Lata Mangeshkar – without question is one of the greatest voices in Indian music industry. The legendary songbird has filled our lives with joy for the past many years with her soul-stirring melodious voice and tunes. The first lady of song is regarded as one of the most respected singers and stands in a league of her own, with a vocal quality so sublime it would send shivers across your spine.
Through all the decades of singing for several Bollywood and regional movies, the singer has lent her voice to lead actresses ranging from Madhubala, Sadhna, Waheeda Rehman to Rekha, Hema Malini, Madhuri Dixit and even the more recent ones like Aishwarya Rai, Kajol, Preity Zinta and many more.
Although, there are countless classic songs in her illustrious career that showcase her dominance in the world of popular music, we have attempted to carefully pick 20 of the greatest melodies that constitute her ‘definitive’ list of classics.
The songs have been picked not just based on her vocal delivery, but also the musical and lyrical contribution on them, that have turned them into timeless classics.
Here are Lata Mangeshkar’s 20 best songs:
1) Lag Ja Gale – ‘Woh Kaun Thi’, 1964
2) Jo Wada Kiya Woh Nibhana Padega – ‘Taj Mahal’, 1963
3) Naam Ghum Jayega – ‘Kinara’, 1977
4) Jab Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya – ‘Mughal-E-Azam’, 1960
5) Tujhse Naraz Nahi Zindagi – ‘Masoom’, 1983
6) Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shiqwa – ‘Aandhi’, 1975
7) Hum Tere Pyar Mein Sara Aalam – ‘Dil Ek Mandir’, 1963
8) Tu Jahaa Jahaa Chalega – ‘Mera Saaya’, 1966
9) Chalte Chalte Yuhi Koi Mil Gaya Tha – ‘Pakeezah’, 1972
10) Baahon Mein Chale Aao – ‘Anamika’, 1973
11) Na Koi Umang Hai – ‘Kati Patang’, 1971
12) Ajeeb Daastan Hai Yeh – ‘Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai’, 1960
13) Aaj Fir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai – ‘Guide’, 1965
14) Thare Rahiyo O Bake Yaar – ‘Pakeezah’, 1972
15) Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo – 1962
16) Yeh Kahan Aa Gaye Hum – ‘Silsila’, 1981
17) Tera Mera Pyar Amar – ‘Asli Naqli’, 1962
18) Ek Pyaar Ka Nagma Hai – ‘Shor’, 1972
19) Aap Ki Nazron Ne Samjha – ‘Anpadh’, 1962
20) Naina Barse Rim Zhim – ‘Woh Kaun Thi’, 1964
What do you think of our list?
What are your favorite Lata Mangeshkar songs?