While there is no disputing the fact that singers like Lata Mangeshkar come along once in a millennium and there is no one who can come even close to achieving her level of perfection in singing, what is often not realized is the sheer versatile nature of her singing.
Here’s a lowdown on five iconic Lata songs spanning five diverse genres, with each one being the best example of the song of its type.
Patriotic
Aae Mere Wattan Ke Logon Zara Annkh Mein Bhat Lo Pani
Lata Mangeshkar’s iconic ode to the martyrs of the 1962 Indo-China war brought a tear to the eye of every Indian including the first prime minister of the nation, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru. This song defined the mood of the nation at that time and is especially relevant now in the aftermath of the Doklam incident.
Romantic
Tujhe Dekha to Jana Sanam
The song Tujhe Dekha to Jana Sanam from Dilwale Dhuliania Lejayenge that Mangeshkar sang as a duet with Kumar Sanu epitomizes romance for not just the nineties generation, but for all time. Indeed, that song inspired innumerable lovers in real life with the song has become a part of the consciousness of the youth.
Sad
Nam Gum Jayega
The song Nam Gum Jayega from the classic movie Kinara picturized beautifully on a wistful Hema Malini pining for her dead lover is one of the most hauntingly melodious songs of which you could think. Stays with you forever.
Fun
Uthe Sab Key Kadam
There cannot be a more fun song than Uthe Sab Key Kadam from the movie Baton Baton Mein which she sang along with Amit Kumar is the ultimate fun song. Picturized on the effervescent Tina Munim, a French beard sporting Amol Palekar, Pearl Padamse and Leela Mishra, this is a hum-along song that always brightens the mood.
Devotional
Ae Malik Tere Bande Hum
Ae Malik Tere Bande Hum song so sonorously by Mangeshkar and picturized so well on yesteryear actress Sandhya, in the immortal Shantaram classic Do Ankhen Barah Hath is the ultimate devotional song. It denotes the helplessness of a human being in the face of adversity and a complete surrender to the will of God.
Racy
Aa Jaane Jan
For someone who was known for her pristine singing Mangeshkar sang a few racy songs too, the most iconic of which was Aa Jaane Jan from the movie Intaqam picturized on Helen.
