Lata Mangeshkar, one of the most iconic playback singers of India, left behind a treasure trove of timeless songs that have moved generations. Among these, “Lag Jaa Gale” from the 1964 film “Woh Kaun Thi?” stands out as a hauntingly beautiful melody that continues to captivate hearts. But what many don’t know is that this now-celebrated classic was almost left out of the film.
Initially, the film’s director Raj Khosla was not impressed with the track and seriously considered dropping it. The song’s survival in the film owes itself largely to actor Manoj Kumar who was approached by music composer Madan Mohan to help change the director’s mind. At the time, Manoj Kumar hadn’t even heard the song and was reluctant to intervene. But after listening to it, he was so moved that he agreed to step in.
Manoj Kumar then consulted the film’s producer NN Sippy who also believed in the song’s potential. With the film’s shoot fast approaching and the song still in limbo, time was running out. Eventually, Manoj played the track for Raj Khosla. The director initially dismissed it again but gave it another listen. This time, he was completely taken aback. Realising the song’s brilliance, he was so embarrassed by his earlier judgment that he called himself a fool and even picked up his own shoe in frustration, a dramatic but telling reaction captured in Raj Khosla: The Authorised Biography, released just before what would have been Raj Khosla’s 100th birth anniversary.
“Lag Jaa Gale” didn’t just make it to the film, it went on to become a legendary piece of Indian cinema and one of the personal favourites of Lata Mangeshkar. She once said it ranked among her top six songs. In a touching recollection quoted in the biography, Lata shared how emotional the recording session was for everyone involved. After the session, Madan Mohan hugged her with tears in his eyes, knowing they had created something special.
Today, the song lives on with more than 277 million views on YouTube, its soulful composition by Madan Mohan and Lata Mangeshkar’s heartfelt voice continuing to stir emotions. What was once nearly discarded became a historic masterpiece, a song that time has only made more precious.
