Words from mere mortals can never pay fitting tribute to the Nightingale of India. She leaves behind her magical music and that is all we have to cherish for eternity.

By Mayur Lookhar

India, Hindi film industry lost its voice today with the passing away of the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar. She was 92. Mangeshkar was battling Covid-19 for a few weeks and passed away today [6 February] in Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital.

Fondly known as the Nightingale of India, The Queen of Melody, Mangeshkar mesmerized the nation with her melodious voice in a career that span over six decades. She sang in over 36 languages, primarily in Hindi and Marathi.

Phew, in such a long career, asking one to pick her best among lakhs of songs is like choosing which breath is better. Mere mortals like us cannot judge, comprehend her work. Well, we are just blessed to have a voice like Lata Mangeshkar in the Hindi film industry, in India. We can cherish her songs for eternity. On this sad day, we simply tune into songs that captured various emotions of mankind. Thank you Lata tai.

It is impossible to put all great songs in one article. Do apologize if we missed out on a few great songs..

Kindly note, some songs can only be played on official Youtube, as laid down by the respective music l label.

Naachu Ya Gade, Khelu Saari Mani Haus Bhaaari – Kiti Hasaal [1942] – First break

Barsaat Mein Humse Mile Tum – Barsaat [1949] – Excitement, Hope

Jiya Beqarar Hai – Barsaat [1949] – Anxiety

Bachpan ke Din – Lata and Shamshad Begum – Deedar [1951] – Childhood, innocence

Ae Mere Humjoli – Jeene Ki Raah [1969] – Fun, hide n seek

Ichak Daana Bichak Dana – Shree 420 [1955] – Innocence, schooling

Bade Arman Se Rakha Hai Balam – Malhar [1951] – First Love

Pyar Hua Ikraar Hua – Shree 420 [1955] – First love

Yaad Kiya Dil Ne Kahan Ho Tum – Patita [1953] – Nostalgic

Aaja Sanam – Chori Chori [1956] – Romantic

Sau Saal Pehle – Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai [1951] – Timeless, eternal

Shola Jo Bhadke – Albela [1951] – Anxiety, fun

Chadh Gayo Papi Bichua – Madhumati [1958] – Folksy

Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya – Mughal-E-Azam [1960] – Fearless, Magnum Opus

Teri Mehfil Mein – Mughal-E-Azam [1960] – Competitive, jugalbandi

Aap Ki Nazro Ne Samjha- Anpadh [1962] – Romantic, true love

Tera Mera Pyar Amar – Asli Naqli [1962] – Immortal love

Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo – Commemorative, patriotic, memorial [1963]

Lag Jaa Gale – Woh Kaun Thi? [1964] – Intimate

Piya Tose Naina – Guide [1965] – Romantic, classy

Aaj Phir Jeene – Guide [1965] – Unbridled joy

Gumnaam Hai Koi – Gumnaam [1965] – spooky, haunting, suspenseful

Rahen Na Rahe Hum – Mamta [1966] – Eternal

Mera Saaya Saath Hoga – Mera Saaya [1966] – Togetherness

Mausam Hai Aashiqana – Pakeezah [1972] – Lonely

Chalte Chalte – Pakeezah [1972] – Vagabond

Chalo Dildaar Chalo – Pakeezah [1972] – Romantic, refreshing

Ek Pyar Ka Nagma – Shor [1972] – Philosophical

Baho Mein Chale Aao [1973] – Intimate

Kabhi Kabhie Mere Dil Mein – Kabhi Kabhie [1976] – Submissive

Naam Goom Jayega – Kinara [1977] – Philosophical

Satyam Shivam Sundaram title track [1978] – Devotional

Aapki Aankhon Mein Kuch – Ghar [1978] – Flattery

Aaj Kal Paon Zameen Par – Ghar [1978] – Adolescence, ecstasy

Dafliwale – Sargam [1979] – Dance

Hum Bane Tum Bane – Ek Duuje Ke Liye [1981] – Made for each other

Dekha Ek Khwaab – Silsila [1981] – Dreamy

Dikhayee Diye Yun – Bazaar [1982] – Immersive

Tujhse Naraaz Nahi Zindagi – Masoom [1983] – Puzzled

Ae Dil-e-Nadaan – Razia Sultan [1983] – Innocent, confused

Mujhe Tum Yaad Karna – Mashaal [1984]- Parting feeling

Yaara Seeli Seeli – Lekin [1990] – Out of the world feeling

Anar Daana – Henna – [1991] – Folksy

Chudiyan Khanak Gayeen – Lamhe [1991] – Folksy

Yaad Nahin Bhooll Gaya – Lamhe [1991] – Romantic

Dil Hoom Hoom Kare – Rudaali [1993] – Magical, breathtaking

Didi Tera Devar Deewana – Hum Aapke Hai Koun…! [1994] – Family, wedding fun

Chocolate, Lime Juice- Hum Aapke Hai Koun…! [1994] – Childlike

Tujhe Dekha Toh Ye Jana Sanam – Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge [1995] – Romantic

Mere Khwabon Mein – Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge [1995] – Dreamy

Ho Gaya Hai Tujhko – Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge [1995] – Anxious, lost

Pani Pani Re – Maachis [1996] – Emotional, sad

Dholna – Dil To Pagal Hai [1997] – romantic

Jiya Jale – Dil Se [1998] – Joyful, classic

So Gaye Hain – Zubeidaa [2001] – Emotional, intense

Kabhi Khiushi Kabhi Gham title track – [2001] – Family anthem, slice of life

Khamoshiyan Gungunane Lagi – One 2 Ka 4 [2001] – Romantic

Yeh Hum Aa Gaye Hain Kahaan – Veer-Zaara [2004] – Romantic, pure

Do Pal – Veer-Zaara [2004] – Sad, separation

Luka Chuppi- Rang De Basanti [2006] – Maternal care

Tum Mujhe Yun Bhula Na Paoge- Pagla Kahin Ka [1970] – Unforgettable