Hamne Dekhi Hai (1969)

My brother often asked me, "If you were to pick one song of each singer, which one would it be?" That's well nigh an impossible task for me, considering the countless artists and the countless songs I love. But yesterday I decided to give myself 15 minutes and see if I could rapidly put together a list - twenty artists, twenty Hindi FIlm solos. Interesting to study the thought and emotional process that made me pick those songs. and having made this list, it of course does not mean that every other song of Lata or Saigal or the others is not equally dear to me....

I will post a few songs from the list over the next few days.

The first one is Hamne Dekhi Hai by Lata Mangeshkar.
Movie: Khamoshi
Music: Hemant Kumar
Lyrics: Gulzar

Ek Baar Chale Aao (1983)

A Lataji classic for music director Chand Pardesi and poet Sameer.

Saqiya Qareeb Aa (1973)

An exquisite mujra song of Lataji for the genius of Madanmohan.

Movie: Prabhat
Lyrics: Naqsh Lyalpuri

Aaj Madhosh Hua Jaye re

Strangely enough, I've observed that when I am doing dishes, it seems to be the songs of the poet Neeraj that I seem to hum or sing. I have no clue why this is so. Today's song at the sink is this lovely duet from Sharmilee, sung by Lata and Kishore, with music by SDB and lyrics by Neeraj.

Dil Tera Hai (and) O Kanhaiyya

For January 5th we have Dil Tera Hai by Lata and Kishore, music by RDB and lyrics by Rajinder Kishen. Bombay to Goa was a superhit comedy during my childhood and it was throughly enjoyable.



For January 6th we have Anand Bakshi's Sri Krishna Tulabharam song, music by Laxmikant Pyarelal, sung by Lata, Manna Dey, Kaumudi Munshi and Vinod Sharma. The movie is the fascinating Raja aur Runk with the wonderful Sanjeev Kumar.

Satyam Shivam Sundaram

The song of light, and joy and grace. Sung by Lata, written by Pandit Narendra Sharma and music by Laxmikant Pyarelal.

Nisdin Nisdin

It is unusual for me, not to wake up with some song or the other swirling in my head. Today's song was Nisdin Nisdin, composed by Salil and sung by Lata. A stirring song of Yogesh.

Rootha hai to manalenge

Jwar Bhata (The Tides) was the Hindi version of Dagudu Mutalu, one of Mother's favourite films in Telugu. Jwar Bhata had great songs by Laxmikant Pyarelal, penned by Rajinder Kishen.

Agar Dilbar Ki Rusvayee

Gulshan Nanda might not have been of Premchand's ilk in Hindi literature, but his books still entertained me tremendously in my youth, One of his famous stories was Khilona. And of course, my 'mehboob shaayar' Anand Bakshi wrote this exquisite ghazal for the film, which was set to perfect music by Laxmikant Pyarelal.

Bansuriya phirse bajao Kanha...

This favourite was the opening song for my new year 2010. Lata and Hemant singing his composition; lyrics by Rajinder Kishen.

Saanjh ho gayi Prabhu - Lata

I remember wistfully many a vermillion sunset whose colour deepened with this song.
Music by S.N. Tripathi and poem by Bharat Vyas.

Pyaar ki Pyaas - Lata, Rafi

Decades ago, this was the only song request I sent in to "Akash Vani." I remember filling out the postcard and mailing it and waiting impatiently in anticipation. Maybe the song got played, but I never found out...

The tour-de-force of Vasant Desai - Lata and Rafi reach new heights of glory in this song, whose evocative lyrics flowered from the genius of Bharat Vyas.

Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh - Duets (Continued)

Phool Ahista Phenkao: A dialogue in beautiful poetry. Music by Laxmikant Pyarelal, lyrics by Anand Bakshi.


Yaad Rakhna Chand Taron: Music by Anil Biswas.


Kuch Aise Bandhan Hote Hain: Music by Kalyanji Anandji, lyrics by Anjaan


Woh Kaun Hai: Music by Laxmikant Pyarelal. Lyrics by Anand Bakshi.

Vara Gaaee Gaani - Lata Mangeshkar

Daata Sun Le - Lata Mangeshkar

In 2009, at the age of eighty, the celestial genius of Lata renders this bhajan. I stand still and listen, my soul wrapped up in the divinity, the glory and the mystery of her voice.

Composed by Shamir Tandon, written by Ajay Kumar Garg.

Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh - Duets

Beautiful songs and stellar artistry.

Firstly, Jawan Mohobbat, composed by Snehal Bhatkar and written by Kidar Sharma.


Secondly, Zindagi ka Ajab Fasaana Hai, composed by Anil Biswas and written by Shailendra.


Finally, Suraj se jo Kiran ka Naata, composed by RDB and written by Anjaan.

Tumhare Bin - Lata / Rafi

A Shankar Jaikishan masterpiece and an old radio favourite. Pure magic.

Rabindra Sangeet - 1

I've taken flowers from the garden of Rabindra Sangeet and garlanded the precious days of my life.

Here are some rare blooms. Firstly, Hemant and Lata render a Hemant composition.


Hemant and Asha sing a Hemant composition.


Hemant sings for V. Balsara.

Archana main teri Saajna - Lata

A Shankar Jaikishen gem.

Hamse muqabla karoge to - Lata / Suresh Wadkar

Laxmikant Pyarelal composition. A hit!