1956 – Lata Mangeshkar

Nowadays I eagerly await the yearly review post of Lata Mangeshkar’s songs. Though the series is not getting very much appreciated, I’m not going to be disappointed. The week when I work on these posts proves to be one of the most enjoyable weeks. It’s at times physically and mentally exhausting to go through the films and the songs, but I do enjoy it a lot. So more than anything else I write these posts for my own enjoyment.

From the year 1955 itself, things got very difficult. The number of Hindi film songs now are around 200+ in total, with around 45+ films on an average to consider. This year as well, I’ve around 200 songs to consider with the ratio of solos and duets being 3:1.

I again repeat myself. The films are mentioned as per the censor board certification year, the film may not have been released in the same year.

Before I start the actual list, let me present an overview of the year.

• Lata Mangeshkar had her maximum number of songs with two composers, Shankar Jaikishan and Hemant Kumar. She had 7 films each with them
• She had just a couple of films with Husnalal Bhagatram, who were already on a downfall. The films, Aan Baan and Mr Chakram had no popular songs, at least I’m not aware of the songs
• She had three films each with C Ramchandra and Salil Chowdhury. And the majority had popular songs. But her usual blast with C Ramchandra was missing in my opinion.
  Though she had a couple of films with Anil Biswas, the songs were not very popular. It was not a good year for Biswas
• Madan Mohan had success with Bhai Bhai which was a blockbuster if I’m not wrong. His other three movies also had memorable songs
• Naushad, Ghulam Mohammad, S D Burman had no films with her in 1956. S D Burman was the prominent composer for the year 1955, but in 1956 no films at all
• Chitragupt had his first film with Lata Mangeshkar in 1955, and had three films in 1956. But none had popular songs. I’m not aware of any of the songs from these movies
• Roshan’s both the films had good songs, but perhaps the films were not commercially successful, making the songs reach lesser people
• Mukesh composed for and produced a movie called Anurag. Lata’s four solos however couldn’t become very popular
• K Datta, N Datta, Bipin Babul each had only one solo with her. It was perhaps her only song with the duo Bipin Babul
• Hansraj Behl’s only film with her in 1956 was Rajdhani which marked her return to his team and had memorable songs
• Her films with Mohd Shafi (Zindagi) and Kamal Mitra (Yahudi Ki Beti) couldn’t get popular. It was her only film with the composer, Kamal Mitra
• S N Tripathi had two films with her, but again the songs are not very popular, though one of the films has my favourite song
• Her only film with Vasant Desai was V Shantaram’s Toofan Aur Deeya, and she sang three Meera Bai bhajans for it, all of which were picturised on a very young Nanda
• Lesser known composers like Nisar and Chic Chocolate jointly composed for the film, Kar Bhala, while Vishwanathan and Rammoorthy composed for Naya Aadmi. The latter film had a couple of solos composed by Madan Mohan
• S Mohinder composed for a couple of films with Lata Mangeshkar. The film Shirin Farhad became their most memorable union with an immortal song.

Out of 30+ duets, she sang 10 duets with Hemant Kumar, her highest for the year with a male playback singer. And the majority of these duets are memorable. She sang 7 duets each with Rafi and Manna Dey, 5 duets with Talat Mahmood, 2 duets with Mukesh, one duet each with Kishore Kumar, Sudhir Phadke and G M Durrani. But I couldn’t find a few of her duets with Hemant Kumar.
She had 12 duets with female playback singers. 3 duets each with Asha Bhosle, Usha Mangeshkar and Shamshad Begum. 2 duets with Geeta Dutt and one duet with Mubarak Begum.
She had three other songs in 1956, a trio for the film, Paisa Hi Paisa with Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar, and One trio with Usha Mangeshkar and Meena Mangeshkar for the film, Patrani. There’s a song, Le Lo Sone Ka Laddu, which is believed to be and is always mentioned as a trio. Actually it’s a quartet, Lata Mangeshkar with Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle and Rafi.

1. Shankar Jaikishan –
Shankar Jaikishan always had a big role in Lata’s career in the 1950s. She was the main female playback singer of their team. They had 7 films in 1956 and all the films had Lata Mangeshkar. The films were, Basant Bahar, Chori Chori, Halaku, New Delhi, Patrani, Rajhat and Qismat Ka Khel. Except the last films, all the other films had popular songs. Most of these songs are still very popular. She sang for all the top heroines of the era. That includes, Nimmi, Nargis, Meena Kumari, Madhubala, Vyjayantimala. It was as usual difficult to choose one song per film, but ultimately I did it. So here I go……

Nain Mile Chain Kahan – Basant Bahar (1956) with Manna Dey / Shankar Jaikishan – Shailendra
Basant Bahar had four of her songs, including a couple of solos and a couple of duets. She sang for both Nimmi and Kumkum. Her duet with Manna Dey is my favourite since I heard it for the first time. The film is full of excellent semi classical songs, and according to me, one of the best by Shankar Jaikishan duo. The film version had two verses, while I had come across an audio track with the third verse as well.
Such a beautiful song, eternally romantic and melodious.

Jahan Main Jaati Hoon – Chori Chori (1956) with Manna Dey / Shankar Jaikishan – Shailendra
I think the readers would be surprised if I say my most favourite from this movie is Us Paar Saajan. And I am equally fascinated by Tum Arabon Ka Herpher. But for today’s list I wanted something that I usually enjoy equally. The lead pair dancing as kathputalis, with excellent rendition by the singers make the song an audiovisual treat.

Aaja Ke Intezar Mein – Halaku (1956) with Rafi / Shankar Jaikishan – Shailendra
As in the case of the above two films, I faced difficulty in choosing just a single song from Halaku. While I was attracted to the absolutely gorgeous Meena Kumari in Yeh Chand Yeh Sitare , both the songs picturised on Helen are also a delight to listen to. But I guess, the most popular song of the movie is the one that I have added. Such a difficult scenario.

Mere Sapne Mein Aana Re – Rajhat (1956) / Shankar Jaikishan – Shailendra
I loved this song the day I heard it. That time I wasn’t even aware of the cast of the movie. And when I watched the video for the first time, I started liking the song a hundred times more. What lovely expressions by Lata Mangeshkar and how beautifully gorgeous Madhubala looks! Just blissful!

Murli Bairan Bhayi – New Delhi (1956) / Shankar Jaikishan – Hasrat Jaipuri
It was relatively easy to select the song. The film had a couple of dance numbers picturised on Vyjayantimala. I was to select the one which I like. And of course, I like this one.

Chandrama Madbhara Kyon Jhoome – Patrani (1956) / Shankar Jaikishan – Shailendra
I think the song was not included in the movie, as I couldn’t get its video. But I like the way the song creates an aura of pathos.

2. Hemant Kumar –
After the grand success of Nagin, Hemant Kumar became a busy name in Hindi films. He also had 7 films with Lata Mangeshkar in 1956. Though I wasn’t aware of the songs from all these films, a few films had iconic songs. The films were, Anjaan, Bandhan, Durgesh Nandini, Ek Hi Rasta, Taj, Hamara Watan and Inspector. I went through the lesser known films as well, though I selected a couple of songs only from those films. The list already had 30 songs by then.

Kahan Le Chale Ho – Durgesh Nandini (1956) / Hemant Kumar – Rajendra Krishan
I haven’t watched the movie, but I’m fond of the songs. The song comes as a dream sequence, Bina Rai wonders about the new world she is about to enter. The scenes look like a dream world. A thoroughly enjoyable song.

Sanwale Salone Aaye Din Bahar Ke – Ek Hi Raasta (1956) with Hemant Kumar / Hemant Kumar – Majrooh
I’m very much fond of this lovely duet. The couple with the child enjoying a bicycle ride. Very soon it will appear on one of the parts of the bicycle saga on the blog.

Jahan Mein Aayi Deewali – Taj (1956) / Hemant Kumar – Rajendra Krishan
A song laden with deep anguish and pathos. I think there would be less number of sad Deewali songs and this one fits there.

Dil Chhed Koi Aisa Naghma – Inspector (1956) / Hemant Kumar – S H Bihari
The song has a male and a female version. I like both the versions. The song has good and meaningful lyrics, sung with apt expressions. The song touches the soul.

Ek Main Ek Tu – Anjaan (1956) with Chorus / Hemant Kumar – Rajendra Krishan
A very interesting song. I didn’t know that Hindi films have portrayed Kabaddi as a song. Very enjoyable song, leave apart the actual sport. Vyjayantimala and Helen are the leaders of the groups. The song has quite notable participation by the chorus. And the words Kabaddi in the opening part of the song are definitely sung by Umadevi. Quite unmistakable!

Brindavan Ki Kunj Galiyan Mein – Bandhan (1956) / Hemant Kumar – Rajendra Krishan
What a sweet melody! A very beautiful song picturised on a beautiful Meena Kumari. A typical Hemant Kumar composition.

3. Madan Mohan –
Lata Mangeshkar sang for Madan Mohan in 4 films, Bhai Bhai, Fifty Fifty, Naya Aadmi and Pocketmar. The year brought perhaps the first Jubilee hit to Madan Mohan. The film Bhai Bhai was a superhit movie and celebrated its Golden Jubilee. The other films also had melodious songs. I’m presenting today,

Qadar Jane Na – Bhai Bhai (1956) / Madan Mohan – Rajendra Krishan
Excellent rendition! What a beautiful melody! I think it’s based on a traditional bandish or thumri. I have no idea about the situation in the song, but it definitely gave Nimmi yet another reason to sobb and cry. I think in at least 75% of her songs she makes sad faces, sobs and weeps.

Chal Diya Dil Mera Tod Ke – Fifty Fifty (1956) / Madan Mohan – Rajendra Krishan
I don’t know much about the movie and the other songs. I have known the song for more than a decade now and I like it. The song has a magical effect on the listeners. It creates a perfect aura of pathos.

Dil e Betaab Thehar – Naya Aadmi (1956) / Madan Mohan – Rajendra Krishan
The film had only two or three songs by Madan Mohan. I think that included a couple of solos by Lata Mangeshkar and one solo by Rafi. The song sounds more like C Ramchandra’s melody to me. A beautiful song!

Yeh Nai Nai Preet Hai – Pocketmar (1956) with Talat Mahmood / Madan Mohan – Rajendra Krishan
The song is among the best duets by the singers according to me. Though I like the other songs of the movie, mainly Balma Anadi Manga De Ghoda Gadi, I chose this sublime and delicate expression of love.

4. C Ramchandra –
Perhaps the separation between Lata Mangeshkar and C Ramchandra had begun by now. Though they had three films together, the magic was slowly weaning off. Left behind were the days when Chitalkar’s light hearted songs used to be extremely popular and the same film also used to feature an excellent sad song by Lata Mangeshkar. Though not exactly true, it quite describes the scenario.

Aankh Roi Magar Muskurana Pada – 26 January (1956) / C Ramchandra – Rajendra Krishan
I think the song combines patriotism and personal anguish, as the lady talks about her love in the second verse. I am glad I could get a very good audio of this song.

Kaise Aaoon Jamuna Ke Teer – Devta (1956) / C Ramchandra – Rajendra Krishan
The film was full of excellent songs, and I highlighted my personal favourite from the movie. It’s a beautiful semi classical song, portraying the lady in distress.

Badli Mein Chhupe Chand Ne – Shatranj (1956) with Hemant Kumar / C Ramchandra – Rajendra Krishan
I was unable to include this beautiful duet on my list of duets by Lata Mangeshkar and Hemant Kumar. But today I was quick to add it to the list.

5. Salil Chowdhury –
Salil Chowdhury also had three films with Lata Mangeshkar in 1956. R K film’s Jagte Raho would be the most prominent one. The other two films, Aawaz and Parivar also had good songs. I’ve selected one from each film.

Jago Mohan Pyare – Jagte Raho (1956) with Chorus / Salil Chowdhury – Shailendra
The song was picturised on Nargis, who appears at the end of the movie just for the song. And it was her last appearance in a RK film. The song has the essence of the theme of the movie.

Jhir Jhir Jhir Jhir Badarwa Barse – Parivar (1956) with Hemant Kumar / Salil Chowdhury – Shailendra
One of the best romantic duets by Lata Mangeshkar and Hemant Kumar. You can’t help noticing that I have included several of their duets on the list. The song has cute lyrics, very sweet tune and no need to mention, excellent rendition by the singers.

Dil Deewana Dil Mastana Mane Na – Aawaz (1956) with Talat Mahmood / Salil Chowdhury – Zia Sarhadi
I wasn’t expecting to get a video of the song. It’s picturised on Nalini Jaywant and Zul Vellani. Haven’t heard of him ever. But the song is good and a typically sweet Salil Chowdhury melody.

6. Roshan –
His prominent films with Lata Mangeshkar were Taksaal and Rangeen Raaten. I guess, both the films were not popular, though a couple of songs from both the films are still remembered.
I’m adding,

Brij Ke Nandlala – Taksaal (1956) / Roshan – Prem Dhawan
What a soulful bhajan! It really is very good.

Hum Jage Jag Soye Ri – Rangeen Raaten (1956) / Roshan – Kedar Sharma
I love the song. It’s lip synced by Chand Usmani and picturised on Mala Sinha and Chand Usmani. Very beautiful and soothing, soulful melody.

7. Vasant Desai –
His only film with Lata Mangeshkar was V Shantaram’s Toofan Aur Deeya. Lata Mangeshkar was chosen for Nanda. Lata Mangeshkar had three solos and one duet. All of her solos were Meera Bai bhajans.

All the bhajans are beautifully rendered, but my choice for today’s list is,

Meri Chhoti Si Behen – Toofan Aur Deeya (1956) with Geeta Dutt / Vasant Desai – Bharat Vyas
Lata Mangeshkar sings for Nanda while Geeta Dutt sings for Satish Vyas. Satish Vyas teases his sister, Nanda as she is soon getting married. The song depicts a very cute relationship between the two.

8. Anil Biswas –
It wasn’t a successful year for Anil Biswas. He had just a couple of films in 1956. The films, Heer and Paisa Hi Paisa were not particularly successful if I’m not wrong. The latter was produced by Mehboob Khan. It had a couple of solos by Lata Mangeshkar, and also a couple of other songs. The song, Lelo Sone Ka Laddu, is always referred to as a triad, though it’s a quartet actually. It is a good song.
But for today’s list, let me present,

Lad Gayi Aankhiyan – Paisa Hi Paisa (1956) / Anil Biswas – Majrooh
Based on the traditional thumri by Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, the song is a bit faster paced than the original. Obviously a good song!

Aa Mere Ranjhana – Heer (1956) / Anil Biswas – Majrooh
I guess the songs are not very popular, but this song is extremely good in my opinion. Lata’s voice is soft, almost whispering and immersed in deep agony. Lata Mangeshkar had only a couple of solos in the film, the majority of the songs were sung by Geeta Dutt and Asha Bhosle. But of course Lata Mangeshkar still leaves a deep impact with her songs.

9. Other Composers –

S Mohinder –
I take it as the best known film, S Mohinder composed for. The film is more or less remembered just for the song, though I think the other songs are popular too.

Guzra Hua Zamana – Shirin Farhad (1956) / S Mohinder – Tanveer Naqvi
The song has well written lyrics, and a good melody. A soulful song picturised on beautiful Madhubala. The song was a must on my list.

Sudhir Phadke –
The majority of the songs he composed for Lata Mangeshkar in Hindi films are absolute gems, though I agree the songs may not be very popular. He had only one film with Lata Mangeshkar in 1956. I think the film is rather remembered for Lata’s duet with Sudhir Phadke, but I am a big fan of this delicately orchestrated, soothing melody.

Ja Re Chandra – Sajni (1956) / Sudhir Phadke – Pandit Narendra Sharma

Hansraj Behl –
Hansraj Behl’s association with Lata Mangeshkar started with the film Chunaria in 1948, and continued with Chakori and Zevrat in 1949. In the early 50s however he shifted the focus to other female playback singers. In 1956, however, Lata Mangeshkar was back in his team.

Bhool Ja Sapne Suhane – Rajdhani (1956) with Talat Mahmood / Hansraj Behl – Qamar Jalalabadi
The song highlights Behl’s command over orchestration. It’s really magical. With violins accompanying the singer’s voices, and Talat singing at low notes while Lata in high notes, the song literally mesmerizes the listeners. The song creates such an aura of pathos, we can hardly escape it. One of their best duets.
With Rajdhani, Lata Mangeshkar made a power packed comeback in Behl’s camp. She sang six solos and a duet for the movie. The film was produced under the banner of N C films.

Mukesh –
Anuraag was perhaps the only film Mukesh composed for. The film had four solos by Lata Mangeshkar. It was a bit difficult to choose, or at least initially I thought so. Then I carefully heard the songs, and though I equally liked, Man Chanchal Ho Jayega I finally settled for,

Tere Bina Soona Soona Lage – Anuraag (1956) / Mukesh – Indeevar
The song is a bit slow paced and creates an aura of pathos.

M S Vishwanathan & T K Ramamoorthy –
And, I very rarely choose two songs from a movie. But for the film Naya Aadmi, the main composers were, M S Vishwanathan & T K Ramamoorthy. And though I’ve included a song by Madan Mohan, I’m equally in love with Lata Mangeshkar’s duet with Hemant Kumar, which was not composed by Madan Mohan. So here I’m with the duet.

Laut Gaya Gham Ka Zamana – Naya Aadmi (1956) with Hemant Kumar / Vishwanathan & Ramamoorthy – Rajendra Krishan
It’s picturised on Anjali Devi and N T Rama Rao. A very melodious song.

I end my list here. From the year 1955, I’m finding it difficult to include all of my favourites. The list easily goes beyond 30 songs. This time as well there are 30+ songs.

Have I missed your favourites?

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 convenience of music lovers. The copyright of these songs rests with the respective owners, producers and music companies.