Commemorating the Legacy of Lata Mangeshkar and RD Burman
On the solemn occasion of Lata Mangeshkar’s Death Anniversary in 2024, music aficionados across the country fondly remember the golden voice that serenaded millions for nearly eight decades. Lata Mangeshkar, crowned as the ‘Queen of Melody’ and the ‘Voice of the Millennium’, left a profound impact on the Indian music scene, recording songs in more than 36 Indian languages. Her death anniversary offers an opportunity to reminisce and celebrate her most iconic collaborations with the equally legendary music composer RD Burman. Here we delve into five of their most celebrated songs, capturing the essence of an era that continues to resonate through time.
Raina Beeti Jaye – Crafting the Mood with Raga Lalit
‘Amar Prem’ gifted us ‘Raina Beeti Jaaye’, a song where RD Burman boldly chose a morning raga, Raga Lalit, to score a scene draped in the velvety cloak of night. Lata Mangeshkar’s voice, complemented by Anand Bakshi’s evocative lyrics, brought to life a somber narrative of longing and love unabated by darkness. The actors, the enchanting Sharmila Tagore and the charismatic Rajesh Khanna, brought the song to life with their profound, emotive portrayals.
Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa Toh Nahin – A Melody Born of Controversy
The 1975 film ‘Aandhi’ featured ‘Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa Toh Nahin’, a song that RD Burman initially composed in Bengali before it became immortalised in Hindi by the stirring duet of Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar. The film itself, starring Sanjeev Kumar and Suchitra Sen, was mired in controversy; it was banned during the Emergency because the female protagonist bore an uncanny resemblance to Mrs. Gandhi. Despite the political turmoil, the song emerged as free-spirited, untouched by the vagaries of its time, and remains an evergreen classic to this day, etched into the heart of Indian cinema.
Dilbar Dil Se Pyaare – Unexpected Versatility
With ‘Caravan’s’ ‘Dilbar Dil Se Pyaare’, Lata Mangeshkar stepped into the peppy realm typically dominated by her sister, Asha Bhosle. The result was nothing short of magical, proving the versatility of her vocal prowess. RD Burman’s music struck gold, creating a vivid backdrop for the vivacious on-screen energy of Jeetendra, Aruna Irani, and Asha Parekh. Their campfire celebrations were made iconic by this unforgettable tune.
Bahon Mein Chale Aao – A Personal Favorite
The intimate ballad ‘Bahon Mein Chale Aao’ from ‘Anamika’ held a special place in Lata Mangeshkar’s heart—one of her personal favorites, and a number that she often performed live. Majrooh Sultanpuri’s lyrics paired with RD Burman’s tender composition created a palpable chemistry between Jaya Bachchan and Sanjeev Kumar, immortalizing the song amidst the treasured soundtracks of Bollywood.
Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein – Romance Redefined
One cannot think of quintessential romantic rain songs without ‘Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein’ from ‘Ajanabee’ immediately springing to mind. This sultry number, voiced by Lata Mangeshkar alongside Kishore Kumar, captured the effervescent charm of Zeenat Aman and the nuanced performance of Rajesh Khanna. It stands as a timeless testament to the sensuality and passion that Bollywood songs can encapsulate.
Lata Mangeshkar’s partnership with RD Burman created a mosaic of songs that span the spectrum of human emotions—from joy to longing, from love to lament. Today, as we pay tribute to the melodious legacy of Lata Mangeshkar, we celebrate not just the timeless anthems she left us, but also the ethereal combination of her voice with the genius of RD Burman. Their collaborative efforts not only defined an era of Bollywood music but also left an indelible mark on Indian culture, one that continues to enchant generation after generation.
