It is erroneously believed that Asha Bhosle sang Rahul Dev Burman's best songs.
In fact, RD, like his father Sachin Dev Burman, was besotted by Lata Mangeshkar's voice and his career's finest songs were reserved only for her.
Baahon Mein Chale Aao from Anamika
"When I heard the song situation in the film, it was clear the tune had to be sung very softly," Lataji told Subhash K Jha.
"Jaya Bhaduri is singing to Sanjeev Kumar while everyone is fast asleep. If she sings too loudly, she will wake up everyone. Her feelings had to be expressed very softly. This song is among my personal favourites."
Raina Beeti Jaaye from Amar Prem
"Pancham's knowledge of Hindustani classical music was very strong," Lataji said.
"The very first song of his career was the classical based Ghar Aaja Ghir Aaye Badra in Chote Nawab, which I sang."
Beeti Na Beetayi Raina from Parichay
Lataji won the National Award for this masterpiece.
Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan once exclaimed, 'Kabhi besura gaati hi nahin (she never sings out of tune).'
Dilbar Dil De Pyare from Caravan
"I thoroughly enjoyed singing RD's lighter songs like Bhai Battoor in Padosan, Bangle Ke Peeche in Samadhi and Dilbar Dil Se in Caravan."
"These spirited songs were often far more difficult than the serious numbers."
"With RD," Lataji said, "there was always something exciting happening during the recordings."
Tere Bina Zindagi from Aandhi
"In Aandhi, I had several beautiful duets with Kishoreda (Kumar) ...Tum Aa Gaye Ho Noor Aa Gaya Hai, Iss Modd Se Jaate Hain, Tere Bina Zindagi," Lataji recalled. "Each one was equally beautiful."