The iconic partnership between Naushad and Lata Mangeshkar, responsible for memorable musical scores like those in *Mughal-e-Azam*, *Mother India*, *Baiju Bawra*, and *Amar*, concluded with the 1995 film *Guddu*. Despite the film’s overall shortcomings, including its reception as perhaps the weakest film of Shah Rukh Khan’s career, it featured a standout devotional song.
This remarkable exception was the Bhajan *Mere toh Radhe Shyam re*, sung beautifully by Lata Mangeshkar.
Reflecting on the film and the song, Shah Rukh Khan acknowledged the film’s deficiencies but praised the devotional song. The song was filmed on Deepti Naval, portraying his screen mother, during a scene where his character faces a life-threatening situation, ultimately saved by the power of the Bhajan.
Notably, *Mere toh Radhe Shyam re* marked the final collaboration between Lata Mangeshkar and the legendary Naushad. The recording process was filled with intensity, as Naushad strived for the perfect divine atmosphere, a process that took time to achieve.
Lata Mangeshkar, who was 66 at the time, recalled Naushad’s meticulous approach to music, noting that his recording sessions often extended beyond those of other composers. This Bhajan, a dialogue with the divine, was created by a Muslim composer, Naushad, and written by a Muslim lyricist, Majrooh Sultanpuri.
Prior to *Guddu*, in the classic film *Baiju Bawra*, Naushad composed, Shakeel Badayuni penned the lyrics, and Mohammad Rafi sang the immortal Bhajan *Mann tarpat hari darshan ko aaj*. All three were Muslim artists, showcasing a unique blend of artistry.
