Despite being older to her by some years, Mukesh reportedly still addressed Lata Mangeshkar as Didi – like almost everyone else in the industry. In one of her interviews Lata had stated that her favourite song of Mukesh was Jaane kahan gaye woh din (Mera Naam Joker, 1970), as it reminded her of the bygone era of playback singing. He had a uniquely original voice which hasn’t been replicated by anyone else ever since and she liked this aspect as well. Mukesh and Lata shared a deep bond of respect between each other. The duo were almost like family and it’s said that it was Lata who named Mukesh’s grandson as Neil. Mukesh passed away in 1976 due to a heart attack during a show in Detroit. Lata, who was also a part of the show, concluded all the formalities and accompanied Mukesh’s body to India. Lata’s duets with Mukesh may not be as plentiful as with Rafi or Kishore but no one can deny their evergreen quality. Here’s a list containing some of the best songs which they have sung together.
Dam bhar udhar munh phere
Music: Shankar-Jaikishan
Film: Awara (1951)
Dil tadap tadap ke keh raha hai aa bhi ja
Music: Salil Chowdhary
Film: Madhumati (1958)
Yeh waada karen
Music: Kalyanji-Anandji
Film: Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere (1960)
Tumhari mast nazar
Music: Roshan
Film: Dil Hi Toh Hai (1963)
Saawan ka mahina
Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Film: Milan (1967)
Phool tumhe bheja khat mein
Music: Kalyanji-Anandji
Film: Saraswatichandra (1968)
Main na bhoolunga
Music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Film: Roti Kapda Aur Makan (1974)
