Lata-Noor Jahan… Partition divided, but the boundaries of the notes were not there: Malika-e-Tarannum sang ‘Nayanwa Chalaye Baan’ and the Nightingale sang ‘Balamji Bade Nadan’

Lata Mangeshkar, the melody of the country, is no more. But it is a fact that there is no limit to the sound. This is true in the case of Lata Mangeshkar, the great singer of India and Noor Jahan, the singer of Pakistan’s music. People of his singing have been admired in both the countries. There is often debate in India and Pakistan as to who is the most brilliant among Lata and Noor Jahan. However, this becomes meaningless when Sur Kokila Lata and ‘Malika-e-Tarannum’ Noor Jahan have been praising each other forever.

Always admire each other, Lata told Noor Jahan her ideal
The ‘Naushadnama’ written by historian Raju Bharatan states that Lata once said that Noor Jahan had been her model. She has been listening to his songs. At the same time, Noor Jahan also often used to say that whenever I am in free time, I definitely listen to Lata’s songs. Born in British India, Noor Jahan may have settled in Pakistan after partition. But, he was often called by the climate of India.

When Lata’s fame reached the sky after leaving the ‘mahal’
Lata was paid 25 rupees for the first time for the film Kitty Hustle. The world recognized him through the film Mahal. The song ‘Aayega Aane Wala’ from this film brought her fame to the sky. This film of Ashok Kumar broke all the records of earning in that era and its songs took Lata to the heights. After this came the film Andaz in 1949, in which Lata created a stir by singing a song. The song ‘Tod Diya Dil Mera’ from this film ruled the hearts of people for a long time. After that he didn’t look back.

Balamji is more ignorant than the arrow fired by Nayanva.
Lata has been compared to the song from the 1970 hit film Anjuman in Pakistan, in which Noor Jahan sang in a sensuous style – Nayanwa Chalaye Baan. The special thing is that on the same tune, Lata sang in the film Kar Bhala released in India in 1956 – Balamji Bade Nadan. Interestingly, the music of both these films was composed by Nisar Bazmee.

When Lata, Noorjahan and Dilip Kumar were seen together on stage
It is a matter of 1982, when Noor Jahan came to India, an event was organized in her honor. Lata Mangeshkar also came to this event. Then tragedy king Dilip Kumar said to Noor Jahan, ‘Norjahan ji, we have waited for you for as many years after you have come to meet us.’ Hearing this, Noor Jahan became emotional after hugging Dilip Kumar. Noor Jahan also said that I used to pray to God that once before dying, he should be introduced to the friends of India.

In her 40s, Noor Jahan had said that one day she will become a big singer.
Noor Jahan had recognized Lata’s ability in the 40s. He had said after listening to a song of Lata that this girl would one day become the world’s famous singer. It was 1944, when Noor Jahan had reached Kolhapur for some shooting. In those days, Lata used to work for a film company Praful Picture. This company was owned by Master Vinayak, a friend of Lata’s father. After the death of Lata’s father, he gave Lata small roles in films and also gave her a chance to sing.

You sing well, but practice classical
Lata had said in an interview that Noor Jahan had come to Kolhapur to shoot two songs. At that time I was 14 years old. Then the owner of Praful Picture said – Lata, you listen to Noorjahan ji. I sang classical songs first. After that Noorjahan ji said – listen to a song from the film. I sang the song of the film, after that Noorjahan ji said that you sing good songs, but practice classical songs.