Lata Mangeshkar left for her heavenly abode on Sunday morning, February 6, 2022. She has been winning and ruling the hearts of people from all generations for decades. She began her singing career in 1942 in Marathi films. It was only in 1945 that she started singing in Bollywood movies.
Here’s walking down memory lane and remembering the Bharat Ratna-awardee’s most popular Hindi songs from the 1940s.
'Hawa Mein Udta Jaaye' (Barsaat, 1949)
‘Barsaat’, the film that established RK Studios, is memorable for more than one reason. Aside from the magnificent pose of actor Raj Kapoor and actress Nargis, it is also the film in which Lata Mangeshkar sang for both of the starring ladies. With its folksy touch by music composer Shankar Jaikishen, this song featured on actress Nimmi remains a popular track.
'Uthaye Jaa Unke Sitam' (Andaz, 1949)
Music composer Naushad had a pivotal part in Lata Mangeshkar's career. His leisurely arrangement of this ghazal for filmmaker Mehboob Khan's ‘Andaz’ elevated the acclaimed singer's voice to the heights of a superb orchestra. In addition, there was actress Nargis' soulful face emoting for it on film.
'Aayega Aanewala' (Mahal, 1949)
This melancholic tune for music composer Khemchand Prakash established Lata Mangeshkar as the unrivaled singer in Hindi film. It was this song that made her a winner of hearts for all age groups. Even to date, this song will still give you goosebumps.
‘Jo Dil Mein Khushi Ban Kar Aaye’ (Bari Behen, 1949)
Created by music composer duo Husnlal-Bhagatram, this was another melodious song by Lata Mangeshkar, which went on to become massively popular on radio shows around that time.
‘Muhabbat Hamari Zamana’ (Dulari, 1949)
Composed by music director Naushad and lyrics penned by Shakeel Badayuni, this song by Lata Mangeshkar was a fun song talking about a girl’s emotions towards the life of that time period, and what love meant to women then. It was very beautifully picturised on actress Madhubala.
‘Iss Dard Ki Mari Duniya Mein’ (Paras, 1949)
Penned by the famous lyricist Shakeel Badayuni and composed by Ghulam Mohammed this was one of the most famous songs on a heartbreak that was very popular during that decade. The song was picturised on Kamini Kaushal.
‘Dil Se Bhula Do Tum Humein’ (‘Patanga’, 1949)
Another cult classic romantic song that is sung by Lata Mangeshkar on the composition of music director C Ramchandra. The beautiful lyrics of the song were penned by lyricist Rajendra Krishan. The song is considered to date as one of the most romantic songs of the last millennium.
‘Yeh Kaun Aaya Re Karke’ (Ziddi, 1948)
Another song composed by the music director Khemchad Prakash became very popular that year. The song was one of the first duet songs that Lata Mangeshkar had sung with singer Kishore Kumar, an association that lasted for almost 4 decades. It was picturised on actor Dev Anand and actress Kamini Kaushal.
‘Jeevan Sapna Toot Gaya’ (Anokha Pyar, 1948)
This song composed by Anil Biswas was also sung by singer Mukesh. The male version was featured on actor Dilip Kumar whereas the female version, sung by Lata Mangeshkar, was picturised on actress Nargis.
‘O Gori O Chhori’ (Nadiya Ke Par, 1948)
Made by music composer C. Ramchandra, this Lata Mangeshkar track was one of the very first songs of her that attained pan-India recognition. The song became popular due to its peppy beats and melodious vocals.
