February 6 marks the first death anniversary of the legendary Lata Mangeshkar, whose voice transcended languages and borders. Beyond her iconic Hindi and Marathi contributions, she lent her magical touch to Bhojpuri films, infusing them with unparalleled sweetness. Today, as we remember Swar Kokila, let’s delve into the Bhojpuri songs that captured the soul of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
The 1963 blockbuster ‘Ganga Maiya Tohe Piyari Chadhibo,’ Bhojpuri’s inaugural hit directed by Kundan Kumar, featured Lata’s title track as a devotional plea to the sacred river. Starring Kumkum and Asheem Kumar, the film tackled bold themes like widow remarriage. Shailendra’s poignant lyrics and Chitragupta’s orchestration found perfect harmony in Lata’s voice, embedding the song in festive rituals and folk lore.
Romantic fervor peaked in ‘Laali Laali Hotwa Se Barse Lalaaiya’ from ‘Laagi Nahin Chute Ram,’ another Kundan Kumar directorial. This duet of passion and surrender, again scored by Chitragupta, became a staple in wedding playlists, thanks to Lata’s mesmerizing timbre that evoked tender embraces under monsoon skies.
‘Luk Chhip Badra Mein’ from the pioneer film added a flirtatious spark, portraying lovers’ games in the rain. Lata’s playful yet profound singing, backed by the same creative duo, amplified the movie’s appeal and symbolized Bhojpuri romance’s playful innocence.
Topping the charts in popularity is ‘Umarriya Kailyi Tohre Naam,’ often hailed as Lata’s Bhojpuri debut. Its theme of lifelong commitment, delivered with raw emotion, continues to move listeners to tears. These songs didn’t just entertain; they preserved Bhojpuri’s cultural ethos, introducing it to wider audiences. Lata Mangeshkar’s Bhojpuri chapter remains a testament to her boundless artistry, forever sweetening the language’s musical heritage.