By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
Noorjehan, Shamshad Begum & Talat Mehmood were ruling the roost when Lata arrived on the cine horizon. She made inroads into the industry fast enough to get recognition with some of the loveliest songs rendered by her in early and mid fifties to rub shoulders with others.
Jhoole Mein Pawan Ki Aai Bahar” ( Baiju Bwra-1952), “Kisine Apna Banake Mujhko” ( Patita-1953) “Aaja Sanam Madhur Chandni Men” & “Panchhi Banoon Udti Phiroon” (Chori Chori-1956), “Haye Tu Hi Gaya Mohe Bhool Re”( Kathputli-1957), “Jhoomta Masoom, Mast Mahina”(Ujala-1959), “Tera Teer O Bepeer Dil Ke Aar Paar Ha” (Shararat-1959), “Kahin Deep Jale Kahin” (Bees Saal Baad-1962), “Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai” & “Gaata rahe Mera Dil ” (Guide-1965), “Mera Saaya Saath Hoga”( Mera Saaya-1966), “Kora Kagaz Tha Yeh Man Mera” ( Aradhana-1969), “Tere Bina Zindagi Se” (1975) , “Hum Bane Tum Bane” ( Ek Duje Ke Liye-1981) & “Lag ja gale Ke Phir Ye Hasin Raat Ho Na Ho” from 1964 film “Woh Kaun Thi” under the music score by Madan Mohan.are some of the gems rendered by lata mangeshkar.She also sang hundreds of numbers in regional languges including Punjabi hits like “Pyaar De Bhuleke” ( Guddi) & “Laiyan Te Tod Nibhavi ( Pind Di Kudi).
The singer received many awards including Padma Bhushan ,Padma Vibhushan, Dadasaheb Phalke Award and Bharat Ratna besides three National and four Filmfare awards for- “Aaja Re Pardesi” from (Madhumati), “Kahi Deep Jale Kahi Dil” (Bees Saal Baad), “Tumhi Mere Mandir Tumhi Meri Pooja” (Khandaan) & “Aap Mujhe Achhe Lagne Lage” (Jeene Ki Raah) .Lata stopped receiving Filmfare Awards after 1970s to give opportunities to fresh talents to get recognition. Her sisters Asha & Usha have also been noted singers and brother a known music composer.
Lata Mangeshkar’s death has saddened the whole country. Nothing can be compared with the loss. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends and her well wishers worldwide who loved and adored as an Icon. Lata moved Prime Minister Nehru when she rendered “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo” song in 1963 after the Indo-China War.
Died this Day 2022 in Mumbai.
