Lata Mangeshkar Hindi Songs–A Collection of Timeless Classics

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Hailed as the ‘Nightingale of India,’ Lata Mangeshkar, defined the golden era of Indian Music. Her divine voice echoes through generations. Born in 1929, Indore, she painted melodies with emotions, lending her voice to thousands of songs across Indian Languages. She began her musical journey at a tender age and became one of the revered playback singers spanning her career for over seven decades. Here are some of her best Lata Mangeshkar songs, Hindi carefully curated for you.

From the romantic numbers to devotional bhajans or patriatrical hymns, Lata Mangeshkar Bharat Ratna, captures the essence and culture like no other.

Lata Mangeshkar career highlight!

Known as the ‘The Voice of Nation’, she graced the world with over 25,000 songs in more than 30 languages until she bid her final farewell.

Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh | Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai | 1960

Hands down, ‘Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh’ is one of the most iconic and emotionally resonant songs of all time. The background music, rich orchestration, timeless melody combined with Mangeshkar voice, sort of creates a mood of nostalgia.

Composed by the legendary Shankar-Jaikishan, ‘Ajeeb Dastan’ remains in the top spot in Lata Mangeshkar hit songs list. This song from the golden era of Hindi cinema, continues to hold a special place in millions of music enthusiasts across the world. Contexts of bittersweet memories and emotional turning points in Lata’s hauntingly expressive voice is ‘Ajeeb Dastan Hai Yeh’ for you.

Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha | Anpadh | 1962

I have been vibing to ‘ Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha’ for as long as I can remember. Just another timeless classic, one of Lata Mangeshkar’s top 10 Hindi songs released in 1962 from the album ‘Anpadh’. This song is an excellent example of the legendary singer’s ability to showcase her unparalleled ability to express grace, emotions and tenderness through her singing.

This romantic melody lends the beautiful characteristics of Raag Adana. The use of slow tempo and subtle orchestration adds an intimate, reflective ambience. Mangeshkar’s remarkable control over microtonal nuances i.e. gamakas and meends, allows her to express the protagonist’s feelings of being loved and accepted. No doubt, this is one of the Lata Mangeshkar songs that won Filmfare awards.

Lata Mangeshkar career highlight!

Mangeshkars’s name has entered the Guinness Book of World records for being the most recorded artist of all time.

Tere Bina Zindagi Se | Anandhi | 1975

One of the beloved duets sung by Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar. The melody is loosely based on the raag yaman and is one of the Lata Mangeshkar songs based on classical ragas.

This raag is known for its reflective characteristics. ‘Tere Bina Zindagi Se’ moves at a slow delicate pace allowing the soulful lyrics to linger. Lata’s voice is airy, sorrowful and controlled, imbued with affection. That is good articulation, right there. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best Lata Mangeshkar iconic songs of all time.

Lukka Chuppi | Rang De Basanti | 2006

I first listened to this profound blend of classical and contemporary music, back in my childhood days. It was a duet with A.R.Rahman and is one of Lata Mangeshkar’ most famous Hindi songs. It’s a rare and powerful collaboration. ‘Lukka Chuppi’ is very significant in her career as it marked her return to singing after a long gap.

Her fragile, aging tone adds authenticity to the role of a grieving mother. Rahman’s part adds a contrast to her earthy and maternal tone. I always thought that the juxtaposition of an iconic voice with contemporary cinematic elements are rare and unforgettable.

Beeti Na Bitai Raina | Parichay | 1972

This song could be one of the exquisite examples of Indian film music rooted in classical tradition. One of the popular Lata mangeshkar songs, Hindi, made her a recipient of another National Award for Best playback singer in 1972.

The meends and gamaks with utmost control in an introspective, restrained voice is a notable highlight. It almost feels like a quiet river flowing through the night. There are emotive pauses between the phrases that enhance the melody that leans towards the roots of Raag Yaman. Irrefutably, this one engraves Lata Mangeshkar’s influence on Indian cinema.

Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham | Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham | 2001

Just another lesser-known gem from Lata Mangeshkar’s discography, is ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham’. Her voice soars gently through the steady rhythms with just the right articulation.

Her vocal delivery is so soothing with a touch of melancholy that’s required for the film’s theme. I should stress on the fact that ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham’ is one of Lata Mangeshkar’ achievements during her late career in music. Well, she nailed it!

Lata Mangeshkar career highlight!

Lata’s rendition of a patriotic song ‘Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon’, 1963 brought Jawaharlal Nehru to tears.

Baiyan Na Dharo O Balma | Dastak | 1970

One of the underrated musical pieces of this exceptional artist is ‘Baiyan Na Dharo O Balma’ from the movie Dastak, 1970. Her performance is delicately nuanced with immense emotional depth and classical precision. The melody of the song revolves around Raag Charukeshi, a raag best known for its deep and melancholic emotions.

‘Baiyan Na Dharo O Balma,’ Lata Mangeshkar songs based on classical ragas, showcases her musical craftsmanship on point. The use of vocal dynamics, murkis (ornamental turns) and controlled gamakas in slow tempo- well, it sounds ethereal! No wonder, this is one of her underrated best Lata Mangeshkar songs.

Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya | Mughal-e-Azam | 1960

Lata Mangeshkar top 10 songs in Hindi, without ‘Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya?’ The grandeur in composition symbolizing defiance of love remains one of Lata Mangeshkar most famous Hindi songs of all time.

If you’d listen closely, her voice sounds majestic yet tender carrying both dignity and emotional vulnerability. Imagine the years of arduous practice she must have had! Lata Mangeshkar’s voice range, the subtle use of vibrato and lavish use of gamakas adds more colour to this iconic song.

Kora Kagaz Tha Yeh Man Mera | Aradhana | 1969

Ah! One of the resonant duets in Hindi cinema. Sung by Kishore Kumar and Lata, ‘Kora Kagaz Tha Yeh Man Mera’ remains one of the finest Lata mangeshkar songs, Hindi.

Subtle vibrato and clean notes with airy timbre makes her vocal delivery dream-like quality. Both the voices of Kishore and Lata complement each other. The melody is pretty simple yet memorable and is loosely based on Raag Yaman.

Kahin Deep Jale Kahin Dil | Bees Saal Baad | 1962

‘This is a hauntingly beautiful song by the ‘Nightingale of India’. It is absolutely both a musical masterpiece and an exceptional poetic work about longing and loss. It is one of the Lata Mangeshkar songs that won Filmfare awards.

This melodious work of art features in the movie ‘Bees Saal Baad’ released in 1962. It’s safe to say that this piece is one of the most successful music director-Lata Mangeshkar collaborations with Hemant Kumar.