India's nightingale, Lata Mangeshkar, turns 86 on 28 September. The legendary playback singer has given several super hit songs since her young age.
Apart from 'the Nightingale of India', the music maestro is also fondly termed as 'Didi'. Her original name is Hema, but she was named Lata after a famous character from her father's play "Bhaaw Bandhan", Latika.
Due to her father's death, Lata started acting to support her family but failed to succeed. Later, in 1940s, her career in playback singing took a leap and till now, she has recorded songs for over a thousand Hindi films.
After MS Subbulakshmi, she is the only vocalist to have ever been awarded the India's highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna.
Elder sister of another great singer Asha Bhonsle, Lata brought tears to the eyes of India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru when she sang "Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo".
She also became the first Indian to have performed at the Royal Albert Hall, London in 1974.
Let's take a look at some of the birthday girl's hit song videos below:
"Lag Ja Gale"
This beautiful track 'Lag Ja Gale' is still one of people's favourites. The old super hit song from "Woh Kaun Thi" (1964) featured Manoj Kumar, Sadhana, Helen, Prem Chopra in pivotal roles.
"Aye Mere Watan Ke Logo"
"Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon" is the cult patriotic Hindi song which was written by Kavi Pradeep and composed by C Ramchandra. The song was first sung on January 27, 1963, almost half a century ago. This song was a tribute to the Indian soldiers who died during the 1962 war between China and India.
"Sawan Ka Mahina"
Another song of Lata, 'Sawan Ka Mahina' is from film "Milan" (1967). It was a remake of his hit Telugu film "Mooga Manasulu" (1963). The film stars Sunil Dutt, Nutan, Jamuna, Pran and Deven Varma. The award-winning and very popular music was given by Laxmikant Pyarelal. It is among the earliest films to deal with the theme of reincarnation.
"Dafli Wale Dafli Baja"
Super hit song 'Dafli Wale' is from film "Sargam" (1979) starring Rishi Kapoor, Jayaprada, Dheeraj Kumar, Shashikala and Shakti Kapoor.
"Inhi Logon Ne"
Lata lent her voice to the rhythmic song from "Pakeezah" -- 'Inhi Logon Ne'. Actress Meena Kumari captured hearts in this track with her mesmerising dance moves.
"Maye Ni Maye"
Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit's classic film "Hum Apke Hain Koun" has a hit song 'Maye Ni Maye'. Sung by Lata, the track is still played in several Indian weddings.
"Jiya Jale"
This is a hit song from film "Dil Se" which is a 1998 Hindi film directed by Mani Ratnam.
The film stars Shah Rukh Khan, Manisha Koirala and Preity Zinta.
"Luka Chupi"
"Luka Chupi" from film "Rang De Basanti" is one of the epic songs of Bollywood. It is sung by two legendary singers, Lata Mangeshkar and AR Rahman.
