24th Dec - A PERSONAL Tribute
This article is written by Mr. Mohammed Taj
My first memories of this golden and velvety voice coming to focus was around the age of 7 or 8. My uncle used to have an early version of what later would be termed the music centre. It was basically a Radio with a small Cabinet on the side that housed the record player. He had mostly the Short play records (SP) with Angel Label on them. These SP’s contained normally shortened version of the original songs so they would fit on the SP’s. I never asked him if he was Fan years later as he moved and we sort of lost touch but I guess he must have been as his record collection featured nearly all of the films where Rafi saab was prominant. Dosti, Neel Kamal, Susaral, Suraj and Arzoo.
I never understood the words coming from a Punjabi family and having just learned to speak English Urdu was a million miles yet. But his voice was so pleasing to the ears and his singing was hypnotic. Strangely enough It would be a while later before I realized the Dharmendra indeed was not Mohammed Rafi. My father used to take me to watch the movies on a Sunday’s (Asian’s normally hired the Cinema on Sundays to show Indian Movies). I remember I said to him I want to go and see a Mohammed Rafi film he couldn’t understand what I meant till I pointed out Dharmendra and chuckled and said that’s not Rafi saab. I was a little disappointed as Rafi saabs beautiful voice and Dharmendra’s looks were like an ideal match. Even today I believe that it was the ultimate combination but that is purely my personal preference. I was enchanted, hooked and so drawn in by this beautiful macho voice that sang to such lofty heights only to drop in a single breath to the depths of a low note without the slightest loss in tune or Sur. I looked forward to going on Sundays and My dad would specifically take me to see a movie that he knew was dominated by great Rafi Saab numbers. My enthusiasm just kept on growing. For me now he was a part of my family, I would fondly later on in life, when talking with anyone about him, refer to him as my uncle. Off course this would be met with laughter, I would laugh as well but little did they know I was being serious. Such was my love for this great human being.
In the second stage of my Rafian career I started to pick up on the Urdu/Hindi poetry. This was like someone now letting me into the house of wondrous sounds that I had stood outside for so long. It was amazing as now the emotions of each song were redefined with a meaning. My love for him grew even more. His delivery on every word, his heart felt anguish, he’s romantic overtone that would melt the heart of the most stubborn beauty. “Eh Nargasi Mastana bus itni Shakyat hai” blew me away. I had heard it before but now it was 10 times better.
Then can came the dark period, when Rafi Saab cut down on their singing to the point of completely stopping. My world simply fell apart. I could not understand someone who everyone knew was the best was no longer there. Where did he go?, what’s happening and who the hell is this Yodeller I thought. My favourite actor Dharmendra now singing with a nasal warbly voice - what the heck is going on? I stopped going to the movies. I would scour the record shops just to check out the new movies to see if they had any Rafi Saab songs and if they did that’s the one I would go and see regardless of how good it was. It took me years to go and see Sholay even though everyone raved about it. I could not bring myself to go and see a movie that did not have that beautiful golden voice in it. For 3 years I was lost and bewildered as to what happened to the perfect voice. The house I had so longed to enter now seemed empty and bare with just a cold wind blowing through it and an echo of “Aaja tuj ko pukare mera pyar”. Where was he?
Then in 1975 while scouring a record shop in Southall West London I saw Laila Mujnu, I hesitantly picked up and saw Rishi Kapoor on the cover and fully expected all the numbers to have been sung by KK. To my surprise and great Joy all I saw was RAFI,RAFI,RAFI and more RAFI. I was ecstatic filled with Joy. Then just as it had gone it was back. The house of golden voice was cleaned out, a new fire lit in the fireplace and the tremendous sounds of Chaacha Batija, Dharam Veer, Sargam, Aaasha, Amar Akbar Anthony and many more came one upon the other. The king had truly returned to his realm welcomed back with out stretched arms from music directors that so longed for his return from his sabbatical.
Mohd Rafi
I was now back at the movies, I no longer needed to check the records as even the so called MD’s that favoured the other guy flocked to have the great man grace their songs. His voice could be heard again in the record shops when people asked for a new song from a new film. It filled me with joy. The dark days were truly over.
Finally I will end it here as the end is too painful as In my heart, and I am sure I speak for all true Rafians, he has never left, as the house I spoke of is firmly and truly in each every one of our hearts. On a personal note it is a great honour to share the same birthday as the great man.
Long live the King!
December 25th, 2007 at 3:14 am
Happy birthday to Naushad Saheb. He was very fond of Rafi Saheb and knew only Rafi Saheb was capable of singing his songs. Both made great songs which is world wide known. May his soul rest in peace, ameen.
December 25th, 2007 at 3:09 am
This day being Naushad Saheb’s birthday and I wish him too a very happy birthday. Both Rafi Saheb and Naushad Saheb were made for each other, hence their birthdates were very close to each other, and all coming
from Almighty Above. Anyone need Rafi-Naushad combination songs can mail me. rafi_magic@yahoo.com
December 24th, 2007 at 11:55 pm
it’s pathetic to see the indian media forgetting rafi saab and naushad
saheb being forgotten on dec.24 two great icons of indian cultural
scene.
only sahara t.v. and dd news showed rafi saabs works and accom-
plishments and my thanks are due to them..
the idea of news for the indian media is raakhee sawant, amitabach
bachan and shah rukh khan and today as usual they were beaming
endlessly their exploits.
they want us to believe that indian culture means these few persons
whose personal lives and love for the lure can stoop them to any
heights.
i spoke to the electronic channels and they told me that its our right
to talk and register our protest for their sub-standard fare.
rafi lovers please wake up and writee to the media so that the farce
will not be enacted and we will be spared of their distorted news.
lets all contribute to this sentiments so that the ‘media’ acts in a
responsible way..
binu nair… binus2000@hotmail.com
December 24th, 2007 at 11:38 pm
very good article.
Happy birthday to rafi sahab.
December 24th, 2007 at 10:35 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOHAMMED RAFI SAHAB JI. I always wonder what types of songs would you,Sir ,be singging if you were with us in this era and time.I am sure you,Sir, would still be the number One singer that heroes,producers,musicians,directors,fellows singers would be queing up to get you to sing for them.Filmi Duniya Hi Kuch Aur Hoti Agar Aap Yahan Hote.Whereever you may be Sir ,HAPPY BIRTHDAY ONCE MORE.Mera Dil Yahi Kehti Hai Ki Tu Kahin Aas Paas Hai Dost.
December 24th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAFI SAAB.
A very heart touching article indeed.As I read the article my heart was filled with mixed emotions of joy & pain.The joy of reading an article about our rafi saab and the sadness about the continous neglect of our rafi saab by the media, the industry and people alike .
Today i am planning to switch on the radio and listen to the golden songs of rafi saab in his sweet and velvety immortal voice that will last for generations to come.
We all in our family are fans of rafi saab and not a day passes without ever mentioning his name.
My eyes filled with tears as I read this article.I LOVE YOU RAFI SAAB AND YOU ARE LIKE MY FATHER.
The first thing I looked in the paper today was not the victory of Narendra Modi in Times of India but wether any mention of rafi saab has been made or not.But alas what I feared came true.Not a single word about rafi saab.
I remember very clearly that on birthday of KK there were discussions on TV channels.It really pains me very much that the best singer is neglected and ordinary singers such as horrible KK, Asha are celebrated.
My trust in GOD comes down when I see this.
RAFI SAAB I MAY BE NOT THERE IN THIS WORLD AFTER SAY 50 YEARS BUT YOU WILL ALWAYS BE THERE THROUGH YOUR GODLY VOICE.
I SALUTE YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART AND I MISS YOU VERY MUCH.
December 24th, 2007 at 9:11 pm
Naa Funkaar Tujhsa Tere Baad Aaya
MohdRafi Tu Bahut Yaad Aaya
December 24th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
On this rafi saab birthday, i wish to give a beautiful song to
rafi lovers. the song is:
baharon ne chedda, khushi ka taraana; aaj meri unse mulaquat
hogi…
tuned by roshan lal, ravi saabs arranger. rafi saab sang this
for rs.100 only and told the composer , ” tusi aage badh, tell
me how much songs i have to sing and only bother about this”…
Pleasse write to me.. the song is received from shabbir rana saab
from london a great rafi lover…
binu nair…. binus2000@hotmail.com
December 24th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
TERE AANE KI AAS HAI DOST
SHAAM PHIR KYU UDAAS HAI DOST
MEHKI MEHKI FIZA YE KEHTI HAI
TOO KAHI AAS PAAS HAI DOST.
Yes, Rafi Saab is around us as a fragrance of his melodies.
We love you Rafi Saab.
Majeed Khan
9892361112
December 24th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
Very nice, nostalgic presentation by you, Mr. Mohammed Taj.
I can recall having been in the same stage during my childhood, ie. mistaking the heroes for Rafi Saab.
May God etch Rafi Saab’s memory permanently on this earth!
Venkat
December 24th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
Dearest M. Taj Sahib,
Article : Outstanding touching our hearts, His melodious voice was fitted with the smile and sad face of Dhrmindraji like : Tumarhe pyar mei Hum beqarar hokey challay film Shikar (with smile face) Merey Dushman Tu Meri Dosti Ku Tarsay filem Aay Din Bhar Key (with sad mood of Dhaminderji). However, there are so many numbers of songs picturized on Jatindera with happy moods and sad moods. like Mast Bhahrooka Mein Ashiq (2) Ghum Uthaney kaylyah mein tu jey jaunga (Merey Hazoor) Apney Naino Ko Samjha day Yen Bathey tu Batladay chain churtey Hun yeh mera film Maa Ur Mamta) and there are so many numbers on Shami Kapoor Sahib and Shashi Kapoor Sahib : Like Thora Ruk Jaigi tu tera Kiya Jayga Film Patanga and Hum ku tu Jan say piyari tumhari Ankhei film Naina and Meri Zindgi Mei Aatey Tu Kuch aur Baat Hooti film Kaniadaan etc. no body can prepare / composit these songs. Rafi Sahib will remain alive in our hearts with his melodious voice for ever. a lover from Lahore : Ghulam Mujtaba
December 24th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
Mar Jaoon to kafan pe bhi likhna “Rafi rafi Rafi”
December 24th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
Dear Rafisaab,
Rafisaab, you have been always in our thoughts and hearts since we knew what music is, what is humanity and humility is, simiplicity and charity is. You are one person rolled into one treasurehouse possessing all these divinue virtues. You will always remain with us through your melodious and eternal voice.
Janam din aapko mubark ho !!! we miss you a lot!!!
meenakshi.vishwanath@gmail.com
December 24th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
dear Mohd. Taj very good article and thanks for sharing your feelings about rafi saheb.
Today (24 th December) is his 83rd birthday. After 27 years of his death he is still alive among music lovers in the Earth. Long live Rafi Saheb and all rafians.
“Aye Hai Bahar Mite Zulm-Sitam Pyar Ka Zamana Aaya Door Huye Gaam”
Rafi saheb sang the above birthday song under compositions of Naushad Saheb in Ram Aur Syam(1967), where Dilip Kumar in dual role.
2marrow (25th December) is the birthday of Naushad Saheb.
Both the legends will immortal for their marvelous creation in music world.
December 24th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
It’s 27 years gone since you departed this life Rafi saheb, but the memories you left behind will live for generations to come.
Your songs of various moods is what’s magic, I HUMM some of the your great songs and suddenly the memories comes to me………. Sad.
Rafi fans from all over, we have the memories to remember.
R. Ali,
Trinidad.
December 24th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
Many Many Happy Returns of the Day to our Dear Rafi Sahab.
:)
December 24th, 2007 at 11:39 am
Today is 83th birthday of Mohd Rafi I thing after 100 years we will be death but there be Mohd Rafi 183th birthday
December 24th, 2007 at 11:12 am
Dear Mr Mohd. Taj ji,
1.- A touching and beautiful article from you, for all of us. My compliments.
2.-The song BAAR BAAR DIN YE AAYE ..exactly fits for Rafi sahab.
3.-I am lucky enough to share with you that,I am really fortunate enough that, BY THE GRACE OF THE GOD, My birth date is also 24th December..means to-day..
4.-This is nothing but a great coincindence for me.
5.-Being a Rafiaan,I feel this is the greatest gift showered on me by the God.
Best Regards;
SHRIRANG NAWATHE( from Muscat)
00968 92 899089
December 24th, 2007 at 11:00 am
Rafi Sahab’s birth anniversay is really a special day. Thousands of his immortal songs cascade through one’s memory, but the most poignant fro me is mellifluous melody from Mela:
Yeh zindagi ke mele
Duniya me kam na honge
Afsos! hum ne hone.
December 24th, 2007 at 10:05 am
Singers may come and singers may go but Rafisaab will go on forever!
Happy birthday.
Read what Pyarelal(of LP fame) says today in The Hindu- Today’s music directors talented but lack knowledge. In Singers, I would rate Mohammed Rafi just ahead of Kishore Kumar”
http://www.hinduonnet.com/holnus/009200712240333.htm
December 24th, 2007 at 8:36 am
83 years back, the World was blessed with the birth of Rafi Saab. Even 27 years after he left, we are still singing his songs and every time we listen to his song, we discover something new in these songs. Rafi Saab, you have not left us but you are in our heart and daily we, utate, jaaget, chalte, sote, aap ke gane gungunate rahte hain.
December 24th, 2007 at 1:11 am
Singers will come and vanish, but Rafi ji will always be in our heart. Happy birthday Rafi ji. We miss you a lot. mohd2696@yahoo.com
December 24th, 2007 at 1:02 am
Yes, today it’s 24th of December, 2007. It’s Mohammed Rafi Saheb’s 84th birthday. Happy birthday Rafi Saheb. It is very hard to believe after 27 years of Rafi Saheb’s death, he’s still active and alive in millions or say infinite of hearts all over the world. There will be no another Rafi Saheb and that’s a guarantee. Even God needed him, hence, He took him from us. Rafi Saheb, you are and will always be in our hearts, it’s just impossible to forget the legend. Yaad na jae, beete dinon ki… May his soul remain in peace, Ameen.
rafi_magic@yahoo.com
December 24th, 2007 at 12:28 am
Beautiful artical, tuching my heart.
December 23rd, 2007 at 9:49 pm
baar baar din yeh aaye, baar baar din yeh gayeh aaap jiyo hazaron saal , yeh meri hai aarzoo, happy birthday to you to our most loving rafi sahab.
rafi sahab you have always lived in our hearts since we knew what music is, what melody is, what humanity is, what kindness is, what humility is, what simplicity is & what charity is. You are the tresurehouse of all these divine qualities.
secondly your ever pleasing smile in any photograph we see always motivates us for a pleasant living.
we love you, we respect you, we adore you our most dearest rafi sahab.
janam dinki badhayi ho rafi sahab.