Lata Mangeshkar - 80th Birthday - Nostalgic trip down the lane ...

In the genre of film vocal music, there is Lata and then is everyone else. The true "Nightingale" of India, she has reigned supreme for more than 50 years before resting those tired vocal chords.

I believe in " Art for art's sake". Though I may not be mad fanatic of Lata as a person, there is no other film singer I hold in an higher esteem ( as a singer) than her. She has everything that you need from a perfect singer - Amazing vocal range, unalloyed sweetness in the voice and a perfect alignment to Sruti.

Here is my small tribute on her 80th birthday. My favorite 10 songs of Lata. Hope you like them too ............

1. Song : Yeh Zindagi Usi Ki Hai MD : C.Ramachandra Film : Anarkali

Amazing vocal range. All I remember about this movie is just this song !



2. Song : Rasik Balma MD : Shankar-Jaikishan Film : Chori Chori

This movie had some fabulous songs including one of my favorite duets - " Yeh Raat Bheegi". S-J often made Lata sing at an unbelievable pitch and here is one of those early ones.



3. Song : Jaago Mohan Pyare MD : Salil Chaudhury Film : Jaagte Raho

A song that deeply affected me. It reminds me of purity , in every sense of the word.



4. Song : Aaja re pardesi MD: Salil Chaudhury Film : Madhumathi

It was a lazy sunday afternoon in early 90's and a school boy, who knew little hindi, was watching this movie. He was mesmerized by this song and started a life-long love affair with hindi film music.



5. Song : Pyaar Kiya Tho Darna Kya MD : Naushad Film : Mughal-e-Azam

When the Ustad and Lata get-together, there is bound to be magic. This song has excellent music, unforgetable lyrics, top-notch singing and the ravishing Madhubala.



6. Song : Aapki Nazrone Samjha MD : Madan Mohan Film : Anpadh

I have must have listened to this song at least a 100 times. What can I say about Madan Mohan & Lata that hasn't been said? Lata gave her best for Madan Mohan songs. Period.



7. Song : Aaj Phir Jeene Ki MD : S.D.Burman Film: Guide

Composed by my favorite music director - Sachinda, this song perks me up whenever I am down. What singing !



8. Song : Tu Jahan Jahan Chalega MD: Madan Mohan Film : Mera Saaya

If you want to know what true sweetness is, look no beyond this song. Lata couldn't have sounded more sweeter in any other song.



9. Song : Na Koi Umang Hai MD: R.D.Burman Film: Kati Patang

RD gave some greats songs for both Lata & Asha but in my opinion he reserved the best ones for Lata. This haunting melody stays afresh even after 35 years.



10. Song : Tere mere beech main MD : Laxmikant - Pyarelal Film : Ek Duuje Ke Liye

L-P exploit the amazing vocal range of Lata in this song. When she reaches those upper notes, you are transported to a different heaven.