Top 15 Lata Mangeshkar Solo Songs You Must Listen

Lata Mangeshkar also known as the ‘Nightingale of India’, is a singer with a voice that captivates listeners and lures them into the experience of her songs.

She’s been singing solo for over 70 years and has recorded some of the most iconic song lyrics known throughout the world.

She is one of the most revered names in Indian classical music. Her early career was one of the most prolific periods in Indian classical music history.

Her contributions to Indian music, especially in Hindi and Punjabi, are undeniable. She has recorded over 5,000 songs in over 13 languages (including Hindi, Panjabi, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Telugu, and more) since her start in the year 1942.

The ‘Melody Queen’ has been recognized with several awards for her work. The Bharat Ratna awardee, playback singer Lata Mangeshkar is certainly a true gem of our country.

With umpteen songs and awards, she has lent her voice to almost four generations of actresses! Here are a few famous Lata Mangeshkar Solo Songs you should listen to.

We list down our favorite songs (solo hits) by Lata Mangeshkar.

Trust me, shortlisting the 15 best tracks from her innumerable songs is like asking a girl to choose 1 lehenga from a huge collection of lehengas by Sabyasachi Mukherjee or maybe Manish Malhotra! So tough!

Today, the world mourns as one of India’s most famous singers is laid to rest. Lata Mangeshkar, the exceptional Indian playback singer, whose voice was the epitome of our emotions and sentiments, and the talent was derived from both our secular and sacred traditions, has passed away at 92 years of age in Mumbai, India. #RIPLataJi – Read More

15 Lata Mangeshkar Solo Songs

Here is our list of favorites from a repertoire of her thousands and thousands of tracks (in no particular order).

#1. Ek Tu Hi Bharosa – Pukar (2000)

One of the most loved devotional songs of all time. The lyrics to Bollywood hit song are written by Majrooh Sultanpuri and Javed Akhtar. 

Music was composed by none other than the composer, singer-songwriter, music producer, musician, and multi-instrumentalist A. R. Rahman. A hit song took many hit artists.

#2. So Gaye Hain – Zubeidaa (2001)

The song holds the essence of ‘Zubeidaa’. And those of you who haven’t heard it trust me you’ll have goosebumps throughout!

Again, the trio did the magic. A.R. Rahman’s music + Javed Akhtar’s lyrics +Lata Mangeshkar’s voice = SHEER AWESOMENESS!

#3. Aa Jaane Jaan – Intaqam (1969)

Aa Jaane Jaan’ is one of the best cabaret songs in Bollywood. It was tailored according to Lata Mangeshkar’s style for she was a little apprehensive, initially, about singing a cabaret song. Must watch this live performance by Lata Ji.

However, Lataji is the queen of cabaret songs. Every song in the movie was a super hit.

#4. Tujhse Naraz Nahi Zindagi – Masoom (1983)

Don’t we all love this song?

This is one of those songs that never gets old, that’s why it is one of the all-time favorite Lata Mangeshkar solo hits.

The lyrics are written by Gulzar saab and music by Rahul Dev Burman. 

#5. Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Ye – Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai (1960)

Lata Mangeshkar’s voice sounds as blissful as the composition by the dynamic duo Shankar-Jaikishan. 

The song was written by lyricist Shailendra. The song stars Raaj Kumar, Meena Kumari, Ashok Kumar, and Nadira.

#6. Lagg Jaa Gale – Wo Kaun Thi (1963)

Only one word- Mesmerizing!

Lata Mangeshkar’s career spanned more than 7 decades (starting in 1942) recording thousands of songs. This hit solo song of Lata Mangeshkar is regarded as one of her songs by which she is remembered. 

This song is a classic that is covered by many new artists.

Lag Jaa Gale is a Hindi song with music by Madan Mohan Kohli. Raja Mehdi Ali Khan wrote the lyrics for the 1964 Bollywood film Woh Kaun Thi under the music label Saregama.

#7. Yaara Seeli Seeli – Lekin (1991)

Hridayanath Mangeshkar’s (music composer and Lata Mangeshkar’s brother) interpretation of ‘Yaara Seeli Seeli’ helped Lata Mangeshkar bag that year’s National Award for Best Female Playback Singer.

Not only that, the lyrics were written was legendary Gulzar which fetched him a Filmfare Award for best lyrics.

#8. Baahon Mein Chale Aao – Anamika (1973)

Lata Mangeshkar’s voice adds to the intimacy factor of the song. Coincidentally, the lyrics of this hit solo of Lata Mangeshkar were written by Majrooh Sultanpuri while R.D. Burman gave the music.

This song is also picturized on Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bhaduri in the movie Anamika.

#9. Rim Jhim Gire Saawan – Manzil (1979)

One of the most famous rain/ love songs, Lata Mangeshkar’s version of ‘Rim Jhim Gire Saawan’ brings in the perfect amount of innocence required for this song.

Rahul Dev Burman gave the music for this hit solo while the lyrics were by Yogesh Gaud.

#10. Kahin Deep Jale Kahin Dil – Bees Saal Baad (1962)

This song fetched Badayuni, a Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist, and Lata Mangeshkar her second Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer. 

Badayuni received his second Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist for this song. The song was selected as one of the Top 10 songs of the 50s and 60s by The Times of India and Outlook India.

#11. Baiyaan Na Dharo O Balma – Dastak (1970)

Another one of the Lata Mangeshkar famous songs, Baiyaan Na Dharo O Balma from the movie Dastak.

The music of this famous song was directed by Madan Mohan while the lyrics were written by Majrooh Sultanpuri.

#12. Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya – Mughal-E-Azam (1960)

One of the most memorable songs ever! So many love stories are inspired by this song’s spirit. 

 The “Mughal-E-Azam” soundtrack is one of the best-selling Hindi film soundtracks of all time and it features 12 songs. Out of those songs, Lata Mangeshkar did the vocals for 9 songs, eight were her solo, and one she sang with Shamshad Begum.

Lyrics were written by Shakeel Badayuni and music was given by Naushad.

#13. Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai – Guide (1965)

This song never gets old. Legendary SD Burman gave the music of this song while lyricist Shailendra gave the lyrics of this song. It is one of the best Lata Mangeshkar solo songs loved by millions.

In this song, Rosie (played by Waheeda Rehman) dances with abandon because she can now live as she wants to. Waheeda Rehman brings the lyrics to life with her amazing beauty and dancing skills.

The ‘Guide’ movie shares the condition of women in this patriarchal society and the song Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai voiced by here clearly depicts the desire and experiences of women in the era.

#14. Ab Ke Sajan Saawan Mein – Chupke Chupke (1975)

A very famous song starring Sharmila Tagore and Dharmendra. The lyrics were beautifully written by Anand Bakshi. 

One of the most beautiful voices in the world is that of Lata Mangeshkar. Her enchanting voice has given a crazy number of hits to Bollywood. This song like all others on the list is no exception.

#15. Main to Bhool Chali Babul Ka Desh – Lata Mangeshkar Song – Saraswatichandra (1968)

Another gem of Lata Mangeshkar! Indeevar wrote the memorable lyrics of this song while Anandji Virji Shah, Kalyanji Virji Shah were music directors.

P.S.: These songs are the author’s personal favorites. Please don’t kill her for not putting so and so the song in the list. She is extremely bholi and nadaan.

How do you like this list of Lata Mangeshkar Solo Songs?

Did we miss your favorite song by her? Let us know via the comments below.

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Editorial Team at TerraTale is a group of individuals and experts, who write about their experiences and learnings on a variety of subjects that anyone can connect with and reflect upon.

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