Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey were the singers to go to if one wanted light and breezy romantic duets. Case in point is the song Pyar hua iqrar hua hai, where Shankar-Jaikishan chose Manna Dey over their favourite Mukesh. Manna Dey was a classically trained singer who nevertheless effortlessly sang frothy numbers. That was the case with Lata as well. She too had a deep knowledge of Indian ragas and it’s said their recordings together were a treat for the musicians as everything went off so smoothly. Manna Dey’s mellifluous voice and his mastery over tunes made him the perfect companion to Lata. Both had a healthy respect for each other. In her interviews, Lata always praised Manna Dey’s versatility and pointed out that he was someone who was underutilised and deserved so much more. Presenting a list of some of their tuneful duets down the years that’ll instantly put you in a peppy mood.
Aaja sanam madhur chandni mein hum
Music: Shankar-Jaikishan
Film: Chori Chori (1956)
Nain mile chain kahan
Music: Shankar-Jaikishan
Film: Basant Bahar (1956)
Mere dil mein hai ik baat
Music: Kalyanji-Anandji
Film: Post box 999 (1958)
Jhoomta mausam mast mahina
Music: Shankar-Jaikishan
Film: Ujala (1959)
Bheegi chandni chhayi bekhudi
Music: Madan Mohan
Film: Suhagan (1964)
Dil ki girah khol do
Music: Shankar-Jaikishan
Film: Raat Aur Din (1967)
Chunri sambhal gori
Music: RD Burman
Film: Baharon Ke Sapne (1967)
