It’s said Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar first met in Mumbai’s local train. Lata was going to sing a song for composer Khemchand Prakash for the film Ziddi (1948) and so was he. They both saw each other in the train, both respectively took a tonga, and arrived within moments of each other to the recording studio. There was great affection between them, though Lata often joked that she doesn’t like singing with Kishore as he invariably makes her laugh and she then finds it hard to get into the mood of the song they are recording. During their stage shows as well, he used to run around the stage and sing and this kind of disturbed her concentration. Reportedly, the only TV interview given by Kishore was taken by Lata. While Lata and Rafi dominated the Hindi film music scene in the ’60s, it was Kishore Kumar who rose like a phoenix and became a singing superstar in the ’70s. Lata’s duets with Kishore proved to be as popular as her songs with Rafi. They could bring any mood or love together, whether it was about the beginning of romance, the depth of passion or the angst of separation. Presenting 10 popular duets of Lata and Kishore for your listening pleasure.
Kora kagaz tha ye man mera
Music: SD Burman
Film: Aradhana (1969)
Shokhiyon mein ghola jaaye
Music: SD Burman
Film: Prem Pujari (1970)
Jaadugar tere naina
Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Film: Man Mandir (1971)
Karvaten badalte rahe
Music: RD Burman
Film: Aap Ki Kasam (1974)
Bheegi bheegi raaton mein
Music: RD Burman
Film: Ajnabee (1974)
