Lata Mangeshkar has sung so many songs in her career, one even more popular than the other. But there are so many undiscovered gems.
Subhash K Jha picks 10 lesser known, but exquisite, Lata songs.
Jo Dard Diya Tumne
My favourite Ravindra Jain composition, with exceptional lyrics by Jain about accepting heartbreak and betrayal and flawless singing by Lataji. One of her finest songs.
Sangg Mere Aaja Sajna from Mere Saath Chal
Lataji would always say her toughest challenges were her brother Hridaynath Mangeshkar's compositions.
Lataji sometimes ended up with songs for her brother in obscure films like this Smita Patil-Farooque Shaikh starrer whose songs, especially this elegant solo, linger.
Tumne Piya Diya Piya from Uss Paar
One of S D Burman's best soundtracks.
Lataji had two sparkling solos: Yeh Jab Se Hui... and Tumne Piya... which is filmed on a boat with Moushumi Chatterjee singing to Vinod Mehra.
Chand Kyon Zard Hai from Do Shikari
An absolute gem composed by Chitragupta, written by Rahi Masoom Reza.
"He was a prolific, super-talented composer," Lataji told me."
Mohabbat Ke Isharon Mein from Dushman Dost
Lataji didn't remember this R D Burman masterpiece.
When I played it for her, she was, for a change, impressed by her own song.
A truly heartbreaking love ballad, remarkable for the way it expands on the theme of heartbreak using Anand Bakshi's anguished words.
Tum Agar Roooth Na Jao Toh Main Ek Baat Kahun
A monumental ode to love composed by the great Jaidev.
When I sent the number to Lataji, she remembered recording the song and described it as "bahot khubsoorat gaana", which was recorded for a film that got shelved.
Ek Sunehri Sham Thi from Aao Pyar Karen
"Usha Khanna, one of the rare women composers in Hindi cinema, never got her due," Lataji said.
"I remember her songs. This conveys the peaceful feeling during an evening spent with someone very dear."
Sooni Sooni Raahein Rahon Pe Nigahen from Phir Janam Lenge Hum
"It's very beautifully written and composed. Bappi Lahiri lamented the song's lack of popularity. One of my favourite love songs," Lataji once said.
Aa Meri Jaan Main Khadi Hoon Yahan from Goonj
A bewitchingly beautifully crafted number by R D Burman from a 1974 film that gnaws at our soul and penetrates our hearts.
Kitni Dard Bhari Yeh Baat Hai from Nishana
Laxmikant-Pyarelal's exquisitely haunting composition, textured as poetry of pain (Anand Bakshi), carpeted on a melody embroidered by Lataji's voice.