Continuing the yearly review of Lata Mangeshkar’s Hindi film songs, we’ll today visit the year 1964.
- Lata Mangeshkar was still obviously maintaining her position well in the industry, though Asha Bhosle offered the most tough competition to her. -After her fallout with C Ramchandra in the late 50s, she sang for a few films in the 60s. But after that, again she stopped singing for him
- After her reunion with Burman da, she was again singing full fledged for him. R D Burman however was still to find his feet and had no releases in this year
- After her rift with Rafi, barring a few duets recorded earlier, she didn’t sing with him. The composers either chose Asha Bhosle or Suman Kalyanpur for the duets, or a few went for Mahendra Kapoor replacing Rafi
- It’s possible that her differences with Shankar from the duo SJ also started around the same time and it’s said that her songs were composed by Jaikishan alone
- It is said that during the early 60s, Lata Mangeshkar was slowly drifting away from Shankar Jaikishan, while she was very supportive to the newcomers Laxmikant Pyarelal. She was aware of their potential and was determined to be with them. LP became popular after the success of Parasmani in 1963 and had 5 releases in 1964. Lata Mangeshkar was a part of all of these movies, let the movie be mythological, or a so called B grade stunt film or otherwise
- Her association with other composers went on as usual
Let’s visit the statistics
No of films – 45
Total Songs – 136
Solos – 93
Duets with male singers – 30
Duets with female singers – 9
Trios – 4 (One each for the films, Aaya Toofan, Benazir, Sangam and Sati Savitri)
The details of duets are as follows.
Though she was no longer recording duets with Rafi, a few of their earlier recorded duets were released this year. And in this year, she had the maximum duets with Rafi.
With Rafi – 7
With Mahendra Kapoor – 6
With Manna Dey – 5
With Asha Bhosle – 5
With Mukesh – 4
With Kishore Kumar – 4
With Talat Mahmood – 2
With Usha Mangeshkar – 2
With Kamal Barot – 1
With Minoo Purushottam – 1
With Subir Sen – 1
With P B Srinivas – 1
The film version of ‘Yeh Mera Prem Patra’ has a few lines by Lata Mangeshkar in the end. There’s also the film version of Aaj Kal Mein Dhal Gaya’ from Beti Bete, which is a duet. I’ve not included these couple of songs in the stats.
Top three composers
Madan Mohan – 8 films (22 songs)
Shankar Jaikishan – 7 films (21 songs)
Chitragupt – 5 films (14 songs)
Laxmikant Pyarelal – 5 films (18 songs)
It’s for the first and possibly the last time that Madan Mohan has topped the list with 8 films. He’s closely followed by Shankar Jaikishan with 7 films. And remaining at the top for 6 years (1958 to 63) in a row, this year Chitragupt is on number 3 sharing his position with Laxmikant Pyarelal.
She sang just one song for the following films,
Veer Bhimsen (C Ramchandra)
Roop Sundari (Sardar Malik)
Main Suhagan Hoon (Lachhiram)
Challenge (Ajit Merchant)
Let’s visit the song list. This time I have included a trio as well on the list.
1. Agar Mujhse Mohabbat Hai – Aap Ki Parchhaiyan (1964) / Madan Mohan – Raja Mehdi Ali Khan
The only song by Lata Mangeshkar for the movie, but the most popular song of the movie. Picturised on a young Dharmendra and Supriya Choudhary, the song has been popular over the years and is considered one of best by Lata Mangeshkar under the baton of Madan Mohan. The soothing voice gives the listeners a sense of reassurance.
2. Zara Si Aahat Hoti Hai – Haqeeqat (1964) / Madan Mohan – Kaifi Azmi
An extremely melodious composition. Yet another masterpiece by Madan Mohan and Lata Mangeshkar combo. Softly flowing melody sung with perfect expressions. It’s picturised on Priya Rajvansh, who appeared only in Chetan Anand’s films. She looks beautiful, though her western looks didn’t get popular in Hindi films. In this movie, when she was in her early 20s, she really looked beautiful.
3. Meri Aankhon Se Koi – Pooja Ke Phool (1964) / Madan Mohan – Rajendra Krishan
What a beautiful composition! Sublime! Madan Mohan uses his favourite sitar in the song. Just listen to the word paigham, such an impressive हरकत! Again one of their best and popular associations.
4. Woh Chup Rahen To – Jahan Aara (1964) / Madan Mohan – Rajendra Krishan
In Jahan Aara, Lata Mangeshkar got to sing for both the main lead, Mala Sinha and the supporting character, Minoo Mumtaz. While I like the ones picturised on Mala Sinha (Ae Sanam Aaj Yeh and Haal e Dil Yoon Unhe), this is the best in my opinion. Picturised as a Mujra song on Minoo Mumtaz, who plays a dancer, it’s one of the most popular songs of the movie. What great songs Madan Mohan composed for Lata Mangeshkar this year! Surely a few of her career bests.
5. Lag Ja Gale Ke Phir – Woh Kaun Thi (1964) / Madan Mohan – Raja Mehdi Ali Khan
Should I say anything about this sublime melody? It’s one of the few films that celebrated golden jubilee, Madan Mohan composed for. Lata Mangeshkar sang three extremely melodious and soulful solos and a romantic duet for this movie. And sang for both Sadhana and Helen.
6. O Sanam Tere Ho Gaye Hum – Aayi Milan Ki Bela (1964) with Rafi / Shankar Jaikishan – Shailendra
One of the popular duets by Lata Mangeshkar and Rafi. It’s melodious and has the typical orchestration by Shankar Jaikishan. SJ in the 60s were not as great as they were in the 50s in my opinion. Though still melodious and popular, the songs appear to follow a somewhat predefined pattern of interludes. Even the tunes sound a bit the same.
7. O Sajna Mere Ghar Angna – Sanjh Aur Savera (1964) / Shankar Jaikishan – Shailendra
Beautiful Meena Kumari, still looking gorgeous and slim, sings the song while doing household chores like watering the plants. She addresses Guru Dutt’s framed photo in the song from time to time. A beautiful song, made enjoyable by Lata Mangeshkar’s energetic rendition.
8. Aaja Aayi Bahar – Rajkumar (1964) / Shankar Jaikishan – Shailendra
Lata Mangeshkar sang just a couple of songs for this movie. Due to a rift between Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, the latter lost the duets with Rafi to Asha and Suman Kalyanpur. However her only solo for the film still got extremely popular.
9. Main Ka Karoon Ram – Sangam (1964) / Shankar Jaikishan – Hasrat Jaipuri
There’s a well known story behind this song. Lata Mangeshkar was not comfortable with the lyrics of the song and wasn’t ready to sing it. However, upon assurance by Raj Kapoor that it’s just a teasing song, a wife addressing her husband in a lighter vein, she agreed to sing it. Picturised on Raj Kapoor and Vyjayanti Mala, the song does sound funny at places, though somewhat revealing attire seems unnecessary.
10. Ek Baat Hai Kehne Ki – Samson (1964) with Rafi / Chitragupt – Majrooh
Chitragupt is my favourite composer and this is one of my all time favorites. A beautiful duet with a good tune and typically sweet melody. It’s picturised on Ameeta and Firoz Khan, who played the second lead in the movie. The main lead, Dara Singh and Mumtaz, doesn’t lip-sync to it, though they are also a part of picturisation.
11. Machalti Hui Hawa Mein – Ganga Ki Leheren (1964) with Kishore Kumar & Chorus / Chitragupt
A song that was frequently shown on Doordarshan in Rangoli and similar programs. Kumkum and Kishore Kumar travel with their friends on two different boats. It’s not a romantic song of course, but is dedicated to the sacred river Ganga.
12. Krishna O Kale Krishna – Main Bhi Ladki Hoon (1964) / Chitragupt – Rajendra Krishan
A repressed cry of a girl, who’s been humiliated for not having fair complexion. Good lyrics, good tune and apt expressions by Lata Mangeshkar. For me it’s one of her bests with Chitragupt.
13. Mera Qasoor Kya Hai – Mera Qasoor Kya Hai (1963) / Chitragupt – Rajendra Krishan
I don’t know about the film, which could likely be a typical family melodrama, but I like the song. Though the video has only one verse, it still leaves an impact. Picturised on a distressed Nanda, the song has a good tune.
14. Zara Sambhalna Meri Jaan – Aaya Toofan (1964) with Mukesh & Kamal Barot / Laxmikant Pyarelal – Asad Bhopali
Aaya Toofan was a typical B grade stunt film starring Dara Singh and Helen. It however had a few good songs, thanks to Laxmikant Pyarelal! This wonderful trio dance number stole my heart when I heard it for the first time. Very catchy and infectious rhythm. I was blown away by the song. To top it all, a dance by beautiful Helen and Bela Bose, with Dara Singh in the audience. I couldn’t recognise the man who lip synched to Mukesh’s voice.
15. Khoobsurat Haseena – Mr X in Bombay (1964) with Kishore Kumar / Laxmikant Pyarelal – Anand Bakshi
The film had a good plot, though wasn’t structured well. The invisible man theme was certainly novel at the time. Remembered now mainly for its songs, the movie had the all time classic ‘Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi’. For today’s list however, let’s listen to this romantic duet picturised on Kumkum and Kishore Kumar. The tune was reused by Anu Malik in Baazigar in the early 90s. The tune was indeed very catchy.
16. Khabar Mori Na Lini Re – Sant Gyaneshwar (1964) / Laxmikant Pyarelal – Bharat Vyas
Based on Raag Shivranjani, the song has good lyrics and a good tune. Bharat Vyas had a brief association with Laxmikant Pyarelal in the initial years of their career, though later he didn’t work with the duo much. The main attraction of the film was excellent lyrics by Bharat Vyas, set to tune impressively by the newcomer duo Laxmikant Pyarelal.
17. Tum Gagan Ke Chandrama Ho – Sati Savitri (1964) with Manna Dey / Laxmikant Pyarelal – Bharat Vyas
Yet another masterpiece! Beautiful lyrics and excellent orchestration, violins and flute in the interludes with tabla at other times. The song is based on Raag Yaman Kalyan. What a great portrayal of dedication and love between the lovers! The song surely deserves a place in the best duets by Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey.
18. Humne Tumko Pyar Kiya Hai – Dulha Dulhan (1964) / Kalyanji Anandji – Indeevar
The song had a male and a female version, sung by Mukesh and Lata Mangeshkar respectively.
Though the former is more popular, the latter lip synched by Sadhana and picturised as a train song is good too. Sadhana looking beautiful in a very simple attire, is another attraction. She hasn’t worn any jewellery, not a necklace, no earrings, no bangles. Just her smile and beautiful expressions.
19. Dil Beqarar Sa Hai – Ishaara (1964) / Kalyanji Anandji – Majrooh
Incidentally, this song as well had a male and a female version sung by Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar respectively. The song has an imprint of SJ in the interludes, while the other orchestration sounds very much like LP. It’s possible that LP were assisting Kalyanji Anandji during the period. Easy on the ear, enjoyable song.
20. Alvida Jane Wafa – Benazir (1964) / S D Burman – Shakeel Badayuni
The film had a few excellent songs and in my opinion, this one was the best. Unfortunately and surprisingly the song wasn’t included in the movie. The muslim social featuring Meena Kumari, Ashok Kumar, Tanuja and Shashi Kapoor wasn’t a box office success. Lata Mangeshkar had a few solos and a trio with her sisters, Asha Bhosle and Usha Mangeshkar, which is also my favourite.
21. Kaise Kahoon – Kaise Kahoon (1964) / S D Burman – Shakeel Badayuni
While again the film wasn’t a commercial success, the songs were good. The songs have survived the test of times and the movie is still remembered for its wonderful music. All the three solos by Lata Mangeshkar are really good, though not popular. This shy confession of love is sung aptly by Lata Mangeshkar.
22. Yeh Meri Zindagi Ek Pagal Hawa – Ziddi (1964) / S D Burman – Hasrat Jaipuri
Lata Mangeshkar got a couple of solos in this movie, a dance number and this meaningful song that appears in the last half of the film. Asha Parekh has decided to prove herself a ‘bad lot’. Even she portrays so to her beloved, by emoting a drunk lady. She declares herself a wild wind, who never stays at one place. Not committed to anyone, not faithful. Her family and her beloved are in utter surprise at her behaviour. Excellent metaphorical lyrics, great tune and perfect expressions by Lata Mangeshkar.
23. Sakhi Ri Mera Man Uljhe – Chitralekha (1964) / Roshan – Sahir
Kedar Sharma’s remake of his own old film, is mainly remembered now for its wonderful songs. With three beautiful solos, Lata Mangeshkar stole the show, overshadowing the majority of other songs. Chitralekha longing for her beloved is conveyed very well by Lata Mangeshkar.
24. Sajan Salona Maang Lo – Dooj Ka Chand (1964) with Asha Bhosle / Roshan – Sahir
The film is mainly remembered for the songs by Rafi, both solo and duets. However, this wonderful duet by the Mangeshkar sisters stands tall for me. Picturised on B Sarojadevi and Madhumati, it’s an audio-visual treat for the audience.
25. Tere Husn Ki Kya Tarif Karoon – Leader (1964) with Rafi / Naushad – Shakeel Badayuni
Naushad Ali worked at his own pace, let that mean one film per year. This year he composed for Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala starrer Leader, which had three of Lata Mangeshkar’s duets with Rafi. And this one’s the most popular and my favourite too.
26. O Beqarar Dil Ho Chuka Hai – Kohra (1964) / Hemant Kumar – Shakeel Badayuni
Lata Mangeshkar sang for Waheeda Rehman in this movie. Waheeda Rehman is about to get married to Biswajit and is happy. She however is apprehensive, as she’s used to sorrows and has been away from happiness always. The story of her life is portrayed well in the song and expressed with apt emotions by Lata Mangeshkar. It was her only film with Hemant Kumar in this year with just a couple of songs to her credit.
27. Ek Sunehri Sham Thi – Aao Pyar Karen (1964) / Usha Khanna – Rajendra Krishan
Usha Khanna composed for a couple of films with Lata Mangeshkar in this year with a total of 6 songs. This song has always enchanted me. Saira Banu is wandering on the streets of Venice while Joy Mukherjee roams around in her search. The song plays in the background.
28. Dekha Hai Sapna Koi – Yaadein (1964) / Vasant Desai – Anand Bakshi
Yaadein was a different film, having only one on-screen actor throughout. The song runs in the background, while Sunil Dutt wanders in his home in despair. He’s overwhelmed by the sight of his children’s clothes and toys. A heart touching picturisation, and sung well by Lata Mangeshkar.
That was my selection of songs by Lata Mangeshkar in 1964.
The films that couldn’t make it to the final list were Apne Hue Paraye, April Fool, Ghazal, Dosti, Zindagi, Majboor, Phoolon Ki Sej and Suhagan.
Please add your favourite to the list keeping the timeline.
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.