Lata Mangeshkar was very fond of Nanda. Lata Mangeshkar once shared, “I have always been very fond of Nanda. When she was known as Baby Nanda, we did a film as child actors where she played my younger brother. I worked in her father Master Vinayak’s production company. When Nanda became a leading lady in Toofan Aur Diya, I did the playback. I think I sang for most of her films except B.R. Chopra’s Ittefaq, where there were no songs. Some of my most cherished songs are for Nanda.” Here is a look at the remarkable musical journey of Lata Mangeshkar and Nanda.
Bhaiya mere rakhi ke bandhan ko nibhana (Choti Bahen): No raksha bandhan celebration can ever be complete without this Shankar-Jaikishan composed song earplaying non-stop.Lataji’s achingly sweet sentiments went wonderfully well on Nanda’s lips.She immortalised herself in the calendar of sibling bonding.
Ye Samaa Samaa Hai Yeh Pyar Ka (Jab Jab Phool Khile): The song that came to be indelibly linked with Nanda’s personable aura. Kalyanji-Anandji’s composition is delectably dulcet. Nanda once said that Lataji sang this number with such aching sweetness that even a pillar could have gotten away emoting to it.
Ek Pyar Ka Naghma Hai (Shor): One of Hindi cinema’s finest contributions to the spirit of survival in a world that has no patience for the weak. Ek Pyar Ka Naghma Hai, Maujon Ki Rawaani Hai, Zindagi Aur Kuch Bhi Nahin, Teri-Meri Kahani Hai which was penned by Santosh Anand and composed with imperishable craftsmanship by Laxmikant-Pyarelal is the song that Nanda wanted to be remembered by. And she is.
Mohabbat Ki Kahaniyan (Woh Din Yaad Karo): Nanda had a beautiful solo by Lataji all to herself in this film. But it is this duet with Talat Mahmood that stands out. Composers Laxmikant-Pyarelal brought together Lataji and Talat Mahmood for the last time in this haunting Ghazal. If Nanda looks ethereal in this number, it is because Lataji sings with divine grace. Every word in this evocative duet is a nugget. Every syllable, a whisper to eternity.
Kis Liye Maine Pyar Kiya (The Train): One of the rare songs composed by R.D. Burman for Nanda. Another was the absolutely rare and precious Bhajan Na Mujh Mein Gun Aisa in the flop Pati Patni. But it is the sun-kissed Kis Liye Maine Pyar Kiya that saw Nanda moving away from her melancholic image.
Aaja Nindiya Suhani (Beti): Sonik-Omi never got their dues as composers. Listening to this finely harnessed lullaby, its elegant cadences and its power to make you forget the world outside, you know why Lataji enjoyed singing for Nanda.
