Today is 28^th September, and we are remembering Lata Mangeshkar on her birthday. But remembering would be a wrong word as I am sure there is hardly a day when we don’t hear her songs. It might be from the classic era – 50s and 60s or the 90s where she sang selectively but continued to deliver huge hits. It might be a film song or otherwise. As often repeated, there will be no one like Lataji again. Such is her influence.

Thinking about a theme is so difficult when it comes to such a great artist. I had written about 1 voice and 10 heroines earlier remembering the singer and some of the heroines she sang for. Today’s post is about birthday songs sang by Lataji. Birthdays are common situations in our movies and a perfect reason to place a song. While meant to be a cheerful occasion, we see the occasional twist, adding to the entertainment.

---

1) Song: Da Dir Daara…Meri Laadli
Film: Andaz (1949)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | Naushad | Lata Mangeshkar and Chorus

Starting with one of the very early songs of Lataji. This was her first collaboration with Naushad, with whom she had a long association till the 1990s. In the song, Raj Kapoor and Nargis are celebrating their daughter’s first birthday. Everything is fine till Dilip Kumar’s arrival which adds drama to the scene. Nargis pauses when she sees him but gains control and continues the song. Lataji’s voice sounded young but it had the range and throw that were going to become legendary soon.

---

2) Song: Ek Bewafa Se Pyaar Kiya
Film: Awara (1951)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Lata Mangeshkar

Similar to Naushad, Lataji had a long association with Shankar Jaikishan, who gave her some of the best songs of her career. Not to forget Raj Kapoor’s legendary banner R.K. Films under which this film was made. In this scene, it is Nargis’s birthday and meant to be a happy occasion. But there is a twist before the song which reveals the harsh reality of her lover (Raj Kapoor). Her friend sings the song but it is a reflection of her troubled state of mind. What to say about Lataji’s singing – effortless and amazing breath control.

---

3) Song: Pawan Diwani
Film: Dr Vidya (1962)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | S. D. Burman | Lata Mangeshkar

It is Vyjayanti Mala’s onscreen birthday party. And her dance performance is the return gift for the assembled guests! Her performance is impeccable but Lataji’s divine singing displays her classical singing prowess. Definitely one of those songs which are a treat to the eyes and the ears in equal measure.

---

4) Song: Tumhe Aur Kya Doon Main
Film: Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Lata Mangeshkar

Shankar Jaikishan once again, with their favourite Raag Bhairavi. And Lataji’s voice blending with Saira Banu’s screen presence takes it to another level. A melodious song celebrating the birthday of the 2 heroes – Rajendra Kumar and Dharmendra. She is wishing both of them but her heart is set on one of them!

---

5) Song: Kya Rang-e-Mehfil
Film: Dil Diya Dard Liya (1966)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Lata Mangeshkar and Chorus

A messy and forgettable film with great music. A different composition from Naushad and presented so brilliantly by Lataji. It is Shyama’s birthday celebration. Waheeda Rehman is requested or rather forced to showcase her singing skills in the party. She obliges by singing this enchanting number.

---

6) Song: Dulhan Ban Ke Aayi Umango Ki Shaam
Film: Saaz Aur Awaaz (1966)
Credits: Khumar Barabankvi | Naushad | Lata Mangeshkar

Another Naushad composition from another forgettable film from the 60s. But the songs were good like this number based on Raag Pilu. This time it is Saira Banu’s birthday. She arrives late and performs this song, thanking the guests and well wishers who have come to greet her. It has the Naushad stamp and Lataji delivers the intricate number convincingly.

---

7) Song: Aaj Hai 2 October Ka Din
Film: Parivaar (1967)
Credits: Gulshan Bawra | Kalyanji Anandji | Lata Mangeshkar and Chorus

Jeetendra and Nanda are celebrating their son’s birthday. What is special is it is 2^nd of October which is the birthday of 2 great leaders – Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. The lyrics describe both the personalities and wish the child to try and follow their paths.

---

8) Song: Badhai Ho Badhai
Film: Mere Munna (1967)
Credits: Qamar Jalalabadi | Kalyanji Anandji | Lata Mangeshkar

And finally a song sung by a child! Junior Mehmood sings the song with playback by Lataji. Seems it is Nutan and Rehman’s son’s birthday and Jr. Mehmood is wishing him by singing this delightful song. One of Lataji’s ability was to sound like the character she is singing for and does so here as well. Singing for a child and that too a boy with desirable results!

---

9) Song: Janam Din Aaya
Film: Baharon Ki Manzil (1968)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | Lamikant Pyarelal | Lata Mangeshkar and Chorus

This was a film with a different story line. Meena Kumari plays the role of a woman who has lost her memory for many years. This song celebrates the birthday of her daughter (from a small child to a grown up girl (played by Farida Jalal)). Lataji sang the most number of songs for the Laxmikant Pyarelal duo over more than 3 decades of their luminous career.

---

10) Song: Choron Ko Saare Nazar Aate Hai Chor
Film: Naya Zamana (1971)
Credits: Anand Bakshi | S. D. Burman | Lata Mangeshkar

And the final song in today’s list – not a happy song by any means. This is a situational song as per the demand of the movie. It is Hema Malini’s niece’s birthday. She has invited her “poor” friend Aruna Irani for the party. Aruna gets wrongly accused of stealing by Hema’s sister in law (Indrani Mukherjee) because she is not wealthy like the other guests. She is hurt by this behaviour but she doesn’t leave as she has promised to sing a song on this joyous occasion. She stays and entertains the affluent guests by singing this song sarcasm filled composition. Lataji brings out the emotions effectively – part hurt and part angry.