Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh
Lata hailed from a family steeped in classical music and Marathi natya sangeet, and she was unparalleled when it came to Indian-style melodies. In this song from Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai (1960), Lata proves a point: she could pull off ‘Western’ songs as well.
Aap Ki Nazro ne Samjha
This is from Anpadh (1962). Madan Mohan’s melody stands out for its delicate phrasing, making it much loved even six decades on. (Shreya Ghoshal did a recent cover with the BerkleeIndian Ensemble.) Lata’s greatness is evident in the way she renders the complex song, set to an uneven ⅞ beat, so smoothly and evocatively.
Jab Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya
One of Lata’s most iconic songs, Pyar kya to darna kya is from the blockbuster hit Mughal-e-Azam (1960). The melody, composed by Naushad and shot on Madhubala, took Lata’s popularity, on the rise since 1949, to greater heights. Madhubala plays Anarkali, the courtesan in love with princeSalim, and this song captures the hope and despair of their star-crossed love. Thisremained the most lavishly shot song in Indian films for a long time.
O Basanti Pawan Pagal
Deriving its structure from the raga Patdeep, this Laxmikant Pyarelal melody is an example of how Lata could combine the sweetness of her voice with an intensity of expression. Without doubt, this would make it to any list of Lata’s top songs.
Yeh Sama, Sama Hai Ye Pyar Ka
Lata sang this for Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965). A simple melody with stylish, Latin-inspired orchestration, it shows how Lata could deliver pleasant, romantic numbers effortlessly. The music is by Kalyanji Anandji.
Bahon Mein Chale Aao
Rasik Balma Haay Dil Kyon Lagaya Tose
In her childhood, Lata was trained for a few years by her father Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar. Those lessons stood her in good stead when she had to sing raga-based songs, such as Rasik Balma Haay Dil Kyon Lagaya Tose. This is an all-time classic from the romantic comedy Chori Chori (1956), and shows her classical flair in raga Shuddh Kalyan.
Mohe Bhool Gaye
This is a delicate, poignant number, from the 1952 musical Baiju Bawra. With lyrics by Shakeel Badayuni and music by Naushad, it ranks among the most beautiful love songs ever made in Indian cinema. ‘Mohe bhool gaye savariyan’ brings to mind thumris from the classicaltradition, such as ‘Piya milan ki aas,’ and Lata shows how the morning raga Bhairavi can move you deeply even when it is used in a simple melody withno classical flourish.
Lag Jaa Gale
Lovers of Lata’s music are unanimous this is one of her greatest songs, if not the greatest. Surprise graces and a lush string section elevate this Madan Mohan melody from Woh Kaun Thi (1964), a mystery starring Manoj Kumar and Sadhana. This poem, by Raja Mehndi Ali Khan,is a wistful contemplation on the transience of life,and Lata's rendering imparts to it a gentle, elegant pathos.