Rahein na rahein hum, mehka karenge

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What can one write on a day like this and for a personality who is as towering as her. We all know that hers is a legacy that will live on forever. My niece called me to say that I should be celebrating her songs and she is right - Lata ji is a legend who is not to be mourned, she should be celebrated. Blessed child of Ma Saraswati, she even chose the day of 'Saraswati visarjan' for her soul's onward journey.

A piece of my own heart, she has been my constant companion at all times, during all phases of life and will continue to be so. She personified every emotion that I know of - Love, happiness, care, pain, anguish, heartbreak, longing, patriotism, motivation, devotion...

Can any of us pick up that one song and label it as their favourite - I highly doubt. I know I cannot.

Lata ji - thank you for every moment - whether it was a train journey, whether it was a moment of heartbreak and anguish, whether it was a 4 year old listening to 'yeh zindagi usi ki hai' or a group song in school or college days or as recently as a few days back while calming my nerves down after an agitated work call!

While I am heartbroken today, from the depth of my heart, I will continue to celebrate your music.

Sharing some of those songs of hers that many of my friends are not very familiar with. I listen to these almost everyday in awe of her art, her devotion, her range and perfect vocalization. And today to pay her my homage. 

Yeh Zindagi usi ki hai - Anarkali (1953)

धड़क रहा है दिल तो क्या, दिल की धड़कनें न गिन 
फिर कहाँ ये फ़ुरसतें, फिर कहाँ ये रात दिन 
आ रही है ये सदा, मस्तियों में डूब जा 
ये ज़िन्दगी उसी की है , जो किसी का हो गया, प्यार ही में खो गया 

Rahein na rahein hum - Mamta (1966)

जब हम न होंगे, तब हमारी ख़ाक पे तुम रुकोगे चलते चलते 
अश्क़ों से भीगी चाँदनी में इक सदा सी सुनोगे चलते चलते 
वहीँ पे कहीं, वहीँ पे कहीं हम तुमसे मिलेंगे 
बनके कली , बनके सबा बाग़-ए-वफ़ा में 
रहें ना रहें हम, महका करेंगे 

Chalte Chalte - Pakeejah (1972)

Coincidentally, Pakeezah is also celebrating its 50 years this month and this is a masterpiece soundtrack. 

शब्-ए-इंतेज़ार आखिर कभी होगी मुख़्तसर भी, कभी होगी मुख़्तसर भी 
ये चिराग बुझ रहे हैं, ये चिराग बुझ रहे हैं, मेरे साथ जलते जलते 
यूँही कोई मिल गया था, सरे राह चलते चलते 

Aap ki nazaron ne samjha - Anpadh 

जी हमें मंज़ूर है, आपका ये फ़ैसला 
कह रही है हर नज़र, बंदा-परवर शुक्रिया 
हँस के अपनी ज़िन्दगी में कर लिया शामिल मुझे 
आप की नज़रों ने समझा, प्यार के क़ाबिल मुझे 
दिल की ऐ धड़कन ठहर जा, मिल गयी मंज़िल मुझे 
 

Mohe bhool gaye saanwariya - Baiju Baawra (1952)

दिल को दिए क्यों दुःख बिरहा के
तोड़ दिया क्यों महल बना के 
आस दिला के ओ बेदर्दी, फेर ली काहे नजरिया 

मोहे भूल गए साँवरिया, भूल गए साँवरिया 
आवन कह गए, अजहूँ ना आये 
लीनी ना मोरी खबरिया 


Comments

  1. UnknownFebruary 7, 2022 at 12:54 AM

    यही है मोहब्बत का
    दस्तूर ऐ दिल
    वो ग़म दे तुझे तू दुआएं दिए जा ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RichaFebruary 7, 2022 at 8:42 AM

      :) there are so many gems that she has sung - this one is such a lovely song.

      Delete

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