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Celebrate Lataji's birthday with music!

Last updated on: September 28, 2009 
A scene from Maine Pyar Kiya

The Empress of Melody, Lata Mangeshkar, turns 80 today, September 28. We celebrate this event with some of her unforgettable songs. Click through this slide show, and get lost in Lataji's evergreen classics.

Dil deewana, Maine Pyar Kiya
 

Lataji has a big hand in making Salman Khan the superstar he has become today. Her songs in his first leading role as Prem in Maine Pyar Kiya became instant blockbusters, and helped make the film a success.

Dil Deewana is also sung by S P Balasubramaniam, and is composed by Raam-Laxman.

Listen to Dil Deewana

Main Teri Dushman, Nagina

Last updated on: September 28, 2009 
A scene from Nagina

Nagina had Sridevi, Rishi Kapoor and Amrish Puri in pivotal roles.

Meri Teri Dushman, the most-remembered song from the film, became popular because of Lataji's incredible vocals, as well as Sridevi's elaborate snake dance.

The film's music was composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Lataji was a favourite with this composer duo, whose long innings in the industry ended with Laxmikant's death. LP, as they were fondly known, used Lataji's voice for most of their songs.

Listen to Main Teri Dushman, Dushman Tu Mera

Jhoom Jhoom, Nache Mayuri

Last updated on: September 28, 2009 
A poster of Nache Mayuri

Based on dancer Sudha Chandran's real life story, Nache Mayuri won raves for its story of a dancer who loses a leg in an accident, but rises above her handicap to become a professional peformer.

The title track of the film Jhoom Jhoom became very popular. Laxmikant-Pyarelal scored the music for this film as well.

Listen to Jhoom Jhoom

Tujhe Itna Pyar Karen, Kudrat Ka Kanoon

Last updated on: September 28, 2009 
A poster of Kudrat Ka Kanoon

Picturised on Jackie Shroff, Radhika and Baby Guddu, the song is sung by Shabbir Kumar and Lataji.

The music has been composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal.

Listen to Tujhe Itna Pyar Karen
 

Hum Tum Pe Marte Hain, Hum Tum Pe Marte Hain

Last updated on: September 28, 2009 
A scene from Hum Tum Pe Marte Hain

Lataji has sung for many actresses through the years -- from Madhubala to Madhuri Dixit to Preity Zinta.

In this film, she lends her voice to Urmila Matondkar.

The music for Hum Tum Pe Marte Hain has been scored by Uttam Singh.

Listen to Hum Tum Pe Marte Hain