Chitragupt’s memorable combination with Rafi
This article is written by Mr. Souvik Chatterji
Mohd Rafi with Chitragupt
Chitragupt gave very melodious tunes in the 50s and 60s and as most of his songs were sung by legend of legends Mohd Rafi, the songs became immortal after creation. Rafi’s song “chal ur ja re panchi” composed by Chitragupt in the film Bhabi brought tears in the years of numerous viewers. Rafi used his emotions towards fulfillment of the literary value of the song and Balraj Sahani’s lips in the song also require special mention.
Chitragupt Srivastav, better known as Chitragupt, was born in Karmaini, Bihar in 1917, and due to his experience in the hindu heartland most of his tunes had the fragrance of folk songs. Besides as he was a lecturer in Patna, his academic brilliance did blend with his musical excellence which was given expression by Rafi. Rafi’s song “chaand jane kahan kho gaya” in the film Mai chup Rahungi, composed by Chitragupt, written by Rajinder Kishan, and picturised on Sunil Dutt and Meena Kumari showed the use of light music as well from Chitragupt.
Mohd Rafi with Music Composer Chitragupta and Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Lata Mangeshkar sang the duet song with Rafi. The other hit duet in the film included “koi bata de dil hai kahan” sung by Rafi and Lata in the film.
Rafi’s song “itni nazuk na bano” in the film Vaasna composed by Chitragupt created a very romantic appeal. Also Rafi’s song “yeh parbaton ke dayre” became a big hit in the late 50s. Besides the songs of Rafi “chupakar meri aankhon ko” and “chali chali re patang” in the film Bhabhi were very impressive. Chitragupt’s compositions in somber mood for Rafi had a great impact. One example is “mujhe dard-e-dil ka pata na tha” from the film Akash Deep. The song “raste me hai tere kab se khare” sung by Rafi and Lata in the film Opera House require special mention.
Although Chitragupt gave landmark music in films like Oonche Log, Ganga Ki Lehre, Zabak, Bada Aadmi, etc., he did not get recognition during the golden age due to dominance of Shankar Jaikishan, Naushad, Roshan and others, and may be due to his composition of music in less significant films. He hardly got an opportunity to compose music in big banners like RK or Navketan, otherwise his contribution was very grand during the golden age.
Rafi’s songs composed by Chitragupt should be restored and revisited.
October 25th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
MY SINCERE ADVISE, A VERY BADLY WRIITEN ARTICLE ,JUST FOR NAME SAKE ,RAFI SAAB `S ASSOCIATION STARTED WITH CHITRAGUPT IN EARLY 50`S AND NOT WITH VAASNA ETC.MAY BE JUST LISTEN TO THE DUET FROM `VEER BABRUVAHAN` BY
October 25th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Mukesh bhai, Rafi saab and Kishore da left us when they were in their fifties. We thank God for giving Manna da a long and healthy life. He was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke award recently. I am posting an interview that appeared in “The Hindu” today. He mentions one of Chitragupta’s songs and talks highly about a colleague of his (no surprises). Sometime I wonder whether Kishore da or Manna da is a greater Rafian.
http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/stories/20091106262209100.htm
October 25th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
IN CONTINUATION OF THE EARLIER MAIL – RAFI SAAB & GEETA DUTT,CHITRAGUPT COMPOSED MAXIMUM RAFI -GEETA DUETS AND MARVELLOUS RAFI -LATA DUETS & SOME RAFI- SUMAN DUETS PLUS SOME IMMORTAL RAFI BHAJANS,
MR.SOUVIK I AM TOTALLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE ARTICLE, RAFI SAAB `S ASSOCIATION WITH CHITRAGUPT REQUIRES REASEARCH
October 26th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Dear Mr.Souvik Chatterji,
A well written article on Chitragupt. A wonderful music director. His music are still very popular and a music lover like me have his complete works. Please let me know was he ever nominated for a Film Fare Award during his musical period?
October 26th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Excellant writing. rafi Sahab and Chitragupta’s combo is memorable, unforgetable and very melodious one. According to Mr. Saleem-ul-Haq’s book, Rafi Sahab sang 110 solos, 128 duets and 10 chorus songs for Chitragupta for 100 films. Songs from the following movies are very popular.
Tulsidaas,Shiva Bhakt,Shri krishna bhakti,Bhabhi,Pavan putra hanuman,Zimbo,Barkha,Guest house, Kaali topi laal roomaal, Patang, Bada Aadmi, Zabak, Band Master (one duet with Lataji is very romantic), Baaghi, Mera Qusoor kya hai, Aadhi raat ke baad, Mahaabharat, Biradari, Pyar ka sapna, Hamara adhikar, Prem ki ganga, Angaare, Jai mahalaxmi maa, Toofan aur bijli etc.
With regards to all rafi lovers,
Dr. Khaja Aliuddin
October 26th, 2009 at 10:15 am
“koi bata de dil hai jahan, kyon hota hai dard wahan” is a wonderful duet, very catchy and hummable.
my all time favourite chitragputa- rafi combo is “jaag dil-e-diwana” from Oonche Log. it is a remarkably romantic number and the third stanza, quite often left out by radio programmes, is a masterpiece. rafi saab scales many heights in this song with tremendous ease and mastery.
i agree with you, mr souvik chaterji, that chitraputa’s compositions rendered by rafi saab definitely need to be revisited.
October 26th, 2009 at 12:48 pm
I tend to agree with Sanjay Arora Ji that the article does not do justice to the superb combination of Chitragupa & Rafisaaab. Eventhough, Chitragupta gave music for some big banners, he did most of his work in B grade movies which unfortunately did not get that much publicity because of the cost factor.
It is not surprising that he has used the golden voice of Rafisaab as the major male singer in most of these movies. These songs are extremely good but remain unknown in the popular domain. A small indicative list of these songs
1. Ye maana dil jise – Zimbo
2. O zaalima challa kahan – Zimbo
3. Chand kitne door tha – Afsaana
4. Mahabharath Katha – Mahabharath
5. Itni badi duniya – Toofan Mein Pyar Kahan
6. Kahin se maut ko – Mera Qasoor Kya Hai
7. O Duniya ke maalik – Shiv Bhakt
8. Ek baat hai kehne ki – Samson
9. Aana hai to chale aao – Taxi Stand
10. Mujhe apni sharan mein – Tulsidas
11. Dharthi azad hai – Sindbad the sailor
12. Saathi utha baadban – Sindbad the sailor
13. Tu aap hai apna chor – Patang
14. Aap moujood yahan – Baaghi
Maybe somebody more inclined to do a bit more research on this combination could post a new article or contribute to the same thread.
October 26th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Sauvikji,
How could you miss two of the best solos from the stable of Rafi & Chitragupta. “Navkalpana Navroopse” from ‘Mrigtrishna’ and “Kaun Pari Neelgagan Ki Chali Aayeere” from ‘Prem Ki Ganga’. Chitragupt gave some wonderful music, but as pointed out by the author, was lost in the crowd of Naushad, OPN, SJ, MM, SDB and others.
October 26th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
REF ;POST-8
DEAR GURU MURTHYJI
AS FAR AS I KNOW THE MUSIC DIRECTOR OF THE SONG :” NAVKALPANA …. ” FROM THE FILM ‘ MRIGTRISHNA ‘ IS SHAMBHU SEN AND NOT CHITRAGUPTA .
BEST REGARDS/ A.T.M. SALIM
October 26th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
guru muthy ji
The md for Mrig trishna was Shambhu Sen
October 26th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
DEAR SOUVIKJI
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SHORT ARTICLE ON MUSIC DIRECTOR CHITRAGUPTA -THE SWEETEST MELODY MAKER & OUR BELOVED RAFI SAHAB !
ACCORDING TO ME, CHITRAGUPTA’S MUSIC IS ‘UNIQUE’ AND ‘ TOO SWEET’.
HERE I AM ADDING SOME MELODIOUS SONGS OF RAFI SAHAB & CHITRAGUPTA COMBINATION :
1) ” ABKE BAHAR AAYEE HAI…” ( FILM : ‘ AULAD ‘ );
2) ” AARMA THA HAMEN JINKA… ( FILM: ‘ AULAD ‘ ) ;
3) ” NAZUK NAZUK BADAN ….( FILM : ‘ AULAD ) ;
4) ” MAIN KAUN HOON ….( ( FILM: ‘ MAIN CHUP RAHUNGI ‘) ;
5) ” KHUSH RAHO ….( FILM: ‘ MAIN CHUP RAHUNGI ‘) ;
6) ” BAHUT HASEEN HAI … ( FILM : ‘ ADHI RAAT KE BAAD ‘ ) ;
7) “CHAL THUMKE ZARA….( FILM : ADHI RAAT KE BAAD ‘ ) ;
9) ” CHAND KO DEKHOJEE …. ( FILM : ‘ CHAND MERE AJA ‘ ) ;
10) ” AGAR DIL KISISE LAGAYA NA HOTA…( FILM: ‘ BADA ADMI ‘ ) ;
11) ” ANKHIYAAN SANG ANKHIYAN LAAGI…( FILM : ‘ BADA ADMI ‘ ) ;
12) ” AE MERI ZINDEGI … ( FILM: PYAR KA SAPNA ) .
BEST REGARDS/ A.T.M. SALIM
October 26th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Ref Post – 2
Hello Haldar Ji,
Thanks for the article from “Hindu”.
I would to add one one Chitragupt composition sung by Rafi & Lata “Chali Chali Re Patang Meri Chali Re”.
October 26th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
one excelent song of rafi-chitragupt combination
mujhe dard dil ka pata na tha
from the film akash deep lyrics by majrooh
this is a 1965 film
sundeep pahwa new delhi
October 27th, 2009 at 5:33 am
I have always stated in my blog that Chitragupt was one of the most unrecognized MD’s along with Ravi.
Akash Deep(Mujhe Darde Dil & Dil ka diya jala ke gaya) & Bhabhi songs alone can place him amongst the best.
October 27th, 2009 at 11:32 am
DEAR GIRISH I DO NOT WANT TO QUOTE ANY SONGS ,AS I AM TOTALLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE ARTICLE, HOWVER IN CINTINUATION OF YOUR SONGS I WILL QUOTE
1 ) BEET GAYEE HAI AADHI RAAT – NAACHE NAGIN BAAJE BEEN
2 ) KADAM KADAM PE BAHAREN – MADAM XYZ
3 ) TERI AANKHON MEIN PYAAR – CHAND MERE AAJA
4 ) TERI NAZAR MEIN MAIN – BAND MASTER
5 ) JAB SE HUM TUM – MAIN SHADI KARNE CHALA
THE FIRST THREE ARE DUETS BY RAFI – LATA , THE FOURTH ONE OF RAFI – GEETA DUET AND THE LAST ONE A RAFI- SUMAN DUET
October 27th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
DEAR SOUVIKJI
AS I HAVE SEEN IN ONE OF RAFI SAHAB’S SONG DVDS , THE GREAT SONG
” CHAL UD JARE PANCHI …” FROM THE FILM ‘BHABI’ IS A BACKGROUND SONG . IT IS NOT AT ALL LIPPED BY BALRAJ SAHANI AS YOU HAVE MENTIONED IN YOUR ARTICLE .
BEST REGARDS/A.T.M. SALIM
October 27th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
DEAR RAFI FANS
I AM MENTIONING HERE ONE MORE SWEET SONG OF RAFI SAHAB UNDER CHITRAGUPTA’S MUSIC DIRECTION :
” JABSE HUM TUM BAHARON MEIN…. ” with suman kalyanpur,
( FILM: ‘ MAIN SHADI KARNE CHALA HOON ).
BEST REGARDS/ A.T.M. SALIM
October 30th, 2009 at 12:41 am
I think his best creation is:
Itni Bari Duniya Jahan Itna Bara Mela by Rafi Sahab .
October 30th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Chitragupt composed many gems and Rafi Sb gave his golden voice.
Itni Bari Duniya Jahan Itna Bara Mela, Main kahun hun…and many other songs are very sweet.
Regards,
-Imran-
October 30th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
REF : POST-18
DEAR VIKRAMJI
YES ! ACCORDING TO ME , IT IS ONE OF THE VERY BEST SENTIMENTAL SONGS OF RAFI SAHAB UNDER CHITRAGUPTA’S SUPERB MUSIC DIRECTION.
BEST REGARDS/A.T.M. SALIM
October 31st, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Souvikji,
You have written fantastic article on rafi and chitragupta. Indeed he sang many songs for this music director like vasna, bhabhi and others films. All the songs was super hit. Secondly, the song like “Navkalpana Navroopse” from the film “Mrigtrishna” sung rafi under some other music composer “Shambu Sen”, the fact is I heard this song some time ago in Vividh Bharathi and its very rare to hear this song. You have indeed contributed really greatly to us by writing articles. But to write an article its really a great task and you have taken pain to write this article whether it is bad or good, I felt really good and I make a point that keep writing and I like to read this articles
Thanks
shashank Chickermane
October 31st, 2009 at 6:50 pm
I sincerely request Sanjay Arora and Girish Prahalad to contribute something and not to give any bad comment on others who have written an article with great pain and diginity by any contributor. We all want that plz write an article on rafi with music director Kalyanji anandji.
shashank chickermane
October 31st, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Thanks Salimji for the correction. Anyway this song is not related to chitraguptas music anywhere.
November 1st, 2009 at 3:59 pm
In connection to what Mr. Shashank Chickermane had said, it is really strange that comments which create insulting dimensions are entertained in this Forum.
The Forum is dedicated to a gem of a human being Rafi. Yet whenever any contributor comments instead of enriching the article insulting remarks are hurled at the contributors.
I had categorically mentioned that Chitragupt had not got the recognition he deserved. Due to pausity of time I could reflect on only few creations while he had many landmark songs sung by Rafi. But the idea was neither to demean him, nor disregard.
Comments like an article being written without any research or hopelessly written directly insults Mohd. Rafi himself who was given good power of speech other than voice. It is shocking that his fans have language which can be very well used for quarrels, less polished for academic discussions and pursuits.
Souvik Chatterji.
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:56 am
To the admin,
I request as an contributor, that plz delete the first comment on this article which will cause more controversies in future the way it went in past days also. So, plz dont entertaint such types of comments in this purely related site. Its a really great insult to the contributors and legend also. One thing is Chitragupta gave lot of music in Bhojpuri films in the era.
thanks
November 2nd, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Souvik ji Post 24
1. I can’t comprehend how Rafisaab is insulted if one does not appreciate your article. Please clarify.
2. If you feel not appreciating your article is an insult to you, please accept my apologies.
3. In your article you emphatically state that “he did not get recognition during the golden age due to dominance of Shankar Jaikishan, Naushad, Roshan and others”
Isn’t it hypocritical on your part that you yourself have not given the “due recognition to Chitragupta’s work with Rafisaab” in your tiny article.
shashank ji post 22
Not every person commenting in this site writes articles and it would be a lot duller without their comments / feedback and that includes your post as well.
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:57 pm
I was thrilled to read so many good comments on the Chitragupt-Rafi combination. One forgotten but nevertheless superb song that comes to my mind is ‘Tere Chehre Se Hate Aaank To Duniya Dekhoon’ from the film Pyar Ka Sapna. I want to posess all the songs of Chitragupt but find it difficult to lay my hands on them easily.
Best regards,
Alan Fernandes
November 3rd, 2009 at 5:54 pm
dear shashank , i would not be too harsh on the writer and especially to you , writing article on chiragupt – rafi combination with minor inputs like bhabhi , vaasna etc does not gjustify the immense contribution of chitagupt and rafi saab , chitragupt was a pioneer of duets ( maximum geeta dutt – rafi duets ) , umpteen number of bhajans, has the article highlighted that? does the writer even know the marvellous duets of rafi ssab from
1 ) Madam XYZ
2 ) Naache nagin baaje been
3 ) toofan mein pyaar kahan
4 ) police detective
4 ) Chaand Mere Aaja
5 ) kismat – ( chand raat hai – Rafi saab & asha )
6 ) Taxi Stand – ( Aana hai to chale – Rafi SAAB & ASHA )
bHAJANS FROM
1 ) pAVAN putra hanuaman
2 ) TULSIDAAS
3 ) NAVRATRI ETC
MR.SHASHANK PLEASE HEAR THE SONG S FROM THE ( ABOVE A SAMPLE ) AND THAN WRITE ARTICLES
November 5th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
To Girish and Sanjay Arora.
I feel you have not understood the point, so no use of that thing. Secondly, Sanjay if u heard all this songs, send all this songs to this mail address immediately. I also heard this songs so there is no problem to hear once again. ok
November 6th, 2009 at 11:55 am
THE POINT IS VERY WELL UNDERSTOOD AND THIS SITE IS NOT A PLACE FOR ALL THIS , AND IF YOU HAVE HEARD AND AWARE ABOUT THE SONGS OF THE ABOVE REFERRED SONGS – THE WRITER OF THIS ARTICLE SHOULD HAVE MADE ATLEAST AN ATTEMPT TO REFER SOME OF THE MOVIES , IT IS VERY EASY TO REFER TWO THREE MOVIES OF A GREAT COMPOSER AND COPY THE LIFE HISTORY OF THE COMPOSER AND THE ARTICLE IS READY , I CAN WRITE ON ANY MUSIC DIRECTOR BY REFERING TWO MOVIES AND A COPY PASTE FROM WIKIPEDIA AND THE ARTICLE IS READY.
PROBLEM IS YOU HAVE NOT UNDERSTOOD THE POINT, AS FAR AS SENDING SONGS PLEASE ONE SONG FROM THE ABOVE MOVIES AND I WILL SEND YOU TWO SONGS FROM THE SAME MOVIE AND ALMOST 80 % OF CHITRGUPT `S COMPOSITION .
THIS ISTE IS NOT MEANT FOR ALL THESE , PLEASE SEND THE SONGS TO MY PERSONNAL E MAIL – arorasanjay1@rediffmail.com and i will send you two songs plus a bonus song which you require.
November 11th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
In Post no. 7, Girish Prahalad has listed some excellent and rare Rafi-Chitragupta songs. Good work, Girish Ji.
No one seems to have mentioned, however, this great, but rare, gem from Film:Biradari (1966) picturised on Shashi Kapoor! “Abhi Na Phero Nazar Zindagi Sanwaar To Len”. Great rendition by Rafi Saab with some nice Adaygi!
Venkat