Lata Mangeshkar’s 97th: Revisiting the late legend’s Bengali classics
Today marks the 97th birth anniversary of Lata Mangeshkar, the legendary songstress of the subcontinent. Born into a Marathi family in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, the iconic singer lent her voice to songs in several languages alongside Hindi cinema. Bengali music, too, boasts numerous timeless songs in her voice. She worked with renowned composers including Salil Chowdhury, Sachin Dev Burman, Sudhin Dasgupta, Hemanta Mukherjee and Rahul Dev Burman.
On Lata Mangeshkar’s birth anniversary, here are 10 unforgettable Bengali songs sung by the legendary artiste.
“Na Jeyo Na, Rajani Ekhono Baki”
“Na Jeyo Na, Rajani Ekhono Baki” is a timeless Bengali song sung by Lata Mangeshkar, with lyrics and music by Salil Chowdhury. The song is among the memorable non-film Bengali recordings from Lata’s early career. The same melody was later used for “O Sajna, Barkha Bahar Aayi” in the 1960 Hindi film “Parakh”.
“Ke Pratham Kachhe Eshechhi”
The popular song “Ke Pratham Kachhe Eshechhi” featured in the 1966 film “Shankhabela”, starring Uttam Kumar and Madhabi Mukherjee. Lata Mangeshkar was joined by Manna Dey on vocals. The song was written by Pulak Banerjee and composed by Sudhin Dasgupta.
“Ja Re Jare Ure Jare Pakhi”
“Ja Re Jare Ure Jare Pakhi” was written and composed by Salil Chowdhury and sung by Lata Mangeshkar. The recording dates to 1959. The melody was later adapted into the Hindi song “Ja Re Ud Ja Re Panchi” for the 1961 film “Maya”.
“O Mor Moyna Go”
“O Mor Moyna Go” is another popular Bengali song in Lata Mangeshkar’s voice, with both lyrics and music by Salil Chowdhury. The song remains one of the most memorable collaborations between the legendary singer and composer.
“Amar Shopno Je Sotty Holo Aaj”
“Amar Shopno Je Sotty Holo Aaj” featured in the Bengali version of the 1981 film “Anusandhan”, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Rakhee Gulzar. Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar sang the song, with lyrics by Gauriprasanna Majumdar and music by Rahul Dev Burman.
“Asharh Sraban Mane Na To Mon”
“Asharh Sraban Mane Na To Mon” is a popular song from the 1965 Bengali film “Monihar”. Lata Mangeshkar sang the song, which was composed by Hemanta Mukherjee and written by Mukul Dutt. The film starred Soumitra Chatterjee and Sandhya Roy.
“Aakash Pradip Jwale Durer Tarar Pane Cheye”
“Aakash Pradip Jwale Durer Tarar Pane Cheye” is one of Lata Mangeshkar’s best-known Bengali modern songs. The song was written by Pabitra Mitra and composed by Satinath Mukherjee. It dates to 1956, the year Lata began her celebrated journey in Bengali music.
“Oi Gachher Patay Roder Jhikimiki”
“Oi Gachher Patay Roder Jhikimiki” is a popular song from the 1975 Bengali film “Raag Anurag”. Lata Mangeshkar sang the song, composed by Hemanta Mukherjee with lyrics by Pulak Banerjee. The film starred Aparna Sen and Ranjit Mallick.
“Ogo Aar Kichhu To Naai”
“Ogo Aar Kichhu To Naai”, composed and written by Salil Chowdhury and sung by Lata Mangeshkar, remains popular among Bengali music lovers. It is among the many memorable non-film songs created through the collaboration between Salil Chowdhury and Lata Mangeshkar.
“Priyatamo Ki Likhi Tomay”
Lata Mangeshkar also recorded songs composed by Kishore Kumar. “Priyatamo Ki Likhi Tomay” was composed by Kishore Kumar, with lyrics by Mukul Dutt, and was sung by Lata Mangeshkar with Kishore Kumar. The song was part of the Bengali recordings associated with the duo.
The legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar died on February 6, 2022, at the age of 92. But there is no death for her voice. Her Bengali songs continue to live on — in memories, in love, and in the hearts of countless listeners.
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