The 90s India
The India of the 90s and growing up in it. Few things elicit more emotion than reliving that era. Probably every generation feels the same for it’s own growing up years. But, this was a generation that was the last to experience a lot of things. Time was changing, India was changing. A life without technology explosion. A time without mobiles. A time where you still played the traditional games. And, a time of VCRs and tape recorders. While much has changed, one thing remained constant until very recently. It was, Lata Mangeshkar – The Nightingale Of India.
The Rare Distinctions
Lata Mangeshkar – a voice that holds many distinctions that none can boast. She is the only singer whom both me and my parents have grown up hearing. No single phase can be picked as Lata Mangeshkar’s peak. Since, she was at her peak for 70+ years! A feat that is unsurpassable. As a kid, someone would ask you to identify the singer of a song playing on the radio. And, if you didn’t know the answer, it would be more than safe to say ‘Lata Mangeshkar’. Because, invariable you would be right! Such has been the dominance and sheer volume of work to Lata’s credit.
My First Memories
Technically speaking, this will go back a few years before the golden 90s, around the mid 80s. We always had old songs playing in our home from films like Madhumati. But, my personal memories of the first few songs that I started liking are from this time.
Remembering Lata Mangeshkar, the usual songs that get played are some of her classics. But, I wonder how many of us remember this very enchanting melody of her’s – Vada Na Tod. For the 90s kid in me, my personal favorites are the songs like Mere Pyar Ki Umar Ho Itni Sanam, Pat Jhad Sawan , Yashoda Ka Nand Lala, Zindagi Pyar Ka Geet Hai.
There is something typical of these songs belonging to that era. Such a free flowing singing – the voice just floats in air. And what a throw! The voice that seemed to defy all boundaries and insistent to reach as far away as possible. I share this vivid memory from that time. Big loud speakers used to be put up in market lanes during the festivities of Deepawali. It used to be a two week extravaganza with lights, decorations and the whole place buzzing with activity and celebration. And on those speakers, these very same songs had their magic amplified. They were totally adept in casting a spell on their listeners. Today when I am hearing these very songs, they are leaving me teary eyed.
An Honest Confession
The 90s kid also has a confession to make here. Lata Mangeshkar was never my favorite singer in my growing up years. 90s was a time that belonged to the tunes of Nadeem Shravan. And as much to the voices of Alka Yagnik, Anuradha Paudwal and Kavita Krishnamurthy. We grew up with Aashiqui, with Saajan, with Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahi.
But amidst these typical 90s heirlooms, there would come a Gori Hain Kalaiyan out of nowhere. And, quietly it would steal the No. 1 position on Ameen Sayani’s Cibaca Sangeet Mala. I remember, Ameen Sayan used to play that famous “bigul” for the top song. From behind the sound of that bigul, you would hear that low sound of the prelude slowly getting louder. As you identified the song, it brought complete joy to your face with Lata Ji’s voice grooving full bloom. Numerous such record setting songs that owned the top ranks of the Cibaca Sangeet Mala. Dil Deewana, Kabootar Ja Ja, Mere Haathon Mein Nau Nau or Didi Tera Dewar Deewana. Songs that kept reminding us of her presence amidst everything else.
The Cult – Lata Mangeshkar
Those were endearing times. How can I ever forget listening to Main Teri Dushman on repeat mode as a kid? Or, when Lata sang Tu Chal… Main Aayi… ? With the ever so effervescent, Bhagyashree lip-syncing, it had to become a nation’s craze! And can a 90s kid relive that era without mention of DDLJ? The year was 1995 and Tujhe Dekha To Ye Jana Sanam was to create history. Or some years later, the mesmerizing mix of heart wrenching lyrics, music and voice in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. Lata Mangeshkar, the voice that a nation fell in love with.
Time Wouldn’t Stop
I today am deeply saddened as I remember those visuals. The visuals of the last days of Lata Ji. Why? I ask that question again and again. But I have no answer. Why is life like that? Success that was unheard of. Songs that still are cult. The highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna. A voice that has ruled for 7 decades. Then, to see her so dependent and weak. It shatters my heart no ends. I wish those visuals never got leaked.
The realization that Lata Mangeshkar is gone is heart breaking. I know, it’s customary to say that she lives on with her songs. True that. But, the very same songs will also bring a tear to the eyes now. Lata Ji, the 90s Indian Kid misses you. May God give you peace. If I were to dedicate one song to you here, this is the one:
Thank you guys for honoring my emotions by taking the time to read this tribute.
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