Intro: The Nightingale had thousands of great songs. Here are some of her finest…
1 Aayega Aanewala – Mahal, 1949
Composed by Khemchand Prakash and written by J Nakshab, it was filmed on Madhubala. A highlight was the way it was recorded, with Mangeshkar walking in from a distance towards the microphone to get that effect.
2 Yeh Zindagi Usiki Hai – Anarkali, 1953
One of many classy songs in Anarkali, this was composed by C. Ramchandra and written by Rajendra Krishan. The song was filmed on Pradeep Kumar and Bina Rai, and the ‘Alvida’ climax is legendary.
3 Pyaar Hua Ikraar Hua – Shree 420, 1955
One of Mangeshkar’s most memorable duets, this one was sung with Manna Dey. Raj Kapoor and Nargis appeared in a rain sequence. Music was by Shankar-Jaikishen and lyrics were by Shailendra.
4 Chand Phir Nikla – Paying Guest, 1957
A masterpiece picturised on Nutan in raag Shuddha Kalyan, this was composed by S.D. Burman and written by Majrooh Sultanpuri. Interestingly, she used the same raag in the Chori Chori song ‘Rasik Balma’.
5 Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon – patriotic song, 1963
Kavi Pradeep wrote this song as a tribute to Indian soldiers killed in the 1962 war against China. Composed by C. Ramchandra, it was first presented on January 26, 1963, making former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru shed a tear.
6 Lag Ja Gale – Woh Kaun Thi, 1964
Mangeshkar’s work with Madan Mohan was exemplary, and this was written by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan. It was filmed on Sadhna and Manoj Kumar. One of her biggest hits, it is used by Saregama India (HMV) to promote its digital music player Carvaan.
7 Ek Pyaar Ka Naghma Hai – Shor, 1972
Another outstanding song, sung by her and Mukesh. It was composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal and written by Santosh Anand. The songs were filmed on Nanda and Manoj Kumar.
8 Chala Vahi Des – Meera bhajan, 1974
Mangeshkar sang many Meera bhajans, releasing the albums Meera, Chala Vahi Des and Meera Soor Kabira. Her rendition of ‘Chala Vahi Des’, composed by Hridaynath Mangeshkar, is outstanding.
9 Dikhayi Diye Yoon – Bazaar, 1982
A marvellous rendition of Mir Taqi Mir’s ghazal, composed by Khayyam. Mangeshkar’s command over the ghazal medium is excellent. The song was filmed on Supriya Pathak, with Naseeruddin Shah, Smita Patil, Farooque Shaikh and others in the audience.
10 Allah Janta Hai – ghazal, 1991
One of the highlights of the 1991 album Sajda, this was a duet with ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh. It was written by Akhtar Azad, and talked about honesty and conscience.
