949):

Directed by Kamal Amrohi, the film starred Ashok Kumar and Madhubala in the lead roles. It was India’s first reincarnation film. Its song, Aayega Aanewala sung by Lata Mangeshkar is a perennial favourite till date. It was one of her first major hits.

Mohe panghat pe from Mughal-E-Azam (1960):

Sung by Lata Mangeshkar, Mohe Panghat Pe is considered to be one of the most iconic songs due to its sweet innocence and the way the legendary singer lent her emotions.

Ajeeb Dastan Hai Ye from Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai (1960):

The film's music is by Shankar Jaikishan, and features hit song, the Hawaiian-themed Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh, sung by Lata Mangeshkar. At the 1961 Filmfare Awards it won the Best Music Director award by beating the popular musical epic, Mughal-e-Azam.

Apki Nazron Me Smjha from Anpadh (1962):



The song from the film starring Dharmendra, Mala Sinha, Shashi Kala and Balraj Sahni had music by Madan Mohan. The film is most noted for the memorable song rendered by Lata Mangeshkar.

Aye mere watan ke logo from a fund raiser event (1963):

Crooned by Lata ji, the powerful song commemorates the sacrifices of the Indo-Sino war heroes of 1962 and reportedly brought the then-Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, to tears.

Lag Jaa Gale from Who Kaun Thi (1964):

The song from this 1964 film was composed by Madan Mohan and crooned by Lata Mangeshkar. The song is so beautiful that it continues to delight listeners of all ages. 

Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai from Guide (1965): 

The film is a 1965 romantic drama, starring Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman in lead roles. It had lyrics by Shailendra and composition by S.D. Burman. The song, a cult classic was rendered by Lata Mangeshkar.

Mere Hatho Me from Chandni (1989):

The music of Chandni was composed by Shiv Kumar Sharma and Hariprasad Chaurasia, known together as Shiv-Hari. The lyrics were provided by Anand Bakshi. It is one of the memorable songs by which Lata Mangeshkar is best remembered.

Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995): 

The song, which was written by Anand Bakshi, was sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Udit Narayan. The song saw Shahrukh Khan and Kajol in a wedding sequence in their superhit film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge.

Luka Chuppi from Rang De Basanti (2006):

Directed by Rakeysh OmPrakash Mehra, the film went on to become a blockbuster. Lata Mangeshkar’s duet with A R Rahman for this soulful anthem captured millions of hearts.