Lata Mangeshkar was an inseparable part of C Ramchandra songs. Right from the late 40s to their separation in the late 50s, they together gave memorable songs. There’s magic in their collaboration, absolutely pure gold! They complemented each other so well that the song gets etched on our soul. Not only in romantic songs, but also in soulful melancholy songs, Lata Mangeshkar gave her cent percent, poured her mind and soul into the songs. It was C Ramchandra’s genius that he was not only a master in classical based songs, but also handled the western beats with equal ease and perfection. So if at one end he composed songs like, Main Hoon Ek Khalasi, Oh Betaji Oh Babuji or Tam Tam Se Jhanko Na Raniji, at the other end he was at home with songs like, Jab Dil Ko Satave Gham, Kaise Bhaye Sakhi Rut and Mere Man Ka Bawra Panchhi. And while Lata Mangeshkar sang Bholi Surat Dil Ke Khote or Shola Jo Bhadke for him, she also sang Balma Bada Naadan or Dheere Se Aaja Ri Akhiyan Mein.
I’ve already covered the entire career of C Ramchandra on the blog in a series of posts five years back where I dedicated the entire month of January to his songs and published 6 posts including a separate post on his Marathi songs. Here’s the link for all the parts.
But his association with Lata Mangeshkar was special and I had thought of dedicating a two part post on their association. This year I could manage to fulfill my long time wish.
Taking an overview of the association brings us to a total of 285+ songs for 56 Hindi films.
A further probing revealed
195 solos
83 duets
10 trios & quartets
Before we go to the list, let’s see how their association started.
Her first song for C Ramchandra was for the film Shehnai (1947). The song was ‘Jawani Ki Rail Chali Jaye Re’. As it wasn’t a solo, it won’t feature on today’s list. The next year saw her singing a duet with the composer himself for the film Nadiya Ke Paar (1948). She was also a part of a couple of songs, a trio and a quartet from the movie, Khidki (1948). We will discuss these songs in the next part of the post. In 1949 however she sang her first solos for C Ramchandra. The solos were for three films. So I can say that her journey with C Ramchandra was that of a typical struggler, who gets to sing just a few separate lines in a few songs, then a duet before getting a solo. I’ve tried to incorporate as many films as possible, though a few films would be repeated in both parts.
This part focuses on the solos sung under the baton of C Ramchandra, by Lata Mangeshkar for Hindi films.
Around 68% of her songs are solos, making it a very difficult task to choose the songs for the list. So the selection of songs may appear too obvious.
Let’s start the journey today, remembering the composer on his 53rd death anniversary. I’ve arranged the songs chronologically.
It was in 1949 that Lata Mangeshkar sang solo for C Ramchandra in three films, Patanga, Namoona and Sipahiya. In that era, Shamshad Begum was a regular singer with C Ramchandra and her voice suited the light hearted, playful songs (which was C Ramchandra’s forte in my opinion) as well as romantic songs. Perhaps that was the reason why he mainly considered the new singer, Lata Mangeshkar for soulful, melancholy songs in the beginning. However he also experimented with her voice and offered her playful dance numbers in Patanga and Namoona with a romantic duet in Sipahiya.
Let’s have a look at my selection from these films which will open today’s list.
1. Dil Se Bhoola Do Tum – Patanga (1949) / Lyrics by Rajendra Krishan
Poornima poured out her agony in Lata’s voice. After singing trios and duets for other characters, Lata Mangeshkar sang for the lead role. The pathos she created in this song is heart touching. Patanga had a number of songs and all were too good. I think it was Rajendra Krishan’s first hit with Chitalkar. Lata Mangeshkar got to sing three solos for Patanga. But all were sad songs. Her only duet with Shamshad was however playful. It was said that C Ramchandra was very impressed with her voice and slowly made her his muse for female playback singers.
Before we listen to the next song, let me share something. While I was listening to the song, my 11 year old daughter was nearby and she instantly liked the song! She was open mouthed to know that the song was 75 years old. She couldn’t believe it. And when I asked her what she liked the most, her answer was the tune of the song, followed by the playback singer’s voice. I think that’s the power of Chitalkar’s tunes! His songs are eternal!
2. Mhari Gali Ma Aavjo Re – Namoona (1949) / Lyrics by P L Santoshi
While I was about to add again a sad song picturised on Kamini Kaushal, I decided to go for this playful dance number by Cuckoo. She was a very popular dancer of the 40s and the 50s. As I said before, this could be an experimental song, in the sense C Ramchandra used to offer such songs to Shamshad Begum, but chose Lata Mangeshkar instead. Of course, Lata Mangeshkar proved his choice perfect by singing it with apt expressions.
Out of the four films in 1950, Samadhi, Sargam, Nirala and Sangeeta, I’ve chosen just one film.
The Madhubala, Dev Anand starrer, Nirala was studded with beautiful gems, most of which were sung by Lata Mangeshkar.
3. Mehfil Mein Jal Uthi Shama – Nirala (1950) / Lyrics by P L Santoshi
Though my most favourite song of the movie is ‘Aisi Mohabbat Se Hum Baaz Aaye’ (which I’ve already highlighted on a couple of occasions), and I even like the lesser popular one like, ‘Tooti Footi Gaadi’, I chose the most popular and well known song for today’s list. As the story demanded, the movie had three sad songs, all picturised on the gorgeous Madhubala.
In 1951, seven of his films were released. Albela was a huge success, the other notable films were, Sagai, Sangram, Khazana, Ustad Pedro and Shabistan. I think the majority of the songs from these films were popular too. All the films had songs by Lata Mangeshkar. A couple of films from this list will appear on today’s list.
4. Balma Bada Naadan – Albela (1951) / Lyrics by Rajendra Krishan
An absolute dilemma! Which song should I choose? Thankfully as the duets were out of race for the time being at least, I could choose relatively easily. As I wasn’t aware of the picturisation before, I had no idea that it was faux anger or faux sorrow. At any rate, what a beautiful melody!
5. Ae Chand Pyar Mera – Khazana (1951) / Lyrics by Rajendra Krishan
Perhaps there’s nothing special about this song, but it touches your soul. No extraordinary tune or lyrics, still there’s a magical touch to the song. At least I feel so. That’s why it’s there on today’s list.
In 1952, six of his films appeared on Silver screen. Of these, three made their appearance on today’s list.
6. Tum Kya Jano Tumhari Yaad Mein – Shin Shinaki Bubla Boo (1952) / Lyrics by P L Santoshi
The fantasy movie, with Ranjan and Rehana in main lead, is remembered just for the song. The costume drama had seven songs, with Lata Mangeshkar’s presence in all the songs. The song opens with heart touching notes of sarangi and then tabla takes over, continuously being played in the same rhythm. A melodious masterpiece by the duo. Lata’s voice dipped in honey and agony creates a great impact.
7. Katate Hain Dukh Mein Yeh Din – Parchhai (1952) / Lyrics by Noor Lakhnavi
Yet another masterpiece! The song creates such an impeccable aura of pathos that brings tears to the listener’s eyes. The slow paced melody with minimum orchestration, highlights the lyrics and the singer’s rendition as the main attractions. How effectively the lyricist portrays the agony and efficiently Lata Mangeshkar manages to convey it!
8. Dard Ke Maare Hue – Hungama (1952) / Lyrics by Rajendra Krishan
Though many of his films in the early 1950s had fun songs, the songs full of despair have made them memorable. Today, we may or may not remember the cast or the story of the film, but we surely recollect the songs. For most of the films, Lata’s solos have stood the test of time. There is something touching, when she sings, ‘कौन सी दुनिया में जाएंगे ये दिल टूटे हुए’. You can just feel her inner sorrows. I remember the film just for the song!
Out of five releases in 1953, Anarkali, Jhanjhar and Shagufa are on today’s list.
9. Chhed Gayo Mohe Sapne Mein – Jhanjhar (1953) / Lyrics by Rajendra Krishan
For me, this is one of their finest collaborations! There’s something divine in the song! I never get enough of the song! Can listen to it in a loop. Beautifully composed and excellently rendered! Jhanjhar was Chitalkar’s home production and he was obviously more inclined to it than to Anarkali which was also released in the same year. But the latter proved to be a musical superhit while Jhanjhar wasn’t commercially successful. I’m so in love with this song that I even overlooked my other favourite, Ae Pyar Teri Duniya Se Hum.
10. Yeh Hawa Yeh Sama – Shagufa (1953) / Lyrics by Rajendra Krishan
I have left the twin songs, which for me are the most popular songs of the movie, on purpose and added this equally beautiful solo. This melody is said to have inspired Shankar Jaikishan to compose ‘Mil Gaye Mil Gaye Aaj Mere Sajan’ in the late 60s for Kanyadan.
11. Mohabbat Aisi Dhadkan Hai – Anarkali (1953) / Lyrics by Hasrat Jaipuri
Anarkali is one of the finest and the most popular films C Ramchandra composed for. The film was full of solos by Lata Mangeshkar. Though Ye Zindagi Usiki Hai is the most popular song of the movie, I like a few other songs. Anarkali is perhaps waiting for Prince Salim as it seems from the lyrics and the eagerness and distraught is well portrayed by Lata Mangeshkar.
Out of five films in 1954, Subah Ka Taara, Nastik, Meenar, Kavi, and Pehli Jhalak, only one film is on today’s list. Of course a couple or three of the others will feature on the next part.
12. Mehndi Lagi Thi Mere Haath – Meenar (1954) / Lyrics by Rajendra Krishan
A good boat song that follows a typical course of C Ramchandra song. Picturised on Bina Rai and Bharat Bhushan, the song is a delight to listen to. I have no idea of the situation in the song, but it seems she’s reminiscing about the moments so as to stimulate his memory.
Their association continued in 1955 with six films, all having songs by Lata Mangeshkar. Out of these films, only one film Azaad features on today’s list, while Yasmin will be on the next part.
13. Na Bole Na Bole Na Bole Re – Azaad (1955) / Lyrics by Rajendra Krishan
Out of 4 solos by Lata Mangeshkar for the movie, this is my most favourite song. Picturised on beautiful Meena Kumari (I couldn’t get my eyes off her) it’s a delight to watch and to listen to.
Lata Mangeshkar continued her association with C Ramchandra in the late 50s till 1958. Then she stopped singing for him. The reasons for the fallout were not clear, of course it was their personal life and they had a right to keep it to themselves.
As per available information, Lata Mangeshkar said, Chitalkar insisted for a certain recordist, who used to talk rubbish about her in his friend circle and so she refused to sing for him. I read this in a Marathi book by Shirish Kanekar, which was based on his interview with Lata Mangeshkar. Whereas no clear-cut explanation is available from the other side. I came across an article by Arunkumar Deshmukh, which is based on Chitalkar’s Marathi autobiography, ‘माझ्या जीवनाची सरगम’. You can read it here and form an opinion.
14. Kaise Aaun Jamuna Ke Teer – Devta (1956) / Lyrics by Rajendra Krishan
A popular classical based song from the movie. Anjali Devi and Gemini Ganeshan were the main lead, while Vaijayanti Mala was in a negative role. It was a costume drama and had a scope for classical based songs. Chitalkar was of course fluent with Indian classical music and composed the songs aptly. I took this song as the best known song of the movie.
15. Tu Na Aaya Aur Hone Lagi Sham – Aasha (1957) / Lyrics by Rajendra Krishan
A beautiful dance number picturised as a stage performance by Vyjayanti Mala. Quite a popular song! Lata Mangeshkar was chosen for Vyjayanti Mala for most of the songs. Asha Bhosle sang the rock n roll song for her, which was her first song for the main lead under the baton of C Ramchandra.
16. Dil Ki Duniya Basake Sanwariya – Amardeep (1958) / Lyrics by Rajendra Krishan
One of my favourites of the movie. I like the simple yet meaningful lyrics and the tune. No need to mention effectively rendered by Lata Mangeshkar.
17. Aaj Na Jaane Kyun – Raj Tilak (1958) / Lyrics by P L Santoshi
This could be one of Lata’s last songs with Chitalkar in the late 50s. She has sung a couple of songs for the movie. The song has a typical Chitalkar melody, and the pauses in the song adds a charm to it. Lata’s honey sweet voice and C Ramchandra’s music really had a different magic.
But it is said that the differences between the two never actually got resolved and she sang for him on her terms. C Ramchandra was not supposed to attend the recordings or face her directly. But it is said that she agreed to sing for him only if Chitalkar stays away from the recording studio. The story goes like this, Datta Davjekar recorded the songs with Sudhir Phadke assisting him. (It is mentioned so in Manek Premchand’s book)
18. O Nirdayi Preetam – Stree (1961) / Lyrics by Bharat Vyas
Shakuntala is eagerly waiting for Dushyant, but she is not really heartbroken. She has a faux anger, as apparent from the video of the song. But she wants to make him aware of her agony, so she adds a few words of regret too. And the lyrics, soothing to ears and mind. We can see a very young Mumtaz in the song.
Though the post is not about Bharat Vyas, just have a look at the pure Hindi lyrics.
II ये चंदा शीतल कहलाता, फिर क्यों मेरे अंग जलाता
फुल सा कोमल बाण मदन का, शूल बनके तन में चुभ जाता II
II तुम मधुबन के भ्रमर सयाने, बन कि कली तेरा हृदय ना जाने
गुंजन में क्या, मन में क्या था, प्रीत या छल था क्या पहचाने II
What a fine collection of words, just amazing!
19. Balma Anadi Man Bhaye – Bahurani (1963) / Lyrics by Sahir
The song was inspired by the popular thumri by Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. Based on Raag Hemant, the song immediately captures the listener’s attention. The sitar backed song is very soothing to listen to, making it a must for today’s list. The songs of Stree and Bahurani brought back C Ramchandra’s magic.
20. Tu Aaye Na Aaye – Payal Ki Jhankar (1968) / Lyrics by Rajendra Krishan
Lata’s last song for Chitalkar. It does remind us, the sweet memories of their association in the past. Lata’s voice appears very young. Was it recorded earlier for another movie and incorporated later in Payal Ki Jhankar? It was Rajendra Krishan’s only song for the movie who separated from C Ramchandra almost a decade before this film was released. So there’s a reason to believe that it was recorded in the 50s and incorporated later in the movie.
It’s a good song and so apt that it talks about separating partners.
Of course, I’m aware I’ve left out a lot of melodies. But to keep the post crisp, I’m limiting it to 20 songs. I encourage the readers to add their favourite Lata Mangeshkar solos sung for C Ramchandra.
Disclaimer –
Mehfil Mein Meri, claims no credit for any image, screenshots or songs posted on this site. Images on this blog are posted to make the text interesting. The images and screenshots are the copyright of their original owners. The song links are shared from YouTube, only for the listening convenience of music lovers. The copyright of these songs vests with the respective owners, producers and music companies.