Celebrating the death anniversary of Lata Mangeshkar, we reflect on her profound impact on Bhojpuri cinema—a lesser-known facet of the melody queen’s repertoire. Her songs from the 1960s, blending devotion and desire, continue to resonate in rural heartlands and urban nostalgia alike.
The iconic ‘He Ganga Maiya Tohe Piyari Chadhibo’ headlined Bhojpuri’s first film in 1963, helmed by Kundan Kumar with Kumkum in lead. Lata’s devotional fervor, elevated by Chitragupta’s music and Shailendra’s lyrics, made it more than a soundtrack—it became a ritual hymn addressing widowhood’s struggles.
In the realm of love, ‘Laali Laali Hotwa Se Barse Lalaaiya’ from the same year’s ‘Laagi Nahin Chute Ram’ sparkles with intimacy. Chitragupta’s composition and Lata’s hypnotic delivery turned this into a timeless serenade, boosting the film’s superstar status in Bhojpuri history.
‘Luk Chhip Badra Mein’ brings youthful mischief from the debut film, where clouds veil lovers’ trysts. Lata’s voice dances with joy and subtlety, making Shailendra’s poetry vivid and Chitragupta’s tune infectious, pivotal to the movie’s box-office run.
Heralded as her Bhojpuri breakthrough, ‘Umarriya Kailyi Tohre Naam’ embodies sacrificial love with piercing sincerity. Its popularity endures at folk events, underscoring Lata’s skill in infusing regional tunes with global appeal. These selections highlight her role in pioneering Bhojpuri sound, preserving cultural narratives while achieving cinematic excellence. Lata ji’s Bhojpuri sweetness lingers, a sweet legacy for generations.