Some Rare Diamonds of Rafi Saab - 2
This article is written by Mr. B.Venkatadri.
We all know many pairs of songs that are somewhat similar in tunes either in the Mukhda or in the Antara, in many cases because both the songs in the pair were based on the same classical Raaga. But, we do not come across very often pairs of songs that are almost identical in tune both in the Mukhda and also the Antara. Today, let us deal with two such pairs, keeping others for a later date.
Friends, Iqbal Quereshi is one of my favorite Music Directors and belonged to my city, Hyderabad. He has composed two such songs, both duets of Rafi Saab, which are identical in tune both in Mukhda and also Antara. The only difference is that one duet was of Rafi-Lata , the other identically tuned one being of Rafi-Asha. And both are excellent songs.
Mohd Rafi with Iqbal Quershi
The Rafi-Lata duet was composed first by Iqbal Quereshi for the 1962 film, Banarasi Thug(1962). It goes thus: ”Aaj Mausam Ki Masti Mein Gaaye Pawan”
Listen to Aaj Mausam Ki Masti
The identically tuned Rafi-Asha duet, also composed by Iqbal Quereshi, came later for the famous Film:Cha Cha Cha(1964). It goes thus:”Ek Chameli Ki Mandve Thale, Maikade Se Zara Door Mukh Mod”. This song would have certainly rung the bell for many readers, as it is later and more popular than its identical twin by Rafi-Lata from Banarasi Thug!
Listen to Ek Chameli Ke
Hear for yourself both the songs and keep wondering why Iqbal Quereshi has tuned two such identical songs in two different films !
Next, N.Datta is another favorite MD of mine. When you talk of N.Datta, one song you instantly remember is “Dil Ki Tamanna Thhi Masti Mein” from Film:Gyara Hazar Ladkiyan(1962).
Mohd Rafi with G.P.Sippy and N.Dutta
But, I am now talking of two of N.Datta’s other songs which are both sung by Rafi Saab as solos and which are both identically tuned both in Mukhda and Antara. The first one was composed by N.Datta for a Film called Mohini(1957). It goes thus:”Kya Kya Na Sitam Tujh Pe Huve Mehlon Ki Rani”
Listen to Kya Kya Na Sitam Tujh Pe
The second and later one was also composed by N.Datta for the 1959 film:Dhool Ka Phool(1959) in a tune that is identical to the above song from Film:Mohini(1957). And it goes thus:”Tu Hindu Banega Na Musalmaan Banega, Insaan Ki Aulad Hai”. I am sure this song is known to many Rafi fans, being the more popular one than its twin from Film:Mohini(1957).
Listen to Tu Hindu Banega Na Musalmaan
So, why don’t you hear these two songs also and tell me why N.Datta, quite like Iqbal Quereshi above, too had chosen to make two songs of identical tune in two different films? I will write my guess on the reason for this, in the subsequent comment posts.
Mind you, friends, both the songs in each of the above two pairs are identical in tune for all practical purposes, both in Mukhda and Antara. That’s what makes them special. What is also special is that Rafi Saab figures in both pairs!
Otherwise, we have many other pairs wherein both the songs are somewhat similar either in Mukhda or in Antara, but not in both. We are not talking of those.
Also, check the video of Tu Hindu Banega Na Musalmaan
January 17th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
Ref: post 14 by balushi & 15 by Narayanan
I had posted my letter on 10th with the title, “R D Burman’s utter disregard for Rafisaab in respect of the same article in Hindustan Times supplement Cafe dt. 4th Jan. Since I could not place the said web page, I quoted relevant portion which was removed by from public view. Shri Manish Kumar in his post dated 11th advised me to keep cool saying, “Don’t jump the gun too quick! Think patiently & calmly first! This interview is FABRICATED! RD Burman never believed those quotes. It is very sad that Raju Bharathan has to unjustly defame a great talent & human being like RD by giving fabricated quotes! Raju Bharathan is the same writer who gave suspicious “quotes” from Rafi Sahab himself. The comments toward Talat Mahmood appeared very unlike the Rafi Sahab that many insiders in music industry personally knew and unanimously stated was a saint. Raju Bharathan is the same man who said Mohammed Rafi’s “Baabul Ke Dua” was a “vocal gimmick” (the song where Rafi Sahab cried during the recording because it reminded him of his daughter he gave away 2 days before). He is also the writer that instigated and supported Anil Biswas interview “Rafi was no singer”. I have 0 respect for this “journalist”. His commentary has often appeared very unintelligent. Raju Bharathan’s trash will inevitably perish but Rafi Sahab’s golden voice will always be like sunlight for new generations to enjoy - they will hear for themselves & decide. Pay not attention to such dribble!”
What I want now to say is that same Raju Bharatan again came with a write on 12th Jan on 90th birthday of C. Ramchandra and in last para wrote about C. Ramchandra’s similar feelings as RDB for Rafisaab. However, in his subsequent article on 14th titled, NO SECOND RENDITIONS.. under the column MAUSM HAI MUSICANA, he has strongly defended Rafisaab stating among others that Shanker Jaikishan and o P Nayyar had no problem with him for long years and and summed up with Nausad saabs words, “Even as I rehearsed Rafi for, say, Aaye naa baalam in Raag Gaud Sarang going on Bharat Bhooshan in Shabab, this tenor knew there wouldn’t be any change for tune. The composer seeking a change of tune after rehearsingthe singer is no comper at all!” ” If the mausiqaar doesn’t know his own mind,”" observed Naushad, ‘how does he intereact with a total composer-follower like Rafi” Remember, once you played something like Koee Saagar in Raag Kalavati to Rafi, it got printed in his mind - bas chhap gayaa samajiye.” INDEED, A SIMPLE READER LIKE ME FIND IT DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND RAJU BHARATAN.
BTW I should not forgot that I am writing this in response to GREAT series of “Some Rare Diamonds of Rafi Saab” by our learned and knowledeable Shri B. Venkatdriji. I sincerely and eagarly await further links to the series. MY MOST SINCERE APPRECIATION TO SHRI VENKATDRIJI FOR ALL HIS EFFORTS AND SELFLESS DESIRE TO SHARE HIS VAST REPERTOIRE.
Regards
Ashok Parekh
January 16th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
i remember another pair, this time by lesser known Sapan Jagmohan.
two songs, so ja sanam from rocky mera naam and pyara lage pyara lage , i dont rremember the movie……..is with the same tune.
and both sung by Rafi sahab
January 15th, 2008 at 5:46 am
thanks very much Mr. Shirish Kulkarni for the information on dharwad and hubli etc. it would be good if photographs and other details of these events there are known to all of us.
January 14th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Ref: Post 18
Dear Murthy Ji,
I just spoke to my relatives in Dharwar. Yes, it is a fact that a function is held every year on 24th Dec to commemorate the birthday of Rafi Sahab. One orchestra is held in Hubli and another one in Dharwar. I have requested Mr. Mohan Shirhatti of Dharwar to send me some photographs. His contact number is 094499 14843. He himself is a great fan of Rafi Sahab and also a good singer.
Shirish Kulkarni
98204 52562
January 14th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Ref: Post 26
Govind Kumar Sahab,
Can i have your contact number pl?
Shirish Kulkarni
98204 52562
January 14th, 2008 at 8:43 am
The main purpose of this series is to enjoy and discuss some of Rafi Saab’s rare and lesser-known diamonds. This series, if encouraged by patrons, can run for at least two to three years!
I thought this is a more fruitful exercise compared to writing articles after articles on Rafi Saab at a macro level and in generalities! Just an observation!
Venkat
January 14th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Gobind Kumar Ji,
Welcome on board! “Ab Woh Karam Kare” is a great solo and also qualifies as somewhat ‘rare’. The other SJ solo, “Aaye Bahar Ban Ke Lubha”is a divine solo, though not that rare.
Incidentally and coincidentally, Siva’s theme of Rafi Saab’s duets with Male Co-singers is the next part of this series. Shall be grateful for the continued participation by all you, connoisseurs!
Venkat
January 14th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Beautiful article Mr.Ventadiri, I want to add a song “Maine chand aur sitaro ke tamana ki thi” from the film “Chandrakanta”, by N.Dutta, what a beautiful song it is. Another one from Qureshisahab “Subah na Aayi Sham na aayi”, the last alap which rafisahab sings such a way that the cloud burst into tears. what a superb songs conducted by this 2 great music directors.
shashank_72@rediffmail.com
January 13th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
Two of my personal favourites are the exquisite ‘Ab Woh Karam Kare’ from
the film ‘ Marine Drive’ composed by N.Dutta and the soulful ‘Aaye Bahaar
Banke ‘ from ‘Rajhath’ composed by Shanker Jaikishen. I can listen to these
songs a million times over and still yearn for more such is magic of Rafi Saab’s divine voice.