A Letter to Raju Bharatan: On Rock ’n Roll
from P. Haldar
Mohd Rafi and Jaikishan
Mr. Bharatan,
I read your recent article “Pancham Revisited” in Hindustan Times (January 4, 2008). The article starts with the following statements about Pancham:
“He scored for 331 films in 32 years. How does his Kishore Kumar song-tally compare with Asha Bhosle’s? Where Kishore sang 558 songs for him (227 solo, 245 duets), Asha rendered 840 of his compositions (406 solo, 338 duets).”
Considering that Kishore and Asha sang hundreds of songs under Pancham’s baton and the fact that they were his favourite singers, I was expecting you to continue in that vein, probably offering insights into the qualitative differences between the two, and the chemistry that they shared with him. Unfortunately, however – but somewhat along expected lines – you bring in Rafi to the discussion, which was totally unnecessary. Reproduced below are some excerpts from your article:
"But I’d rehearsed Rafi so often for Dada that I could go along with him so far, no further. It was so tough to get Rafi to amend something you’d already taught him!
"Take my breakthrough Asha-Rafi Teesri Manzil duet – Aa jaa aa jaa.
“Rafi wasn’t able to grasp the nuances of Aa jaa aa jaa at all! How Rafi struggled as Asha so exemplarily stretched the crucial Aaha-ha aa jaa aaha-ha aa jaa notes. Give me Kishore any time – he would’ve latched on to it in a trice.
"Only I know how I got Rafi to do Tum ne mujhe dekhaa!
"With OP, remember, Rafi was on his home Punjabi ground. I don’t agree I was more patient with Kishore, not so patient with Rafi. No matter how patient I was with Rafi, he slipped into the same vocal error - time and again.”
Mr. Bharatan, why do you write such garbage? Do you have the interview on tape? If not, people might ignore what you write, thinking that you have become senile or hallucinatory. Or worse still, readers might think that you have problems telling the truth, that you adorn your articles with your jaundiced viewpoints to make a quick buck. Most Rafians actually feel that way, but what I was surprised to find is that several RDent fanatics feel the same way too.
Since you mentioned Pancham’s experiences with Rafi in Aa jaa aa jaa, let me state a few facts. I have heard Rafi sing this trendsetting duet live on stage several times. And every time he sang, he would leave us breathless. He could sing such songs in his sleep.
Mohd rafi with R. D. Burman and Asha Bhosle
After Rafi passed away, Amin Sayani had interviewed Pancham and several other composers. This is what I recall what Pancham had said. He had approached Rafi a little apprehensively for singing the Yamma yamma duet for Shaan along with him: “Rafi saab, aap hamare saath gaayenge?” Pancham was a little hesitant because he knew that Rafi would have to adapt to his scale, but Rafi immediately acquiesced. Pancham then went on to say something along the following lines: “Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhosle – har singer ka ek range hota hai – lekin Rafi saab ka range kamaal tha”. Do you notice any mark of disrespect towards the legendary singer? Yes, Kishore was his favourite singer, but Pancham still recorded over 100 songs with Rafi. If Rafi had not passed away prematurely, the chances are that the number would have crossed 200.
If you are suffering from senility, let me request you listen to Yamma yamma yamma. No, I am not talking about the yummy duet from Shaan, which Rafi delivered so well with Pancham. The song I am talking about is from the period when Shakti Samanta used to travel to several exotic destinations on the wings of Rafi’s voice, much before Dada blessed him with Safal hogi teri aradhana. This one happens to be set in Chinatown, with Asha on Helen and Rafi on Shammi. Listen to Shammi carefully, because you may not be able to recognise His Master’s Voice:
Yamma Yamma Yamma Tu Parwana Main Shamma
It is a well-known fact that Pancham shot into the big league on the back of Rafi’s vocals in Teesri Manzil, his prior exploits with Lata in different raags notwithstanding. Aa jaa aa jaa main hoon pyar tera was not set in any raag, though some may claim that it was composed in raag pancham. Tell me one thing, Mr. Bharatan: Which other male singer could have delivered this song so effectively, with such punch? This song belongs to the rock ’n roll genre, set on a fast pace. The only other male singer who could have done some justice to such songs was Pancham himself; that is what he did later in songs like Duniyan mein logon ko. And that is why when he had to share Yamma yamma with another male singer, he had to opt for Rafi.
What Asha has said in public – not that I fully trust her – about the Aa jaa aa jaa episode does not tally with what you have written. She said that Pancham was worried that she would not be able to match the “male singer” in the song. So she started practising the Aaha-ha aa jaa aaha-ha aa jaa notes in her car, much to the consternation of her chauffeur who thought that she was having some major physical problems!
Rock ’n roll did not start in India with Teesri Manzil. The year Pancham ghost composed Sar jo tera chakraye for Pyaasa, Dada’s other assistant N. Dutta composed Lal lal gaal jaan pe hai lagu for Rafi, one of the pioneering rock ’n roll numbers from Mr. X. And listen to Rafi’s Jaan pehchaan ho from Gumnaam, a Shankar-Jaikishan composition which was recently featured in the American film Ghost World:
Jaan Pehechan Ho
Incidentally, Gumnaam was released a year before Teesri Manzil. See how Western audiences – who know much more about rock ’n roll than you and your fellow scribes put together – love this song. See how Rafi can enthrall people so far from his Punjabi home ground. That was Rafi doing an Elvis. Do you want to see Rafi doing a Beatles? Here is Dekho ab to kisko nahin hai khabar from Janwar, which was also released a year before Teesri Manzil:
Dekho Ab To Kisko
Don’t you think Rafi’s voice rocks in this song? If Pancham had to work so hard to make Rafi amend what he had been taught – by Pancham of all people – I wonder how Shankar and Jaikishan must have felt making Rafi unlearn what he had been taught by the likes of Naushad, Roshan and Madan Mohan! All those compositions in Malkhaus, Piloo, Kafi, Yaman Kalyan, Kalavati and Darbari Kanada where Rafi must have had “slipped into the same vocal error time and again”! The truth is that composers like Shankar-Jaikishan, O. P. Nayyar, Ravi, N. Dutta and Usha Khanna had been using Rafi for rock ’n roll numbers since the 50s and no singer understood the medium better than the King himself; here are some of his songs in black & white:
Dil Deke Dekho
Baar Baar Dekho
O Meri Baby Doll
Jai took note of chhote nawab’s Aa jaa aa jaa and O haseena zulfowali impact on the masses. And the following year, he responded brilliantly with Aaj kal tere mere pyar ke charche, where Rafi makes Shammi rock:
Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyaar Ke Charche
Don’t you just love the orchestration? By the way, that was Manohari Singh on the sax.
You mentioned Tum ne mujhe dekha in your article, too. In another article, I’ll showcase Jai’s response to this beautiful number (hint: it’s in shivranjani, but on a faster tempo.) Till then, enjoy another rock and roll number, this time on a Bengali star:
Chhoti Si Mulaqaat Pyaar Ban Gayi
Yours truly,
P. Haldar,
a diehard Rafian.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:51 am
Raju Bharathan is dishonest. Having said that, Aaja Aaja Main Hoon Pyar would have definitely sounded better in Kishore Kumar’s voice. The KK barritone would give this song the PUNCH that Rafi’s relatively softer voice did not provide in the song. The punch & barritone would give the songer greater tone & energy IMO. So why didn’t RDB use KK here? My guess is Nasir Hussain & Shammi Kapoor and the trends set by Rafi loyalists Shankar Jaikishan.
February 17th, 2008 at 3:44 am
Hello,
During a random search on the web, I came across your response to Raju Bharatan’s atrocious article which depicts Mohammed Rafi in poor light. This is not the first time that Raju Bharatan has spread false rumours against great celebrities. All his articles seem nothing more than some verbiage with a twisted writing style and endless digressions. His articles are usually ill-researched and his contribution to film journalism is nothing more than gossip. Remember how he had spread erroneous information about the number of songs sung by our great singers in the early 70s. Contrast this with the authentic research conducted by the likes of Vishwas Nerurkar or Harminder Singh Hamraaz.
I fully support your response to Raju Bharatan and more people need to come out in the open against his articles and his penchant for creating unnecessary controveries out of non-issues. I agree with the sentiment of another poster (above) that Raju Bharatan should never write another article, for the benefit of humanity.
Thanks!
February 12th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Refer to Comment # 58 above … Krishna ….. I pay obeisance to you and just listen to this Bhajan of God RAFI …. Raadhay … kahay neer bahaai …. You will simply break into tears !
I will always pray for you well - being Krishna !
February 7th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Dear Ganeshji,
Refer Post 61. RB’s early seventy article was not in Illustrated Weekly but in Film Fare that KK is better than Rafi and he quoted MD Anil Biswas. The reaction to his article went on for about three to four months (i.e 6 to 8 issues of the Magazine) so much so that the Editor had to declare that further comments on the article will not be published. In fact, RB wrote another article after few years in the late seventies after Rafi had come back with a bang, almost apologising for his earlier article and appreciating Rafi and openly admitting that he was naive and immatured to write the earlier article. In fact, I have been searching for these two articles, if any one can mail to me, I will be greatful.
RB also listed out Rafis’ best for each MD in his later article as under (giving it from my memory):
“Kya Kya Se Kya Hogaya” (GUIDE) - SDB.
“Man Mora Bawra” (RAGINI) - OPN.
“Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki” (DULARI) - Naushad.
Whatever RB’s opinion about Rafi, it should be admitted that he is a good analyst of Cricket and Film Music and a Commentator, in fact one of the most read in the seventies. Let us not forget, he was also the main man behind the Film “Victory Story” about the India - England Cricket series of 1972, which India won 2-1. Of course, his weakness was sensationalising certain issues which might have happened or pronounced in a very casual way or out of context. Let us admit, all of us do or have done at some time or the other. But, if he has really played with the words of certain people, who are no more with us, that is really bad.
February 6th, 2008 at 8:10 am
post 61..
ganesh ji on the dot………
lets forget this bug called raju bharatan as he can ‘never’ take
a stand in his writings.
in his weekly column first he wrote “falsehood” about rafi saab and
in the next week column he wrote that Rafi and lata are the
country’s best singers………..
he thrives on controversy and profits from them.
i suggest he be given the editorship of the weekly hindustan
times magazine .
he will ’surely’ close shop of the hindustan times or bring down
its circulation just like the “illustrated weekly of india”.
binu nair…..the rafi foundation.. mumbai.. cell 9833 250 701
February 6th, 2008 at 7:55 am
post 60.. krishna..ji
not much use to meet this lady as she is leading a lobby which
says pancham is the “only” greatest and competent m.d. and
kk the best singer.. forget her.
please be in touch with narayan - one of the most lovable rafi fan
and person who is my college mate and friend of 35 years standing.
bangalore has a great group of rafi lovers and as per narayans
suggestion i would be sending a blueprint for a voice of rafi -
singing competition and music classes for singers and beginners.
we can do this with a good sponsor or in partnership with the
lions or the rotary clubs.
also, you can have two music shows on dec.24 and july 31 in
bangalore.
all the best for the interest…
binu nair. //////the rafi foundation///// mumbai……….
February 6th, 2008 at 3:35 am
This is not the first occasion when Raju Bharatan has done this. In the early 70’s ,when the Illustrated Weekly was the leading English Periodical, Bharatan wrote that Kishore Kumar was superior to Rafi sahab. Remember this was the period when Kishore was re-emerging. This comment led to a huge uproar resulting in angry responses from all quarters . The matter ended when Kishore Kumar wrote to the periodical mentioning that he considered Rafi sahab as his Guru.
The point is Bharatan is a known Rafi baiter. But my advise to my fellow Rafisahab’s fans is ignore Bharatan. He is not the authority on this subject. He was lucky as his father held a senior position in one of the leading news agencies. Bharatan got a break as a journalist easily due to this connection. He wrote on Cricket and Cinema besides creating crosswords. A jack of all trades , but master of only one( crosswords). He can be classified as a gossip columnist. In the same periodical during the same period , he had attempted to link the simple and straightforward gentleman , S.Venkataraghavan, the great Indian Off spinner romantically with Hema Malini. How silly , just because both of them are Tamil Iyengars.There was an uproar including a pained reaction from Venkat . If I an not mistaken ,the Editor published an apology …
So friends we know that we are dealing with a person craving for attention by making controversial statements. The best way to gve a befitting reply is - IGNORE HIMi
February 5th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Dear Mr.Binu Nair,
We should actually meet Asha Bhonsle once and collect some valuable info from her regarding our beloved Rafi saab. I am from Bangalore and do not know much about Mumbai. In fact I met Mr.Narayanan, Mr.Guru Murthy and also Mr.Ashok Dalmiya at OPN show in Bangalore and wish to take Rafi foundation forward. Bangalore is a place which is now maturing and shaping up. I had once read in the newspaper that Rafi Sahab wanted to build a hospital. Hope this dream comes true.
February 4th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Post 57 : …………
well said KRISHNA ji……..
apt words.. for the dogs in various shapes and kinds who write
real bull shits about some of the legends of our land.
may i tell u a real life incident which i witnessed just outside the
mumbai (local) airport on nehru road vileparle…
a majestic horse was galloping away ” without the rider “…….. which
is the rarest sight in mumbai.
before we could notice , the dogs started barking…. and when we noticed
the horse was - galloping away in all its “glory”; in the busy streets of
vile parle at 8.15 p.m. evening peak time..
in real life…………….
the dogs will bark naturally but raju bharatan “barks” for his
greed only and to please his masters.
i suggest mr.zorawar or our delhi rafi foundation team bring this to the
notice of the management of hindustan times at the earliest on how
raju bharatan writes “nonsense” about legends who are no more to
answer his slanders as ………………..
this surely affects the credibility of the newspaper raju b. is writing for.
more, raju has made a fortune by telling lies and slandering legends
of the land in his whole career for his pay increases, free whiskey and
freebies of the times. this habit has not gone away yet from this
person and i have info that many composers have told him “get Out”
after a few round of his drinks.
as u said krishna jii…. dogs will bark and stop too, elephants will ride
majestically; but raju bharatan will bark non-stop….
we have to do “something” to tame this mad dog..
binu nair.. mumbai.
February 4th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Elephant’s walk is royal even when a dog barks. So is our Rafi sahab, let anybody write anything to their wills we know what he is and what his songs are (not were). He is God, He is a new relegion. He is our master. He therefore is Omnipresent. I will say, Lord Krishna sung Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna in Rafi Sahab’s voice which made Arjuna understand the reality of life. Thats the guarentee I give to all Humans about my beloved Rafi Saab. Unfortunately, today he is not around us. What to do. Paapi Kali Kaala.
February 4th, 2008 at 9:07 am
ref 53: aseer - there is a contradiction. supposedly the aradhana solos in the voice of mohammed rafi exist. so if this is true, then you assertion is not. which reminds me, are you guys trying to pull people’s legs with the aradhana solos? if they truly exist - it wouldn’t take this long to get them. it takes 10 minutes to send a music file by secure email. it shouldn’t take this many weeks - there’s no reason for it. if that fan really has it - he’d send it by email. it is either one or the other. can anyone give a SOURCE for the quote by shakt samanta?
February 3rd, 2008 at 12:25 pm
The above writeup aptly reflects the great sense of OUTRAGE engulfing every
Rafi fan”s soul .
May Raju Bharathan*s sick mind cease to work lest his dirty hands write more
muck.
Aa a devout Rafi fan I am shattered.
Bapat from Bangalore
February 3rd, 2008 at 12:51 am
WANT A LIVE VIDEO CONCERT OF MD RAFI AT ANY COST
February 2nd, 2008 at 8:31 am
post 36 by our respected Binu bhai
Binu bhai, you should be a music critic and not addle brained rat bags like Raju.
your knowledge about Music is first rate.
Pancham used to love and respect Rafi, KK was his very close pal. They were buddies and Pancham wanted to help KK to resercut his singing career hich he did. Thats what friends are for.
Raju, if you have any shame then apologise and never ever write again. Just take a sanyas.
If you are looking for a career move then maybe you could start writing porn, that would not require much thinking and integrity any way.
February 2nd, 2008 at 7:03 am
@ binu ji
“shakti samanta told us last week: since rafi went on a tour, he
asked s.d.b. to record songs in the voice of Kishore da…” yes, i always heard this story from my father who used to point out the greatness of Rafi sahab with this story. for the first time i m hearing it outside and i feel good.
this story has a great extent of truth in it.
regards
February 2nd, 2008 at 6:58 am
comment by great Shankar ji of SJ duo about raju, “us gadhe ko to sab bhairabi sunai deta hai.”
cudnt suppress my smile, sorry raju
February 1st, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Raju from where have you got this pathetic story. Ashaji, Pancham da and Nazir Hussain have all given absolutely different version of this where Asha ji was the one they were not sure could be able to match with Rafi.
Rafi was not only the best singer ever but also a human being par excellence. Unknown journalists like you could make their bread and butter because Rafi was too kind and too accomodative.
Obviously you age has caught up with you and probably you are suffering from alzheimer or you have completly gone bonkers, or you are on drugs or alcohol or you are simply trying to get some cheap publicity.
Shame on you, you are a mighty disgrace.