1955 – Lata Mangeshkar

Continuing the yearly review of Lata Mangeshkar’s Hindi film songs, I’m presenting today my favourites from the year 1955. Here I want to clarify that the year mentioned corresponds to the year of getting censor board certification. The majority of the books enlist the films as per the year of censor board certification. The film may not have been released in the same year.

It has been a wonderful, though at times mentally and physically exhausting journey. Until 1954, I could manage the list relatively easily. But 1955 was really very difficult. I was to choose from 215+ songs in total. This time the list has 30+ songs. At times this makes the post very lengthy and I try to avoid numbering the songs.

Before we go to the list of my favourites, let’s have an overview of the year.

• Lata Mangeshkar sang around 215+ songs for 50+ films in 1955. The songs included 170+ solos and around 40 duets. The ratio of solos and duets was approximately 4.5:1
• Her maximum films (6) were with C Ramchandra
• S D Burman composed for 5 films
• She sang for 4 films each for Roshan and Hemant Kumar
• Naushad composed for just one film, while Shankar Jaikishan had a couple of films with Lata Mangeshkar
• Madan Mohan, Sudhir Phadke, Husnalal Bhagatram, Salil Chowdhury, Vasant Desai, Snehal Bhatkar and Vinod had only one film with her
• Bulo C Rani and Avinash Vyas had three films each with her
• She sang for the first time for Chitragupt, Ravi, Jaidev and N Datta
• Lesser known composers like Amarnath, Nashad, Manohar, B D Burman, Jamal sen, Sardul Kwatra, Govind Ram also had just one film with her
• She had just one song with Sajjad for the film Rukhsana and just a couple of solos for Jamal Sen
• Among duets, she had 30 duets with the male playback singers while 10 duets were with female playback singers
• Rafi topped the list with 10 duets, while she sang 5 duets each with Talat Mahmood and Manna Dey
• She had 4 duets with Hemant Kumar, a couple of songs with Mukesh that included one duet and one trio, both for the film, Shree 420
• She had one duet each with Chitalkar, Shaminder and G M Durrani
• Among her duets with the female playback singers, she had 3 duets each with Usha Mangeshkar and Shamshad Begum. A couple of duets with Sudha Malhotra, and one duet each with Asha Bhosle and Mubarak Begum.

By the beginning of the year, Lata Mangeshkar was the most prominent name of the Hindi cinema playback singers. And her vocal quality was at its best in the 50s. She was the first choice of every composer of the Hindi film industry, though she might not be an affordable option for a few composers.

1. S D Burman –
Lata Mangeshkar’s association with Burman da was very successful as he had three hits in 1955. The films were, Devdas, House No 44 and Munimji. The other two films, Society and Madbhare Nain had no well known songs. But a couple of songs from both these films are my favourites. I’ve selected one song per film.

O Aane Wale Ruk Ja – Devdas (1955) / S D Burman – Sahir
Lata Mangeshkar sang for Vyjayantimala, who played Chadramukhi, and had three solos to her credit. Out of these solos, two were Mujra songs and Vyjayantimala performed dances. I’m adding the song where she welcomes Devdas. It’s one of my favourite Mujra songs of Hindi cinema. The tune is catchy and the orchestration is good too. Perfect expressions by Lata Mangeshkar.

Phaili Hui Hai Sapnon Ki Baahein – House No. 44 (1955) / S D Burman – Sahir
It was her only solo from the movie and surely counted among the bests of Lata’s association with Burman da. The song has a waltz like rhythm. The picturisation is also impressive with beautiful landscapes.

Ghayal Hiraniya Main Ban Ban Dolun – Munimji (1955) / S D Burman – Sahir
Munimji had Lata Mangeshkar as the main female playback singer, who sang for both Nalini Jaywant and Kalpana Kartik. The majority of Lata’s solos are picturised on Nalini Jaywant including this song. I wasn’t aware of its picturisation and saw it for the first time. When I saw the tiger, I got to know why there’s Lata’s stuttering at the end.

The next couple of songs are not popular, but are good to add to the list in my opinion. I’ve added one song each from Madbhare Nain and Society. I guess the songs would be known to die hard fans of HFM.

Aa Palkon Mein Aa – Madbhare Nain (1955) / S D Burman – Shailendra
A soothing melody, excellently rendered by Lata Mangeshkar.

Meri Umar Se Lambi Ho Gayi – Society (1955) / S D Burman – Sahir
A song full of pathos. We can’t escape the agony and agitation of the lady.

2. C Ramchandra –
C Ramchandra had six films with Lata Mangeshkar. Her maximum with any composer for that year. The films were Azad, Insaniyat, Yasmin, Teerandaz, Lutera and Duniya Gol Hai. Of these, Azad, Insaniyat and Yasmin were popular and are still popular. Of the remaining three films, Teerandaz and Duniya Gol Hai also have a few of my favourites. C Ramchandra introduced Usha Mangeshkar in 1954 in the film Subah Ka Taara. He again offered her duets with Lata Mangeshkar in Azad and Insaniyat. It was the phase when Talat Mahmood was his favourite and he consistently offered him songs.
I haven’t heard much of the songs from Lutera. So my favourites include,

Radha Na Bole Na Bole – Azad (1955) / C Ramchandra – Rajendra Krishan
The dance numbers picturised on Sai and Subbulakshmi were already there on my previous lists. I was torn between Kitna Haseen Hai Mausam and this song. For me this one’s a typically sweet Chitalkar melody and Lata Mangeshkar has poured excellent expressions. And to top it all a young and beautiful Meena Kumari. What else could you wish for!

Lagi Lagi Karejwa Mein Chot – Duniya Gol Hain (1955) with Talat Mahmood / C Ramchandra – Rajendra Krishan
Perhaps the film is not well known, but I think the song is known to Lata Mangeshkar fans. It was a period when Chitalkar was offering the male songs mainly to Talat Mahmood. If I remember correctly the song is based on a traditional thumri. I am in love with the duet, though perhaps the solo version is a bit more popular.

Aayi Jhoomti Bahar – Insaniyat (1955) with Talat Mahmood / C Ramchandra – Rajendra Krishan
Though the film hasn’t got any of my particular favourites, this one featuring Bina Rai and Dev Anand, is a good song.
It’s really funny to watch Dev Anand with that odd mustache. I’m surprised as to how he agreed for that funny look. I thought he used to be very particular about his looks in general.

Yeh Haseen Sham – Teerandaz (1955) / C Ramchandra – Rajendra Krishan
I came across this song a couple of decades back and I immediately fell in love. The video of the song is not available, though I guess it could be a dance number. Lata Mangeshkar sings it with apt expressions and in general creates an aura.

Tum Apni Uaad Bhi Dil Se – Yasmin (1955) with Talat Mahmood / C Ramchandra – Jaan Nisar Akhtar
For me this is the best song of the movie. The song has an Arabian touch and the soulful song captures the listener’s mind. The film is full of Lata Mangeshkar solos, and though I am not a fan of each of those solos, Mujhpe Ilzam e Bewafai Hai is my favourite.

3. Shankar Jaikishan –
As compared to the last couple of years, Shankar Jaikishan had only a couple of films in 1955. Both the films, Seema and Shree 420 had popular songs and still continue to be.
I am presenting one song from each film,

Suno Chhoti Si Gudiya Ki – Seema (1955) / Shankar Jaikishan – Hasrat Jaipuri
The song has a happy and a sad version, both sung with apt expressions. The sarod pieces in the sad version are outstanding and were played by none other than Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. In addition to this song, Lata Mangeshkar had other wonderful solos as well. Manmohana Bade Jhoothe was picturised on Nutan, while Baat Baat Pe Rootho Na on Shubha Khote.

Pyar Hua Iqrar Hua Hai – Shree 420 (1955) with Manna Dey / Shankar Jaikishan – Shailendra
The song has achieved an iconic status and is one of the most popular rain song romances of Hindi cinema. The beautiful melody, meaningful lyrics, and excellent picturisation of the romance in the rain, all boost up the effect. Manna Dey could have easily become the preferred voice of Raj Kapoor, but perhaps it wasn’t to be.

4. Naushad –
Naushad had only one release this year, that goes quite well with his image of a choosy composer. The film was Dilip Kumar and Nimmi starrer Udan Khatola. Lata Mangeshkar had completely taken over the lead female playback singer position in Naushad’s team. She had nine solos in the film. Barring a few prominent ones, I am not very fond of the rest of the songs.
While I was about to choose the beautiful, Mera Salaam Leja, I finally decided to go for the soulful,

Hamare Dil Se Na Jana – Udan Khatola (1955) / Naushad – Shakeel Badayuni
I’m very much in love with this beautiful melody. What a heart touching rendition by Lata Mangeshkar. She delivers excellent expressions.
In the film Nimmi weeps in the majority of the songs. But for a change she only makes sad faces throughout the song, never weeps or sobs.

5. Hemant Kumar –
After the grand success of Nagin in 1954, Hemant Kumar became a popular composer. He had three films with Lata Mangeshkar in 1955. Though none of the films were commercially successful, a couple of songs or so from each of these films are still cherished. All the songs are full of Lata Mangeshkar solos.
Let me add,

Ae Dard e Jigar Fariyaad Na Kar – Bahu (1955) / Hemant Kumar – S H Bihari
A song full of pathos. The song has a touch of Chitalkar, at least I felt so.

Raat Hai Suhani – Bandish (1955) / Hemant Kumar – S H Bihari
A beautiful lullaby picturised on young and beautiful Meena Kumari and sweet, cute Daisy Irani. The film is not so popular, but the so gs are really good.

Pee Ki Lagan Mein – Lagan (1955) / Hemant Kumar – Rajendra Krishan
Not a great song, but it has a typical touch of the 50s. I am fond of it.

6. Vasant Desai –
It was his only film with Lata Mangeshkar in 1955. The V Shantaram film was full of absolutely wonderful semi classical melodies. Lata Mangeshkar had solos and duets in the film. I like the majority of the solos by Lata Mangeshkar for the movie. But my most favourite would obviously be,

Nain So Nain Nahi Milao – Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje (1955) with Hemant Kumar / Vasant Desai – Hasrat Jaipuri
I always get goosebumps when I listen to the song. It’s pleasantly soothing to the senses. Lata Mangeshkar and Hemant Kumar complement each other so wonderfully, it’s almost a divine experience. And watching the song picturised in Vrindavan garden is yet another attraction.

7. Salil Chowdhury –
Salil Chowdhury had just one film with Lata Mangeshkar in 1955. The film had solos and duets by Lata Mangeshkar. I’ve chosen a beautiful melody with an enchanting tonga rhythm.

Halke Halke Chalo Sanware – Tangewalee (1955) with Hemant Kumar / Salil Chowdhury – Prem Dhawan
A perfectly sweet melody.

8. Roshan –
Roshan had three films with Lata Mangeshkar, Chhora Chhori, Ghar Ghar Mein Diwali, and Jashan. I’m not much familiar with the songs of the former too. The latter however has one of my all time favourite song which I’m presenting today,

Dard e Dil Tuhi Bata – Jashan (1955) / Roshan – Rajendra Krishan
A song in a melancholy mood. The lady is in despair, with a tinge of repentance. And Lata’s expressions convey the sadness so well.

9. Jaidev –
Jaidev was chosen as an assistant by Ustad Ali Akbar Khan when the latter was composing for Navketan’s Aandhiyan in 1951. Later Jaidev again assisted him for Humsafar (1953). Jaidev continued his job in Navketan and assisted Burman da for Taxi Driver.
It was Chetan Anand who appointed him as a composer for his next venture, Joru Ka Bhai. Lata Mangeshkar was a part of his musical team right from the beginning. The film had a tandem song (not strictly speaking), and I’m adding Lata’s part,

Subah Ka Intezar Kaun Karen – Joru Ka Bhai (1955) / Jaidev – Sahir

10. Ghulam Mohammad –
Lata Mangeshkar had only one film with him in 1955, Sunil Dutt and Nimmi starrer Kundan. Shikayat Kya Karoon is my favourite song, but for today’s list, let me add,

Yeh Baharon Ke Din – Kundan (1955) with Rafi / Ghulam Mohammad – Shakeel Badayuni
A joyous, playful song! Not very typically Ghulam Mohammad style. But quite enjoyable.

11. Chitragupt –
Chitragupt is one of my most favourite composers of the golden era. Though he was never considered a first rung composer, his songs were always A grade. He was composing independently in the late 40s itself. But his first association with Lata Mangeshkar was in 1955. The film was AVM production’s film Shiv Bhakta. Lata Mangeshkar sang four solos. The song she recorded was perhaps the wonderful dance number, Kailashnath Prabhu Avinashi . As the song mainly has the Kathak bol, I thought of adding my other favourite.

Kahan Jake Yeh Naina Lade – Shiv Bhakta (1955) / Chitragupt – G S Nepali
A typically sweet Chitragupt melody. Though it was Lata’s first film with him, he got her best in the first film itself. It was the beginning of an era. Later Lata Mangeshkar and Chitragupt combination continued to shower many beautiful and memorable melodies.

12. Madan Mohan –
Their only film in 1955 was Railway Platform, which marked the entry of Sunil Dutt as a main lead in Hindi cinema. It had three solos by Lata Mangeshkar. But my favourite song was not included in the movie. But I wanted to add it here, so let’s listen to the sheer melody,

Chand Maddham Hai – Railway Platform (1955) / Madan Mohan – Sahir
The song creates an aura of suspense and it has a haunting quality to it. At least that’s my perception of the song. Beautiful orchestration and excellent rendition.

Other Composers –
Even after including around 20+ songs on the list, at least a dozen of my favourites were left out. So I finally decided to add them all, though that would mean a more lengthy list. But I couldn’t help…

Aise Hain Sukh Sapan Hamare – Ratna Ghar (1955) / Sudhir Phadke – Pandit Narendra Sharma
The very second post on the blog was a list of Hindi films songs composed by Sudhir Phadke. I had this film on the list, though I added another song from the movie. So for today’s list, I decided to add my second favourite. Lata’s expressions of helplessness and futility touch the listener’s soul.

Pyar Ki Yeh Talkhiyan – Sardar (1955) / Jagmohan Sursagar – Kaif Irfani
It’s one of my most favourite Lata solos. What a composition! Just listen to the helplessness Lata conveys, while singing, “To Main Kya Karoon?”. Just amazing. Jagmohan should have composed for a few more films, we would have enjoyed his songs with Lata.
Though this song has already appeared on a couple of occasions, it was a must for today’s list as well.

Ja Ja Re Chanda Teri Chandni – Albeli (1955) / Ravi – Ravi
It was Lata’s first film with Ravi and she sang just one solo and one duet for the film. Her duet with Hemant Kumar was already on one of my previous lists. This slow paced melody slowly captures the listener’s mind. The very high pitched part of the stanza is also sung well.

Mohabbat Ne Kaise Diye Hum Ko Dhokhe – Oot Pataang (1955) / Vinod – D N Madhok
I just love this song. The film and the song are not at all popular, but the song has something magical that it attracts you. The song has gelled in two different moods. The interlude has a happy mood with a fast paced orchestration, while the song has a melancholy mood otherwise. The picturisation perhaps involves a weeping main lead singing the song, while her husband is busy with someone else elsewhere.

Mohabbat Ki Bas Itni Dastan Hai – Baradari (1955) with Rafi / Nashad – Khumar Barabankvi
I’m a bit more fond of this song than the previous one. I love the portion, बहारें चार दिन की फिर ख़िजां है. There is something magical in those lines. The singers go to a higher scale that gives me goosebumps. The tune is of course good too. The opening lines of the mukhda as well as the verses remain without much instrumental support, to turn into a soft dholak-Tabla rhythm.

Nazar Lage Pyari Sawariya Tumhari – Adal e Jahangir (1955) / Husnalal Bhagatram – Qamar Jalalabadi
Husnalal Bhagatram were slowly losing their place in Hindi films. They had only one film with Lata Mangeshkar in 1955. Ae Meri Zindagi Tujhe Dhoondhoo Kahan was a popular tandem song from the movie. But in addition, this song is also my favourite. It’s picturised on a gorgeous Meena Kumari.

Badi Mushkil Hai – Chingari (1955) / Manohar – Shailendra
It’s one of my favourite solos by Lata Mangeshkar. Just forget about the film. Such a cute song, Lata’s expressions are wonderful!

Jogiya Se Preet Kiye Dukh – Garam Coat (1955) / Pandit Amarnath – Meera Bai
Pandit Amarnath composed for just one film, but what great compositions! It’s because of the song that we remember the film. Meera Bai Bhajan rendered beautifully by Lata Mangeshkar. Pandit Amarnath Chawla is different from Pandit Amarnath, who was the elder brother of the composer duo, Husnalal Bhagatram.

Kab Tak Uthaye Aur Yeh Gham – Naqaab (1955) with Rafi / Govindram – Prem Dhawan
A beautiful and soulful melody. For me it’s one of Lata’s best duet with Rafi.

Ghir Ghir Chhayi Mast Ghataye – Naata (1955) with Sudha Malhotra / S Mohinder – Tanveer Naqvi
The film was produced by Madhubala and the song is picturised on Madhubala and her real sister Chanchal. The song has a Punjabi flavour if I’m not mistaken. Though the film had many gems, I like this soothing duet a lot.

Yeh Baharon Ka Sama – Milap (1955) / N Datta – Sahir
N Datta composed for a couple of films in 1955. The films were Milap and Marine Drive. The former was his first film as an independent music director. Milap had a couple of solos by Lata Mangeshkar. Marine Drive had one solo by Lata Mangeshkar. Though I like all the three songs, I chose the sublime, dreamy song from Milap.

Woh Chali Gham Ki Hawa – Aaj Ki Baat (1955) / Snehal Bhatkar – Hasrat Jaipuri
A wonderful composition by Snehal Bhatkar. And Lata Mangeshkar has poured her soul into it. It creates a perfect aura of pathos.

I end the list here. I may have left out some of your favourites from the year. Please add.

Disclaimer –
Mehfil Mein Meri, claims no credit for any image, screenshots or songs posted on this site. Images on this blog are posted to make the text interesting. The images and screenshots are the copyright of their original owners. The song links are shared from YouTube, only for the listening convenience of music lovers. The copyright of these songs rests with the respective owners, producers and music companies.