Disappointing Sonu Nigam at London on Rafi songs
This article is written by Mr. K.S. Ramachandran
Sonu Nigam, much to my expectations, sang Rafi songs very normally. In fact, I would rate him much much lower than what he used to sing when he came in about 13years ago through Saregama. His voice has conspicuously deteriorated with his singing all types of medlee/Hindi pop songs and of that sort.
He was always a fast singer and now-a-days with his singing Hindi pop and medlees, he is even faster. His first song Yaad Na Jaaye from Dil Ek Mandir was like traveling in Nilgiri Express, while the original song by Rafi is slow deep expressive and extremely emotional. This was the general pattern in which Sonu has been singing these days with his impatient attitude to sing slow numbers very fast is very painful. “Muje Teri Mohabbat Ka” from Aap Aaye bahar Aaye” was again a deep number with full of rhythm and Sonu sang like a breeze..
Rafi songs are predominantly slow with rhythm and with so much of labour in his singing – be it depth, dard, range, voice modulation, expression, emotion and what have you.
I was however amazed with the orchestral excellence with the british national giving interlude music to the T. The 75 piece orchestra was par excellence and I could not find anything different from the original music by the composers. Indian orchestra bands doing shows should take this as an example to see how well the symphony was directed and delivered. Another wonderful experience – nothing like original and natural instruments – playing with a 30 team violin for the right interlude music was way way ahead of playing the same tunes today on a key board.
I thoroughly enjoyed the orchestra and was really a treat.
sonu nigam is a bad singer. but i don’t like the way you guys are insulting him. i understand that he doesn’t deserve any respect for his singing abilities, but it does not mean you can just bash him publicly on this site. after all he is an artist though an awful one.
there are enough people in this world who don’t understand anything about music. so people like sonu are grunting and get paid for it. and many people appreciate his grunting too. so what’s the problem.
let’s discuss mohd. rafi rather than wasting time on some sonu punu.
all you guys who think that sonu sings well seem to be kidding. he is a very mediocre singer who is just hyped by the media. and to compare him with mohd. rafi is just way too much
Dnt cmpare sonu with rafi..rafi was best in his time..but after rafi,sonu is the best singer..dnt insult d talented singer..sonu is most varsatile singer and has a heart touching voice..hear his song kas aap hamare hote….then tel hw is it…he has also given so many evergreen song
dear rafians,
sorry for this comment.there are two jokes of the century.
: kk is a versatile singer than rafi saab.but rafi saab should sing the
song which cannot sing by kk.
: kk is more popular than rafi saab because kk got lesser votes in
the contest of “singer of the millennium”,the” 50 great indians after
Gandhiji” and and “who popular”.
Music composers should impose a lifetime ban on bad singers like Sonu Nigam, Abhijeet, Shaan and Udit Narayan. Their bad voice quality and lack of singing ability is simply an assault on your ears.
They should rather approach good singers like Kumar Sanu, Adnan Sami, Suresh Wadkar, KK and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.
Even among female singers, they must ban awful singers like Alka Yagnik, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal and Anushka Manchanda.
Where are the great singers Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Sadhana Sargam and Alisha Chinoy these days?
NAAAWWWW are u on drugs?
shivani Ji:
i liked your comment on todays music.
let the youngsters listen todays music and forget these in under 30 days.
everyone is there to make their money in under 30 days. i mean the producers, composers, distributors et all.
let them make their moneys in 30 days by releasing their movies in 4000 screens at one go and then forgetting all about it.
the good things of life and music is not for todays youngsters.
We really miss u Rafi sahab.. I always listen to ur melodious voice. Its really painful to hear today’s music & songs which r sung in d name of ‘SUFI’ songs. These worst singers like Atif and Rahat dont know what sufi is. They just go on shouting. If they dont know, they must carefully & peacefully listen to Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan who was a real sufi singer. Except Kailash, all other today’s singers who call themselves sufi are just breaking our ears by shouting in d name of sufi. No emotions, no meaning, no sur, no taal & no raag. Just shouting… I want to request these singers plz dont try to copy our great legends. U can never be like them just by shouting. & I also request all my young friends plz dont listen to such songs just bcoz they r latest, they just spoil ur ears. Try to respect our old and traditional indian music.
Harsh bahi ye baat maeene nahi rakhti ki kisi ki personal life kaisi hai maeene ye rakhta hai ki woh singer kaisa hai sonu nigam ki aawaaz me sab kuch hai aur woh har type ke gaane ga sakta hai aur woh har type ki tune accept karta hai like classic non-classic raag based everthing.aur sonu nigam ki aawaaz me melody, dard, softness, passion, range sab kuch hai. jo ki aur singers ke paas nahi hai. sonu ke paas variety ka bhandaar hai. is liye sonu nigam aaj top par hai.
sonu has good voice…….but not best
even kumar sanu, udit narayan, KK , mohit chauhan, atif aslam , roop kumar rathod, hariharan are on the top spot………ok
and in female……anuratha paudwal, alisha chinoy, kavita Krishnamurthy, are best…..
i want to ban on sonu nigam ( for his attitute and affairs ) , shreya ghoswal ( affair with too many guys included sonu nigam ) , sunidhi chauhan ( affair with too many guys included sonu nigam )………..ok becoz all they have affairs and negative attitute towards public and fans
go to google search…….and know everything about fucking bollywood industry………ok
ok
i am not a singer, but a best audiophile………ok
points to remember are these
1) jiski voice sweet and emotional ho not necessary vo dil ka aacha hota hai and vice versa……
2) i dont like affair having person
and much more points
Are u ppl even serious??…trashing Sonu in the way its done in these fan sites…as much as i like Rafi the obsession with Rafi some people have just removes the charm out of the RAFI spirit….and Sonu is definitely a good singer…anyone trashing the guy needs to get a life!!And since its a fan site stick to appreciating Mohammad Rafi…and stop criticizing every other singer around…
sorry jo maine itne gande loves use kiya magar mujhe bardaash nahi ki koi ache artist ki bezati kare har singer apni jagah per sahi hota hai ye sub insaano ke banae hue compition hai sonu.udit.kumar shaanu etc. Sub acha gaate hai isliye to unhe break mila tum logo ko proud feel karna chahiye ki in logo ki wajah se hamara desh music me aaj number 1 pe hai aaj bhi classical music ki pidi ko inlog continue kar rahe upar se tum log inme hi mistake nikal rahe ho mere un shabdo ke liye sorry magar abhi bhi ungli karna band kardo.
Rafi saahab was very melodious.He was the first singer in whole world who has sung 26000 songs.It is a guinnees world record.No one can take Rafi saahab’s place
Mohd Rafi saahab is greatest singer in whole world. on one can take rafi saahab’s place.He was able to all type of songs.
Kishan kumar ji , no body has said sonu is a bad singer I accept that he is one of the best in the current crop. But what he promised so many years ago . I heard him 15-16 years ago when he was just 15-16 yrs old in a program on stage . He sang a rafi saheb’s classic song “Madhuban mein Radhika Nache Re”. After hearing that song from 15 tr old boy he was asked How at such a young age he is singing such a difficult song of Rafi saheb. He replied he is practicing on Rafi saheb’s song since childhood. So Rafi saheb is hi guru just like “eklaya” he has taken singing training from Rafi saheb . At that time I felt we have got another Rafi in making. But I am sorry of the late he has changed his singing style that is causing problems because this happens in your professional field you have to work with different Music directors and do whatever they may say as per the new trends. So this is a market driven society where a Besura song like ” Kolaveri Di ” becomes a big hit. These days no body cares for the SUR and lyrics otherwise how come a Besura singer like Atif Aslam has become hit. I am no one to advice anybody But what we hear these days makes me very painful.
Many people are doesn’t know the music but i think sonu nigam is the greatest singer have India ever produce…. I can listen rafi song no doubt about this he was great singer in his time but in his time kishore kumar,mukesh,manna day saab are also great singer…sonu nigam is best singer in current time and his knowledge about music and singing are very good….i wish him
keep going and sung many more song….
We should not say that sonu nigam is not good singer he is best but no one can be mohmmad rafi he was the GURU of singing there is no song that rafi can not sing GOD GIFTED rafi sahab have heart touching voice.
You are 99.9999% right@vrisha bhanu
What the hell u ppl insulting sonu nigam? I think he’s the best singer in music industry aftr Rafi, his songs are soul-touching, best versatile singer ever! Think twice before insulting an Artist, may he be ‘Himesh Reshamiya’ We should respect everyone.
sonu nigam is tha best singer in this world
Sir entirely agree with you Sonu has started singing in a hurried fashion. Earlier he used to sing normally but as of late he is singing in this fashion I too have noticed it . But he is not a bad singer I have heard him live on stage just 10 years back he was a very promising singer but suddenly this change is saddening
He considers Rafi saheb as his Guru and sang many songs of Rafi saheb under T series banner with title “Rafi ki Yaadein”. It has more than 15 volumes and when i had heard those songs I felt at least there is someone to carry forward Rafi saheb’s legacy. I feel reason for this change in singing style apart from what you stated singing all sorts of songs medley and Hindi pop. I feel it is because he experiments too much with his voice. He should sing in his normal voice I think that will be better for him also.
why are you all insulting sonu ? musicians need to be respected dear . don’t compare them … both are good … but it is true that no-one can be mohd. rafi because he was a god-gift …. and sonu has an artificial touch in his voice … but still he is not too bad .
hi guys,
sonu nigam is the best singer with his singing style,range, emotion n expression. none can as him.
Music composers should impose a lifetime ban on bad singers like Sonu Nigam, Abhijeet, Shaan and Udit Narayan. Their bad voice quality and lack of singing ability is simply an assault on your ears.
They should rather approach good singers like Kumar Sanu, Adnan Sami, Suresh Wadkar, KK and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.
Even among female singers, they must ban awful singers like Alka Yagnik, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal and Anushka Manchanda.
Where are the great singers Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Sadhana Sargam and Alisha Chinoy these days?
Sonu Nigam can learn how to sing if he undergoes training and practice.
sonu nigam is a bad singer. period.
hello guys,
mohd. rafi is a great singer. sonu nigam is disgusting singer.
sonu sucks!
only if a voice is good, can you train it to sing better. sonu nigam’s voice is so horrible that it is untrainable.
most people do not have good knowledge about music and singing. so they feel that sonu nigam is a good singer. those who have real knowledge about it would detest sonu nigam. he is a terrible singer.
@vikas, why only you? anybody can sing better than sonu nigam. he is not a good singer like mohd. rafi.
sonu nigam’s is an awful singer. even i can sing better than him.
Boss, Sonu Nigam is the worst singer I have heard in my life. He has a groaning voice which is extremely irritating. He needs a lot of training on voice control and modulation.
mohammed rafi was a legend. he was the best singer produced by India till date.
who the hell is this sonu nigam????
why are we insulting rafi saab by comparing him with some joker?
why are we discussing sonu? this forum is about mohd. rafi. while we appreciate sonu’s efforts to sing rafi’s songs, lets acknowledge that he is just another ordinary singer trying to ape rafi saab. so just leave it at that. there is no need to attach any importance of sonu nigam and others like him.
Sir Veenth, Yesudas is great singer but I don’t think you have right information about the song where mohd rafi is not be able to sing it!! Because people like madan mohan said when you want to try something new you will not get better than mohd rafi voice,SPB said I feel that I am not a singer when I listen to mohd rafi off course that is his greatness,I remember long time ago one of kishore said the same thing that mohd rafi was not able to sing and music director changed it the song for mohd rag to be able to sing it but that kishore fan but he never sAid us which song was!Ravi music director said there no song where mohd rafi was not able to sing it but there are many songs where mohd rafi was not able to sing it, yes as opn said after the song was recoded in Manna da voice he wanted to rerecord to mohd rafi voice but said I will not be able to sing it better and same OPN said In a classic song for which Manna da is famous he tried 3 times but mohd rafi sang it first time, who said you that yesudas and SBP are not famous?both singer they feel that mohd rafi is there guru, there tree tape of singer 1 god gift as mohd rafi,2 good singer as lata ji,yesudas,SPB and many other 3 human made singer,in human made singer I mean he is not really got but media made him great…….if mohd rafi will not be able to sing a song that mean no one one this earth will be able to sing it, Naushand is one of music directors who made many songs where only mohd rafi was able to sing….
Sonu Niagaaa??mm is a clown and his (?western) stylised singing is a pain in the neck ….his voice is weak and forever changing..absolutely lacks originality and he struggles at higher notes…..a very ordinary singer
you guys are right. sonu nigam sucks. he is just a hyped by the media. he neither has a good voice quality nor singing ability
Romit,
you need to listen more to music and understand music to understand rafi. I agree, it is not easy to grasp Rafi without having a deep understanding or appreciation of music. With time passing by, you will learn to appreciate things in right manner. May god give you music as early as possible.
All the best
sonu nigam makes a fool of himself yet again. this time he is trying to ape michael jackson. can you believe sonu n attempting to sing michael jackson numbers? its like some donkey grunting loud enough hoping to sing like a nightingale bird.
snd 1 more thing….rafi and sonu are not the only singers in india….there are many..many south indian singers as i mentioned above YESUDAS,SPB etc may not be famous in north india,but they’re legends here in S.INDIA…as they were not born in north,they were not that famous..language was also a problem 4 them..had they been born in north india they would have been famous as rafi ji or kishore da or even more…
1 incident i would like to mention…there is a film called tansen…and there is a very tough song in that movie…i dont remember the name of song…rafi was approached to sing that song…u know what he said…a human being cannot sing this song..it’s that tough…the music director then approached Yesudas sir…he has sung that song without any cuts…superbly…
@ Rafifan1=>
what u commented is a real BLUFFF!!i admit sonu nigam is a great singer…but he;s not @all comparable with many other singers born in india..u might not have heard about singers like YESUDAS,SP BALASUBRAHMANIAN,etc…they’re all beyond comparison with sonu…these are singers from south india…sonu has not got that much talent to be on par with these singers…they are avatars of music…too much classically trained,and can sing any type of songs…especially YESUDAS..the singer who has got maximum number of national awards for singing..sonu cannot even attempt many of his songs…they’re all that much difficult to sing..they’ve sung that without any cuts decades ago..now ,even with this technology he cannot match with them…so mr Rafifan1 pls hear the songs recorded by other singers of different languages before making any such comments…ok…?thnk u!
sonu nigam is a very ordinary singer. i do not like his voice at all.
Sonu Nigam is currently THE BEST singer in the bollywood or even in the world…..perhaps any one will disagree …if any……!!!!Only Sonu can sing Rafi Saab’s song with its full justification as i have seen many other singers who also tried to sing the legend’s song but went down……Yet it will be a childish talk to compare between Rafi saab and Sonu…..Al egend is a legend and a follower is a follower….but still Sonu is currently THE BEST…!!!!I wish him alll the best….Gud luck Sonu…..!!!!
sonu is an average singer. i mean, he does not sound exactly like a bathroom singer, so could be a good choice for singing in an orchestra or private party. he must really thank his stars for getting an opportunity to sing in movies. people who think that he can be compared to legends have lost their mind. they are comparing chocolate cake with cowdung.
I am not able to understand how can anybody like Sonu Nigam’s voice? It is so distasteful, even Abhijeet Sawant is better than him. I really miss Kishoreda and Rafi.
It is a personal choice. Some people feel Sonu Nigam is a good singer while others feel that he is a plain crap.
But it sounds odd to me to compare him with the great Mohd. Rafi.
Its obvious that Rafi saab was a great Singer while Sonu is his cheap immitation.
hello guys,
sorry for replying this late, but i just read this post and comments now.
But i’m also a die hard fan of sonu ji, so i can’t refuse that rafi saab is the best singer of india and no one as talented as him will be born in this universe, as sonu ji has admitted this himself. But of course, that doesn’t implies sonu ji is just a ok or ordinary singer. No singer of this generation can even compare to him…
I agree that rafisaab is and also will be the god of music forever. But next to rafi saab i only prefer sonu ji….
Now they r asking to give a song of sonu in this n that raga. Can they give me a fast trak in jagjit sahab’ voice. This is nothing but stupid. Commercial songs take nothing to b sung is a common misconception. They require equal efforts. May b not in terms of sur but expressions yes. Any barbed comments 4 sonu nigam hurt me.
I think guys r gone nuts over here comparing sonu n rafi sahab. The two who exist in two far seperated time spans. They judging their capabilities from wat they have sung. Rafi days were classical days. Songs were soft n touchy. It does not mean that rafi sir coudnt sing so many textures. Similarly sonu is singing when taste has changed. Songs r loud. But yet he is the only singer who can give classical touch to wildest songs like shabba shabba n lov u hamesha. So dont ever try to impose limitations to capabilities of any singer.
sonu nigam’s first official “attempt” towards classical music was his classically mild album in 2008 – What does that Speak ?
Romit ji,
OK let us have a fool proof and practical discussion on pure healthy lines regarding the versatality factor in your post. Kindly provide one song of sonu nigam ji in Bhilawal thaat or sankarabharanam rag in carnatic – this is the king of the ragas.
Romit –
“but i must tell ur filter options are great rather u can also refer classically mild”
So what does it speak ? There lies the answer and facts for our views. I appreciate you have accepted the truth of our post.
12 different voices – that does not prove anything it is only a mimicry and a mimicry artist is called as mimicry artist and not singer pl. I hope you understand that. Even small children of 4-5 years are singing songs today.
How many days today’s singers are remembered vis-a-vis singers from the golden era dear romit ji? The singers I have referred belong to a historical period of more than past 3 decades – they are as evergreen as they were earlier, even in this era their popularity remains on top. The discussion on various sites is evidence for that. In many of the current day programmes at the background, those legends photos are kept and the recognition continues with enhanced pomp. Does such recognition can be seen in the current scenario ?
binujee,
you will never find a single comment from side in this thread. the nature of your comment no.531 – prompted me to butt in and say a line in support of your concerned request.
i think one of these days we will have to put a personal mail to pradeepji and even talk to him over phone on the legalities of comments, language, abuse etc.
i just scrolled through quickly in this thread and found one common thing in all comments – one bashing the other personally – that too quite badly and pulling in famillies etc.
its becoming worser than the neighbouring site and i have a strong doubt it could be some elements from there itself who are continuously on a diatribe wanting to undermine the name of the singing avataar ” RAFI SAHAB “.
friends do not insult rafi sahab – if you want to have personal verbal exchanges which are unconected with rafi sahab please exchange email ID’s and comfortably do the same.
pradeepji – if you happen to read this comment from me and binuji – kindly take stern steps to stop all this unwarranted comments seeing the light of print.
i feel it requires close monitoring and moderating – abuses and personal comments to be deleted forthwith.
ramesh narain kurpad.
Dear Friends,
Let us not fight in this most sacred forum…..
Romit you are a die hard fan of Sonu Nigam who considers that Rafi Sahab is his singing guru and God….
Hence Romit why you are getting pissed off and try to irritate Rafi devotees by wrong comments…
Your idol Sonu Nigam is very close to me and my family and Iam sure he will be very upset with ur comments..
So kindly refrain from making such eronous observation on Sonu’s only God of singing Rafi sahab..
Sonu has kept a big drawn potrait of his god Rafi sahab in his pooja room and without taking the blessings he doesnt commence any new venture…
Huseeinbhai…
Sorry that you and others would have got irritated by Romit and some of the young Sonu fans who dont have knowledge of the 50 n 60s….
pl pardon them and we should give full credit to Sonu nigam for doing great service to all young music lovers by keeping the flag of sweet memories of Rafi sahab’s songs alive and fresh…
Even a 6 year old kid today can relate to Rafi song thru Sonu…
thats all
Jai Rafi Sahab
Rajan Iyer
the time has come to delete some posts and articles which are personal, which lacks facts or figures – from the mohd rafi website most urgently.
@Frustrated cheap Romit… atleast try to find your family and maybe you are not aware about your parents… try to find them… and you do not need to argue with me…. you are baseless, mindless and above all frustrated cheap chap who know to write bakwaas without thinking….
@ hussein –> don’t consider others as u and ur family are (frustrated, mindless cheap person and uneducated chap)
hope u understand this time, if not i will not going to argue with u any more coz “pagal ka koi ilaz nehi”, do argue with facts like rafifan does
@rafifan –> “range, scale and beauty ” kismat se tum and satrangi re
“only only only one song from a filmy classical angle where he can at least come near ghantasala of the south – the song should be filmy, classical and should be composed in entire 3 octaves” refer “http://mandeeppuri.wordpress.com/2010/07/24/shamir%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%9Cnaman%E2%80%9D-to-india/” , “http://www.santabanta.com/cinema.asp?pid=38104″
Because the “fact is fact”
but i must tell ur filter options are great rather u can also refer classically mild
now can u give me only only only only(according to u ) one song which has been sung in 12 different voice, not only in studio but in front of live audience also
@Romit… no matter, God is with me, you are already frustrated and you are also mindless cheap person and above all uneducated chap…
@ hussein –> thanks for ur best of luck but i cant give best of luck to two dead persons,one from soul and the other from mind
Vitthal ji… you are right, paagal ka koi ilaaj nahin hai…
Post 521: Romit you are totally frustrated… Copycat is none other than you.
Btw, your tongue is stuck which need treatment… all the best to you and sonu…
Hussein sheik ji and rafi fan ji
A sincer request sir’s – Please stop arguing on “posts” which are just for “arguing” and not for proving facts.
romit –
You are simply arguing though you know the facts. Anyhow, I have nothing against your liking which of course cannot be taken as determining the true facts. I have seen sa re ga ma pa – judging – sorry to say even judges are faltering there – I was surprised to see in one programme.
Show me a song of sonu nigam ji on the range, scale and beauty and melody of yeh chaand sa roshan chehra, jo waada kiya woh of rafi.
Next, versatile than any other singer in india – just show me only only only one song from a filmy classical angle where he can at least come near ghantasala of the south – the song should be filmy, classical and should be composed in entire 3 octaves – this should be one classical example of versatility – specially for sonu nigam ji. My humble request, please be factual not argumentative -kindly prove with facts. If your reply is not factual, I am sorry I may not respond to your post pl.
@ hussein–>mr copycat
i said previously that Sonu Ji is the best singer
i think u dont understand english also
no need to prove ur weak database with those names
again a time waste for us to make you understand
hope it will not happen again
@Romit… Your database is NIL of which is proved. he’s just an ok singer… Good singers are Rafi Saheb, Mukesh Ji, Manna Da, Kishore Da…, but not this Sonu. Btw stupid and baseless comments are from your side only… so better do not waste my and your time as well… all the best for Sonu in future
@ hussein–> your database is too weak i can only say that
he never try to prove that he is a good singer coz the simple fact is that he is the best singer
“if you hear his songs closely, you will find his voice shiver” again a joke. u r so jokey. really
ya no more discussion on your stupid jokes
its really a waste of time for us
@Romit… He’s lost and fact is he’s now not getting offers in singing more songs… he miserably failed to prove that he’s a good singer… if you hear his songs closely, you will find his voice shiver… no more discussion, it’s a waste of time… he is just an ok singer… nothing great…
@ hussein–>just search the internet and you will come to know where he is. He limited his singing to hindi film songs and he is not trying to sing English songs but actually he is singing English songs not only that he is singing in marathi, telegu, tamil, bengali, panjabi. A year ego he is judging sa re ga ma pa also. hope you are not aware. He for the last 3 years limited his singing but always giving us quality songs, hope not to describe those songs but his limitation doesn’t mean that he is disappearing from the industry or cant compete with the exiting singers like his “GURU in the 70s 80s”.
Thats why we call him the “GOD of MUSIC”
Post 515: To me Sonu is just an ordinary singer and by the way, where is he now? Fact is Sonu failed to sing Hindi songs, now he’s trying in English… lol… He also tried to act in few movies but in vain… BUT yes, I enjoyed Sonu in Sa Re Ga Ma years ago… rest is history…
it seems that for you people its very tough to accept the fact
yes its TRUE that
rafi is rafi
rafi is emperor
rafi is sonu jis guru
rafi is legend
but when it comes to the comparison out of 100
sonu 51
rafi 49
Because “the fact is fact”
@ali–> correctly said about this particular website –> but why this type of post (Disappointing Sonu Nigam at London on Rafi songs), why people starts comparing ,why people abusing and if it continues
people will say and must say
Because “the fact is fact”
@hussein –> I think u love reading about lata dis comment
also read lata dis comment about sonu ji, it will be self explained
@rafifan –> Again i am saying that sonu nigam is much more matured, trained, versatile singer than anyone ever born in India
@sriram –> yes its true and i also admit that rafi sahab is the god of voice
but remember sonu ji is the god of music
Because “the fact is fact”
Romit sahab – 506
“sonu nigam is much more matured, trained, versatile singer than anyone ever born in India”
It would have been really perhaps great, if the same would have been true, but really sorry sir, that is not the case at all – sorry if I have offended you, but the fact is fact. Sonu nigam ji is one of the nice singers of this era.
In my experience, mohd rafi from hindi and ghantasala from the south are the greatest ever versatile legends born in indian playback singing – there is no turning back on this point. Even the influence they have left on the music world is immeasureable. Almost all the possible genres available in playback singing have been explored by these legends. If these legends are compared (as has happened which should not be done really as both were two different unique poles) it is just like comparing the diameter of trunks of two giant elephants – at some area the trunk may be wider or has more breadth – but the fact is both remain giant elephants.
I agree with hussein sheikh ji’s post not in that way but in a more positive way i.e the emperor remains always an emperor in history -that exactly applies to the legends mentioned above.
Post 510 :@ Romit gangu teli… please do not worry about my date of birth, but try to find your date of birth instead…. only a fool will say sonu is better than Rafi Saheb… it seems you have more knowledge of music than Lata ji… you must read Lata ji’s recent interview on legend of all legends…
Sir Romit,
I agree that I have zero knowledge about Music but The thing that even we dont listen the people who got the knowledge that is the real problem, I dont think any of us got more knowledge than Mannay Da or Madan Mohan or Naushand Ji or OPN,what said about Mohd Rafi from people who got knowledge of Music I think all these names they got knowledge about music more than any one on this site…If u dont know what these people said about mohd rafi so I will tellyou if u want,Mannay Da said I need to be born again be sing like mohd Rafi and said that from 1 to 10 is mohd Rafi,OPN said if there was no Mohd Rafi there was no OPN,Madan Mohan I should not be pay when Mohd Rafi give playback to me because I have nothing to do but that is mohd Rafi voice magic to make song hit.
I dont know about music but I can understant what said about mohd Rafi by great names in music world..
I like many singers but I only listen to mohd rafi and I dont like to compare mohd rafi with others because there is no point to compare the sun light with the moon because end of the day the light which we see on the moon it from the Sun….I never used bad words to any singer or any person here and I will never going to use Inshallah,we here to know more about Mohd rafi because this site is for only Mohd Rafi so it is not far we speak about other singers(as I think)If any one feel that if any singer is better than Mohd rafi so no need to say it here because mostly people here mohd rafi so no need to say it here,I think jest visit that singer who u feel he is better than mohd rafi to his site maybe people with support u there,
I am sorry if any one mind what I said also sorry Mu english is not so good
@Hussein Sheikh –> dont aim to be a gangu teli in 2011
. Even dont dare to compare in your dreams also. It seems that ur birth is also a JOKE, sorry but i dont know the year. 
@ Ali –> well said, it seems that you are only bound to a particular zone, the md rafi zone
so for u its very easy to decide anything regarding rafi sahab
but again only compare wen u hv enough experience and enough in depth knowledge
To all all those who support Sonu & not this post.
1. Sonu is an excellent singer & we all admit it.
2. Sonu is incomparable withrafi which he himself admits rafi is his guru. So no comparison with God of voices.
3. @Romit: Dont become a laughing stock here. People here atleast know who is rafi.
Rafi is Rafi.
Sir Romit,
Do you know who is Mohd Rafi?if you know you will never going to say that “can never sing the various texture songs like sonu sung in his career”
Sonu ji is great singer but not be compare with mohd rafi,Mohd Rafi sang these songs without cut and paste but today there is cut and paste even with cut and paste they are not able to give us as did by mohd rafi, I dont know about others but when Sonu sang mohd rafi song I know that he is Sonu ji but when he sang other singers songs I cant that maybe because I listen only mohd rafi…..
Man Mohan(film Maker) said if God have voice should be Mohd rafi voice.
Post 506: This is a worst joke of 2011…. Kahan gangu teli aur kahan raja bhoj…
Post 506: This is t
a real fact
Sonu Nigam, the living legend can sing Rafi jis song, maybe not like rafi
We can rate him above 80% in singing those songs, keeping the fact in mind that he performed in presence of lots of audience, not in a recording room
on the other side the fact is rafi ji , though a talented singer, can never sing the various texture songs like sonu sung in his career
sonu nigam is much more matured, trained, versatile singer than anyone ever born in India
Sonu Nigam has tried his best to sing rafi saab’s songs.
Though I will rate him just slightly below rafi saab, he sings rafi songs very nicely.
I have listened all the rafi songs sung by sonu.
He has performed well in Rafi Resurrected album. The best song of this album is ‘Tum jo mil gaye ho…’
I m busy now. I will post new comment soon
It still baffles me to think how sonu was ended up being a Rafi sahib’s avtar. He started singing cover versions of Attaullah Khan and at that time the rafi versions were by Debashish Dasgupta and vipin sachdeva. After the riots and bomb blasts of Mumbai the then numero uno and true Rafi version Mohammad Aziz (recall how Laxmikant-Pyarelal banished Bappi lahiri ghost only after getting Aziz singing for them 80%of their later year compositions) was made to vanish over night paving way for a Hindu boy to fill up that spot. Sonu’s proximity to a power brokering lady at that time also helped him as did his good looks besides his mediocre ability. Refer to April 1994 filmfare issue where sonu was described as a Mohammad Aziz clown!!!!!
I just went through other comments. I felt that others are straying from the topic to be discussed. They are divided into kishor and rafi fans and comparing there talents and greatness and have send sonu to background.
However it is embarrasing to having conflicts and debates because u r supporting diff. artists. Especially music teaches love ,friendlyness and not encourages conflicts. I love and respect all singers. They all are great and one should not insult them by comparing them with others.
I would like to admit first of all that anyone having less understanding of music than sonu himself does not have a right to criticise on sonu’s singing. He is the best in voice quality, technique, grip on classical,versatility,creativity and an endless list amongst his contemporaries. He who says his voice has deteriorated i think his hearing skills have deteriorated. If he sang RAFI’S song a bit faster may be it is because of today’s audience’s taste. It cant be taken as his disrespect to rafi sahab or music. He being a legend still keeps learning. Hats off to SONU NIGAM
Lagta hai jisne ye blog likha hai use sahi se sunai nahi deta, aur jo log is blog karne wale ko support kar rahe hain unhe uparwale ne dimag nahi diya, so guys don’t worry tumhari koi galti nahi hai.
THERE IS NOTHING TO COMPARE THE LEGENDS.BUT HOWEVER I CERTAINLY FEEL RAFI SAHAB IS THE GREATEST SINGER THAT INDIA HAS EVER PRODUCED.
kishr da se kisi ki tulna nahi ho sakti he was god of play back singing rafi was telented but kishor da was genius.rafi ki pratibha simit thi jabh ki kishorda pratibha ka samundar the rafi jasi awaz kai singer ki hai per kisor da ki awaz asadharan thi “tum bin jau kaha” gana kishor da & rafi dono ne gaya hain sun le saf ho jayega ki koun best hai.rafi fans ne kihor da ke liye jo ochi baten ki hai is ke liye unhe sharm aani chahiye kishor da greatest hai rahenge .
Sonu Nigam has an atrocious voice. I wonder how can some people even like what he sings. He is just hyped celebrity with almost no talent in him. Sonu certainly does not derseve the limelight he hogs. There are so many talented singers in our country. We have heard enough of Sonu Nigam’s grunting. Now we deserve to hear a good voice.
Dear KK Superfan,
You are right. Sonu Nigam does not have it in him. Rafi was par excellence. Infact Shabbir Kumar and Mohammed Aziz did remind us of Rafi saab.
But it is insulting to compare the legendary singer with somebody like Sonu Nigam. Truly Sonu sucks.
these post only proves that who is dad and who is the child
children always cry to achive something, but dad always remain calm and carry on the work
Sonu Ji — be calm and carry on your good work.
lots of love
Sonu Nigam is a ridiculous singer. He is nowhere near the great Mohd. Rafi. But ofcourse Kishore was the best.
DIS IS ACTUALLY NOT A COMMENT BUT A VIEW WHICH NOT ONLY RESIDES IN MY MIND BUT IN DA MINDS OF TODAYS GENERATION!
NIGAM HAD DONE A GREAT WORK IN DA SHOW.IT IS BUT OBVIOUS FOR DA PPL OF PAST GENERATION TO CRITICIZE DA SINGIN OF NIGAM COZ RAFI SAAB WERE DA VOICE OF DER GENERATION , ND I BEIN A VERSATILE LISTENER ND A SINGER ALSO LOVE HIS VOICE ND SINGIN BUT ITS A MERE MENTALITY OF DA PPL DAT DEY LOVE DA SINGERS OF DER GENERATION COZ DEY HAVE STYLE OF DA SAME. SIMILARLY ACCORDIN TO VIEWS OF TODAYS GENERATION NIGAM IS MUCH PREFERED DAN RAFI SAAB….
CONCLUDIN , I WUD LIKE TO SAY DAT I M A DIHEART FAN OF NIGAM ND WISH TO BE DA MOST SUCCESFUL SINGER OF TOMORO BUT MY REAL SUCCESS WILL BE ACHIEVED WEN I BECOME STUDENT OF MY GOD MR SONU NIGAM……
@ dev:
you said that sonu has surpassed rafi? are you insane?
I think that “You”, whoever has written this post above does not, for any reason, have a right to criticize someone as great as “Sonu Nigam”. It will be very foolish of you to even say a word against this legend. I, myself, have been a critic of him….but soon i realized as i researched…listened to the vast variety of singing he has done, literally i felt he has even surpassed Rafiji even many ways . Comparing him with rafi sahab doesnt make any sense. I mean why do we want him to completely impersonate somone else. ‘Prem’, above, has said it right that Sonu sings rafi`s song to keep alive rafi sahab`s legacy today. Afterall, No one on this earth can or has sung rafiji better than sonunigam.
Sonu Nigam, is a vey versatile singer and assuredly, the best singer India has today, considering the versatility he possesses. Besides, he is probably the only singer who is equally talented in other things too. So, please rethink it when you utter a word against him!!!
“ALL HAIL SONU NIGAAM!!!!!”
If you want to compare him then compare from others singers of this age…Like udit jee, kumar sanu,…..then u all will figure out ….
Rafi jee is always best …sonu jee is going in his way very right !
Please don’t compare him…
If you have clearly listen ever the voice of sonu nigam….then you people won’t be critisizing him…
He is the one the singer who proved himself not only but also….much popular and when he sing any song its like a history…
he always give more than 100 % , he tried his level as no can can try like him, he proved his way no one can stand up….on that way….
each song …..either hindi album…. or movie song or even kanada always hit…..if same song sung by some1 else then the flavour and image of the actor also changes…
Plesase don’t compare to Rafi Sahab.. Rabi jee is like a icon by that any one can start to learning singing like himmmm……
and sonu’s main guru jee is Rafi Sahab..
i am listing few songs if you clearly listen then you will feell like what sonu nigam has and Rabii jee would be proud of himmm…
1) Chanda is Doli mai
2) In Lamhoo Kay Daman Mai..
3) Rabba mere Rabaaa
4) aye dilruba kitna haseen mela
5) Kal Ho Na Ho
6) Soniyo…
7) Humee Tumsay Pyar Hai KAshe Kahe….
8) Jal Jal Kay Duha ho rahe hum
9) Falak Dekhu Jami Dekhu
10) Kabhi Albida na kahana
11) Suraj hua madham…
12) Hum Badi Dur Cahlee aaye hai chaltee
even all songs i always enjoy..i am great fan of himm….
his voice has youthfulness , clear & 100 %
He is fantastic , mind blowing , fabulousness , lust
any new comer would like to become like him….but its not possible to copy his voice….Never…he is unique and he put himself very hard in his careers…made a place in all our heart…
Please see his live show ..i saw 2wice it was blasting
I agree 110% with the above post! Listen to rabba mere rabba or tanhai or bawri piya..could name many many more songs.. I mean this guy is a legend of today’s time and Rafi saab would have been so proud of Sonu. Why so much criticism?
all these people are simply dumb…they have a particular mindset that there can’t be better singers after rafi sahab,kishore da,lataji,ashaji..and all..i ask why????
how come are they so sure??this kind of thinking may be..i am saying just may be true…but who has given you people the rights to criticize someone as great as sonu niigaam..are you even aware of how talented,prodigal,and above all down to earth this guy is…can you even realize that how tough his songs are…ya they may not be as tough as rafi sahab’s but that does not make him anything less..why should he be a rafi prototype….
I MEAN WHAT CRIME HAS THIS GREAT SINGER SONU NIIGAAM COMMITTED?? WHY DOES EVERYONE COMPARE HIM WITH MOHD.RAFI??
HOW MUCH MORE DOES HE HAVE TO DO TO MAKE PEOPLE REALIZE THAT HE IS A LEGEND IN HIS OWN RIGHTS??
he is not trying to copy rafi sahab…he just wants to promote rafi sahab’s legacy ..to keep him alive in today’s generation’s hearts..now if that is a crime
and if that way he is demeaning rafi..god will punish him..and will punish me because i vouch for him….if what he is doing is right ..remember all u people who are criticizing him..u are insulting someone who even your favourite rafi sahab would have been proud of had he been alive today.
I am great fan of Rafi everybody think so that he is the greatest fan of Rafo so do I.
I have learned my music by hearing rafi songs so has sonu( That is what he says ) I saw a programe live on stage when sonu was just 15 years of age and he sand “Madhuban Mein radhika Naache Re” . Th whole Audience was spell bound. I too was surprised to hear a singer (just 15 yrs age ) and singing a very difficult song of rafi live on stage.
He was later on asked how old r u he replied 15 yrs Wow 15 yrs singing like that. We must encourage new talent particularly those who dont just sing but know music.
Sonu is a fresh talent an ardent fan of rafi . He has a big photograph of Rafi in his house and he worships his god.
That is for me end of it no fight he loves rafi we love rafi.
God bless sonu
to all those people who are criticising sonu ji…..i would just like to remind that they are criticizing someone who has proved himself time and again..who is himself a great..can’t u get the simple fact that no singer can copy another’s style??why should sonu sound like a rafi sahab’s prototype????he is the one who has ressurected youth interest in rafi’s songs..and classical music through his classically mild album..Rafi sahab had he been very happy with his great disciple sonuji…and someone has written that he felt that he felt he is better than sonu niigaam…….That’s why u are a nobody and he is sonu niigaam..criticizing people through blogs is even easier than criticizing reality show contestants….if any one has anything else to say…write to me..i will reply on my idol’s behalf.i myself am a singer..and i am really impressed by what sonu niigaam is doing for his idol..i sincerely hope i can do the same for him one day…….
People use to count greatness by counting his fame, wealth and other power but they seldom mistake in counting the treasure of good qualities in human being. I am lucky enough to say MOHD.RAFI is the biggest king on the earth because he possess the treasury of highest number of songs ever rendered by a single playback singer with a superb voice? quality, highest number of hit songs, highest humber of popular songs, and highest humber of unheared songs, I salute such an uncrowned king of kings Mohd. Rafi
MIss you RAFI SAAB always hamesha. ICONS never dies they always live here ALWAYS REMEMBERING YOU
HOW ARE BINU NAIR SIR MISS U TOO MUCH
Post 483 : Mr. Aziz Issak : pls e.mail me your address and I will try to source the cd for you.
binu nair, binus2000@hotmail.com
where can I purchase the D.V.D of this concert of Sonu Nigham tribute to Mohd Rafi either in Birmingham or London. Anyone out there knows
@ P Haldar Ji:
I do not understand why you are wasting ur time in a topic which deals with kishore kumar’s devotional songs :S
and besides that, there is no point wasting your times with a cretin like Lalit
in 1958 said that any song going to sing by Mohd Rafi it going to be hit and that only said on Mohd Rafi,also said about Mohd Rafi voice white voice
Sandeep Sir : U owe mohd rafi fans a meeting at a place and time of your choice. the reason : an international book is being written by a great and competent author on legend mohd rafi saaheb.
the author has more that 35 years of journalistic experience. He is an editor of a national daily and has indepth knowledge about mohd rafi.
now is the call .
ur support for the issue is paramount with your great knowledge / interactions with rafi saaheb.
please comply and help the cause.
binu nair, mumbai rafi foundation. cell : 9833 250 701
i hope you will agree to our request and help the publication.
ref mail 478,Mr Binu Nair, I am in full agreement with you,the so called singer if had any slightest regard would not have accepted the filfare award alongtwith ms.Ivy ( as per Mr.Haldar) FOR THE YEAR 1980.
WAITING FOR FULL ARTICLE FROM YOU SIR.
post 474:
sandeep nadkarni : ur points about ashok desai is noted.
i expect rafi lovers who are more educated and well informed to use proper words to fellow rafi lovers.
the use of words by ashok desai such as dirty politicians and work-less speaks about the character of ashok desai – more.
people should not live in glass houses and throw stones at others mr.ashok desai. please redeem yourself.
and let me inform that i move out with industry music circles and i am aware of what respect kk had for mohd rafi post 1972. here was a guy who had joined a band of singers and musicians to undermine mohd rafi and made ready – early retirement plans for the legend.
more of it later by an article, i promise.
binu nair, mumbai
Post 462 : kishore worm:
just like the frogs who venture out in the monsoons, this kishore worm comes herein to show his heroes fallacies and limitations.
obviously, he can’t digest the monumental popularity, lead and reach that mohd rafi has reached in his four decade career.
he should understand that kk can never be even a “parchayee”, a shadow of mohd rafi saaheb. truly – the frogs in the well cant think beyond the proverbial “closed well”.
binu nair
savita,
with reference to ur post no 471,472 i thnk ther is some misunderstanding first of all i agree with u meant tht i share the same point of view. secondly i never stated tht u have said rafisaabs voice did not suit dharamji i just siad tht i read it somewhr on this site pls dont take it personally it was not meant that way
i wud stand by my statement tht may be just may be rdb was a big enuf star to no to pay heed to anyones advice also i thnk by tht time rdb had bcome the no 1 md of the hfm industry and kk was at his peak plus the camaraderie they shared was mindblowing so all the factors must have ruled rafisaab out of the equation..!!
i hope i have cleared the misunderstanding i luv rafisaab as much as u do..
Mr Sandeep Nadkarni ji,,,,we only aspire of Rafi sahab modesty and devoutness,,,but u proved urself,how can a fan practice it in reality,,,recently I read mentioned allegory about Rafi sahab that how Rafi sahab drank left over of Kish kum tea even though was insulted,,,but u demonstrated that in real,,,hrashness can be answered n also can be difeated through politness by praising someone u critisized u,,a rare treat for human,,,,,,,,,,Now even Mr Desai would repent that why he commented bitterly on such a humble person like u through the surface without giving a damn to the real cause of all these disturbance,,,,,,,,
Sir,,,through ur posts on “door reh kad na kado baat”,,,every Rafian has devloped a deep respect for u n ur work or attitude,,,,Sir we r even indebted that u spare ur time to reply those disturbing elements on this article as well,hence helping us for our cause to contemplate our emotion on this king of melody and man of real gentleness,,,
Sir, its most important that we have developed a pleasent feeling that legend like u r with us,,so remain inact with us always with sometime ur words like a “careless youth” n sometime like a guardian,,,,,,plz retain all the coloures of ur personality,,,we just care for each other, this is what life is all about,,,,,
with love to every one n best of best Rafi sahab,,,namaste!
My dear friend Mr Ashok Desai Saabs comments seems to have been taken very sharply & seriously by Mr Binu Nairjee & Savitaa Garciajee.
Friends and all the ardent admirers of dear Rafi Saab — I would like to inform you that Mr Ashok Desai has been one my greatest & best friend and in fact is a far more better voilinist than me and hence he is still in demand in the music industry though I have retired long back.
He is not only one of the ardent admirers of our beloved king of melody Mohammed Rafi Saab but one can say he is the “bhakt & poojary”
His house situated in the Arera Colony, Bhopal is presently beaming full of Rafi Saabs various large & small portraits and anyone visiting his this residence will be astonished to see his love & respect for the immortal legend.
However he also likes Kishore Kumar a lot and hence probably he was a bit taken aback after surfing this site & especailly when he read the various comments from the KK as well as Rafi Saabs fans.
Binujee & Garciajee — Mr Desai is a great gentleman and also a very soft spoken personality and if at all by his comments if he has hurt the feelings I Mr Sandeep Nadkarni exclusively on behalf of my dearest friend Mr Desai, sincerely apologise & deeply regret for the inconvenience.
Refer Ms.Gracia mail and other mails ,Dharamji is my childhood idol and the way Rafi Saab`s voice suited him,it was next only to Shammi Kapoor Sahab.
On the controry Rafi Saab `saab personnal favouries were Shammiji & Dharamji.
Just to add further for the unknown? in an interview in Filmfare-where the cover story was on Dharamji,refrence came for Anupama song – Ya dil ki suno`rendered by Hemant Kumar,where Dharamji says `Rafi Saab `s voice always suited him`
Just to add further all the songs of Betaab were rendered by Shabbir Kumar,a clone of Rafi Saab,although the MD was R.D.Burman.
Mr. abhishek taparia with not just reference to ur post no465 but also with reverence 4 ur love for Rafi sahab,,I would like to tell in st forward way,,that u need not to be agree with me neither more nor less,,,,,it would be better if u remain content with ur attitude of post 1897 of Rafi true voice,,as I don`t worth it for I know so little almost nothing… About rafi sahab,,who am I to make any statement u perhaps misinterpreted my words but plz take the feeling ,it can never mean that rafian ought not to respect other singer,I myself respect not just the singer but everyone,,,,,this what I learnt from rafi sahab,,but I meant to say that,,,,,for chaste women,,prents are adorable,,yet she has special relation with Husband or kids,,I just means to say that Rafi saab is not just entertainment,,,with talent he was personality as well, so even though reching this man via entertainment we develop a unique relation with this divine voice of Md rafi that we can`t have for others but it never mean de-respect others,,,we `ve different feeling for different voice,,,,,,,,,its all relative yet I meant to offer pure oblation to this humblest of person rafi saab through my poor treasure of words plz don`t make it impure through ur allegation,,,n plz don`t be agree with me,don`t even think of me,,u always `ve best option to agree in Name or voice of rafi saab in this site………
Kishore fan ji no matter if u r born in 90s or 40s u need heart to understand nay person its matter of realization,,,independent of time,space causation,,simply matter of feelings…
kishore fan ji,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,important request,,,,,,,,,,plz don`t be so silly that u try to portrait wrong image of mine that I`m trying to sell Christianity over here,,,,there r countless missionary for this purpose,I`ve nothing to do with it,,,, there is nothing personal or public about me other than the fact that I`ve lready stated through one my initial post that,,, Rafi is my God,,,person like binu nair is My God`s messenger,,,n listening Rafi song is my worship,,,,,so u rather not interfere in this personal feeling of mine,,,u enjoy ur life,,,,to me I`m always imbibed in Masti of rafi`s voice if I listen or not,my mind heart keeps on humming this voice,,,,,,though most of Rafians stopped reading ur msg,,,yet I repect u for ur patience and ur dedication so what if its mis directed,,plz try to understand us,,its my humble request to u,,
,anyway,,its for my feeling towards Rafi sahab,,,
“ mohabbat ki ye inteha ho gayieeeeee ki masti me tumhe khuda keh gyaaaaaaa zamaana ye Inshaf kadta raheyyyyyyyyyyy bura keh gya yaa bhala keh gyaâ€â€â€
with 465,,I never said even in dreams or while intoxicated that rafi saab voice never suited any singer if it dharmendra or anyone anyway,,,with dharmendra context,binu sir had replyed me and I admit whatever he told,,,,but I only placed that Dharmendra didn`t go out of term for Rafi sahab in sholey,,,,,as he calls Rafi sab frnd,,,as dharmendra was biggest casted actor for the film while casting of sholey all the other actor got bigger after the film so this logic don`t stand that he remained unheard!!!!we `ve one example,,,that at the time of AAdmi,,dilip sahab`s height was biggest in Film industry and monoj kumar,who admits that he has his name manopj and kumar by inspiration of Dilip sahab`s name,,and it was dream come true to work with Dilip sahab for Manoj kum as he was his biggest fan,,,,,,,,,,yet,,,and we all know that Rd burman`s name was not that big at the time of sholey,,,as it was for Naushad saab during Aadmi,Naushad saab was concider best by majority,,,yet Monoj kumar,,,became adamant that the song,,â€kaisie haseen aajâ€â€,,would be sung by Mah kapoor not Talat mehmood,,,,and Naushad saab was adamant as well, and recorded the song with tlat mehmood only,,Talat`s version was available for record`s and cassettes,,,,but Monoj kumar`s repepitetive insistence for Mah kapoor`s playback compelled Naushad saab to record this duet of rafi saab with Mah kapoor as well for the film……
….
kishorefan the worm: yes. u will always find problem with mohd rafi fans. and, you will be jealous of mohd rafi’s popularity as your idol could not sing even fifty percent of what the farishta, king of melody, singer for all moods or the complete singer mohd rafi could croon.
yes . u will not like the words we describe our hero. we do not care. we are happy that you are jealous and will remain so all your life.
mr.ashok desai : i know there will be many fence sitters who call themselves neutral when aliens like kishorefan and their ilk intrude here and pen their jaundiced views herein. do pen some good lines for this kishore worm who will then be very happy.
all the best , so called neutral men in this mohd rafi lovers site.
binu nair
Ref. Post 465:
I disagree that whenever Rafi-saab sang for RD in the mid-70′s, he sounded shrill and different under him compared to other composers.
Pancham brought out Rafi’s vocals very nicely, in all the times they combined together (as did all composers).
Also, RD had very high respect for Rafi, and regretted the fact that he could not work more with the greatest singer of all time.
However, the two still have many songs together for music lovers to cherish.
KK fans have nothing to write in their idol’s site! Now they are here to insult Rafi Saheb. KK fans should first learn manners, which they do not have. Such comments are expected from KK fans only… all sadak chhaap.
Post 456 : ashok desai saaheb :
Please do confirm to us that u urself is not a “dirty” politician and that u have lots of work in hand.
we will believe you and not call u any one time a “dirty politician”. this is my promise to you.
wishing you nothing else than happy music listenings.
binu nair, mumbai
Mr Desai
This is a site for the greatest singer of all times, Mohammed Rafi. We are very busy here discussing the unmatched offerings of this Leader of all singers who have accepted that no one can match up to his class.
A section of Kishore Kumar fans similar to thise who are spamming here are nothing but desperate specimens who are shameless, uncivilised, ignorant and also suffer from monumental inferiroty complex.
Just for the record of these addle brained morons this is what KK had to say about Rafisaab. ” I can only sing a song in one way, Rafisaab could sing in several ways”. KK also admited that it was beyond him to sing Nafrat Ki duniya ko from Haathi Mere Saathi.
The biggest insulters of KK are his fans, shame on you all.
savita,
with reference to ur post no. 448. i cud not agree with u more, those who like can never like any other singer he was n is the epitome of singing. even though he was a genius he was very humble. i read somewhr on this site tht his voice did not suit dharmender fot this argument i wud say tht just listen to the song “mere dushman tu meri dosti ko tarse” i have never seen a song befitting an actor tht well also the expresssions of dharmenderji were amazing a complete visual treat. also i read tht dharmji sidelined rafisaab in the 70s wch i feel is not true it cud be bcoz of rdb being the md who was a star in his own rite so wud not want intereference from anyone,so it is quite possible tht dharmjis pleas mite have fallen on deaf/baised ears.
one thing wch i have noticed n i dont know how many other ppl noticed whnevr rafisaab sang under rdb (in mid 70s) he wud make him sound very different rafisaabs voice wud come out shrill n without the honey flow effect while at the same time under other mds rafisaab wud sound his original self. also i feel tht rdb did not have enuf respect for rafisaab so im glad tht rafisaab did not sing many songs under his direction.
lstly we have respect for all the singers as they all r grts n we r too small to malign or criticize anyone.they all have their places in the history n we respect n admire them.
refer post 459 by siva. I agree fully that we must refrain from commenting on all the so called adverse comments by fans of other singers. if we can curtail our responses to these, possibly the website will be spared the mudslinging matches that we get to see. in fact, i do not even read some of these comments and the war of words that keeps on surfacing and i find that the topic or the article itself is made irrevelant by most and wish that this ‘one upmanship’ gives way to saner and mature opinion making on topics relevant to rafi sahab and his songs.
In some posts (including post no. 456 by Ashok Desai) the song ‘Man mora baawraa…’ picturized on Kishore Kumar is stated to be from movie ‘Kalpana’ which is wrong. The song is from film ‘Raagini’.
456 – Ashok desai saab
Nice message sir. As you said, when nadkarni ji’s irrelevant comments were questioned, some rafi fans were on fire. (specially when one music lover here questioned nadkarni ji’s wrong comments on someones’s parents which were totally irrelevant) Moreover, so called some rafi fans did not mention anything against such baseless comments of Mr. Nadkarni ji, thus, indirectly supporting his comments.
For disputes, the problem mainly is with rafi fans ( no offence please). They simply quote statements such as no singer can ….. rafi alone can……….. thus indirectly giving a silent impression of belittling other great singers. When somebody raises that point war brokes out. They would better remember rafi quoting in encyclopaedia on manna dey as ” people listen to rafi songs but I (rafi) listen to Manna dey songs”
Several times questions were raised ; what range and notes did rafi touch, which other singers have not been able to touch – no answer by rafi fans. This is only an instance where there is a scope for dispute. Moreover fans of other singers have not interfered in any way – interference came only when such comments such as no singer……… etc. are made by rafi fans and naturally there will be a response for that as this is a public forum.
It has always to be remembered that all artists are great in their own ways. Calling one as the only greatest gives an indirect meaning towards others as has been happening here.
Savita ji,
Why you do not address yourself as a music lover and human being. No body is bothered whether you practise christianity or islam or hinduism. That is purely personal. I appreciate you for the time spent and posting for such a lengthy message and the same time have pity on you for making some exagerrated paras. I read in some of your posts , you were born in mid 80′s – You do not know what exactly happened before that, you can only infer from the comments of learned people who know the exact truth and you cannot dispute that. Further the words farishta, god etc. I had already disputed earlier. These are all problematic statements due to which all this started. When rafi praises ghantasala, kishore kumar or manna dey or others, what is the wrong if their fans praise their respective singers in response to the comments of rafi fans. What is the wrong in that. When such questions are raised by fans of other singers, reply is do not compare with rafi (when rafi fans themselves start comparison first such as no singer………..) When rafi fans do not accept that the result is war only. It has to beremembered that in the music world, rafi ji is a role model singer and one of the appreciated singers along with other greats. The discussion should be in these lines ( Do not take this as preaching, otherwise again fight will start) You will then see how fair and smooth the issues will be.
Savita ji, i can give a glaring example in this regard – you can refer binu nair ji’s comment in post 609 in true voice forum and the subsequent response in post 611 by an experienced classical musician. Please do not dismiss it as mere example, you will know the essence of it.
what`ve we witnessing by last so many days,preaching,preaching n preaching only,,, from so called kishore fans,,,,ignoring `em means allowing `em to fill this forum with there stupid words….. we`ve got fedup of guest appearence here with some lectures on same subject =that==” how should Rafi fans behave”==,,,,,,,,,,,,we r not pre-primary school children,,,,,or if we r in someone`s eye,,,yet no1 has right to tell us what should be done or not,,as for lecturing one have to become impartial,,,,truthfull with their words,,,,,,,,if someone wants to contribute with their feelings they r welcome but no way lectures,,,,,,,,but all the lecture appear as if they r abusing us as its more unfortunate that we being supporter of such a divoted singer and finnest of person Rafi sahab, we r being preached by everyone that how should we behave n its ominous that even some of our own brothers have started using these preachers` language!!!!!Anyway,,bye everyone n thanx for wonderful tribute to our beloved Rafi sahab through this site on various other articles!
dearest Rafi lovers:
critics have understood that they can no way exist here without using one or two words of appriciation for Rafi sahab Mr desai is not any exception,,so plz don`t think that they r our well-wisher,,,,,,plz follow ur heart n not being indulged in these artistic way of commenting in which they praise few of us and condemns other,,,plz no body forget that we`ve no individuality of ours in this site,,,only individiuality of Rafi sahab exist here,,,lets surrender our ego to divine voice of Rafi sahab,,,,and plz lets not to get pampered by sweet poisionous words,,,
post 459,,,,siva by such a remarks u can`t claim urself Rafi fan,,,,plz u, I know really a Rafi lover,in front of ur admiration of Rafi sa`b mine is nothing,,so,plz go through root of so called war rather than blindly supporting Mr Desai or anyone`s comment,,,,,,,
not even a single moment Rafi sahab left his modesty or comparmised with his ibadat called music and always behaved like saint,for eg an allegory appeared on adjacent forum recently,,in which its being said that during a musical concert early(much after man mora bawra) Kis kum become at once very angry with organizer of show and scolded them that why they called Mohd Rafi to same concert where he had to sing as well,he was so loud that rafi sa`b heard it,,and as it was tea break,,,n when tea for Rafi sab was brought Rafi sahab rather drank jhoota left over of Kishore kumar`s tea,,,,and said,,”aap jhoota pi liya ab mera bhi sur lag jayega aur aap ke saath ga sakunga”"”",,,,kishore brust to tears,,,,,,,well, such was rafi saab,,,no one can condemn him,,,,everyone has to behave `emselves when talking of rafi sahab as such a humble originally pure was Rafi saab,,,so these critics use some good words for Rafi sahab as they have no other option,,but infact what are they doing????,,,other than stupidly lecturing us!!!!!,
Refer post 456 of Mr Ashok Desai-I fully agree withyou sir. This site is now becoming too much obesessed with Rafi-Kishore war which is very sad. I personally love Rafi and his songs and there is not a single day when I do not think of him/listen to his songs. But I would never write/feel anything denigrating other singers like KK/Mukesh/Mannadey/Mahindra kapoor/Talat/Lata/Asha/Jesudoss/SPB etc…
I would request all Rafi fans to kindly ignore whenever some over-zealous person writes bad about Rafi sahab. I have mentioned this in my other posts also.
Mr Ashok Desai ji, ur or anyone’s concern in heartening-positive way for this beautiful site, that is nothing less than a shrine to all lover of Rafi saheb ,,,,is really one of the superlative gift to all of us.U r vital for us for ur contribution to golden era music. So in front of ur epic and majestic personality most of us r like a worm(if not other `im for sure like a crawling worm),,Sir,if u even call, oou!!sory,rather describing, legend like Nadkarrni ji “disgracefull” for his so called, in ur language “rubbish words”,,,,,,I being an active constituent of this debate,,,the debate that I myself admit as a silly, childish or ridiculous,for this I beg ur n everyone`s pardon?..n request everyone to forgive me as I played a major role in this foolish debate!!!! I`m remorseful…but not for my words but for the mindless reasons that we still need to defend or prove someone or explain someone that what rafi sahab was,,,n above all what we can know about Rafi s`b unlimited qualities ?n what right do we `ve as we`ve made ourselves his ambassador ??,who r we ,,a mere worms in front of these mammoth personalities, but there is something very poetic and philosophical about a few species of worms,,I donna know about others but we Rafi lovers r like “patanga†& Rafi is our “shama†our fire,,,,,so what if we r worms in eye of others but we`ve got our heaven or something more than that in this divine voice of mohdrafi,we`ve no business with others hence we don`t hate anyone or in this context any singer,,we concider every singer or artist as a priceless gem but Rafi sahab is our “Shiromaniâ€,,most important n most valuable jewel adorned at head!
Venerable Mr ashok desai ji,,,,admit it or not,,but its surprising, u urself has now become part of this debate now,,,,first of all thanx unlimited for sharing with us priceless allegory of “man mora bawraâ€,,,for this all of us r indebted,,,,,,,,,,now about ur post 456,,,sir there r few point quite objectionable acc to my oblivious perception===,
1)u said “Rafi Sab had brought out his “”"”best mainly”"” since he was play-backing for none other than the great Kishore Kumar”,,,sir,,,,this kind of observation about self-effacing and pious person like rafi sahab raises a question marks over ur neutrality or impartiality on this subject,,,
,how can u say that Rafi s`b gave his 200% “mainly”for kis kum,,,,,,,,,this kind of words from senior person like u raise a sense that states that rafi sahab used to sing with sense of materialistic competitions,,,,,we have many instances with top music directors or literally unknown mus dir,,where we `ve heard about Rafi sahab`s dedication thats not just 200% but 1000 or more % compared with many of his contemporaries n his dedication has nothing to do with Kis kum,lataji or anyone other than his devotion of music and music only,,,,,,,,,Ravi ji told,,,,many singers sing as if we r transferring from one glass of `lassi` to other empty glass,in this case,always some lassi is left in the 1st glass,,he meant 1 glass to mus dir,,2nd to be singers,,,,,,but he said Rafi sahab was beyond every examples,,he always gave more than what was asked by ravi ji himself,,,,after recording,,in Raviji`s word,the song used to appear something so great that even raviji himself couldn`t blv,,,,,,same kind of allegory we find when Sd burman`s comment on Rafi sahab singing in his compositions,,,,lets forget others,,,even Naushad sahab,,,has said in “tere sur mere geet†and many other ocassion,that Rafi sahab himself have visited Naushad sahab many times with tears in his eyes for re-recording of many of song as rafi sahab was endless n could do even more everytime,but naushad sahab couldn`t imagine what could be more than what was already recorded,so he used to rather congates him,, ,,,even though,,song like suhani raat dhal chuki was re-recorded after Rafi sahab continous request,,,,how can we forget endless Rafi sahab used to dedicate to riyaz inspite of being so perfect n spontenious with toughest compositions,,even the day of his death(acc to some few day b4) death Rafi saab was found perform`ng rehearsal ,,”tu aas paas hai”"”,,,but ur stressed word raises even more conflict not the peace…..as after couple of line u urself have mentioned that after kis kum,,falling at Rafi sahab`s feet with reverence,,,what Rafi sahab commented,,,such a remarks can never come when a person mind is filled with sense of contest,,,,,may be lyrics of man mora bawra being spritual so Rafi sahab also possessed exalted state but can never on grond of that Kis kum is being playbacked who himself a singer,,,…..
2) “these dirty politicians who probably have no business or work of their ownâ€,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,these word in generalized term in which u used, suggest that person who r not like minded to u,,or rather simply those who always post here have no work atall,,,yes we r Rafi lover,,,love is not a work for ordinary eye,,,,,,,and what u mean by dirty politician,,,,as u only stated Nadkariniji`s name in this context and none else,,,,,,sir,,,for u this site may be dedicated to two or three legends,,but for us this site is a temple of our beloved rafi sahab,,,,,where every one is cordially welcomed and for us everyone is highly respectful,& kishore kumar is not any exception,,,but cruel attempt to create dispute over here is scornfully predestinedly objectionable after few humble request,,,,,as we can become ,,, “bhakta but not bewakuffâ€!!!!!!
3)Sir, what u`ve seen here is just the “effect” but “cause” is something else,,cause is jealusy for rafi sahab,,,n cause is everywhere n effect is in every public forum,,,,this site being dedicated to such a Farista kind person with divine voice, Rafi sahab,,that nothing can be tarnished out of his personality n divinity,,,,,,,,,,,,so ur commonised word like dirty politician requires in itself explanation that what n whom u mean by this term,,,,,,and please ,,,let us talk of the cause of this kind of debate not the effect,,,,,,effect is this that we `ve to defend,,,,but we,being rfaian or rather Rafi lover,,,,has nothing to do with the cause……………….
== ++===
P.S As its being said, like light is the reflection,,,,,we love Rafi sahab like ever luminous light who is pure and devotional in his own way that we can`t explain it,,,,,,but we can say,,,that unlike,,,few highly esteemed seniors we r not here to end any war,,as our Rafi sahab has nothing to do with wars,,,so we r here only for one purpose,,that is to spread love only,,peace will follow itself…,I being christain,remembring Christ word that who should throw first stone????sarve bhavatu sukhina,God bless everyone!!…lets listen to Rafi sahab`s song from Baiju bawra,,Inshan bano,,,,,â€lut lo dil ka pyar,pyar wo dhan hai jiske aage sab dhan hai bekarâ€â€
mr.ashok desai : ur holistic preachings does not cut much ice. its a good sermon like the holy priest does on sundays.
instead of sermonising please see that trouble makers and kk supporters do not visit this site to throw scorn on mohd rafi saaheb. please “do” blame the trouble starters and verbal arsonists who are visiting this site.
i hope u will think over it.
u have a job on hand sir.
binu nair
The Mohammed Rafi – Kishore Kumar war in this beautiful site is profusely the hand-work of the so-called politicians who claim to be their fans. My dear friend from Mumbai Dr Suhas Paranjape has sent me a sms message informing me about this most stupid gimmick ever played by these dirty politicians who probably have no business or work of their own and are just interested in maligning the image of this great site and also tarnish the image of these 2 great legends. Indeed when I surfed this site and this article I was totally shocked & surprised beyond my doubt and imagination that such a war can be created for exactly no fault or purpose whatsoever. I remember of having posted my single comment on my friend, philosopher and guide Mr Sandeep D Nadkarni Sir earlier and for me after reading the rubbish comments of Mr Nadkarni on this created war I was totally taken a back & could never believe what I had read with my eyes which can be simply described as disgraceful.
Coming back to the pure business I clearly remember that day when I myself and mR Nadkarni Sir were together for the recording of that beauty of a rendition by Rafi Saab from the film Kalpana with music score by O P Nayyar in which Kishore Kumar was the lead and the song “Mana mora bawara – aashaonke deepa jalakar†was to be shot on Kishore Saab. The greatest Rafi Saab as usual in his ever cool completed the recording of this song after a couple of re-takes and as all are aware he had left no stone unturned in singing forth this song by pouring out his heart & soul out for the master piece rendition. Rafi Sab had brought out his best mainly since he was play-backing for none other than the great Kishore Kumar and Rafi Saab wanted to be almost 200% sure and perfect in all the respects. After the final take was okayed Kishore Kumar almost wept profusely and came towards Rafi Saab and fell on his noble feet as a mark of his gratitude for the terrific rendition. Rafi Saab ne Kishore ko tab apne gale se lagaya aur kaha “Kishore agar aap ye gana gathe tho mujhase kaheen zyada behtar gatheâ€
You crazy politicians please note that this was the heart & soul of these 2 great legends aur aap log inke beech mein war kara rahe hain. Shame on all of you – please stop calling your selves as Rafi or Kishore fans mainly since you all have maligned this beautiful site and have been fighting amongst for no fault of these great legends.
In fact I would like to plead with the concerned coordinator & administrator of this site to please put an end to such dirty politicians entering in this beautiful site and further please ensure decoram and discipline Sirs mainly since Rafi and Kishore were great friends and above all deeply respected each other. Please stop this non-sense with immediate effect.
Further I have observed that a few of the admirers of the greatest Rafi Saab including the likes of Mr Raju Korti, Mr P Haldar, Mr A S Murty and the pair of Mr D P Bijoor & Mr Nitin Dhareshwar have put forth their views, comments and articles very aptly thereby reaching out the correct message to the overall public at large. Please keep up the great work friends and continue to enthrall the music lovers likely.
I sincerely pray and appeal to all the fans and admirers of both the legends may better sense prevail upon all of you and henceforth request to join together in fulfilling your duty and obligations in further enhancing the beauty of the music world at large rather than creating war amongst the great by-gone legends of the yesteryear.
Savitaji, Binu, respected Sandeep Nadkarniji and all Rafi Bakts,
As you have rightly echoed the sentiments of millions of legion of Rafi Lovers..
Rafi sahab is incomparable, immortal and unforgettable as long as Music exists in this universe..
Rafi sahab with his humble and gentle nature has attained Sainthood not only in Birmingham,U.K but also in the hearts of all music lovers.
Let other singer’s followers say anything but like a true indian SATYAMEVA JAYATHE… TRUTH PREVAILS ALWAYS….
RAFI SAHAB TUSI GREAT HO
Narayan
Rafi Sahab is the best singer ever, one who do’nt accept this fact might be suffering from insanity. we Rafians enjoy the uniquely sheer quality of voice, genuinely natural expression which the insan one like kisore fan can’t perceive. such a individuals need a treatment.
here m suggesting a good prescription—-
1. listen to 5 Rafi Sahabs’s Romantic songs (does 2 b taken in the morning)
2. listen to 5 Rafi Sahabs’s sentimental songs(does 2 b taken 1/2 hour after d first does)
3. listen to 5 Rafi Sahabs’s duet songs( with lata, asha, suman kalyanpur………) (@ noon)
4. listen to 5 Rafi Sahabs’s other songs( qawwali, bhajan, naat,shabad,ghazal, folksy song, punjabi, bengali, marathi, gujrati, sindhi etc. song) (does 2 b taken in the evening)
if u use the prescribed tablets(songs), u’ll certainly get rid of dis problem. Many like u has changed their views & become Rafi fans. u should’nt be surprised if u joine the list…….
SABHI SE JUDA JISKA ANDAAZ HAI
ZAMEEN TO KYA FALAK JISKI PARVAAZ HAI
WAHI JIS PAR SANGEET KO NAAZ HAI
MOHD. RAFI KI WO AAWAZ HAI
kishor ki nahi hai (keep it in ur mind & never have a cnflict with Rafi fans otherwise u’ll be teased to death)
what is this mix up kishore fans?.. use your correct names. the mix up will then reduce.
dont be comical and use dubious names to hide your identities.
and, finally please remember that we rafi parivar members have no ill-feel towards any singer.
ur comical and whimsical write-ups will also “not” distance us from your favourite singer kishore kumar. our target will be narrow minded kk supporters and not the singer himself.
please understand this.
binu nair, mumbai
4 JALTE HUWE KISHORE-FANS : PLEASE NOTE THE EXCEPTION MADE IN THIS COMMENT :
Please Note these points :
kishore kumar was a good singer and he has sung about 1600 songs in his entire career.
mohd rafi sang approx. 6000 songs . ashabhosle has sung over 12000 songs and holds the record for maxximum songs – sung. lata didi sang about 5066 songs betwen 1945 up to 1989.
mohd rafi made heroes out of ordinary actors and all you “jalte huwe few fans” of kk know that this is a long list enough. kishore kumar’s name will also figure in this.
kishore kumars time had come in the seventies. yes . this is a fact. the jalte huwe fans do not have to say this – again, again and again.
mohd rafi had virtually taken up residence in london for about a year during the times. and kishore kumar had a field day to some extent. yes he did give some good songs as well as some crass numbers.
the noted composer r.d.burman’s era was brought down during kishore kumars era and it was the king of playback singing mohd rafi who brought back glory to r.d.b with those popular award winning numbers.
=====================================
sandeep nadkarni saaheb : this is for your notice. KK had also married yogita bali during her dubutant years. she however managed to flee within months its said.
yeh jalte huwe kk fans jal jal ke raakh ho jaayenge. yehi ek sach hai is discussion ka.
========================================
binu nair, mumbai
Mr. Sandeep,
Please don’t forget Yogitabali and also Mithun saga…If not for RD Burman….Rafisaab’s vioce, singing, chatacter and integrity can not be compared.
The prank Kishore fan is indeed a “gumnawala fankha”
Dear Kishore Fans,
Kishore Kumar as many might not be aware had his first wife namely Ramola who Kishore ka paagal pana dekhkar bhag gayee thee jo ab tak nahee milee, his second wife the beauty Madhubala ghar basane se pehle hee becharee guzar gayee, and his third wife Leena Chandavarkar ghar jaroor basane lagee lekin tab tak bechara Kishore khud is duniya se chala gaya.
His brothers Ashok and Anoop always used to say jitnee zindagee mein acting kee usse jyada usne filmon mein tamasha kiya aur sabse jyada nakhare woh recording room mein kiya karta tha as if he was the only singer in the industry. Gadha kahin ka!
I have always been a witness to many of the Kishore Kumar pranks & nakhras in the recording rooms. Ashok Kumar had publicly said “Kishore can never be a singer but a big joker as he really was”
Personaly speaking Kishore Kumar was a childish natured human being & mannerisms and hence I have always labelled him as the “nanhe munhe bachhe” He never ever grew up & never became serious.
Now his son Amit Kumar is equally and efficiently continuing his fathers legacy
I have several and innumerable of such instances & nakhras of dear Kishore Kumar filled with me and if the dear fans of Kishore Kumar want will be definitely be made available to them by me entirely free of cost.
Dostoon ab bhee sambhal jawo aur ho sake to sudhe bhee jawo warna ye Sandeep Nadkarni es se badkar es aise kafee Kishore ke nakhare aur uske pyaar bhare pentre bahar nikhalkar dikhla doonga phir na kehna humne badtameejee kee.
Hope better ideas will atleast now prevail upon the great kishore fans and if not than I will definitely remove my “Brahamaastra” which please note very importantly.
Is site pe kafee tamasha kiya jaldee yahan se bhag jawo warna?
70s was not about kishore kumar,,it was completly about Amitabh bachhan,,its being said that fan following of Amitabh bachhan in 70s was equivallent to Gandhiji`s of national movement.India always respect art,,,,in 70s everything in film industry started moving around Bachhan`s move,,,,soMr Bachhan`s song was destined to be a hit irrspective of singer,,,even “”Rang barse”" in amitabh bachhan voice is greater hit even today than Kishore kumar numbers in 70s ,Kishore kumar followed Amitabh bachhan wave,,,its not heroism,,but Rafi sahab can shatter stardom of anyone in or against the wave
….for example, there came a movie in 1977,,Amar Akbar Anthony,This movie was very important for Amitabh bachhan as in this movie bigB tried to prove himself versatile by playing his role with comic touch,,,,,he work hardest in the movie as it was very important for Amitabh`s future image,,,,but in this movie Both Kis kum n amitabh bachhan sang Anthony gonj song,,with masterpiece Rap by Amitabh bachhan,,,,,but,,,,its the first time someone face to face came to challenge even Amitabh bachhan`s stardom and that too behind the screen ,,he was mohammad rafi sahab,,,even mr bachhan couldn`t blv,,that the song,,parda hai parda and shirdi wale sai baba became bigger than the movie
,,Amitabh bachhan was hero of the movie,,,Hrishi kapoor no way stand anywhere close to stardom of Amitabh bachhan,,,,but people were behaving crazy and mersmerized with Rafi shab voice playbacked on Qawaal akbar…..,similarly in kalia,,major song was with kishore kumar,,,one song was on character pyarelal,,whose real name I don`t know,,the song is “kaun kis ko band saka hai”"”,,what a heroic song and voice was,,this song was the theme of the movie…..
,,,has any film personality has ever got such a respect or tribute like Rafi sahab,the real hero,,when naseeb released after Rafi sahab death almost all leading film personality came to give tribute to Rafi sahab in movie in the song jan johni janardan playbacked on amitabh bachhan,,,,,Amitabh bachhan one of the most modest n highly respected living legend lied literay at Rafi sahab`s feet with reverence while recording song chal mere bhai,,,did he had same respect for kis kum though kis kum used to play back him,,,no~!!!!,,,,I`ve used Mr Bachhan`s name as most of kis kum hit is on him,yet amitabh bachhan`s fav singer was Rafi sahab,,,,how sarcastic is it for kishore fans ,,!!!it was very important Amitabh bachhan himself tributed Rafi sahab making guest appearnce after his ritirement announcement in the song with lyrics that no singer can be comapered with rafi sahab saying “Mohd Rafi tu bahut yaad aaya,”
So stop,making 70s story,,,,,,Rafi sahab is not limited to decades,,,he is eternal,,,best every moment,,,,,,n thanx for ur respect towards Binu sir,,,,,,plz maintain that,,n in hearts of his heart he know it very well, that no one can stand even close to Rafi sahab,,………
post 424,,,Bapan don`t teach us whats the meaning of modulation,heroism,n playback ability is,,,Sonu Nigham ji has all the three(even more than that) u mentioned,,,,,,,,,,,,,,forget rafi sahab,,,but if u insist,,let me tell u,,,when Ziddi released 1948,, devanand in Kis kum voice apeared to cry n as if shehgal sahab with sore throat giving playback,exactly same time came a song of Rafi sahab in 1949,,,Suhhani raat dhal chuki,na jane tum kab aaoge,,,,,if u don`t know,let me tell u the word modulation is derived from this song,,n u ref post 432,,,n playback as far as playback is concerned rafi sahab has playbacked most actors including ur kis kum n that too in different unique styles,,n heroism,,n what the hell u mean by younger generation loves Kishore kum more than rafi sahab,,,,okay,,,lets clear all the confusion,,,,,I`m also a youth and that too in modelling proffesion,so,I know with much details how fickle these so called youths are whom u mentioned,,,,they r like crow romaing restlessly everywhere with no contentment,,sometime there fav is hemesh reshamiya,,sometime mikka and few minutes Kis kum etc,,,,,,,but I know many youths who r Rafi sahab`s fan..they r rather Rafi lover,,,,,,they have greater insight of life,,,and apeears to very comitted with their love of music,,,,,,Rafi lovers,,,,gets so much in Rafi`s voice that their sole interest becomes rafisahab`s song,,,no matter how much they now want but they can never switch over to other singer from reaching rafi sahab,,its the last post of present days music,,,,,in ref 429 one of kishore fan admitted that his kishore kumar can hardly survive todays compitition in music industry(though he also added rafi sahab name),,,but ask todays numero uno,,Oscar winner of international level AR Rehman,,who says word extraordinary mean Mommad Rafi,,,he admittede while recording song of Legend of Bhagat singh and Guru saying,,that he uses many different singers because he don`t have one mohammad Rafi with him,,,,,,Rehman never given even a single song to kishore clones,,,,,however his fav is Sonu Nigham,Javed ali,sukhvindra Singh,udit narayana etc,,all inspired By Rafi sahab,,,and these singers is ruling singers of todays music industry who is reflection of Rafi sahab,,,
so,u can`t imagine what would have happened if sun itself would remain present!!!
Dear moderator, Sandeep Shrivastav here, ( i am writing my name as messages are being displayed in another names) request to pl. look into the matter, some technical problem.
What is happening. Post 446 is of mine and I have addressed it to kishore fan ji, but the name displayed is of kishore fan. Surprising.
Sandeep shrivastav
Kishore fan ji, – 444 (good number) – sandeep shrivastav (you have typed my name wrong in your message – as vasatav in 6th line) here & thanks for your clarification on your post 441
I was stating facts as I was associated with Mumbai for a sufficiently long period and I knew the environment. But I wish to clarify that I am a music lover and would like to state that rafi ji had a grand following in 60’s and he was numero one in that period, he was a shining jewel in those days. It was by sheer fortune kishore grew in popularity from 70’s. The impact which rafi had created is hard to measure , as I know that and moreover I specifically love many rafi songs my favourite number being yeh chand sa roshan chehra, from Kashmir ki kali, where rafi displays beautiful emotions and I am not sure whether kishore, if given chances in that period would have succeeded to the extent of impact created by rafi. But 70’s from aradhana, things changed for sure for kishore. I do not find the mesmerizing expressions displayed by rafi in Kashmir ki kali, in the songs bane chahe dushman or yaadon ki barat with kishore. Rafi just sang in a normal way in these songs. In others also like laila majnu etc. I do not find rafi that great as he was in 60’s. More importantly, the crowd developed liking for different musical compositions from 70’s for which by sheer fortune kishore suited for them. It was a pity that rafi did not regain his earlier grand status in 70’s, though he sang sufficient number of songs from mid-70’s (in early 70’s in some films rafi was only a background singer that too with one or two songs to say) Moreover, kishore fan ji, I do not specifically have any liking for kishore kumar ji, but I enjoy his songs from 70’s and earlier also (jewel thief etc.) I have great regard for rafi ji as well as kishore ji. I only wanted to mention some specific truths, which were prevalent in those days as many of the younger generation people these days do not have access to the great musical environment which we had in those days and which we enjoyed very very much (specially from 1950 to 1980) . And it was also one of the facts that after rafi passed away, hindi film world had lost its original charm. And after kishore passed away, whatever balance charm was left, was lost & there was nothing much to listen to hindi music. This is truth.
Coming to your other part of query, about shri ghantasala, I think it is not fair to compare a south Indian legend with hindi legendary singer, since the fields and nature of industry are different. However, since you have specifically addressed a question to me, I would like to express my opinion in only few lines. I heard Shri Ghantasala, he is really great & as you said in a different level altogether. I heard his songs posted in this site, he has got a god gifted divine voice with excellent control on his vocal chords, especially in shifting notes and amazing voice control on songs as well as music. I am sure, even rafi or other hindi singers would not have matched him or even had come close to him , if they were placed in the south Indian telugu industry. Similarly, I doubt if shri ghantasala was in hindi industry, whether he would have succeeded in making impact similar to the extent of impact which he made in his telugu industry. I think he would have done great in such case, but would have fallen short of his so called exalted status of “emperor of telugu playback singingâ€. I heard some similar compositions of rafi & shri ghantasala such as kuhu kuhu, chal ud ja re panchi etc. and in my opinion shri ghantasala was greater, rather I would say more impressive, in those numbers. However, based upon two songs, it is really very hard to judge and give opinion. However, In his semi classical and classical film numbers he appears unique & unmatched. Again, it is difficult to judge or compare him with hindi singers, as he was a carnatic specialist and hindi singers were hindusthani specialists. So it is really difficult to compare both. As I was given to understand, shri ghantasala has his own exalted place in music, which is difficult to surpass by anybody, similar to other great legends & which is greater in its own way.
Binu nair ji, 445
I will reply with immense respect towards you (even if you use undesirable words). It is a pity again, that rafi fans lose patience early. Your allegations will be corrected by yourself and you will feel sorry, after you read my current post addressed to kishore fan. I have no intention to argue, only I have placed facts which, in your heart of hearts, you know them as correct.
Thanks & regards to all.
Post 441 : Shrivastava:
you fooliiish kishore fan : u wish to prove Ki “shor” supremacy through the pages of mohd rafi website….
Its proving to be comical like the comic roles of Ki “shor”. we need comedians like you and u are welcome.
please do not stop and withdraw. please continue ur comical follies just as our beloved comedian kishore kumar .
binu nair
Post 442 sandeep shrivastav saab,
Post 441 is my post. I do not know how your name has cropped up. As you said, perhaps the messages are bouncing. I think we might have posted the messages at the same time or one another and might be some technical issue have cropped up. Hope the clarification is clear. I await your views for my post 441.
sandeepshrivastav ji it would`ve been better if individuality is not included in such talks,,as who r we,especially me,,a mere dust in front of these legends,,let only individuality of our beloved Rafi sahab remain inact in posts from my side,,,as if I concider u elder or u call me mother we would `nt be able to place our words,,,however as u have asked,,,in India it has been tradition to concider every unknown women to be represetation of Divine durga maa,,,,,if u follow such a conscience u call me mother,,,,,,but if u go literal,,,as u said in 70s u were in Mumbai,,,n I` was born in mid 80s,,,so through ur age u hold a respectfull place for me,,,but never through ur act of forcefully provoking we Rafi lovers to indulge in mindless discussion,being a Rafi lover n knowing what kind of person Rafi sahab was we respect all,,,but if provoked we can`t keep mum as it can give wrong impression to new readers ,,for heaven sake keep ur rock n roses aside or rather throw them out,,,,,lets enjoy the divinity called music,,,till today I had a thought that only arrogant young lad who know nothing about music,,keep on saying Jai guru jai guru on kishore forum,,they perhaps has forgotton what does the word guru means,,,do youth of India want such a guru who was hardly in good terms with anyone without any Viveka with 4 marriages and with no vairagya or renuciation having no money no work statement,,,,u may call its personal life,,,,,hence,we never bother about anyone`s personal life as all the celebrity of India or abroad r same because hardly anyone born with personality like that of Rafi sahab,(even kis kum revered his personality work n voice)hence we want a place where we can contemplate our mind for something beyond this materialistic and selfish world with divinity of rafi sahab`s voice but we r forced everytime to take part in debates this time its Kishore fans…….not just highly dedicated Binu sir,,or Nadkarni ji is respectable,I rafi sahab`s site everyone is respected, everyone is respectable, u r respectable as well as we all over here r blessed with interest in music,,,,and golden era music is in itself a bless n only blessed can understand that,,,,…..do u still think Sri nadkarni ji`s comment is irrelevent,do`nt u rather think that our whole discussion is irrelevent!!!
P.s. ref… in 404 kishorefan saying thanx to kishorefan (with added) ji of 401,,,,,…441 sandeep shirvastav saying thanx to sandeep shirvastav (with added ji & sir)of 439……….
Dear Moderator,
Post 441 is not my message. Is there any bouncing of messages here. The post is addressed to me, but the person who has posted has wrongly posted my name. Anyhow, I request the person who has posted the message to pl. clarify so that there is no confusion. Already, kishore lovers are being ridiculed and adding to this, this kind of bouncing of messages in duplicate names will act as fuel to the fire. I think the person might be either kishore fan or bapan ji, or lucky or others, do not know.
Sandeep shrivastav ji,
Thanks for your comments sir. Very few people are here who could actually understand our true intentions. Of course, this competition has been continuing since 1970. Saab, I too am a fair music lover with a trait for listening songs of all singers. But these kind of one sided views force us to put our views, otherwise we are silent music lovers. Shrivasatav ji, there has been another long debate in the true voice site, have you seen it (rafi & shri ghantasala – he too is unique and greatest from south indian playback singing with a thundering and velvet voice – in a way a mixture of rafi & kishore – he is classically very unique & in a different level altogether) There also the same fighting continued until ghantasala fans had to stop arguing like we kishore fans. Anyhow ghantasala fans can be stopped but kishore fans cannot be stopped, as things themselves prove for that.
Anonymous ji – 433, sorry I missed you in my earlier post.
True, what you have said. But as I have earlier said, the times do change and the 70′s was such that the times were different and naturally the compositions and music gems had undergone a change as compared to earlier legendary 50′s & 60′s period. You will appreciate that the 50′s & 60′s had too undergone a distinct change as compared to 30′s & 40′s . Hope you catch my point. Depending upon the times, the compositions were made and each singer had his time in those times such as saigal ji in 40′s, rafi ji in 50′s & 60′s & kishore in 70′s & mid 80′s etc. Each singer was best suited to their own times. I doubt if kishore would have suited for 40′s and saigal to 70′s. Similar with legendary rafi sahab and kishore. But here the problem is rafi fans quoting : all time best is rafi – here the dispute arises. This has no meaning. If rafi were the all time greatest and as someone puts in this site as rafi was all singers rolled into one (surprising funny comments) – well in such case rafi should have sung all the hindi films including of lata, asha etc. There should not be need for anyone else to sing. I sincerely doubt, Why other singers have become so much popular if rafi ji was so great and was capable of surpassing everbody (according to rafi fans) Well in such cases others need not sing.
Sabnavees ji – 430
Thanks for your comments and I too am in agreement with your views. You have caught my point. My respects to you as a true and secular rafi lover in this site. There should not be any problem if views of other rafi lovers are similar to yours. However, hardly this is the case.
Binu Nair ji – 437
I was in mumbai for many years in 70′s. It was a hardcore truth that the fan following of kishore kumar ji was immense in those days, even greater than rafi ji. This is , I say, again a hardcore truth. Rafi ji hardly was thought of by many people, clearly remember, in those days. The era was not of o p nayyar or naushad, it was a different scene, amitabh, pancham were the kings and in majority cases for these people, kishore was the preferred one. I lay my thoughts on the immense fan following of kishore kumar in those days. Days were such in early 70′s that when rajesh khanna car passed, the resultant dhool (sand) was taken in hands by many people, it was observed. These are not lies, binu nair ji. Even rafi did not have such following. I do not understand why you do not accept these facts and start digging lessons to kishore kumar fans. Fine, accepted – no kishore kumar lover has ever said rafi was not great, rafi was great in 50′s & 60′s , every one including kishore lover’s accept that. But why you people not accept the above hardcore truths. Binu ji, my earnest request is not to distort facts and pl. present them as they are. I repeat my earlier message, rafi was famous in 50′s & 60′s and kishore was popular in 70′s & mid 80′s. It is not a golden rule that rafi’s song are only great – indeed they are great. But it is a hardcore truth that rafi’s popularity was distincly and clearly enveloped by kishore in those days. I know 100% that even so called elder rafi fans here know this truth.
Savita ji, – 431
If you are much elder to me, i wish to address you as mother, if a little elder or younger then as a sister. Hope you might now know the respect we have for individuals. I am not shri binu nair, to call other people as having some disease or sandeep nadkarni ji, to comment on somebody’s parents (who are pujaniya elders) – Mr. nadkarni ji has not responded to my question – why he has passed comment on somebody’s parents when that was totally irrelevant. I am sure he will not have any answer. Would you agree for this savita ji. My sincere view is all the sane people will denounce such views, rather than supporting them. Shri binu nair & Nadkarni ji, as you claim, the respectable elders should set themselves as example for other writers here, otherwise reply will be rock for a rock only and rose for a rose only.
Ref post 429,
Sandeepshrivastavji,
Cannot agree to your line of thinking. Mohammed Ali is considered the greatest boxer of all times. You cannot start arguing whether he would have achieved the same greatness if he were fighting today.What this means is in whichever era he would have fought, he would have adapted to the style of that era and succeeded.
Similarly, Mohd Rafi is accepted as the greatest and best playback singer the Hindi film world has produced.We , the Rafi fans agree that Rafi came ahead of his times. He was instumental in introducing emotion and feeling into the Hindi film music. If he was born into a different era, he would still be the shining star in the horizon.
One last word. This a site for people who believe Rafi Saab is the last word in Hindi film playback singing. If you do nor subscibe to this ,please stay away.
Truth always bites – sometimes very hard. and hence their knee-jerk reactions which lacks conviction or facts from kishor fans.
kishore kumar fans wishes this site to talk about kishore kumar. they come in various names and disguises. this is a legal crime dear kk lovers and never ever forget it. be truthful in calling your names atleast.
they, also want this site to talk about their singer. please visit ur singers site and throw all the rubbish there – soonest. it’s mostly deserted and very few people visit there.
kishorefans, please understand three things in life.
1. mohd rafi lovers respects all good singers – without exception.
they respect all our music legends. but, we have our own music taste
which we will “never” alter to suit to hearing the hoarse and non-melodious
voice in “most” of the songs.
2. When elephants walk, the neighbour dogs bark.
3. there is no cure for ” jealousy ” so far. please understand this. and also
listen to the song : “jalti hai duniya, jalti rahe, sau sau rishte badalte
rahe, pyar ke gaadi chalti rahe, apni pyar ki gaadi chalti rahe.
mohd rafi is the real hero even after so many years of his leaving us.
Please see the cultural events of july and december each year. there are
maximum rafi musicals happening all around the globe. and mohd rafi
saaheb has the maximmum songs and fans – everywhere.
binu nair, mumbai….
Post 424 Bapan
You are using terms like voice modulation, heroism, zest, but your comment seems to be a big jest.
Are you serious? Ask any person who knows even a bit about music, chances are that you will be told that it would take at least 20 Kishore Kumars to make one Rafi Sahab, I am being conservative.
What do you mean, when you say more people know abt kk today. That is true, more people today know who is Katrina Kaif than those who know who is Meena Kumari, what does it mean, that Katrina is a better actor than MK? Your logic is beyond me.
See, kishore was a very good singer, better than many, but if you have to compare, then the ranking would be from 1 to 10 rafi sahab, then manna dey, mukesh, kk, shailendra singh, and others, I am not including singers of 30s and 40s like KL Saigal Sahab, atma ram sahab, because of the simple reason I have not heard them much and cannot (should not) judge. btw, the above ranking is not my creation, manna dey has put it on record, when asked to compare himself with others, he said, “I am better than kk, but rafi sahab is far better than anybody else, including me. If i have to rank, from 1 to 10 it would be rafi sahab, then myself, then mukesh, kk and others”. See the credentials of the person making that statement. Are you better qualified than Manna dey in music? I seriously doubt that.
Regards
troll,disease with no cure,,,and now final term perhaps the best term jager,,,mind modulation…..
Post 424: Again a rotten joke by this chap. Ki(shor)e Kumar had only shor in his songs, a hoarse voice. KK respected Rafi Saheb a lot.
Hi Sandeep Shrivastav,
You wrote: “famous during the 50’s & 60’s and the latter was more popular in 70’s and to mid 80’s”
kishore was a great singer. one of the biggest reasons why i prefer rafi is not only my subjective preferences but also because rafi sang compositions that i like better. i like music from the 50s, 60s, and up to 1975. after that point, there were still lots of gems but the consistency was lost. this criteria has little to do with singing ability or is even fair to kishore. i regret that. the other day i was listening to “Kuchh Hum Bhi Diwane” from naya andaz. how i wish kishore was given more compositions like this? he was a great singer but he was shortchanged that he wasn’t given enough great compositions to do his talent justice. i do believe that kishore had a talent for taking average compositions and taking them to the skies. he had that lively, charismatic voice & personality to do so.
Bapan
stop humiliating your self by such moronic comments. kishore kumar is not even worth comparing with Mahendra kapoor, let alone the badshah rafi.
He could not even sing his own songs, rafi has sung 11 times for him…voice modulation…..lol..lol , bewqakoof go and do your brain modulation before speaking such crap. I pity kishore kumar that he has such lump headed fools as fans. if it was not for the charity and politics of rd burman kishore kumar would be selling shoes in kandwa…
Lucky,,bapan,,two kishore fans,,sandipshirvastav,,,,and many more Ki–(shor) fans,,,,may be u all are one person using different pcs or ip adress or may be u all are different,,,,,,,but something sure is that u all are most irritating!
u `ve played wrong game now,,,the way commented on Sandeep Nadkarni ji and Binu Nair sir`s post,,,,,shows how low u can go,,,,,,what about elders!!! have u ever respected elders,,,don`t we know how much u hate them,while talking of Rafi sahab n rafi lovers,,,just even if for once any ane take Mr Nair`s name in Kishore forum how lunaticaly u all behave like start barking like wild dogs!!!
SandipShirvastava said ” in post 426 has cast a gloom on my great impression which I had for you “,,,,,,,u could not repect greatest Rafi sahab what could be expected about ur impression for Nandkarni ji,,u r tring to potrait false image of urs,,u never had any impression other than jeleousy,,,,why the hell,,,u all r here,,,,,did we bothered about Kis kum even for once,,,,u all of sudden come at once n start talking rubishh!~!!!
ref post — 429
sandeep shrivastav ji,
I fully agree with your views. At no point of time I have ever told that we have to measure music considering only the singers of our generation. then where do the stalwarts like k.l.sehgal sahab, pankaj mallik sahab, c.h.atma sahab, bade gulam ali sahab, raj kumari saheba, kishori amankar saheba stand ?
i always say this much very impartially that its purely the decission of the music directors to choose the singer for a particular song.
as far as the personal choice is concerned anil biswas sahab loved talat mehmood sahab immencely & was breaking down during the latters bed ridden time. legend salil choudhury sahab had a special liking for mukesh.the first choice of shankar- jaikishen was non other than rafi sahab. they even used rafi sahab as a playback for raj kapoor.
these are all the issues which are decided by the music directors & also by the era where there is a change in generation & its taste. its the taste of the generation.
my father used to like sehegal sahab, i worship rafi sahab & to my dismay my son also is a great fan of rafi sahab. he exclaims ‘ appa rafi sahab is so sweet ‘ ( in my mother tongue ‘ appa ‘ means ‘ father ‘.)
sir these liking & disliking are the relative terms. some body likes a rose, some one likes a jasmin & some one likes the smell of cowdung. its their individual taste. let them enjoy or go to hell, why should we fight when life is short & we are almost in the evening of it.
It would certainly be appreciated that if rafi ji is called a role model singer for others, rather than landing in comparisons of who is great and likewise. It is not really easy for us to understand the talents of those great artists as layman individuals. Can people sing songs like those artists. People cannot do that but they are ready to pass comments against those artists. What a pity situation many people are into in this site.
Sabnavees ji,
Agreed on your line of argument. But it has to be remembered that things change according to time. The depth of songs was different in 50′s and 60′s as compared to 70′s & 80′s. The variety undergoes change according to time and accordingly, the songs which were prevailing in 70′s & 80′s were according to those times. Today, there is a total change. Keeping in current trends, I do not thing even mohd. rafi or kishore kumar or mukest or mannada would have survived the competition today, if they were there. They were best suited for those times and they have excelled in that. You know in the south spb, once a popular singer what he is today – competition. Same would have happened to hindi ones as well.
contd… Sandeep nadkarni ji,
Further, you would have replied to kishore fan ji, what was necessity to bring his parents (respectable elders) into question. This is a total deviation from the topic. I think this cannot be appreciated at all.
Both rafi and kishore were great singers in hindi film world. The former was more famous during the 50′s & 60′s and the latter was more popular in 70′s and to mid 80′s. So each had their unique contribution to hindi films and with a mass fan following for both of them. It is not correct to project one as superior and other as inferior. Further, not only these two, many other singers such as manna dey, mukesh also had their stamps. Manna dey had a classical edge, mukest had a talent which was rare to achieve by many. Mukesh used to sing the entire song in a straight way without twisting notes in the entire song, this was one of the special talent which many singers did not possess. Lata ji was a great singer in her own right who never has been surpassed. So there are many other talented artists too and it will not be correct to simply project one singer as the greatest than other.
There is no offence in kishore fan ji’s message here, I do not know why such fuss is being created here, for tackling one kishore fan, so many so called rafi fans are forced to reply.
Next, What I could view from the messages in this site is : kishore lovers and fans of other singers have lot of patience, they do not use any wrong words towards rafi fans. Kishore fan ji had been very dignified in his messages but here binu nair, who is the leader of rafi foundation, and also another music exponent sandeep nadkarni ji (my respects for his music talent) are using wrong words against other individuals. It would be better, if they do not have the requisite patience to argue in a dignified way, to stop making comments against others. Better to remember the proverb : for a mad man others also look like a mad man. Similarly, macchar ko sab macchar dikthe hai.
Sandeep Nadkarni ji,
I know you as a musical talent. But honestly speaking, your message in post 426 has cast a gloom on my great impression which I had for you for your past messages in this rafi forum. You yourself being a talent, can you accept if somebody says kishore is not a singer or mukesh is not a singer or manna is not, specifically at the cost of calling rafi only a singer.
I fully agree with Mr Binujee in his post 423 to leave this machhar Kishorefan alone mainly because I very much doubt shayad unke parents ne paida hote hee unka naam shayad nahee rakha tha and probably this is the reason why he calls himself as Kishorefan.
Apne naam ke saat likho dost agar naam nahee hai tho hum tumhe ek accha sa naam denge warna tab tak tumhe machhar ke naam se hee pukarenge.
Kishorefan pehle chullu bhar panee mein apna mooh dokhe aawo aur phir Rafi Saab ka naam pyaar se pukaro.
Kuch samajhe ye aur thoda samjhane kee zaroorat hai.
It was a coincidence that abt a month back I heard for the first time, “Tere Pyar ne mujhe gham diya” yeah, I was amazed, but let me first tell you that I used to think I have heard all of ‘em by Rafi Sahab, I have been almost an obsessed fan of his ever since I was, let us say for the past twenty years, and here i was, listening to another of his gems for the first time, the feeling was out of this world, the serene voice, effortlessly changing pitch, still remaining the same, wow, there are few instances in life when you feel in such a way, maybe when you realise you are in love, or when you feel very close to our supreme maker, it is blissful, “Kahin aur chal mere dil yahan kabhi laut kar nahin ayenge” words are not powerful enough to express the emotions one goes through.
Anyway, I heard this song, got mesmerised, googled it and found this site, a very pleasant surprise indeed, been reading this site since then, maybe last three weeks. Felt hurt at times by some comments, actually the reason i am typing this.
See, my point is very simple, singers like Kishore, Sonu, and others are very good, that is why they have reached where they have in the first place, but comparing others with Rafi and God forbid, trying to tell people that they were better is nothing less than sacrilege, for me, Rafi Sahab has been the best playback singer by a long long way, others like Manna Dey, Mukesh, KK come next but their ranking starts at quite some distance from the top.
At the same time, I wonder, why these people say so? The only explanation I can think of is that they have not really, actually heard Rafi Sahab. It is my humble request to such friends to go through the experience, with an open mind, and then come back and post your comments. This very site has so many priceless gems of his listed which if you hear once, you cannot help being a Rafi bhakt as I am.
For instance, listen to the one I wrote about above, It is very difficult to think of another singer who could have rendered it almost half as good.
Kishoreda is a better singer than Rafi due to his voice modulation,heroism and playback ability.He had a zest in his voice.He was also an allrounder.Also Kishoreda is the most popular artist of present times,many people of todays generation do not know who is Rafi but everyone knows about Kishore Kumar.So I think the points raised by Kishorefan are valid.
dear friends: the bug called kishorefan is afflicted with a disease that has no known cure.
please leave him alone.
i wish to tell him : when elephants strolls, the neighbourhood dog’s bark. leave him alone, please do not care for the dog bark.
enjoy the music – folks.
binu nair
when kishore kumat himself accepted with grace that Rafi was a much better singer than him and could sing a song i many ways compared to KK who could sing only in one straight manner then why are these so called kishore fans fuming and getting into these ludicrous dicussuions.
i apologize for my mistake, i meant to say music “lovers” and not “directors” in the 4th line from the bottom. i also think that this concert did not show the best of sonu’s abilities or his best approach. these things happen when you try something new (especially LIVE!). plus, there was greater burden on these songs for sonu. rafi sahab had already sang them to perfection that there wasn’t much to improve. furthermore, he gave a great demonstration of singing the songs with great expression & depth (that the intricate, genius compositions of MDs from rafi’s time demanded). the singer would have do all that (which is near impossible, rafi was a supreme talent) AND sound different. so many constraints to handle! this many constraints could make it very confusing for a new singer to try to work with. he doesn’t have this issue when he sings a composition as the original singer.
i too believe rafi was the greatest but i won’t use “ajab hai dastaan” to prove it. kishore did not have rafi’s range but it was very competent. he was rarely limited to sing a song in his career because of scale. i won’t speculate whether kishore could sing “ajab hai dastan” because he never attempted it and i’ll give him the benefit of the doubt based on my positive assessment of his range. it’s true that sj are musical geniuses but their decision to have rafi sing it was not based purely on music. it was opinion and subjective preference for rafi. for them, rafi was a sure thing, and easy ace, so they opted for him in the song. sj choosing rafi for that song is more indication of sj’s confidence & great rapport with rafi then for kishore’s singing ability.
rafi has too many gems & accomplishments in his career (and a supreme voice & expression of emotions) that are greater proof and great subjects of focus for his timeless legacy and zenith position in music. the ~20 songs he sang for kishore are nice but not indicators like the previous credentials or a song like “yeh mera prem patra”. while rafi sang wonderfully for the 20 songs i am confident that the mds didn’t get rafi for those because the songs were out of kishore’s abilities. there’s nothing in “hame koi gham hai” or “apni adat” that kishore has not proven he can handle. the only song i could think of would be “man mawra bawra” but speaking for myself, classical music is not my favorite genre so i’m not too concerned with it. i can understand some doubt on one more song – ajab hai dastaan itself – but my opinion still stands. so that’s a total of 2 / 20 songs. i wouldn’t use rafi singing for kishore to make comparisons but maybe to point out the great respect & chemistry both artists shared.
but alas, we rafi fans & music lovers have more intersting topics to discuss. why waste our time in repetitive, boring comparisons? even in this post, i have tried to avoid comparison but comment on the singers with respect to themselves. we should focus more on the great songs of mohammed rafi and enlighten ourselves with more hidden gems (which is the journey i am currently undertaking).
in an attempt to steer this thread back to topic
, i will make a few comments on sonu nigam. first, put aside any comparisons for sonu & rafi. rafi is incomparable. furthermore, both are artists with unique voices and i like having different voices as it adds color to the spectrum. rafi’s voice is gold yes, but if my entire room were made of gold, call me nuts, i would ask for sliver, bronze, and wood materials in the room too. i would want variety. so let’s set aside comparisions.
there are some songs of sonu that i really like. songs from border, deewana mastana (hungama ho gaya i think?), kriish, and even parineeta. notice he sounds more comfortable and natural while expressing emotions in the songs. if they don’t sound quite as natural as rafi or kishore let’s put that aside. just because you’re not a million miles high (rafi or kishore) does not mean that you can’t be 500,000 miles high. sonu still does a good job. so why is that he is so comfortable & natural in his own songs but then does not perform the same for this concert? notice, even the cover versions of rafi songs by sonu nigam sound closer to natural and better emoted (as pointed out by fans before). i don’t think it’s a matter of ability but i think sonu made an artistic judgment that did not quite connect with fans. for this concert, he tried to take a different approach from his usual self or even what rafi sahab provided us, for the sake of variety. this approach didn’t click with the audience. he tried to put so much emotion in this song but ignored his judgment in properly placing the harkats and taans (as he has done reasonably well in his own songs and cover versions before). so all i can say is that nice try sonu, thank you for your efforts, it’s unfortuntate that rafi sahab is not with us here today, but we are still grateful you were around give whatever tribute you could. i like udit narayan but he is not very comfortable when singing live so sonu was not a bad choice.
i would not want to categorize sonu as purely a rafi clone. no question he was inspired by rafi sahab (as thousands of singers are) but he does have a different voice. the singer that sang “piya bole” sounded very different from rafi sahab (nevermind who would sound better – the point is that they are very different in the voice itself). in this sense, i give sonu points for some originality in him finding his voice. i give him points for his consistency and for his efforts. anwar & shabbir kumar were pure subsets of rafi sahab and they both went off key quite a bit. i would say neither for sonu. i think sonu nigam is the best singer to date that is has been inspired from mohammed rafi. this is no reflection on rafi sahab’s own, heavenly singing ability but i guess it is proud legacy that the legend continues to inspire thousands of upcoming singers and millions of music directors. i suppose we could include udit narayan’s name with sonu on my favorite / most regarded singers inspired by rafi sahab but sometimes people say udit’s voice is very original (which it is).
Post 414: Ki(shor)efan – i PADO RASTE. No one needs you here.
Kkishorefan,
ref post 414,
sir I appreciate your love & respect for music. your appreciation to both rafi sahab & kishore ji. I agree both are the most beautiful singers. but when the question of range, melody comes there it matters.
i dont know how much you know about the ‘ scale ‘ in music. i will give you an example . the song ‘ ajab hai dastan teri ye zindagi ‘ from shararat was sung by rafi sahab where as kishore ji was the hero of the film & he himself is a playback singer of repute. but shankar – jaikishen had decided that rafi sahab to sing the song. it was because kishore ji cant attain that melody in the antara of the song where it reaches the maximum pitch. to come to kishore jis vocal chords the scale has to be reduced & by doing that the melody is lost. there lises the magic. like this rafi sahab has sung 11 songs for kishore ji. but its the greatness of kishore ji to accept.
now coming to ‘ yodelling ‘ rafi sahab has sung one song for firoz khan in a black & white movie where there is tremendous yodelling. its much more above that of kishore ji. do you know that ?
the way rafi sahab sings those ‘ madhosh ‘ numbers kishore ji cant attain that perfection. again its the vocal chords.
remember that song ‘ dilruba, dilpe to, ye sitam kiyeja’ from rajkumar the way rafi sahab attained the highest pitch with a typical voice in the second antara when he sings ‘ ham bhi to aag mein jaltey rahey, pyar ke sholon pe chaltey rahey ‘ i doubt kishore ji could ever have done like that. only he can give a deviation for a single note & not for multiple notes like this.
now please try to understand that rafi sahab can be kishore ji but kishore ji can never be rafi sahab. the vocal chords are like that which have been designed by the almighty.
and now coming to the aspect of religion i myself is a ‘ madhwa brahmin ‘. i do sandhya vandan religiously, this is termed as ‘ namaz ‘ by muslims & as ‘ prayer ‘ by Christians. but when the question of ‘ music ‘ comes its all one religion i believe. i see ‘ god ‘ in music.
in this forum we dont critisize or let down any one. we discuss about the beauty of music & the beauty of the artists who adds melody to it. when we listen to a melodious number our heart id filled with immence joy & we call its a day.
Kis fan Ji,,namaste Again…u urself said(perhaps sarcastically) that everyone is great in their own way and should be respected for their individuality,,100% agree with u,,trust me that everyone over here do respect other singers as well but Rafi sahab has very special place,,,,,but what about u,,,don`t u know the title of this article,,its about Sonu Nigam`s tribute to rafi sahab, but u forget Sonu`s name,when writing HFM,,,mentioned from shehgal till kumar sanu,,,,kumar sanu who sings in Kis kum`s style and whos career collasped 10 years back after so many hits,,,,,but u didn`t mentioned name of todays,,,,Sonu Nigham,,Udit anrayan,,sukhwindra singh,, javed ali,.,,,as they r all inspired by rafi sahab!!
P>S Plz post reply on true voice -Mohd Rafi,,,,,as its really useless and time wasting to prove anyone that how great rafi sahab was,,,,its like dictating the frog of well, that how big an ocean is!!!!
KishoreFan ji,Humblest namaste by this side!,,,let me add by myself that my knowledge of religion is nothing I`m most ignorant among all of u I`m like a dot of salt in comparision with endless ocean of Religion,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,but now u tell me and everyone over here that who has given u and ur friends authority to be an angel by urself that u r here to ” stop hatred” and that we all are wild animal here who hates everyone,,from were u came to preach ourselves!!!
U don`t know anything about either our approch or about Rafi sahab,,,but by reading a few posts starts making judgment over ouselves!Mind u,,,,more than reading about rafi sahab we have realized him and his divinity but u who come to critisize can never realize that!….Its tyranny of this nation because of few critics that they don`t recognise such a divine person like rafi sahab in such glamour materialistic world where one side one person is dieing for royalty and other says no money no work,,,,Rafi sahab rather by his personality showed the world that even in such a world of pomp n show one can live such a simnple,kind and divine Life with best of talent dedicated to god!and about singing,,whole world jealus him,,and ploted against him,,,history is the proof,,,but rafi sahab excelled every Raaga and stream of singing,,,as if its nothing to do with him,,its God`s work and he is just the medium,,so never bothered what people r saying,either praise or curse,what kind of music is,,,,he just work hardest to give best,,,,,Best that is divinity itself,,,hence,even on material frame as well,,,he retained the top slot of music chart…,
And ur krishna story,,,,I don`t know what was done with Meera bai since as far as I`m concerned I was not present over there but I can feel the immence bhakti of Meera Bai`s songs,a true love,,the whole format of India classical is indebted to her songs !Indian religion is Realization”,Veda says,”"unless u see urself there is no god so renounce world,scrripture,stories n realize god in anyone n anything whatsoever”!and what do u mean by true divotion only towards god,,isn`t acc to ur veda, vedanta & purana that God is everywhere,,,n there is nothing as such any specific God,,isn`t the same Krishna Told arjuna,,that ” I`m u n u r me”"”,,”,everything is me” ,and “”anyone who`s being worshipped no matter even if a stone is worshipped or may be through wrong way know it for sure I`m being worshipped”",,and also,”"if u see anyone endowed extraordinarily graced with fine arts and humblest personality know for sure this grace to be divinity”"” n “”music is something that connects a pesron to God more easily than anyother art”"”", and
,,why meera only,,,If we r alive today,its because of God`s grace as we live so close to death”,,I call this divine bequest as christ u call Krishna,,,,,,”
and about if rafi sahab could sing kishore song,,why sould he sing like other ,as he can sing better,,,,don`t u know,,,It was kishore kumar himself who slapped a person who echoed ur word and kis kum stated that if Kis kum himself can sing in one way,rafi shab could sing the same song in many ways!!!!strange,,even today they ask same question,sory no kis kum to slap them now,,,this shows kis kum`s fan`s understanding of Kis kum as well, after even slap,,they don`t understand…..and keep on shouting,,,,
One need not rely upon comments of any biased rafi fans. Here is latest interview published by rediff with Kumar sanu. The link can be typed in URL for opening it. He clearly says pancham da is the best. Further he says, that Aashiqui is the only film in which all songs are hits as compared to any film before or after 30 years of Aashiqui.
ia.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/2009/jun/17/slide-show-1-bringing-back-kumar-sanu.htm
He says pancham da is the best who brought the real talent of kishore da into light. Fine, kumar sanu ji, praises both rafi and kishore da equally in his interview.
Savita ji, – namaste
I do not know about your knowledge on religion. No body has made communal statements, in fact I grasp from MR. kishore fans messages and Mr. Lucky messages that a earnest request to stop spreading hatred towards other singers. Where is communal here.
Your other comment on Sri Krishna – Do you know Sri Krishna indeed came to rescue of Mira bai always such as when she was given poision by in laws, she was driven towards suicide in river etc. Similarly, people who prayed with true devotion to christ were protected. These are not miracles : if you call them miracles it is ignorant knowledge. That is true devotion to almighty god who protects his devotees. Remember, People who have true devotion towards god are always protected and further remember he can be protected only for sure, if has true devotion and only towards god. If you have devotion other than god towards anybody else – no guarantee whether you can be protected or not. Do not take this as communal message rather I wanted to correct you notions of spiritual aspects which cannot be understood by ordinary human beings.
Coming back to rafi ji, no body disputes his greatness. Singer like him in playback singing is difficult to find and influence cast by rafi is immense in playback singing in singing various types of genres.
That does not mean other singers are less. Kishore cannot sing like rafi good then can rafi sing like kishore – cannot my dear. What I mean is each individual has their own speciality and they should be respected for that own specialities. HFM has produced many greats right from saigal to kumar sanu and each have their own say in their area of singing – right with rafi’s popularity is more than others.
आज à¤à¥€ जिंदा है रफी
Among the many verses written in praise of Rafi Sahab by eminent poets over the last several decades, here is one by Qamar Jalalabadi, which conveys an entire meaning to what Music is and how Rafi Sahab was the complete embodiment of Music. This is how it goes……..
देश के लाखों जवानों की तमनà¥à¤¨à¤¾ है रफी,
ज़खà¥à¤®-इ-दिल के लिठखà¥à¤µà¤¾à¤¬à¥‹à¤‚ का मसीहा है रफी,
इसके नगमों ने जगाये हैं हजारों जज़à¥à¤¬à¤¾à¤¤,
सिरà¥à¤« नगमा नहीं, नगà¥à¤®à¤¾à¤¤ की दà¥à¤¨à¤¿à¤¯à¤¾ है रफी,
इसके गीतों के है दीवाने ज़माने में सà¤à¥€,
जितने फनकार हैं इन सबमे में अनोखा है रफी,
मैंने पूछा के कलाकार हमारा है कहाà¤,
इसके नगमों ने कहा “आज à¤à¥€ जिंदा हैं रफी”.
Eminent poets have said it all. Naushad has written several lovely couplets (sheyrs) on Rafi Sahab and other ace music directors have paid rich tributes to Rafi Sahab and his uniqueness in song rendition. Then who are we to butt in every now and then with our half baked views on music. Let us just listen to the divine music of Rafi Sahab and forget what any one else says. A few people cannot change the tide and history will always remind them and future generations that Rafi Sahab was indeed a gift of the gods to humanity.
Post 404: This is expected with kishore fans only, they have to learn manners which they don’t have.
critics reached eternal rafi dot com as well,,,,how disturbed there mind is,,,,when I say disturbed I know its not expected from a fan of saintly Rafi sahab,,,however!!!! I ask directly to Lucky and two clones kishorefans,,,,,,,,,,,u have said tooo much over here! something that can be summarised noise,,jealusy,,ctisizm,,,and strange preaching hate as well,,and with ur words of personal god its an attepmt to disturb communal harmony here,,,,being christain I know how sensative such terms are in India,,,but mind u all ,,,”"”"”Rafi sahab is greatest for his personality”"”"”"”,,,see how his persnality is beyond mere entertainment,,,people of all religion gathers here and wonders divotion of this Man,,,,hindus can`t stop `emselves listening song of this finest of Human being on their religious festival,,like badi der bhai nandlala,,,govinda ala re etc,,, on Krishnastmi,,naam re sabse bada tera naam,,ambe tu hai jagdambe kali,etc on durga puja,,,Ramji ki nikli sawari,,jai Raghunandan jai siya raam,,,etc on diwali,Ramnavi or Vijya dashmi,,,man rang lo ji tan Rang lo,,etc Holi,,Ganpati bappa maurya etc on,,well well, list goes count less there have been so many religious song relesed every day why then Rafi sahab`s religious song is still among most played,,,call it shirdi waale sai baab,or sai baba bolo,,,or Ramkrishna hari gopal krishna hari,,,,,,but on islam side also,,,,when he had to sing bhajan he used to pray allah in studio as well to grant him courage to retain bhakti,,,who can forget Allah mere alah,,Mohmmad ka nakshe kadam choom lunga etc,,,,,and punjabi or banldeshi songs are also very popular,,,,,but if anyone want to forget relligion for a moment,,,come to Desh bhakti number,,,every year,,on republic day and independense day only rafi song is played most with other singers,,,,Many sings many song but impact is missing,,,,And rafi shab has a impact because of which he is called greatest that even one song by him is greater than thoushand songs of other singer,,,,Thats why rafi sahab is greatest! ,,,,,,and in main stream,western,rock, melody,romantic, happy,funny,gazals,,,qawallis and sad numbers etcs are beyond this worlds range,,hence called divine range………………forget personality (because u can`t grasp that),only concentrate on singing side if any of u find even a single singer on this planet or other planet who is so much versatile of that much variety,,,,and most importantly with that much “impact” like that of Rafi sahab!,over even distant close to that,,let us know,,,and we will stop and listen to ur stupid words but till than,,, as u got chance and came here,,,drink this divine nector in rafi sahab`s voice or live the life of crab!!!
,,,why didn`t u have anything in praise of the ideal of ur choice,,,even person with nick kishore didn`t say even a single word for kishore kumar rather both worked here to critisize us or Rafi sahab,,,,,,it dicribe nothing but sickness!!! ask urself,,,,u didn`t say what so great about ur choice and why would u jelous about our respect for Rafi sahab,,,,let me add we very smaller samaller than an ant in comparision to Rafi sahab,,who is for us our universe,,our words to praise Rafi sahab is nothing in compare to Rafi sahab taaan thats greater than sky,,,yet we try ourselves to give homage to our beloved Rafi sahab,,that too people like u can`t digest,,here on other similar sites for rafi sahab,,,,just think if u can`t digest our voice,,,and keep on vomiting here n there,,what would happen to you and likes of u,,when u`ll hear Mohd Rafi sahab`s Divine voice,,,,,,,only God can save!!!!!!
Lucky & Kishorefan : So sorry that – medically yet, there has been no medicine invented or discovered for “Jealousy”. if it were, then both of you would never have come in to this site of mohd rafi lovers and spoken about your abnormal behavioural patterns as uninvited guests. ( i will not call you flies ).
please , please, enjoy your music and your singers. and let us enjoy ours. propriety “urgently” demands that both – shut up now and here and shift out of this site. that’s if you know what propriety is.
binu nair
Lucky
how about i prouduce hate mails of fans of other singers against Rafisaab and his fans. Every time Rafisaab is brought into discussions of comparison by others, why not people dsiscuss whether KK was greater than Mukesh or vice versa or Mana Dey or some other singer was greater than the other. The common factor is always Rafisaab as the fact is that he is the benchmark, the very best. People are just jealous or have got an inferiority complex self imposed by themselves as they dont consider themselves Rafisaab fans. One cannot be a true lover of HFM without being a fan Of Rafisaab.
The issue is not the fan club but the singer dude. If you feel Rafisaab is not the greatest then good look luck to you but stop playing an appologist for anti Rafi club. Seriously with all due respects we dont require hypocrites telling us what to do.
You know what there may be a few naive people who call them Rafians and degrade other singers but they only get istigated by bigots on the other side. Guess what !!as a Rafian I find myself in a elite position that I dont have to degrade any singer to prove the untmatched greateness of Rafisaab. Its like trying to downgrade Phil Nickelson or other golfer when one is a fan of the greatest golfer ever, Tiger woods, simply senseless. I am sure now you will say that Tiger Woods is not the greatest. golfer..LOL
Edit typo: asha bhonsle’s musical talent & achievments are legendary but i will ***not*** blindly accept all her personal actions as appropriate.
hello kishorefan,
i like to view issues positively too, especially when it is relevant to the saintly mohammed rafi. however, i must call a spade a spade. asha bhonsle’s musical talent & achievments are legendary but i will blindly accept all her personal actions as appropriate.
asha bhonsle’s superiority over a mortal like me is limited only to singing ability or experiences within the music industry. it does not mean that she is a higher *human being*. we are all blessed equally with the gift of life.
as a music lover and human being, i have an obligation to speak out when someone unjustly discredits mohammed rafi. this is for the sake of young music lovers today who deserve a complete and truthful view. a great example of this responsibility is mr. haldar’s open letter to raju bharatan on rock n roll. i appreciated rafi sahab even more after hearing songs i had not heard before. had i fell victim to mr. bhartan’s motives, i would have been a deprived of gems.
i agree that all the legends were great in their own way. each was unique, inimitable, and indispensible. however, some were clearly more versatile and capable than others but this does not take away from the inimitable magic of a particular legend.
“When hfm list of greats is counted asha bhonsle has equal place along with mohd. rafi”
i’ll say that asha is great singer of hfm like rafi. i won’t be as specific to say “equal” but that’s not something i care to contend. rafi had a very positive impact in the industry not only musically but as a great human being who supported his fellow singers, mds, musicians, actors, etc.
Fictitious kishore fan : Please do not advise mohd rafi fans.
i would say rather take some advice from some good doctors at the earliest. i will help you our in mumbai or anywhere else. please do not worry. u will be allright soonest.
by the way a small requst : please do not spoil the fan of kishore kumar saaheb by holding to his bandwagon or his name.
kishore fan(sory gain to kishore kumar for having such fans!)and about universal acceptance,,,,,,this can never happen,,,because if on these earth God beloved like Hussen,Chrisht,Budha,rama krishna get birth and at the same time burderned the earth Yazid1,Rabbi,Ravana,kansa,,,,,,everyone had their followers,,,so never in history anyone has seen univarsal accptence of anyone,,,,,,,But rafi sahab stands on different platform never did he,,and nor did we claim or would ever claim that he is God or any stupid illiterate rumer,,,,,,,but we r firm on our thought that in every raaga of Rafi sahab it appears that he is doing Ibadat,,,,,,his divotion for singing is extremly beyond normal person`s understanding,like that of a farista,,,when he sings,tune mujhe bulaya sherawaliye ” ankhiyan hari darshan ki pyasi”,,listener can feel the virah of truly divine being,,,and when he sings,,,prwar digar alam and har ek sheh se badhkad,hai jannat se badhkad madione ki galian,,,,anyone`s heart die out to go to madine ki galian`,not only voice but in personal life also he mentained his integrity with divinity and live life with greatest heart,,,what a divine voice,,how egoless or ego dedicated to god,,,,,we r compllled to think that he is blessed with divinity,,,,,,,however there can never be “”"” universal acceptance”"”",,,people are so much crafted with meterialism,,,and so much orthodox that never can everyone understand person like rafi sahab,,,,,,,but always there will be person to critisize,,,,,but no matter how much darkness is only one candle can light the whole room and intensity of light depends on our distance from the source of light……May Christ grant u and likes of u wisdom that u can appriciate other as well!,,,,,
Rafians
The messages are going off the track. It is a pity to see that many messages contain the negative comments by yesteryear celebrities against rafi ji. and moreso rafi fans themselves are bringing out such points. This is only going to bring out the negative aspects which prevailed in those days against rafi ji. Why can’t dear rafi fans post only positive comments by celebrities on rafi ji. This will enable them to project rafi ji in a better way and also save them from the sin of passing wrong comments on other singers or artists and also will act as deterrence to fans of other singers from passing any undesirable comments or making arguments.
Post 401 by kishore fan ji stands interesting : I appreciate his frank views & no offense. I specifically liked one point in his message i.e find virtues in others rather than finding faults – good message and that should be the case here also.
Folks,
Don’t jump on me, I have never said anything against Rafi, he was a great singer and a nice human being indeed, but not the greatest as far as i am concerned, in playback singing we have many greats like Lata, Sehgal, Rafi, Talat, Hemant etc. and in non filmi we had Bade gulam ali khan sahab, Aamir Khan Saahib and many other greats. but dear rafi fans, stop spreading hatred here and there for other singers, i have never seen other than rafi fans doing such things, go through this for an instance, what a trash, a perfect example of hatred:
http://www.eternalrafi.com/home/index.php/Fans-Talk/Lata-Rafi-Duet-or-Duel.html#maxcomment2178
i can cite many such examples where rafi fans are writing trash for others,primarily for Lata,kishore and Asha, kindly refrain such things, be a gentlemen like Rafi Sahib.
Mr or miss kishorefan,,ur presence is here like Jatila and ur brother or sister lucky is rather kutila,,,well jatila kutila were the women, in fact,in-laws of Srimati Radha rani,,,,they could never grasp Srimati Radha ji`s love for Bhagwan Krishna(often addressed in India as Purna-complete avtara with the mixture of Nitya and lila both).Jatila kutila used to use harsh word for Krishna similarly like u,,and used to say Rani Radha,,,, “if u will be tortured let us see if ur krishna comes to save u”"”,,there word is similar to that what u said that if we get heart attack let us see rafi sahab comes to save us,,,anyway,,,to their remarks,,,,,Radha ji `s used to laugh inside that they don`t know what they are saying,,,,same happened with Jesus crisht,,when Christ was to crucified some Jews asked christ if u r God then let us show some magic and free urself,,,christ once laughed inside & said loudly,,god forgive `em they don`t know what they r saying,,,,,,I`m no way going to say that I want u and likes of u to see rafi sahab as christ,,as I suspect even if u see christ as god or not,,,because it appears that ur understanding of religion is mere miracle worship,,,u can u worship magician but not God of feeling,,
PS. and for God sake stop using name of saits ,,like nanak,,swami or sai baba,,,,,if u have ur own authority talk or leave this place rather than using any communal topic to disturb this forum`s environment!,
Dear rafi lovers,
I request all the dearest rafi lovers to kindly give a patient reading to my post herein.
I again say, in continuance to my previous post, why irrelevant comments are being passed against singers. Now it is asha bhonsle. My earlier post has also evoked a strong reaction when I have requested the music lovers to be open minded. Rafi ji never had bad word for anyone, but what about these so called fans who are passing some undesirable comments. In all my posts, I had admired rafi ji with equal respect all other greats whoever may be the likes being kk, lata, asha or others including from the south ghantasala ji etc. but we never say anything against rafi ji. When rafi ji sings well, we say he sings well. When others sing well, we too say the same but we never say that this is the only singer who on earth can sing well. We just appreciate those music talents as somebody says here if the music appeals, the heart will naturally sing for whoever sings it. Friends, please try to be open minded. Every human being has his own goods and bads. But on the spiritual side, great people have advised us to count only the virtues and not to look at faults. This is the quality of a great human being.
Among the music greats, asha bhonsle has a place of her own in hfm and nobody can dispute that. Mr Lucky is correct when he says this and please do not think that I am a supporter of Mr. lucky. I just endorse correct & frank views, which I think as correct. When hfm list of greats is counted asha bhonsle has equal place along with mohd. rafi ji. True, many say rafi ji is greatest, similarly many also say rafi ji is not greatest (we have seen in many debates), and in similar lines, many fans of diffferent singers viz., kishore kumar they say kishore ji is greatest, ghantasala fans say he is the greatest singer ever born, manna dey singers say he is great in hindi, and lata fans say she is the greatest and so on, and these fans, truly saying never acknowledge rafi ji to be greater than their idols. Indeed true. But at the same time I have seen, as Mr. Lucky also says, that they never degrade rafi ji in any way. As Mr. lucky says, appreciate others as well, though you may love your idol, that is a different issue. It is not necessary that as you love your idol, he should be loved by all. No chance by any means.
To be purely open and frank, as some rafi fans herein say that rafi ji is referred to as greatest by all & universal is not correct, as my above post clearly brings out the facts on the issue. Friends, Universal acceptance of an individual means he is loved equally by all even enemies and critics. Guru Raghavendra swamy, Guru Nanak etc. are admired by people of all races irrespective of caste, creed & religion, even enemies and critics and they have universal love towards every body. Shirdi sai baba is even loved by animals as his story says that is universal love towards creatures. They are therefore worshipped as God. Mohd. rafi ji (as some rafi fans claim here) should be put in correct perspective as a human being and as I requested in my previous post, not to write some superficial comments such as demigod etc. as same comments will be continued to be passed by fans of other singers as well. Rafi fans will themselves set an example for making other singers too as demigods for their respective fans and again same thing will follow : praising their own singers with comparison to rafi. And as some doctor ji in these posts was mentioning earlier, (I endorse those frank views) please do not try to raise blood pressure, if any heart attack comes mohd rafi cannot save you even if you call him as god or demigod (only guru raghavendra swamy can save you if you worship him)
By the way, I am completely cool and calm while writing this post in this good site of rafi ji (By the grace of Guru Raghavendra Swamy ji).
I hope all music lovers will take my post in true spirit and be open minded with frank and truthful in their discussions.
Dear Mr. Anonymous
Thank you for your support. You have correctly understood my message and my deep respects for your views therein.
lUCKY U R INDEED VERY UNLUCKY TO MISUNDERSTANDING RAFIANS,,,,I DON`T KNOW HOW MANY LIKE U HAVE VISTED HERE,,AND HOW MANY MORE WILL VISIT TO SPREAD HATRED!If hatred is not a suitable word no way it be lower than a querrel,,,or limitation of their emotion to undertand Rafi pariwar,,,or simply a rafian,,,anyway,,,,let me tell u and thousands like u ,,something that will clear all misunderstanding,,,we don`t hate anyone,,,,but ours is a unique attitude,,we r like beetle( bhawre`n),something that poetically always assciated with music,,,we r like bettle only drink juice of flower,,,,and our beloved flower is rafi sahab,,we have nothing to do with other so we never hate other,,,but,,,,many like u are fly,,(makhhi),,,who sometime,,,it on god`s offereing,,sometimes on flower,,sometimes on bull shit or sometimes simply on shit!!!!,,,,,u can` never remain content with urself as u and likes of u comes to critisize us,,,,,,,we love rafi sahab,,,and want to remain imbibed in this love,,what u have to do if we concider him our Farista,,,!! lets come out of jealusy!!!!,(plz don`t tasg a personal,,its a general term for everyone who can`t see our admiration and dedication for bests of best,,,a divine being our beloved Md Rafi saahab),
lucky are you the agent for Asha Bhonsle…he he he
do you have evidence to condemn her remarks…if not then stop playing and apologist.
Binu ji
I agree that all those bigots who have spoken badly about Rafisaab or played politics with have had a rough weather and time, the list is long.
I was once told by a prominent MD that no one wants to work with AB as she is rude and arrogant. I still cant digest her insane attack on Rafisaab and that too after he has passed away. She has fallen to such low depths but then she also said recently that Sunjay Dutt sings like Kishore, i guess this speaks volumes of her state of mind.
Lata too has made some foolish comments but recently said that she did not make those comments, on face value I shall believe this.
Lucky ji, yeah they all were greats and I like them all but why do people get bothered when Rafisaab is called the greatest, i always though this was very obvious.
Lucky ji
Once must think twice before asking a foolish question like you have. No one is speaking bad of Asha as a singer although we all know how many songs she has ruined.
Lucky
Majority of the music world says he is the greatest, i say and all intelligent music listeners say, all past greats including Talat, Kishore, Mada, Hemant and Mahenrda say. Millions of fans say…do you live on this planet?
Nothing said about Asha is incorrect, she is a low life human.
Who said Rafi is the greatest!! They all (Rafi, KK, Talat etc) were equally well and great singers in their own rights. I am a huge fan of Sehgal, Talat and SD Burman so should i start proclaiming that these 3 were the greatest singers and Rafi doesn’t stand anywhere? NO! i would appreciate Rafi otherwise for his great contribution and love my idols.
Come on guys! they all were awesome, it depends on a particular person, whom he likes most.
It’s really disheartening to see derogatory comments on Asha, by the persons who hardly know music and stand nowhere before her, i think one should think twice before spitting toward zenith.
“aana hai to aa raah me kuch fer nahi hai,bhagwan ke ghar der hai andher nahi hai,,,,,,”,,,,who can understand whats the method of god`s work but its true God loves thruthfull,honest and hihly divoted person,,,everyone can see,,how many wicked people worked to snag rafi sahab singing career in 60s and 70s,,but what happened it was their loss,if Rd burman didn`t gave some of composition like aandhi,mili,sholey,amrprem etc to Rafi sahab its his loss,he can not even imagine what masterpiece would have been to those songs if Rafi shab would have sang those song,,what about kya hua tera wada,it was flat song somewhat rock,,and laila majnu etc.only Rafi saab could do such a magic,,anyway,everyone knows that in Rafi sahab last phase what a respectable position he once again aquired in late 70s after early 70s conspiracy,,saying is that genius repeats so is Rafi sahab,no forget that whole nation mourned at rafi sahab`s death,,,people were stunned with sadness,,,rarely anyone gets such a farewell like Rafi sahab,…and today,,,how strange Rafi sahab`s popularity once again increasing in net era like a storm…with person of every generation unlike singers of his era….
And asha bhosle,,,she was singer of black n white era,,,from the time of independence,,,,,but what repect she hold today,,even Himesh reshamiya,,,in front of all scolded her,,,not just Reshamiya many dare to talk that way with her,,,,!this is the self respect she aquired!!!!!
Asha Bhonsle – well OP Nayar saved her dwindling career and she did not even spare him. Seriously I care 2 hoots for what she or other addle brained morons have to say about Rafisaab. The bottom line is that they could never ever sing like him, all their politics and dirty lobbying have gone in vain and they are not only jealous but indecent and inhuman to make such comments for a farishta like him. The man never had a bad word for anyone.
Asha bhonsle has gone “cuckoo” so we have a so called nightangle and a cuckoo, next what a sparrow?
Only is she had done this lobbying for RDB in his later years. A producer once said he would not give a film to RDB even for free. He was treated like a leper by the industry . Every film a flop, every song a boring peace of work. He lost even the gift of stealing tunes that he did most of his life.
Asha Bhonsle is a third rate person who destroyed the life of Pancham who was a joru ka gulam.
She even threw out Pamchams mother after Pancham passed away. She and Lata have both shown how cheap and sick they are. When Rafi was alive they used to praise him in every interview and now when the great man has passed away, they try to defame him. how sick and how cheap.
Post 390 : Anonymous re: asha Bhonsle : Very true. i appreciate your insight and your views.
Recently there was news that her daughter varsha consumed an excessive dose of sleeping pills because of some property disputes with her siblings which was inherited by asha b.
may i i inform herein that asha b has been in the forefront of a rafi tirade and i am aware of many incidents about it – which “happened” in the industry. some persons in the music industry have challenged asha b. and also walked out of assignments which were otherwise their life-line to stay alive in real life.
my salute to these bold men in the industry who would call a spade a spade, nothing else.
they told asha ji : please dont talk rubbish and walked out of studios.
let me say herein that many who went against the farishta met tragic consequences – in real life situations.
i hope peace and reason will prevail in them today at this late hour and they will ask for repentence from the almighty – in the evening of their life span for all their venomous acts of one-upmanship and stark cunningness during their occupations.
binu nair…
I think what truly deserves backlash is when someone is actively demeriting our Rafi Sahab. Asha Bhonsle is a perfect example of that. No, I’m not on a personal agenda. The clear, repeatedly truth is that Asha Bhonsle has tried to undermine other singers, particularly Geeta Dutt & Mohammed Rafi. Yes, Geeta Dutt had her personal problems but that was not the only reason why she stopped singing with OP. Asha was “close” to OP Nayyar and persuaded Nayyar to give songs only to Asha and not Geeta. Frankly, that seems to be cut throat. I’m tempted to sympathize with Asha as in the 50s she was a single mother with young children to feed. Maybe I can understand that. However, with all the talk about Asha “struggling” in the 50s and how Lata was the prime choice, how is it that Asha has easily sang more (or at least the same #) songs than Lata? This means she got more assignments & was hired more. So I doubt she was struggling to earn money. Yes, I realize that perhaps the reference is not to getting the amount of work but singing for the big heroines. But I have also heard that it was just work in general that Asha was struggling to get in the 50s and so Asha was desperate to “take any assignment”. Well, I guess she compensated that well and took lots of assignments and and obviously nailed them. So I’m not sure if she was manipulating OP out of true necessity. She wanted to reach her sister and go past Geeta Dutt. I guess you can’t blame someone for being ambitious.
Continuing on, when Asha says that Suresh Wadkar is just as good as Rafi (no offense to SW – he’s a good singer) or that Kishore is 1.5 times better than Rafi – she is saying this to create trouble. She isn’t only saying it because it is her opinion.. No, she’s trying to actively go out of her way and undermine Rafi and also take a jab at his fans. It’s stuff like this that deserve backlash. This goes beyond her opinion and more about intent. It is anything but neutral (opinions dont’ need to be) but rather it is ill intended (unlike say the comments of fans of other singers who ask for balance). But alas, there’s not much need for backlash at all. People like Asha Bhonsle can try to undermine Rafi at they want but mountains remain mountains.
I don’t think kishorefan’s post deserves such a strong reaction. What he said may have been frank but it isn’t offensive or much beyond reason IMO. I won’t argue this. It is my sincere advice and it can be taken or not and it’s all good. I’m sure he is a music lover who gets satisfaction from multiple singers as each have their unique qualities. We can all believe what we wish to as we are obviously entitled to. So don’t worry be happy. Good day!
sonu stop all these nonse and don’t trying to copying rafi saab Sonu plz, note this baap baap hi hota hai . mount everst jitna bi uncha kyo na ho rehta aasman se niche hi hai
Dear Kishore fan
There is no question of any bias with any singer. Also I am against any so called Rafinas that speak badly of any singers and I can assure you there arent many as compared to fans of other singers who cant come to terms that Rafisaab is the greatest singer ever not only for Rafians but for all past singers who they follow and are representing. Name it, from Saigal to Kishore Kumar, all were proud to state this fact that Rafi is Rafi. Saigal, the genius he was foretelled that Rafisaab would reach dizzy heights and if he was alive he would have seen how a shargird achieved what his teacher could not and he would have being proud of this fact.
I admire Bjorn Borg as a tennis player more tha anyone but I along with many also know that Pete Sampras along with Federer are the greatest tennis players ever.
Hence you see there is no question of bias, infact this site is dedicated to Rafisaab who is the symbol of play back singing, the very best of HFM, like it or not but this fact will not change.
RD Burman once told in a private gathering that Kishore was thinking of giving up singing (which would have being a loss as he had fantastic talent) in the 60′s as no MD wanted to touch him and he felt there was no way he could compete with Rafisaab, Mukesh and Mana dey. Hence till late 60′s he had no singing career. Rafisaab was singing since 1944 and by the was already considered the best ever. His songs made stars, made fims hit at box offices and made HMV a multi – million dollar enterprise. Hence there is no question of any comparison or bias. One a legend siging like no one has ever sang before and one a struggler (with all due respects) who wanted to give up siging all together.
You know what the ones that insult Kishore Kumar are his so called fans by dragging him into such naive discussions and shamellesly and insanely speaking badly about Rafisaab to prove that Kishore was a good singer.
I like Kishore Kumar just the way I like Mukesh, Mana and other singers but it take just a set of ears to realise that Rafisaab is the pinnacle of singing, the emperor and the true Guru of all Gurus. If you find these comments as biased and so be it for its a monumental fact that still reigns even after the dirtr actions of the anti Rafi lobbyists who have lost all credibility and have being exposed as false nightangels and dodgy “Tais”. Shame on them, compare them to Kishore who was so hurt by the loss of Rafisaab that many say he never recovered from the loss of a friend an a Guru that inspired him and other singers.
You should take pride that Rafisaab was born in this part of the world rather than worry about things that are not within any ones control.
One can hide in a dark cave but that does not mea the sun is not shinning.
Kishorefan Ji: yeh rafi gharana hai aur hamara yeh rafi parivar hai. aur yeh parivar ke sadasya duniya mein har jageh aap ko milega.
yeh geet bhi kabhi sun lena : “jalti hai duniya jalti rahe, pyar ke gaadi chalti rahe, apni pyar ke gaadi chalti rahe.”
binu nair, mumbai
Post 381: I now believe this proverb – HAATHI CHALE BAZAAR, KUTTE BHONKE HAZAAR……….. dear kishorefan, first of all, come with your real name on this site. We do not need to change our names like you. Rafi Saheb is in our hearts…. We believe you are a virus on this site.
post 381 kishorefan,,,perhaps u `ve succeeded in creating a inasne blare over here,,,,actually person like u defames legend like kishore kum as well,,,ur words only reflects how much envy u have for Rafi sahab compared with the singer of ur choice,,,envy came from rafis suprimacy in all area of music or personality,,,u claim urself to be intellectual as u mentioned how do intellect works and u artistically called Rafians such as hussein sheikh, dhani ram etc. and many others Rafians a stubborn fool,,,u said”Did rafi ji fly from his home to studio or the mike stood in the air for rafi to sing : to call him a god, demigod etc. “”"” enough,,u have said much!!!! sory venerable Binu Sir,I`m unable to control blood pressure by reading these kinds of comment,,,,Kishore fan,,,,forget singing for a moment,,,,is this ur understanding of God and religion,,,,thus fling makes one God,,,,everyday a dirty fly a long distance until its finds its abode at loo or a toilet sheet,,,,,u r very mean!no ur so called Rafi fan point out finger at anyone,,,they are so much self content and remain mesmerised in Rafi sahab divine voice that they are really unable to get patience to let mind and heart down from heaven to pit to listen to singers of ur choice,,,we respect every singer,,,,why shouldn`t we as singing is a divine language,,,,but hardly anyone like Rafi sahab can behold divinity in every raaga of his singing irrispective of lyrics,,,,,,Rafi never sang as money a priority,a rarest treat,Rafi sahab had so much divotion for singing that he could not ever make out that its he who is singing whenever anyone used to Praise Rafi sahab,,he used correct admirer at same moment that its God`s blessing and no Rafi,,and gradually,,people also started feeling that how can a person sing with such a celestial voice Rafi sahab words must be true,its also rarest hardly anyone are so much egoless other than true saints,,,,Rafi sahab was never limited to narrow social limits,,,its not like if u r bengali u should for certain like that singer,,,Rafi sahab is loved by all,,,no matter whoever comes to him taste the divinity in his voice irrispective of caste creed and sex or religion or region,,,,,,I`ve given u only two points for rafi sahab if u find this in any singer on earth let us know,,,Rafi sahab is not only saintly but ultimate talented,,,,beauty with ornamentation as well,,,no classical singer have ever been seen singing songs like kya hua tera waada,,yaahoo,,lal lal gaal ,govinda ala re,dil ka bhawar,,,and at same time of man mora bawra,talki e mai me ,etc,,,anyway,,whatever nick u used let me tell u there is only one public face whom Kishore kumar adored its Md rafi and Kis kum had even sour relation with bengali film makers,,Mithun chak,,Amitabh bachhan,,Rd burman etc,,,,only one person whom he concider elder brother in every respect was rafi sahab,,,,so for the sake of being able to be a real kis kum fan first listen to Rafi sahab,,leaving egoistic envyness and hatred,,,u`ll know urself why there is and can never be another mohmmad rafi s`b…
Dear Kishore fan -
reply to post no. 381.
First of all, a very good morning to you and May God bless you with a good day.
Secondly, let me ask you something, what is your problem if Rafi lovers admire him to such an extent that they use the superlatives mentioned by you to describe Rafi Saab?
Please dont get so jealous, my dear
I certainly feel that you are not able to digest the love that we have for Rafi Saab. We dont expect the entire universe to be Rafi Saab fans, no doubt about it. But, for us, Rafi Saab fans, he is the ultimate in singing and he is the best, and can you do anything about our thoughts?
Please dont waste your timeon this great site to try and contradict our thoughts or our feelings. And there is no need for you to pick up names of people who think great about Rafi Saab. If you cant stand it, please go, take a walk and relax, my dear
Dont lose your cool or raise your BP on this issue
We dont love Rafi saab for his singing alone, we love him for his humanity and his qualities as a human being. To know all these, you have to be a true Rafi lover, you have to learn to listen to his songs without bias, learn to appreciate his range and capabilities as a singer and moreover talk to Rafi lovers and may be, even get in touch with the handful number of his contemporaries who are alive now, to understand Rafi Saab.
Without doing all these,please dont waste your time to contradict our feelings. To me personally, he is a demigod, he is The Sultan of singing, and he is the best singer on earth !!!! But, at the same time, we dont beleive in degrading other singers. They may have their own qualities, agreed, but Rafi Saab is the best !!!!
Can you change my thoughts ? !!!!! No, my dear, please dont waste your time here, this site is for we, Rafi lovers and not for Rafi bashers like you who are after all, only a handful in number
Thanks and have a good day, no hard feelings, my dear
And please dont bother to waste your time writing in reply to me, as I am not interested in seeing your comments
Thanks
Saifullah
Dubai
Post 381: Kishorefan : I think you can’t digest the success and the following of mohd rafi and hence the post.
Let me put on record that Mohd Rafi is indeed the – God of playback singing. rafi’s landmark songs and its contribution to “music” can never, never be wished away.
and, a singer with such a golden heart will never be born again – is what many many people genuinely feel.
please dont get so much dis-heartened as the greatest songs of rafi saaheb can be enjoyed only by people with an open mind. also, we are aware of the fact that there are many other singers who have a fan following and also great contributions in the music arena.
kishorefan dear, we all do enjoy these songs too and some of the great works of great singers. our minds are never closed and also we do not carry “rafi tags” to our names and write in “fictitious” names.
we rafi fans never expect – all music lovers to be fans only of mohd rafi. kishorefan, please listen to songs of other singers – with an open mind and i am pretty sure of two things.
that u would love them, one. next, u wuld stop penning such posts such as post 381…….with unreal names.
no hard feelings, we love kishore kumar too.
binu nair, mumbai
Rafi lovers,
Some or other dispute always crops up at this site and ultimately leads to calling of names, Frank to be frank and honest I personally feel that this is due to the overhyped comments of some (only some) self claiming rafi lovers who always see an opportunity to point a finger at other singer. If rafi has sung a song very well – sure you can say rafi has sung it very well – it will be accepted but why to use the words such as : no singer has not reached his level or no singer has touched the notes which rafi has sung : You can praise rafi but at the same time you have no right to point fingers at other singers by passing simultaneous comments on them : Specially some rafi fans sorry to say, such as hussein sheikh, dhani ram etc. always use no singer can ……. Can these comments be appreciated. In such cases, Can anybody prove in writing (specially these so called rafi fans) that there is no other singer in earth who cannot sing any song of rafi ji. Can they prove the notes which rafi has touched, other singer has not able been to touch. Similarly, is it certain that rafi ji can sing song of all other singers existed in the world. What a foolhardy interpretations will be if such unappreciated comments are passed. Next using the words, god, demigod etc. what is this again. Did rafi ji fly from his home to studio or the mike stood in the air for rafi to sing : to call him a god, demigod etc. Certainly these type of comments are uncalled for. No intellectual will appreciate any of these comments. In my personal experience, I have seen many people not liking rafi ji (a great surprise) of course, their own choice, but no body uses any degrading language. And perfectly, so called rafi fans have whasover no right to point out finger at any individual, if that individual has not liking for rafi ji as it is not a rule that rafi ji should be liked by all. It is a well known issue that how great debates running into hundreds of messages have taken place between rafi, ghantasala and kishore kumar in many blogs: this is sufficient to prove that the overhype by some rafi fans is purely one sided and baised and there are certainly comparable and unique singers that existed.
I request all the true music lovers to maintain balanced, decent and respectable views, (specially some rafi fans) as this site is the bigger & certainly greater and much loved site of mohd rafi ji.
As someone had said – Rafi Saheb’s coughing would be 100 times better than Sonu’s songs. And Sonu can be compared only with Mohd. Aziz, Shabbir kumar and Anwar.
Rafi sahab jaise insan is duniya mein bahut kam hote hai.Rafi sahab is his God. I LOVE U RAFI SAAB Always Missing you aap jaisa insaan jiski aawaz bahut khoobsurat hai uska dil bahut hi saaf hoga.
aap jaise issan ki bahut kami hain yaha is dharti paar aap kyo chale gaye hamein choodh kar
yaha par aap jaise achhe insaan ki bahut kami hai is buri duniya main
bhagwan kyo achie logo ko aapne paas pata nahin kyo bula lete hai
kya une nahin pata hamne bhi ache isnan or unke sanskaro ke bahut jarorat hote hai
rafi aap ko hamesha miss karonga mein
aap hai sachein insan hai, or aap hai rahenge
bye rafi saab miss you sir a lot
jagger and co:
i was Q-U-O-T-I-N-G dr anjum !
Anjum tried to say that rafi was horrible and i responded! READ IT CAREFULLY!
thanks anil cherian ji
for ur support!
and anjum are you deaf? hear the rafi live versions on youtube. inspite of the poor video quality he sounds better than quivery, rota hua sonu nigam.
let me say this:
singers(excluding rafi) either go nasal or their voice stretches/goes shrill when they sing at very high pitch. sonu nigam does BOTH! that can easily be seen. why the hell does he have to sing at such a high scale when his capabilites are very less?
Requesting people writing “in” to maintain their normal blood pressures while posting their views. they may take a “deep breath” and analyse their words before penning.
i am sure the post will thus become more readable – minus the venom that previously existed.
binu nair, mumbai
this article is only exhibiting personal vendetta and has long back lost its soul.
more a singer must “stop” criticising other singers. but this is easier said than done.
i have seen singers who say they are rafi lovers but acting like true ravannas in all its true sense when they are not “selected” for a singing session. they are also off-tune and jaded – which they would never understand.
any other singer would do more mistakes at a symphony session- given an opportunity – but they will never agree to this.
and, i disagree with the topic itself and request the moderator to stop any further nuisancical addition to the subject.
binu nair, mumbai
Dear brother Narayan
Thanks for your post (372)
God Bless
Nasreen
Its not expected from someone who truly love Rafi sahab to use critisizing language,,if its a fact yet it can used in polite language,,,I personally feel,,and strongly condemn that,,there should have been some other head line as dissappointing is not a word that any Rafian should use for we all know that Rafi sahab was such a saintly person,,,with such a divine range of voice that no one can reach that hieght,,,,and in future if a person with humblest of heart and sweetest of timeless voice would come to sing like Rafi sahab,,then know it for sure that it be Rafi sahab only,,,,,person like Rafi saab never die,,,,as for Rafi sahab source of his voice is divinity and what we listen is just divine echo,,,,,divinity acc to Sprituality,is always there independent of Time,Space and Causation,,,,and echo, acc to mordern science, is ever present as energy,,,,,,,so,,,other than Rafi sahab who is divoted to God everyone else just try to give tribute according to person limit,,,,I never listen Sonu Nighams song of Rafi sahab for I cannot listen anyone after listening Rafi sahab,,but I appriciate his effort,work as he everywhere give credit to his voice and singing to rafi sahab,,redrer never forget Sonu`s Father is singer himself but Sonu on aajtak said Rafi saab is his Acharaya Drona and he himself aspire to become Ecklavya,,,,,and Rafi sahab is his God,,,whereever we read Sonu`s profile,biography,he never misses to mention Rafi sahab`s name,,,,,,,Go and see singer anwar`s personal website,,,Anwar today gets his income through singing Rafi`s song to concerts,,,,not uses even sahab to Rafi sahab name,,,and places all singer of that era with same proffesional approch,,,,but case is different with sonu,today`s no 1 singer,he has given his ego to Rafi sahab as Rafi sahab has dedicated his ego to god godself,,those who has seen mighty ocean can even think of even widest well to be wider than ocean or can anyone compare both,,,,,no never! in the article true voice-mohd Rafi its said sonu had feminine voice,,its not good word,,,,,by the follower of godly Rafi sahab,,,person like,,sonu nigham,,Sukhwindar sing,,,udit narayana,,Ar rehman,,etc works to raise Rafi sahab name till they have dedicated their ego to this best of best,,,,,
P.S,,,,,I request everyone to correct me if I`m wrong as I myself is relligiously a Rafi fan,,,I even enjoy Rafi sahab`s name as much as anyone enjoy Rafi song,,,,
Anjum Mahdhi
I sugest you exit with respect, you have lost your credibility by your unguarded comements.
Dear Nasreen behen, What you mentioned is right as we are all universal brothers and sisters enjoying the Treasures of music left by the lord of Playback singing Rafi sahab whom many musicians n great singers adore like Talat saab, Mukeshji, Kishore da and today’s rage Sonu Nigaam for whom Rafi sahab is a demi-God. But when Dr Anjum Sahiba wrote disparaging comments about the greatest legend then only the hue n cry started which is natural n emotional,
Now since Dr Anjum Sahiba has acknowledged the fact of Rafi sahab and the love of Sonu towards the idol then lets us forgive her and discuss on many aspects of Rafi sahab which this website is fullfilling to us…
Remember all Music lovers we have only one birth.. let us enjoy those to the maximum by hearing the superlative songs of Rafi sahab ..
Narayan
Baar Baar Rafi Fan Club
Bangalore
hi, it is nice to hear about decency from all you very decent people who can term a great singer of India as donkey, filth etc., talks about slapping someone by him.what a nice example of decency. mira ji, you get hurt when someone gives even the slightest negative comment about you that too after trying to provoke someone personally first. think of sonu, if he accidentally happens to read some of your posts where all you have left no stone unturned to degrade and demolish him by your ill comments, how he will feel.of course even if you shout thousand times that sun has lost its light, it won’t. pay respect to other, their work , you will get it in return. Once I read a story where a funny person named jager(jaguar) was told, if a mad dog or a jaguar barks at me, should i fight with that dirty animal? no i would just turn my direction. hi jogi i really enjoy the exciting comments by all you rafi fans. all these give a very clear meaning of the word obsession. I also love rafi, but not obsessed with him and I know he cannot be 100% perfect as he is not god. If all you rafi fans really want to pay respect to rafisaab, then first learn to pay respect to other great singers also.you people should come out of your narrow mindedness and learn to praise other singers and their work as well. Lastly if rafisaab from heaven reads your posts he will definitely shed tear to see that in the name of him and Indian music, many people are using abusive languages. If anyone calls this site a pure environment, then the meaning of purity must have been changed.
Rafi is the greatest singer of this universe. The show was disappointing for one primary reason, Indian drums like Tabla and Dholak were missing. I agree Sonu changed speed to pace with the orchestra’s pace. Orchestra if got every up and down correct in some places they could not get the timing or pace what should be maintained throughout a song but their efforts are really commendable. Prelude of Patthar ke Sanam was played really well. AS Murthy and Ramachandran are very respectable writer in this website and they have shared great write-up about king of Indian Music and his association with others. Their comments should be taken as feedback and not in the negative sense. All others who have commented in this forum are great music lovers for sure. Our faith might be different but we are from the same religion of Music. The Music was extremely great in the era when Rafi was singing but sound(recording) was not. But Music was redundant when Rafi is singing. When Rafi was resuming back in the stereo era, the sun set. Some of his Stereo songs which mesmerize me with the good quality of sound are “Mere Desh Premiyo†from Movie Desh Premi, Dard e Dil Dard e Jigar from Kurz, Chand Mera Dil from HKSKN, Kya Hua Tera Vaada from HKSKN, Maine Poocha Chaand se from Abdullah, Kya Dekhte ho, Surat Tumhari from Qurbaani. Please share if anyone knows any other Rafi Song recorded in Stereo. Recently I heard Rafi’s remastered songs from Naya Daur and one from Mughal e Azam and could not stop praising OP Nayyar and Naushaad. Ghazab ho jata agar us zamaane me bhi stereo recording hoti. Haalanki Rafi ki awaaz kisi Orchestra ki Mohtaaz nahi thi. Hats off to all the music director of that era and Rafi, my eye fill with tears when I hear him. My Journey to listening music came across loving Talat, Kishore, Hemant da, Mahendra Kappor, Manna dey, Mukesh. They are all great singers. Par ek baar jisko Rafi ka Rang char gaya to use aur koi rang nahi char sakta.
I have been looking through all the posts and, my word, has everyone got their sleeves rolled up ready for the fight. The only music of Sonu that I have heard is ‘Rafi ki yaadein” (i think I have vol 16) – they’re not bad. But I will now try to find out more about Sonu and will certainly try to listen to the London concert if I can get hold of it.
Please don’t laugh anyone, I am female (as you can see from my name) but I can’t help singing Rafi songs and I do try to copy the little nuances too because that’s what I find most fascinating about his singing. No one can do those nuances. I mean, the aspiration in words beginning with “h” (like “humne” in the song “humne kya pyaar kiya pyaar ka badla na mila, sara jag dhoond liya koi bhi apna na mila”) and the way he lifts the last bit of a word like in the word ‘yaad’ from the song “Yaad na jaaye beete dinon ki”. I hope you are getting what I mean. Just listen to it again. As soon as he utters the word ‘yaad’ (it’s like a wave going up at the end) I am done for. I close my eyes because I just cannot keep them open – what opens up is my heart and my soul.
Please friends, can we stop this discussion now, this comparison and this useless arguing with so much ill feeling? Please let us just talk about the old songs from the perfect era of music when musical giants existed? Can we please bring this site back to talking about the songs of the great Mohammad Rafi whom my brothers call “Chacha”. And not do injustice to Sonu Nigam either because just like us all, he is a great lover of Rafi too. Please bring this to an end, brothers and sisters.
hi sonu i am dheeraj kumar form meerut
sir i am fin for you
sir i am, sing a song ply
dr.anjum medhi
can i ask you Mr dr.anjum medhi so why Sonu sang Mohd Rafi songs not his on songs ?!!!!!!
if your BP is up jest listen to Mohd Rafi you will be normal ….Mohd Rafi is like a sun in music world…great people like Shammi Kapoor or Op Nayar feel that they became great because of Mohd Rafi…sonu is good singer today but not be compare with mohd Rafi or Manny Day
I don’t know anything about the music but when ever i listen to mohd Rafi I feel there is no one better than Mohd Rafi and will be not as said by many great names
I think we should not use the word of donkey..
Madam Mehdi
I afeel sorry for you but you desrerve this bashing for your ludicrous comments.
Think before writing in the future.
This is a lesson for all those who want to play mischief on this site.
I feel sorry for sonu that he is compared with the goonda Varun Gandhi.
BTW Madam, if there is any consolation, I like Sonu Nigam but if I was you I would not drag him in a comparison game with the undisputed empereor of singing, Rafi who also happens to be the inspiration for Sonu.
Go and spend time with your patients, Madam.
Anjum
it seems its you who needs to relax and see things from a rational perspective. Comparing Rafi with Sonu is like comparing Mahatma Gandhi with Varun Gandhi.
I dont think you are a doctor and if you are then behave like one, you come out as an impulsive and a rude person.
Rafi is the icon if singing in HFM and just about every sane music lover loves the man both for his skills and character.
We dont need impulsive gate crashers to come and educate us about music.
Ms Mehdi
You are being judgmental, corrosive and insensitive. Yes we love Rafi, who does not?, he symbolises the true face of playback singing in India. His skils and great character has made him a king of HFM.We dont have to learn from a gate crasher about music and Rafi.
Comparing him with sonu or anyone is like comparing Mahatma Gandhi to Varun Gandhi….simply incredible..lol…lol…loll
All great singing legends have accepted that he is the best. All aspiring singers want to emulate him. Today Sonu, whatever he is of as a result of singing songs of this great icon.
I would suggest worry about your cardiac and mental health and do not ruin names of doctors. You are just making a circus about yourelf and I hope no one gives any more attention to this self profesed doctor who does not have an iota of decency.
dr sahiba
after reading your posts, its you who who has a bp and head problem, worry about your state of mind and health and show some decency and respect for others who dont agree with you. If you cannot hear good things about Rafi sahab then go somewhere else rather than vitiate this pure environment.
Anjum )Mad)HI
Pagla kahin ka was a film that had beautiful songs of the legend Rafi, a singer that is regarded the the best ever by a vast majority of singers, music directors and masses, a true icon and great and noble person.
Who are you, who cares what pests like you have to say “pagli kahin ki”
Anjum Mehdhi
My bp is fine and I surely will not go to a dodgy doctor like you if I have to. You are making a farce of your sorry self by such ludicrous comments.
Sonu will not slap you but feel sorry that such demented doctors exist in our society.
Go and open a sonu webiste and continue your ghulami there and you are not welcome on this great site, certainly not dodgy doctors like you.
Ignorance is not a bliss.
to mira
hello madam, u should not be too much emotional. to worship rafi is fine, but please donot raise your bp. after all if you get a heart attack rafi will not be coming to save you. it is just a reply to what others have said in relation to my previous post. i am a true music lover and i enjoys music to relieve my day to day stress. i dont have any personal war against all you rafi fans. but reading most of the posts it seems dat u are not music lovers, rather only rafi lovers. music is much bigger than a single singer or a group of singers. it is sad that some people has compared sonu as donkey. mira, rafi is a great singer not because his all live shows were sold,but because he sings well. any one can sell anything in the world. i am fully aware of the difference between live music and recorded music.thats why i will say 1000 times that sonu is a fantastic live performer( no one should criticise anybody based on a single performance). and madam sonu is not a mad person to slap someone by reading just a comment on musical talent on rafi and sonu himself. probably he is much more health conscious than you( remember raised bp and heart attack…pl.dont get angry i am just joking). but about one thing i am 100% sure when sonu happens to read your post where you have stated that sonu is nothing he will obviously get a huge laughing attack.
people damaag has gone puttah mohd rafi Mashallah is untouchable thats it gal khatam who ever say,s he,s not then they dont no or understand music and they have failed to reconise the true voice in a person like mohammed rafi saab may Allah bless mohammed rafi saab where ever Allah has kept him Ameen and by the way there are more fans of mohd rafi saab then any other singer and by the way people say mohd rafi saab sang 5000 songs when rafi saab said in a interview i have sang so far 25000 ok we was not there at that time with mohd rafi saab when he was rehersing or which ever way you look at it for get teri ada i have found five songs from movies which are not in salaam ul haqs book or the other hindi version so does that make it 5005 think before you judge a person or make self judgements up
Instead of listening to sweet old melodies and enjoying every moment of this short life, some of them are throwing mud at each other.
to each his own. if the music is good the heart “will” sing – ought to be the motto.
while mohd rafi must be smiling in the heavens, sonu must be laughing at one of those large neighbour-hood banks.
folks enjoy your music and dont be object of another laughing stock.
binu nair… mumbai
Dr. Anjum Medhi:
You wrote:
‘first learn music, understand the difference between noise and music and listen good musical shows’.
My reply:
I have learnt music (at a pretty advanced level in Western music and at a functional level at South Indian music). I have listened to a lot of masters in musical shows too.
If I understand correctly, the writer of this article is a good singer. Then there are many of us here who are either good musicians or good listeners or both.
Please avoid looking down upon us.
Hi fans
what wrong with you fans?mohd Rafi is the only sun in music world,I don’t think any sonu fans can say that Sonu better singer than Mohd Rafi as I think only KK fans say that………………
As Manny Day said there was only me and Mohd Rafi who can sing any song but Mohd Rafi is better than me…
All great singer of Mohd Rafi time they said mohd rafi is the best singer even KK said that but today no one say that Sonu is better than me…..
I don’t think that photo copy is better than Photo itself……..
Mohd Rafi isat the top from 1952 to date……….
Please listen to Mohd Rafi songs first than compare mohd rafi with any singer as you want…….
Hi all:
I don’t want to comment about Sonu’s calibre as a singer or compare him with his idol. However I would request all to fully read Sid’s post before calling him names. He was quoting the doctor’s statement and replying to it and was in no way belittling the gentle giant (among singers).
And, Sid (for everyone’s information) is a young (and well-informed) Rafi admirer who does more than his bit in promoting Rafi sahab among the young people.
Post 352: Very well said miraji…. I agree cent percent with you.
Go and see a shrimp Dr Mehdi, you are gone nuts. Sid, Rafi is the greatest singer, no one not even KL Saigal comes close to him, who the heck is this sonu the ‘nobody” nigam.
Anjum Medhi
Seeing on TV and personally are 2 different things. Also today the quality of the orcestra is better. To say that Rafi sounds horrible in live songs is ludicrous and insane. Rafi is the only singer that had all live shows sold out not even lata can match this feat. Do you have the slighetest idea that todays technology can make a donkey sound good and songs are not recoreded at one go like yester years. To mention someone as insignificant as Sonu on the same line or discussion as the greatest singer of all times Rafi is a blasphemy.
Sonu nigam is nothing, you cant even compare him wit Shabbir Kumar and Mohd Aziz, if you like him so much then go to his site or open up a new site and write fantasies about him. If Sonu ever finds out what rubbish you have spoken abour Rafi, he would probably slap you.
Are you on drugs, SID or are you a desperate KK club bigot.
dr anjum medhiji. your post 341 . You needn’t have resorted to personal attacks on anyone you do not know – least of all dr aliuddin sahab who has much more knowledge on hindi film music as is evident from his long association with this website. he is a regular at this forum and posts his valuable comments on all the articles. neither he nor anyone else has any grudge against sonu nigam who is a good singer in his own right. we believe that rafi sahab is simply beyond comprehension and reach of mortal singers and that includes sonu nigam too. i can list out atleast 200 songs of rafi sahab which i believe no one can ever repeat in the same class as rafi sahab has rendered. rafi sahab lived in the character of the song, he understood the importance of the lyrics and the storyline, he matched his notes, diction, adayigi, expression, range, depth and everything that possibly his vocal chords permit him to do, with the accompanying music. the ‘bhav’ that rafi sahab presented in his renditions is simply unique to his personality and is notable in almost all his songs. no singer, repeat no singer, before or after rafi sahab has put the exact feelings of the ‘bhav’ (from the haav-bhaav if you like) in their songs as rafi sahab could so easily present. the times have changed and today’s generations does enjoy the songs of the present era and sonu nigam is on top of the present day singers certainly. i would like you and other fans of sonu nigam to send a link of all the comments under this forum to sonu nigam himself and just watch the result. the inner self of sonu nigam would persuade him to reply back asserting that he is far far behind the genius of rafi sahab. else, please give us the website address of dedicated to sonu nigam and we can continue this debate in that forum. please do not misunderstand the fans of rafi sahab and castigate them as persons who do not understand music or that they are against the likes of sonu nigam. we appreciate music of all the singers, just so long as the same is really classic. secondly, sonu nigam chose to sing the songs of rafi sahab and it was his personal decision to do that. he is a great admirer and follower of rafi sahab himself and would not hesitate to distance himself from the comparisons that are being drawn to rate him on par with the legend of legends. sonu could have also opted to sing the songs of other great singers like kl saigal, kishore kumar, manna de, talat mahmood, etc. etc. but restricted himself only to the songs of rafi sahab. this was not because he found them to be easier than the songs of other playback singers. it was his reverence to rafi sahab that he chose to re-present the songs of rafi sahab. rafi sahab’s personality is not just that of a playback singer. he is reverred in the entire film industry and even his mentor naushad ali addressed him as ‘rafi sahab’. the humbleness and modesty of rafi sahab is enough to melt even the adversariers (if there were ever any), leave alone staunch followers and bhakts of rafi sahab like sonu nigam. let us not put words in sonu’s mouth and try to articulate our feelings in a much more mature and balanced manner.
@ Dr. Khaja Aliuddin
“KIDHAR NIZAM ALI KIDHAR PYAZ KI DALIâ€. very rightly said sir!
@ Chandra Sekhar Mani
couldnt agree more sir!
@ Dr. anjum medhi
sir when ppl start comparing gold to filth, how would u react??
no no i dont wanna hurt your feelings, i m a big fan of sonu too, i probably have all the rafi songs sung by sonu, specially SHARDHANJALI album, believe u me sir! sonu is nowhere to rafi, it would be stupid to compare these two singers, sonu is popular mainly because there’s no competition for him, but RAFI SAAHAB, his career spanned almost four decades, his competition..KISHORE DA, MUKESH, MANNA DEYY, HEMANT KUMAR, TALAT SAAHAB.
Just think abt it…
any RAFI SAAHAB’s fan would lose his cool when ppl compared a child to the legend!
i am happy that some of the guys have read my reply on the comment made by the original author depicting sonu as a very bad singer. i am a great fan of rafi myself and thatswhy i am a great fan of sonu also. i am a regular listener of songs of rafi and sonu and also the rafi’s songs sung by sonu, and truly i dont find find any difference between the two( singing talent), of course being 2 different human being their vocal cords will not be alike, so cannot have 100% smae voice textures. by the term rafi being horrible i pointed to some of his live performances and those were really not upto the mark of rafi’s standard. this does not mean that rafi is a bad singer. in fact i love sonu only because i love rafi also. tendulkar also scores duck sometimes. it does not mean he is not competent . similarly you can not comment on sonu based on one single concert. infact of all the modern era live performers, sonu had not gone offtune a single time of many times i have watched him performing live. the modern day indian music is deterioating day by day. in this era of music when the youngkids only listen to the western rock songs . they even do not know who was rafi, kishore,lata etc. thatswhy we have to pay respect to singers like sonu thruough whom we can remember great singer like rafi even today. young generations listen to sonus songs more. and ofcourse when someone ( mr.khaja aliuddin md.) relates rafi and sonu as horse and donkey, either he is so much absorbed in rafi saab that he considers all other singers as donkey or he does not understand music. no one can deny the fact that sonu has his own identity of western classical singing apart from the indian classical base. probably rafi could also sing western classical like sonu sings today, but there is no proof as we can not bring back rafi to today. rafi also has sung some of the songs in my regional language and also bengali songs, in which his diction and pronouciation was very bad, this again does not mean he is a bad singer. but the regional songs sung by sonu, i enjoy a lot because his pronounciation was much upto the task. this again does not mean sonu is better than rafi. please donot compare sonu with rafi . they both are very good singers in their own respect. and please do not forget kishor, lata and asha . they all are the gem of indian music. i love rafi and sonu very much but this does not mean i should be emotional to rate one singer very lower than the other. but reading the different quotes of this website, it is seen that many people are trying to rate sonu down which is far from truth. long live both sonu and rafi.
There is no comparison. Sonu can never reach the caliber of Rafi. But then, this does not mean he is not a good singer. The diction, clarity, feeling which Rafi saab brings into a song , not only Sonu, no one can match.
er im confused hussein ji… i was quoting dr medhi saying sonu was better than rafi and replying to it.. i wasnt saying it myself lol
Dr.anjum medhi saheb, Salam,
There is a very popular saying in Hyderabadi launguage, “KIDHAR NIZAM ALI KIDHAR PYAZ KI DALI”. You don’t know the difference between a horse and a donkey. This website belongs to the lovers of Rafi Sahab not to you. I advise you to restraint yourself. Go and create your own website for Sonu Nigam.
Like Mr. Hussein Sheikh said, it is really a rotten joke of the year.
With regards to all Rafi lovers,
Long live rafi sahab,
Dr. Khaja Aliuddin
Post 343: Sonu better than Rafi Saheb!!! Rotten joke of the year.
Dr. anjum medhi
“i have a dvd with me in which there are many songs sung by rafi live, and you cannot imagine how horrible he was singing. a truly versatile singer like sonu , who can sing indian classical , western classical, pop everything with equal ease and sincerity is a pride for our nation. you cannot find in this whole world singer like this.”
Rafi? singing horribly?
Sonu? gem of this world?
First of all i do not want to use bad words to my elders. The fact that you even said those lines shows that you, a doctor are ill yourself.
Rafi is better than quivery sonu, please understand that.
i m a 18 year old guy… and i used to listen to sonu only, but when i heard M.Rafi, i was amazed and shocked! i concluded that sonu copies M.Rafi, that’s it!
M.Rafi is the greatest singer!! No doubt!
That’s it!
Asta la vista!
Sonu is a copycat!
it is amazing ,with the help of web how anybody can criticise one of the greatest singers of this world like sonu nigaam. first learn music, understand the difference between noise and music and listen good musical shows. it was a complete different environment where sonu had to sing the rafi’s songs. the main problem was the scale which was much higher than sonu’s comfort, forget about the small differences he had to adjust in the stage.. even then sonu was singing the songs with same feelings,emotions and he did what ever he could do best with the options left with him. he added some of the murkias by himself which were not in the original songs which is adds to the life in case of a live singing. the small small changes he made was even more unique then before. and please do not bother to compare sonu with rafi as i have listened to all most every song of rafi sung by sonu in lot of sonu’s private albums where sonu and rafi cannot be differentiated at all , except that rafi has a higher range of high scale notes which is quite natural difference between any two singers of this earth. i have a dvd with me in which there are many songs sung by rafi live, and you cannot imagine how horrible he was singing. a truly versatile singer like sonu , who can sing indian classical , western classical, pop everything with equal ease and sincerity is a pride for our nation. you cannot find in this whole world singer like this. please do not criticise a singer like sonu nigaam.
Ref:339
Mr Korti,
I don’t really understand what you are referring to when you say”pseudonyms?” Furthermore, I don’t think you understood the point of my response? It was to illuminate all the points that I believe were overlooked/misunderstood by the writer of this article. Not really a discussion of Rafi and Sonu. As mentioned before, they really cannot be compared. Rafi is one of the greatest ever!
ref post 338
please dont waste your breath and energies, hasan mia. several decades back this is what they said of rafisab. “can there by any competition between the sun and lightworms?”
rafisaab is the shining sun who will provide light to the entire universe while lightworms will twinkle and vanish. let people brag and bask in the deceptive glory of blasting a person called raju korti on some so called social networking site. a horse doesn’t beome a donkey just because people feel so. get my point? and i say this with my original name, not pseudonyms!!
raju korti
You cant really compare Rafi to Sonu Nigam considering the fact the they are from two different eras, which I will discuss.
Firstly, it seems from your discussion of the concert that you perhaps may not have a understanding of composition, styling of compositions and how musicians interpret compositions. The orchestra was obviously well versed in romantic, and modern era of classical music. Bringing that background to the Hindi film music will result in the performance/presentation being more stiff. In my experience of listening to Hindi movie music, the musicians have a certain swing/swagger that helps paint a picture that the singer and composer are displaying. The musicians that were used are not Indian musicians or experienced in Indian music. As a result, will not give you the feel that hindi songs would. I can recall from playing with musicians that are versed in classical and try to play jazz, for example, have difficulty interpreting the notes and rhythm. They tend to be very hardened in their playing.
Consequently, Sonu Nigam’s vocal interpretations a truncated and are limited. Sonu cannot take liberty’s in the way he sings a note, it has to be very precise to how the composition is being played behind him. “…be it depth, dard, range, voice modulation, expression, emotion and what have you…” This is the reason he could not do these things.
But as far as his note choice there were correct to the key and his mood was excellent for the unpliable playing of the orchestra behind him.
As for Sonu Vs. Rafi, is very hard to compare. Sonu is versed in may different types of music. Even when he sings pop songs he does it with better presentation then some other pop singers. Also, Rafi had a different set of composers, music directors, and song writers. Sonu has to deal with sometimes sub par talent. To compare the two is almost impossible. Rafi is one of the greatest, but Sonu has tremendous talent.
iam sorry mr hatim sonu nigam is also a gud singer but u cant compare him with the greatest legend of all time mr muhammad rafi sahab.sonu nigam cant be considered a rafi sahab of today.rafi sahab are beyond of all singer even kishore kumar & mukesh.but i can say kundan lal saigal was the idle of all three leading singer of golden era.
oh just shut da hell up………….sonu is sonu and he is really a true rafi of tofay
Don’t try to compare Sonu with Rafi saab who is incomparable.
Vijay
It was divine experience lisning rafi saheb songs in voice of sonu nigam.
Orchestra wag amazing like original soundtrack.
no controversy about sonu’singing we visualise rafi sahab voice through this attempt by sonu.
I disagree with author’s comments.
I watched the same show in Birmingham. Nigam sang 16 songs literally without a break LIVE with an eighty piece orchestra. He was humble and generous in his tributes to Rafi saab.
His singing was definitely not below par. After all he was trying to emulate the great Rafi. Many a singer has tried and fallen on his sword, Nigam comes the closest! At least he sings in SUR, unlike the shabbir and Munnas before him.
shrikant
dekh sonu u rokkz everytime insab log ki baaton me mat aana da whol hyderabad waz only vit word sonu on dat day best of luck gud bye agar mujhse koi baat karni hoo to call me @ 9985588623
But for the Orchestra ,the whole performance(of Sonu Nigam ) was very poor.Sonu Nigam did not sing like Sonu Nigam.Seems lack of exposure to do stage performance along with a wonderfully conducted 75 piece orchestra .
its great to see passionate people debating on there view points. its shows nothing but love for both the artists and above all music. anyway if any one wants a dvd of the show rafi resurrected shown on sony tv, i know a company which can courier it too you. they charge of course. the dvd cost plus the courier charge. happy listenning
it is not about comapring a greatness of two legends. it is more like when one legend presents the work of other, then it becomes his moral responsability to present that in exactly the same manner withiout bringing any change in the original notes or rythm. Md. Rafi has been a role modle of many legends and thus this becomes all the more important to those who have been his followers at some point of time of thier career.
Sonu has changed himself for his own good but i think he cannot change those things which has been once created by great Md. Rafi.
Hi fans,
there many who never saw Pele playing football but they say Pela is better than Maradona ,and today there are many who never saw maradona playing but they say Messi is better than maradona,I hope you all understand what I mean
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hHhaHSaTlQ&feature=related….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
Hi fans,
Please stop to compare……….I want to say what said By Mohd Aziz, mohd Aziz said that me and lata ji doing a programm but Lata ji was not feeling well so they was thinking to cancel the programs but they agree that lata ji will sing only one or two songs and I will sings,As said Mohd Aziz when he finish the song people said once more as the said Mohd Aziz and he sang for 3 hours and Lata Ji said if today we got Mohd rafi with us.
Sonu is great singer today and will be but who try to compare him with Mohd rafi they are mostly so young.
Please don’t compare jest write about the greatness of both as I like to say about Mohd Rafi.Mohd Rafi is history of Bollywood music people like Naushad ali ,madan mohan,OP Nayar who themself are great they feel they are because of mohd Rafi or there music hit because of Mohd rafi..
who can give me one actor name who can say as said Shammi Kapoor if there was no Mohd rafi there was no Shammi Kapoor.as we all know that Shammi Kapoor was one of top actor in his time..
Who is the music director who can say as said by Madan Mohan I should not be pay when Mohd rafi sing for me because it is mohd rafi voice magic which make song hit not my music…..and many more said for mohd Rafi
There is one Sachin Tendulkar in cricket but when ever there a good player he will be compare with Sachin Tendulkar because Sachin Tendulkar is the best and Mohd Rafi will be remember when ever there is good singer and Mohd Rafi and Sachin Tendulkar not to be compare
the guys who have criticized sonu nigam do not know anything about music.who r they to comment on him?they r just kids and sonu is a legend.and he does’nt care of these comments.he just love n admire music.i m a big fan of sonu and rafi saab.i dont compare them.they both r unique.
Absolutely agree with it. Sonu was such a let down, his singing was pedestrian, nowhere near the Legend Rafi Sahab. He should have worked harder for it, of course he could have never been able to attain that level, but then there is something called honest effort, which he clearly seemed to be lacking.
About “AN EVENING IN LONDON”
1. With regrets i want to say that the night in memory of RAFI SAHEB was not upto the level expected by the millions of fans of Rafi saheb.
2. Singing of HONB’LE SONU NIGAM & Gunjan was not from the bottom of their heart.
3. Singers forgot that they are performing in a tribute program of RAFI SAHEB. they performed like an ordinary orchestra singers.
4. the glimpse of rafi saheb picture was even not available for us.
5. I respect SONU NIGAM for his singing and doesn’t have any doubt on his capabilities of singing but on that auspicious day singing was at the bottom of its level.
6. Voice and music was very different from the original ones therefore were not able to create that feel in the hearts of fans.
7. Nothing was told about RAFI SAHEB by any of the personalities on stage therefore this program was not looking like a tribute to rafi saheb and was looking like a personal show of SONU NIGAM.
-SANJEEV DIXIT
LUCKNOW(UP)
Mehboob Chavan, who is he? he is not even 1 percent of sonu. Forget comparing him to Rafi!! Sonu is today’s legend….Rafi is God….
post 321 : Please write with your address to my e.mail id. binus2000@hotmail.com
binu nair
Where can I buy the live DVD of Sonu Nigam that he gave in London.
Sent your anser to the above mentioned address.
Thankx.
I don’t understand……wat these…people r talking…..singing 20 songs of rafi live on stage….in some another country is not easy……!
according to me all songs were awesome…!!!
No one has ever done or given tribute to someone like this….Mohammad Rafi is Sonu’s “Musical Father”…..he has grown up by listening & singing his songs….!
Hello Ramachandran, what makes you think that Rafi’s songs are slow? Rafi and Lata are the only two singers who have been able to give correct meaning to fast songs in hindi film industry. The transisions used by these two singers is unique and phenomenal (Actually Begam Akthar should also be credited as the style used by Rafi / Lata for note transitions and fast pace is probably derived from hers, knowingly or unknowingly)
E.g. Ramiya Vasta Vaiya, Vande Mataram, chahe koi mujhe junglee kahe, kanton se kheench ke ye aanchal … and many many more.
Sonu better than Rafi ??????????????????????/
I am shocked to see one of the previous comments say that Sonu is far better than Rafi……..come on , you may have a different opinion, but this is really insulting to Rafi’s talent and the legacy he has left for us…how can one say that Sonu is better than rafi…Ananda has said that Rafi was popular when there was no competition….well there were many..kishore , mukesh , hemant kumar , mahendra kapoor , talat mahmood etc….dont you think that this is competition…..
Sonu also became popular at the time when ppl were gettig bored with Kumar Sanu and were looking for a fresh voice..there was no competition form him except Udit…when the new singers like Shann , KK , and others emerged , Sonu is sliding down already
To Mr D Khanna:
This Mehboob Chohan guy is not versatile. In fact, the singer that comes closest to Mohd. Rafi’s versatility today is Sonu Nigam. If you don’t believe me, check out his songs.
Even if Mehboob was promoted more, I don’t think he will go very far because he’s stuck in one genre of singing whereas the contestants on today’s talent shows are so diverse in their abilities. They will sing everything from classical to sufi, arabic and western fusion, pop, romance.. sonu can sing all these types of songs and even more. in fact, he’s prob the only singer that can pull off indi rock!! Yeh bekhudi, Yeh dil and Deewana tera are a few of his good rock-type songs. So I hope you see how Sonu is unique and built his own place in the industry other than being a copy of someone else.
When it comes down to the basics:
Mohd. Rafi Saab >>> Sonu Niigaam >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Mehboob Chohan
(The number of ‘>’ indicates where they fall on the scale)
I hope you realize that ek genre mein gaa ke career nahin banta. Sonu is where he is today because of his versatility, just as Mohd. Rafi was the legend (and still is!) because of versatility. The selection of songs that Mehboob chose to sing didn’t reflect versatility. Good day to you sir.
TO HAROLD: Please do not lose your temper. You have the right to admire Rafi and I have the right to consider Sonu as far better than Rafi (though I also love Rafi’s songs and his voice) but I maintain that Rafi would not be able to sing Sonu’s songs as well as Sonu. You may disagree with me, but you need to keep your temper and stop barking.
I was comparing Rafi only to male singers (and not Lata) and also explaining that it is much more difficult to face competition which is fierce as many more indians have the possibility to make themselves famous today through the media and nobody today can any longer prevent new talented singers in India to express themselves and compete…
May be you believe that you are an expert, but that’s your right too and you can buy the old CDs of Rafi but I hope that they would change your mood as up to now you do not seem to have not been successful.
Rafi saab is just the best thats it, when i watched sonu’s tribute to rafi on sony tv it was like he was in a hurry, it was nothing like a tribute to the greatest singer of bollywood, the likes of udit narayan, shabbir kumar could have done this tribute also.
i saw another tribute to mohd rafi concert with the cbso but on youtube, it was performed by Mehboob Chohan it was absolutely wonderfull & after visting his youtube channel page and personal website i found out that he is the student of Mohd Rafi & SJ and i was absolutely delighted to see many rare photographs of my idol Mohd Rafi in his site. Mehboob has sung in bollywood and lollywood, i must say his voice is the closest to rafi saab i have ever come across, i cant beleive i’m saying this but its true. This mehboob chohan needs to be promoted more as he has very good talent and he is a very lucky person to have been taught by the one and only mohd rafi.
Ananda wrote: Sonu is a far better singer than Rafi
I ask Ananda, are you crazy??? Sonu better than Rafi? I think even Sonu will disagree with you on this.
Ananda wrote: Rafi was popular in the days where there was almost no competition among indian singers whereas Sonu can wisthstand all the other indian singers and still be praised by many many of us.
I almost fell down from my chair reading this stupid argument.
No competition? Do I have to remind you of Lata, Mukesh, KK, Manna Dey and Talat etc etc etc???
Whats Sonu’s competition? Kailash Kher? Shaan? Shankar Mahadevan? Do you want to compare them with the legends I already named?
When I read that people are so disappointed, I finally come to the conclusion that Sonu really brings passion and that many of us would have wished to have his melodious voice.
Though I do not believe that Sonu should have sung with the European Symphony (which, as I mentioned previously, is fantastic for European Classical music), he has been brilliant. Sonu is a far better singer than Rafi and I am not sure that Rafi could have sung Sonu’s songs as well as Sonu. So we should not expect Sonu to provide the same interpretation as Rafi. Rafi is Rafi and Sonu is Sonu. Rafi was popular in the days where there was almost no competition among indian singers whereas Sonu can wisthstand all the other indian singers and still be praised by many many of us.
Those nostalgic people who still wish to hear only Rafi can buy his old CDs in Southall.
Okay, this mehboob chohan guy is NOT that great. only his voice is kinda nice.. he runs out of breath and has to breathe at inappropriate times of the lyrics.. plus he’s inaudible at times. If he’s so good, why don’t you hear him singing any original compositions..only the one Mohd. Rafi tribute concert. Don’t compare to Sonu who is so versatile and has hundreds of his own original songs under his belt. Let’s try to imagine this Mehboob guy sing tera jadoo chal gaya, mera rang de, satrangi re, phir milenge chalte chalte..I bet you he couldn’t sing mera rang de basanti – he would prob be out of breath but watch sonu sing it live on youtube. that is called TALENT.
So you can go on and on about how mehboob’s voice was closer to Rafi’s but Sonu has his own voice and ten times more talent than Mehboob. Let’s think about it realistically – if AR Rahman had approached Mehboob Chohan to sing Satrangi Re? :S LOL!!
I thought I’d also mention that it’s much easier to copy songs than conceptualize your own melodies so singing the original is always the most difficult and kudos to Mohd. Rafi for his legendary contribution to the world of music.. I think Mehboob lacks the creative ability to come up with his own melodies so he hasn’t had a big break in his career – otherwise you’d think he would be better known?? This is the first time I’m hearing about him..
i saw sonu nigham on youtube and agree with Jay it was not what I expected
I also saw a Mohd rafi tribute concert with cbso on youtube with singer mehboob chohan it was absolutely beautiful. Rafi saab yaad agaye.
I saw the concert on DVD and it was not what I expected. Nigam’s voice was no way near Rafi. I do not think anyone can copy his voice. Rafi was a legend. Only he can copy his own voice.
The comparison between Sonu and Rafi Saheb is meaningless. There is in fact No comparison as far as singing is concerned.
The World has yet to find some one who is close enough to Rafi Saheb’s unique and Godly voice for a comparison.
Sonu Nigam is good and an exciting singer. It is unfair that he is criticised for NOT a very good performance despite a 75 piece orchestra. It would have been more enjoyable if the Orchestra and Sonu had performed seperately.
Sohail Butt
Singing in Recording room is different than singing in concert .
Recording is done in pieces whereas in concert singer has to sing whole song
with performance adjusting speed of the orcherstra.
That’s why we get disappointment.
I would say not to compare Sonu and Rafi, Both are good. And neither Sonu can sing like Rafi and Rafi can sing like Sonu. By all means Rafi is simply a legend and I don’t think Sonu can be put in that rank. But Sonu has a good voice. The intrumental quality, sound engineering is not that good in Rafi’s time as of now.
Nothing is comparable, and each one has its quality. The scale depends on one’s view, experience and feeling.
the songs in original are slower, more melodious
sonu has technically good voice but not slow and melodious as in original
it doesnt flow, its too abrupt
too much 1234
english can never have the intracacies in the fingers as indian musicians.
take it from a good singer, i know what im talking about
the depth and richness in orginal slow songs with difficult notes of indian orchestra can never be the same with goras
sorry
they dont have it in their blood
baharon phul barsao is slower in original and slow is always harder to sing
the dadra rhythm was missing here
english food and culture and love is not as rich as indian
and that goes for the music too
the first rafi concert in birmingham in 2006 was much better, less boring
with the variety of singers
shin (DCS), silinder pardesi, sameera singh (voice of Lata), and meheboob chauhaan
a shame the orchestra didnt allow that to be filmed
I’m not asking Sonu to sing like Rafi. All I wanted was *TONAL QUALITY* and expression of emotions that doesn’t appear so artificial.
I consider Sonu Nigam as one of the best singers for non-classical songs. I was disappointed by the concert not because of his voice but because of the British Orchestra, which though really excellent, is not suitable for Indian music. I love European Orchestra for Mozart, Bethoven, Brahms etc. but Sonu should have simply been accompanied by harmonium, tabla, sitar…He would then have had the appropriate pace, depth, melody and emotion that are required to sing Rafi’s song.
I believe that the comments on Sonu’s voice are unfair and that we should not expect him to sing Rafi like Rafi as he is Sonu and can have his own interpretation of these songs with his melodious voice. The fiasco is due to the mixture of indian music with european orchestra (East is East and West is West…). I would like to see Sonu again in London but this time accompanied by Indian musicians.
There has been an unnecessary hue & cry and eventually it has almost led to be an unending issue of Sonu Nigam performing live at the Albert Hall – Resurrecting Rafi
In this respect I personally feel that Mr Sonu Nigam by virtue of his smart & lovely voice has indeed made an all round effort in presenting the show to the best of his ability & caliber. No where it was ever felt that Sonu Nigam had any intensions of copying the legendary voice of Mohammed Rafi
In fact it was an earnest effort on the part of Sonu Nigam to present a floral bouquet in the everlasting memory of our beloved King of Melody – Mohammed Rafi
Comparison & criticism of any nature especially when it is connected with the Pure Art of Music should at all levels should be condemned & avoided by one & all of us who are indeed the true admirers & lovers of Music
The music industry by & large has given us several greats in the form of K L Saigal, Mukesh, Talat Mahmood, Hemant Kumar, Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey, Mahendra Kapoor, the Mangeshkar sisters, Geeta Dutt in the yester years and presently singers like Suresh Wadkar, Udit Narayan, Abhijeet, Kher, Sonu Nigam and all other contemporary male & female singers who have over the years proved their class, versatility & quality. The overall range & voice structure of all these greats has definitely varied from person to personality but one common factor in all these greats was & will be their immense hard work & contribution to the world of music which can never ever be forgotten
As an ardent admirer of the greatest Mohammed Rafi I personally feel that any comparison between & amongst the singers/performers at the overall cost of MUSIC should never be entertained & encouraged amongst any level and at any point of time
Lastly this is an earnest appeal & request to all the innumerable fans & admirers of Mohammed Rafi & Sonu Nigam to please stop & put an end to this issue and to be united mainly since we all belong to a common country where such GREATS are born!!!
I do agree with Syed. Sonu is a great singer and I love the way he sang. Also I can admit this statement that no one else can sings rafi sahebs songs as best as the sonu sings.
Hello All,
I saw so many comments about this whole concert and I feel we all talking something but not coming to the point. Before I go back to my comments I previously made I want to make few things very clear.
1. Right now Sonu Nigham is the best singer around .
2. Aziz, Udit Narayan or anybody else would have performed in their own way and also they might not have some important touches which were required to make it a concert according to the attribution.
3. Sonu Nigham was the best choice to do it. because he has the kind of voice suited to The Legend Mohammad Rafi’s singing.
I think I have made it quite clear that Sonu Nigham is actually the best singer around with all kind of voice weapons to conquer any singing peak. He understands singing too much well and have a very kind of in depth base to bring out all kind of emotions to express lyrics in a balanced voice.
Sonu doesnt need to prove his love and respect for Mohammad Rafi because it is well recognized fact. And nobody is objecting it.
He has been performing lively all over the world and he never forgets to sing Rafi song anywhere. So he is not like us to prepare song for two months and then sing. Yes its a quite a big job to sing so many songs in a one go. but one should understand he is on that level where he has done this thing many times..
Nobody expects him to be Rafi because all have their own identity and their own reputation. He sings Rafi songs doesnt make him to be carbon copy of Rafi even he somehow sings exactly in the same voice .. because he has already his own identity .. His many songs are the proof of his elegance and very unique style in singing.
When we say there can not be any Rafi then it is actually meant the same but it doesnt mean that we expect somebody to be Rafi as nobody can be. Just as nobody can be Sonu Nigham.
But I feel this thing too much naive and too much lack of understanding of music and singing when somebody says that Mohammad Rafi would not have been able to sing the songs sung by somebody else . I just want to state this much right from 1940 till 1987 (including period after his death) is there anybody who actually could maintain his elite class and stardom like Rafi. The answer is no. we can pick any kind of style , any kind of emotion, any kind of music, we can not find even one who has this kind of perfection and handsomeness in singing. I would say yes definitely he would not have sung like them but would have sung better because of the kind of voice he had would have made it much better. He was the only singer in india who kept on singing for such a long time and remained in the front line.
I certainly believe that now everybody knows that we are no making comparison between Rafi and any other Singer and we don’t expect anybody to be Rafi .
Now in the previous comments I said all the time Sonu Nigham is much better singer than what he has performed in the concert. There are so many concerts in which he has performed lively all over the world but the standard of his performance in this particular concert was not up to the mark as he was supposed to perform better because HE IS RECOGNIZED FOR HIS GREAT LOVE AND RESPECT FOR MOHAMMAD RAFI. Who says that we expect him to sing like Rafi or be a Rafi.. No never .. We only expected him to sing the same way as he normally sang his songs before , not once , not twice rather he sang them unlimited times ..
My conclusion is Sonu Nigham is master of singing and have much better knowledge than whatever we are discussing here. We being the spectators are making many comments which are making this discussion as comparison between them which is wrong..Sonu Nigham is the King of the Kingdom of Singing which is part of the empire whose emperor is Mohammad Rafi. and we are spectators in this empire of singing. I love them both. but one last sentence Sonu Nigham needs to maintain his Kingdom intact and I know he will do it as he knows better what he did in the concert. I remember nobody said anything before this concert anything about Sonu Nigham as all were satisfied that he is the only choice to perform this level of singing. and He always proved it and never got any critical comment specially on singing Mohd Rafi songs.
Why we expect him to sing better because we love his singing. This is not cricket by chance . Its singing .
Thank you
Syed Mohsin Mahmood
Shenzhen China
smmhussain@hotmail.com
smohsin.mahmood@gmail.com
so correction: 90′s **love** songs ..not live songs
@ GREATSINGER,
I don’t think you’re considering the technicality difference between singers. You say that Mohd. Aziz or Udit Narayan would’ve been more suitable to do this tribute based on voice and Sonu’s voice is too “hip and trendy”?? I’m sorry but I beg to differ – I didn’t find Sonu’s voice hip and trendy in this performance but I must admit, it isn’t the same voice as he used to sing Rafi’s cover albums with..it used to be more Rafi-like back then. I’m actually glad he discovered his own voice. With his own awaaz, he has made his own identity..otherwise people would’ve passed him off as a singer that has a voice reminscent of Rafi but now he’s established himself as a unique individual. Sure, this change in voice was probably not the most favorable when it came to this concert since Rafi has a deeper tone.. but I respect that Sonu has carved his own niche in playback singing and in our hearts.
As for Udit Narayan, sure he might have a nice voice but I find his gayaki is not so impressive..he sounds great in typical 90′s live songs because they don’t require challenging harkats..Udit struggles with jumping notes when performing relatively easy songs at his own concerts and seems to be out of breath..I don’t think he could pull off ‘dil ke jharoke mein’ and many of the other songs as half as well as sonu did, no offense. You have your opinion, but I’m sure many Sonu fans who are aware of his vast capabilities will agree that Udit’s command of sur is quite inferior compared to Sonu. This may not be so apparent when comparing bollywood songs since playback these days is pretty easy but compare their live singing and sonu always comes on top in terms of range, effortlessness, maintaining notes, soul and adding beautiful variations so naturally.. also he sings the most amazing alaaps and murkiya live which I’ve never heard Udit do.
Mohd. Aziz may be well suited for this.. I don’t know too much about him so I can’t comment.
But all in all, I think Sonu was most suitable for this since he absolutely LOVES “his Rafi sahib.” He worships Rafi a lot and I think that’s what made this concert very special; it came straight from his heart.
A few corrections to my last post:
(1) I was naive back then but I am still very naive today lol. There’s always a lot of room to learn. But I’m a little less naive in comparing the quality of past singers to today’s singers. Nevertheless, that is just my judgment and opinion. Iif you feel otherwise that’s perfectly cool.
(2) I meant to write…”thought even Mohammed Rafi could emulate those songs (because Udit’s orig…” I meant to write I thought even Rafi could ***NOT*** emulate
Reena,
I commend you for your thoughtful consideration of Sonu Nigam. There’s only one point that you made that I myself can partially agree with: time constraints. I don’t know how much preparation / rehearsal time Sonu got but but that is indeed an important aspect to consider when judging a live performance. This is true under any circumstances even if…the songs Sonu Nigam performed were not new to him but something he grew up as a child listening to. Remember, Sonu used to release cover albums of Mohammed Rafi’s songs. If Mohammed Rafi had to morph into the future and sing Sonu’s songs, he wouldn’t have the same advantage Sonu did.
Not a long time ago I was somewhat naive. I grew up with Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, and Kumar Sanu. Before exploring Rafi, some of my favorite songs were “Mehndi Laga Ke Rakhna” and “Meri Mehbooba” from Pardes. Growing up with these songs they became my “standards”. I thought even Mohammed Rafi could emulate those songs (because Udit’s original was already preset in my head as 100 and I was just too naive to imagine Rafi’s rendition). I look at my feelings today and laugh at myself. So where am I going with this?
You, just like me, have set the original Sonu songs as 100 and can’t imagine something beyond the original (which defines itself what it is). But I assure you, if Rafi did morph into the future, with some time to adjust to the new times (it’d be a 28 year jump – consider the shock), he would indeed sing Sonu’s songs better. I’ll tell you.
Rafi had much better tonal quality than Sonu. Sonu’s voice is very syrupy and drowns in the music. Rafi’s voice is not necessary heavily but the tone is very strong and clear and that has a resounding, vibrant effect on the singer’s years. Main Jat Yamla Pagla Deewana comes immediately to mind.
Rafi’s expression of emotions seemed more natural and less artificial. When Sonu expresses emotions (especially in the Rafi songs) they feel artificial and very acted out. With Rafi, it is credible and appears more genuine and coming from the heart. I know this is subjective but that’s how I feel.
Remember, Mohammed Rafi was a singer who adapted to 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s (contrary to popular belief), and 1980. How many decades is that? How many genres did this man sing in and master – even within the same film! How many different actors and situations? This guy was the epitome of versatility. I can assure you if he adapted like that in his time – he would adapt to the 2008 music too.
HOWEVER – in fairness, Rafi would have one serious problem in 2008. This is something that Sonu deserves credit for. The composers of 2008 are such garbage that the songs wouldn’t be worthy of Rafi singing. Reminds me of Rafi & Kishore in “Nothing Is Impossible”. Two *great* singers and one horrible song that was so bad even the singers couldn’t salvage.
Sonu was lacking in terms of tonal quality and natural expression of emotions. I commend him for his efforts. Nevertheless, I wanted the people of Britain to know what the big deal was – because this was a BIG DEAL. Mohammed Rafi could easily contend to be one of the greatest singers in the world. His voice had magic. With Sonu’s performance, the audience probably didn’t get to understand that. But I do commend the orchestra for their state of the art ressurection of the works of the great MDs who deserve equal credit for Rafi’s success. They did justice to the great compositions Rafi got to sing. I think the Orchestra for having this program as I did appreciate it. I myself would love to buy CDs of the orchestra alone.
Yes Binuji..completely agreed..those songs are evergreen and will remain so forever..Sonuji has also sung similar gems..they havent gotten the mileage they deserve coz very few people appreciate such music these days..When every musician in this era is happy with commercial music and with the money that is lavishly coming to them, Sonuji wants to make good music irrespective of whether it brings him personal benefits or not..Try listening to Tujh Sang Bandhi Dor from Dev, Baawri Piya Ki From Baabul, Piya Bole and Bhaee Bhor from Dharm and most importantly, the entire album Classically Mild which he released in Feb this year!! Speaks truck loads about him as a musician! Some other gems of his, which are brilliant but got ignored are Tu Mila De from Saawan the Love Season, Desh Ki Mitti from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose,Do Kadam aur Sahi from Meenaxi,Soona Mann Ka Aangan from Parineeta,Rashtra Prem Ki Bhavna, his own creation,Sarfaroshi KI Tamanna and Mera Rang de basanti chola from Legend of Bhagat Singh,Yesterday was Tomorrow from his album Mausam and so on..not mentioning the songs which became hits coz u all obviously know them..:-)..
Oh yeah Reena, the song Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte from Rab ne Bana Di Jodi is a real treat..even I thoroughly enjoyed it..what a glorious tribute to the maestros of yester years!!
a song which carries tons of “feelings” will remain evergreen and remember for decades. and songs which have feelings and classical base will go on for many centuries. we have seen this and i hope no one will “dis-agree with this opinion. baiju – bawra, basant bahar, shankara bharanam, gaanam and many more instantly come to the mind. music lovers may add few more songs/films to the list.
binu nair, rafi foundation, mumbai , cell : 9833 250 701, binus2000@hotmail.com
Every singer is different and we should not expect Sonu to be a Mohd. Rafi replica because that isn’t possible. Neverthless, the singing was very good – perhaps a tad off in places but of course there’s going to be small differences… this is Rafi ji we’re talking about!! Still Sonu is the closest we can get with today’s singers.
This might enrage some Rafi puritans but I’m just going to present a hypothetical situation:
Imagine if the situation was switched around and Rafiji was alive and paying tribute to Sonu by singing some of his songs that had challenges in vocalization and extremely soulful singing – 20 songs such as: bawri piya ki, mera rang de basanti, satrangi re, sun zara, tanhayee, tera jadoo chal gaya, apne, yaar magyasi, kismat se tum humko, deewana tera, etc… there are many other songs I could probably name. But imagine Rafi singing that all in one go with maybe a couple days rehearsal with the band. Now there will obviously be deviations from the original because:
A) They come from singing different styles – Rafi will probably not be able to completely capture the essence of a contemporary song like halka halka sa yeh sama in the same respect that Sonu had a little difficulty capturing the essence of Rafi’s classics. Still he sounded very somber in the sad songs and energetic in chahe koi mujhe junglee kahe. whoever says that there wasn’t heart in the performance, either you were wearing earmuffs or had preconceived notions/very high expectations or simply have something against Sonu.
B) Rafi sahib (all respects go out to him..may his soul rest in peace) is not Sonu in the same way as Sonu is not Rafi. THEY’RE TWO DIFFERENT SINGERS from different eras!
C) The time contraints for preparation.. is there a need to elaborate?
D) Singing for that long is exhausting so small occasional errors in sur are forgivable. Even Rafi himself sounded a little different singing his songs live when compared to his records.
Now I’m sure if such a situation occured and Rafi ji deviated a little from Sonu’s singing, you critics out there would maybe harp: “there’s not the same spirit” “the sur in rang de basanti was off” “some harkatein weren’t executed the same as Sonu in satrangi re” No duhh..each singer is accustomed to singing in their own style, has their own strengths/weakenesses, different voice texture. Let’s just be appreciative that Sonu is making an honest attempt !
I hope I’ve made myself clear.
This comparison to the ‘original’ is really illogical considering the great legend Rafi sahib was. But in a few decades, we’ll be hailing Sonu Niigaam as a legend too, especially if he continues to surprise us with his talent in albums like ‘classically mild’ that truly belong to a completely new genre of music. Both are great musical maestros in their own unique way so DON’T COMPARE.
On another note, have you all heard the song ‘Phir milenge chalte chalte’ from Rab ne bana di jodi yet? It’s an amazing fusion of modern and retro classics from the 50′s – 80′s sung by Sonu and pays tribute to 5 legends of Indian cinema. Just felt like throwing that out there because I enjoyed it immensely and had lots of fun trying to figure out which movies the lyrics were from..
i feel sonu did a great job & he is the only singer in todays generation who actually pays a lot a tribute his idol….He is the one who is introducing the great work of rafi saab to this generation….He considers rafi saab as his god…Lets not be too critical by comparing them when sonu himself says that rafi saab is incomparable….
I love one old song of kishore kumar ‘ Suhana sufar aur Mohamad rafi’ ,
what is the film name ?
Mr. Ramchandran, You seemed to have missed the point. Sonu Nigam was not trying to reproduce Mohd. Rafi’s songs. This was “classical remixâ€, for lack of a better word, of some of the evergreen Rafi songs. He was singing with a metronome. The tempo of the song is totally dependent on the pulse of the metronome. Sonu did a wonderful job to keep up with that tempo and at the same time preserve the timeless beauty of the compositions. If you want to hear it exactly as Rafi sang then you should listen to the original CDs.
sonu ji’s performance was gr8………he sang as good as original…………sonuji rocks…he is the only singer who can match the level of gr8 m.raffi & kishor kumar……………….so pls don’t say that sonu ji was not good………..
rightly said binuji…
Well, I think Sonu Nigam has matured greatly as a singer over the years. I have seen the entire program(RAFI RESSURECTED) and in my opinion, he has sung those songs excellently. No other singer(in my opinion) currently in Bollywood, can sing Rafi songs with such accuracy that too in a live performance. However I do agree with Mr. Ramachandran on the fact that the orchestra was brilliant. Yes they were amazing to watch. I am Sonu’s greatest fan. Yet I won’t say that he is the greatest. He is definitely one of the best singers the World has ever seen but cannot be compared to either Md. Rafi or Kishore Kumar as each of their style is different.
Yes this is understandable all singers have their fan club and they are rated by them the best . Comparison can never be done. But there is always level of singing and this game of making comparison of great singers will never be finished. It is just like there are many great players in Indian cricket team and all have their fan club. But does it mean we should not respect the position of Tendulkar as nobody comes near to him if we really make a comparison.. Rafi’s place in singing is like Ghalib’s place in poetry, and you may find many other poets but Ghalib is Ghalib. thats why Ghalib is still shining and other you can see where they are.
The absence of Mohd Rafi from singing gave many the opportunity to shine. I dont know why people have short memories.
Shyama saab . every singer do have his place, his fan club , his qualities .. I agree with you no one is crap. Kishor had wonderful voice and same is about the others you mentioned. I believe I have a very good collection of Mukesh, Kishore, Talat, Sonu and I have been listening all of them . they all do justice to their singing and sang marvelously well..
Its not comparison as you think , as there can never be any comparison as all are from different league of singing. But I don’t feel any reservation in saying that without Rafi the singing in India is like son without father. You need to understand the colors, the rhythms, the moods, the pitches, the raags, surs, taal, which you can find in Rafi singing in plenty whereas in other you need to identify after listening them carefully and I am sorry to state you may not find many.
Now Sonu Nigham. Nobody says Sonu Nigham is not a good singer . He is right now the best singer in India he has the variation of such singing that he can attempt all kind of songs. Like 13 years back and now I feel over the years he has somehow developed his voice on a pitch which is now disturbing his adjustment to different songs. He is well recognized for his love for Rafi and he has done great deal for this factor. And all rafians place him very high but in this whole commentary we are only saying this much he sang these songs below even his own standards. and this is hardcore truth. When we say we do not mean the comparison rather it was expected that he would sing very well which was not the case ..
Just for the information of Sid, Mainsh and Shyama please go to you tube and find Mehboob Chohan , he also performed one month earlier than Sonu Nigham in the same hall. you will find Sonu Nigham songs for this program recorded from Sony and uploaded on youtube and you will find Mehboob Chohan songs recorded by normal video handycam and uploaded on you tube. Both programs are live but in Sonu Nigham’s live performance orchestra is better whereas in Mehboob Chohan performance orchestra is not so much good. Just go on you tube and see by yourselves.. may be then you all can understand what we all are saying ..
It is not bad to identify what is good and what is worst actually it is bad not to accept the levels of good or levels of bad. We need open hearts and open minds for positive criticism and constructive opinions. All arguments need logics and base. To make words to support words mean nothing. Rafi is most widely listened singer on you tube worldwide from all who sang from 1942 to 1987.
Thank you
Mohsin
Shenzhen
Post 285 : people have heard the original tunes many hundred times and this has registered in their minds. any change, they would rare-ly welcome.
Please understand that this event with symphony was a “bold experimentation” and any singer would have had to face great hurdles while belting the numbers. even during the recordings of the songs its reported that sonu had great difficulties. it would not have been there if indian instruments were used, similar to the originals. people with open minds and no blinkers – loved the programme. this includes youngsters as well whom i talked to. this is an encouraging sign, we feel.
binu nair.
I went to the Rafi Ressurected concert on Monday at Birmingham Symphony Hall and to be honest, Sonu Niigaam, as damn good a singer he is, he was not the best person to belt out Rafi tracks.
Sonu’s voice is far too ‘hip and trendy’ – Mohammed Rafi had a mature, velvet voice. Someone like Mohammed Aziz or even Udit Narayan would have been the better singers to pull off Rafi tracks.
Sonu sang one track in monotone, he struggled with Tareef Karun Kya Uski & Dil ke Jharoke Mein, Gunjan was not bad but not worthy of being there either, and too many tracks were sad depressing songs! I mean, start off the concert off-beat please. Concert started at 07:45 and were done by 10:30 – seemed quite quick.
When Sonu spoke, he mumbled or was partly-understandable although you could understand him when he sung.
It was a nice evening out but only the orchestra were in tune and damn good.
very true shyama di…sonuji has always tried to serve to music with no selfish interests…it is only sonuji in today’s date who is actually taking steps to control the deteriorating music scenario…and i believe every music lover should support him in this cause…and he has proved his point by making ‘classically mild’ which was a hit in india as well as in abroad…may he keep doing such efforts in future as well and may god be always with him in his noble doings..
Thanks Binuji..I think this whole debate that happened here was not called for..coz it started from a nonsensical comparison..u cant compare the musicians from two different generations..because music has evolved and the singers have to evolve too with it..A singer of the 21st century will not get any work if he remains stuck up in the 1950s..Rafi Saab is Sonuji’s musical father and Sonuji himself says that the son can never match the father..and the younger generation considers Sonuji their musical father..the cycle will thus go on..Sonuji deserves respect simply because he is making a genuine effort to make good music and save the deteriorating music scene..if u guys have heard his album Classically Mild, it was one which Pandit Jasraj ji and Lata Mangeshkarji called him up personally to praise him for..thru albums like Classically Mild and Rafi Resurrected, he is trying to prove to India that even good music can sell if packaged properly..if second grade artists are succeeding in India, it is only because they are being drastically promoted by the media..he is trying to break the jinx on the music industry and use his popularity to make good music sell..he has no personal gain in this..its for music..coz he is a sincere musician..and I am sure Rafi Saab is really really proud of him for it..Bless him guys, so that he can keep up his good efforts..for the sake of music
Dear Friends,
I am also a great fan of Rafi Saab. Till date I have not heard any playback singer who can be compared with Rafi Saab.
I am searching a volume “Shabads & Devotional sung by Mohmmed Rafi”. It is Sikh devotional. Can any Rafi’s fan help me for the same?
Regards
Jasbindersingh
post 280 : Shyama : well said. indian music is the oldest, its 4000 years old. every decade will throw up its music heroes, the laws of social change is universal.
may i tell all that we love mohd rafi as our idol and rafi ji’s output of songs can only be matched in patches by many singers. the singers whose names you have mentioned have all given us “great music” – never a doubt about it. i enjoy some of their songs too. no doubt about it.
and we also disapprove kishore kumar fans mischievously entering this portal and trying to compare with mohd rafi and adding that both were equal. we strongly disapprove of this.
let each one enjoy his idol singers music output and feel good about it without disturbing anyone.
binu nair, rafi foundation, mumbai…..
There is something I want u guys to understand..U guys consider Rafi Saab as 100% and every other singer as a lesser percentage..similarly, another group of people will vouch the same for Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle, Sonu Niigaam or Udit Narayan..every fan or devotee considers his idol as 100% and everyone else as inferior..thats human idiocy..worship ur idol all u want, but donot degrade other artists..every artist has his/her own identity, his/her own strengths and his/her own weaknesses..more appropriately, his/her own USP..and the USP makes them special..Rafi Saab’s USP appeals to u, Sonuji and many others..thats why he is ur Idol…No doubt Rafi Saab was a gem..is a gem I should say and will remain one..but that doesnt mean that Kishore Kumar was crap..He had his own specialities. and noone else could match Kishore da at what he was good at..similarly for Lataji, Ashaji, Sonuji, Uditji, Hariharanji, Shankar Mahadevanji,Sukhvinder Singhji, Shreya Ghoshalji, Sunidhi Chauhanji and so on..These singers have made a mark in the industry because there is something special about them which caught the attention of people..respect them for it..Respect anyone who serves music..never throw stones at them,call them horrible or degrade them..u can have ur opinion of course..But donot voice such harsh opinions about other artists on public forums..because it hurts sentiments,simply because an artist puts his heart and soul into his music..Donot throw negativity at him/her..constructive criticism helps an artist to learn and improve..when it comes from knowledgable people..but there was nothing constructive about most of the comments voiced on this forum..it was all negativity..and I dont think anyone here can claim to have more knowledge about music than Sonuji..u guys are just music lovers..Sonuji is a musician..he is swimming in the ocean whereas u guys are staying on the shore and watching the scene..
Music is bigger than any artist guys..music is God’s language and speaks in the fourth dimension..donot equate Rafi Saab to music..coz there is much more to it..Rafi Saab was just an honest artist who served music sincerely all his life..and Sonuji is just that..look at Sonuji for one second as a music lover and not as a Rafi Saab devotee..u cant not respect his efforts..
@unknown
Sir first of all write ur name…and we never said rafi sahib was a bad singer..or never said that at that time he was 2nd….n u dont dare to say same for the Sonuji….
@Sid
i completely agree with u. I cant understand, why people compare live performance with playback singing…..
we never said that sonuji is better than rafi saab or sumthing like that….but it doesn’t mean sonuji didn’t sing his songs well…he did a very good job…some of you were not happy with the title of the show,some of you didn’t like the selection of songs,some of you expected sonuji be a carbon copy of rafi saab….these may be few of the reasons why you couldn’t see the positive aspects of sonuji’s singing…i have interacted with sooo many genuine rafi saab’s fans after that show…and all of them loved the concert…its only here that so much of negativity is being spread…its pretty obvious that you people would never except it…so just lemme tell you that if there is a legendary singer in today’s date, then it is sonu niigaam….and not only me but all the musicians in today’s date includin legendary lataji and asha ji agree with that…he did his best in that concert and better than anyone else could have done…(and i can challenge on that)…its easy to criticise and ridicule someone’s achievements while sitting comfortably on ur pcs…put urself into his shoes and then realise…all i can suggest you people is that please don’t expect him to be rafi saab…he has his own identity…it was just a humble effort by him to give a tribute to his guruji…and efforts that come out of love and respect for someone are never judged…so,please stop attacking him…
Hi fans,
a man was at top from his first song he singed upto his last day of his life and still when a new good voice come we comapare him with him,he is Mohd Rafi the only the only singer in the world was at the top on is all life, some of people said that he was a number 2 from1970 to 1976 but that is not true………
please listen to Mohd Raf songs I am sue u will be Mohd rafi,there are many people they are listen Mohd Rafi they say how great is KK because they don’t knw who is singing and I saw any people like that
You going mad….its just started…i cant listen a single word against Sonuji…n also about Rafi sahib. Its obvious both the singer are most important singer for our music industry. If u cant support anyone then never criticize anyone. Its difficult to perform live and for a live performance i’ll rate that 5 out of 5…it was a complete package…
no doubt sonu nigam is a great singer by this time but still he is far away from rafi saheb.rafi saheb used to sing according to mode of the song his pitch was very high ,very depth in emotioan,so lastly i would like to say that there is no comparision of rafi saheb ,even lata ji is 99.99% as compared to rafi saheb 100%
Urgent pls. : dear moderator,
I have not written the post no. 273. Its Mischievious and someone is trying to play truants. Kindly find this out and delete the posts – very urgently.
Binu Nair, mumbai
Urgent : dear editor : I am surprised to read post no 273 . I have not sent it. Someone is playing truant . Pls. delete the post as it’s mischievious. Please bar the writer and keep a watch.
binu nair.
He is a good singer amongst the present lot. But one should refrain from copying maestros. Comparison always kills. And ofcourse Rafi cannot be matched. Sonu too adores him and we should give him and his father that much liberty. They are real fans of Rafi Saheb.
Met his father briefly years ago,when I was a Director with Doordarshan and vouch for their love for Rafi.
vinodkapoor5@rediffmail.com
binuji
i agree with you hundred percent.yours is a voice of sanity in the welter of confusion.however fastidious we may be in our tastes,as i am myself,we should be pragmmatic as you rightly say.we should accommodate the tastes of listeners of all hues.moreover,whatever is done in the name of rafi sahib should be welcome.you have described k for kishore jamboree as c grade which it certainly was.let us hope that the serial telecast on rafi sahib keeps the standard of the legendary singer flying high.
First off all u all people stop comparing Sonuji with rafi saahab….
Both the singers were great….Nether Sonuji took rafi saahab place nor rafi saahab can take Sonuji place…they have there own identity, and let them remain in there identity..
Na fankaar aap jaisa duniya me aayeee….
Mohammmmmmmmmed rafi aap bahut yaad aaaaaaaaayeeeeeee……….
Mohsinji:
It’s very tough to actually categorise Rafisahab’s voice. I understand that several analysts (especially those having Western-classical background) have opined that his voice could be branded ‘closed’. Personally I don’t think it’s the case. I (like you) consider his voice as open but superbly controlled. Actually that voice can’t be categorised as such, it had so many dimensions and it was so flexible.
post 265 : dhani ram ji…. i agree to your post as i am also one who will not accept songs that are not on par with the high benchmarks set by the legend mohd rafi. but one has to see the “ground realities” too. i will not miss this .
and, if the general common folks enjoyed a music event then i would be the last, the last one to complain/criticise/downgrade/downsize the event of such a great magnitude.
binu nair, mumbai
anil ji and and rafi lovers : if some of you have not heard/seen the sonu programme please write to me. it could be couriered to you.
==================================================
rafi resurected title , no real rafi lover will agree to. its a marketing gimmick of sa re ga ma company.
and from among the rafi clones sonu is a better clone of rafi saaheb. no one will be able to come near the legend. i will quote a real incident about what happened in Hong Kong. there was a lata mangeshkar nite and mohd aziz was also a singer in the group. lata developed a bad throat and the programme was about to be called off . the event organiser panicked and just requested lata bai to make a token presence and allow mohd asiz to sing rafi songs to the crowd. lata bai and her brother hridyanath agreed.
mohd asiz sang some twenty mohd rafi gems, the crowd asked for more and more. everyone was happy including the sponsor.
the ending statement was even sweeter . lata bai said agar woh ( rafi hothe yahan ) to aaj kya hota.?????
binu nair, mumbai, binus2000@hotmail.com
binuji
257: that is because true lovers of rafi set a very high benchmark in keeping with the singing capabilities of rafi sahib.they are not ready to accept,much less lap up, anything short of perfect.
It is really very interesting to be part of this whole discussion. First of all I want to clear this thing that I am not a negative critic. There are level of singing column wise and line wise then its laws , limitations, surs, taal , voice variations, nazm o nask of singing. In the recent years we dont find many singers of Sonu Nigam’s calibre around the globe who actually understand this language. I still remember his many live performances with very bad kind orchestra and he was superb there.
Here are few points I want clarify
@anilcherain
Rafi,s voice was an example of open throat voice but under perfect disciplines of control (Check and Balances of voice with music or without music) as normally said in Urdu or Hindi “Grift” (Grift is superlative degree of kabu) which makes it a voice with boundaries of singing beyond the understanding normal singers. Just singing one sur with different level pitch and in a rhythm pick the other sur with an other level of sur and just maintaining it also change the raag from one to an other.. I hope you understand.
Sonu is also basically from the same league of open throat singers and I said it that I always rate him very high. And I also said “it was a big mistake to go like this to sing” these songs . which make sense that he was not well prepared but ultimately the impression which has been concluded was that he even didnt sing to his own standards. I really felt that his voice was not picking up the pitch and rythm .
@HarryKhubchandani
He flew to London only two days back to sing in this live concert again suggested that he was not prepared although it was already known to many people many days ahead that he would be performing. It is an establshed fact that he has done the most as Shagird of Rafi as nobody else has done even near to him. Trust me he could have sung much more better but he couldnt thats why I said in the beginning of my comments that I know that Sonu is a good singer but I dont know what happend?
these are also my feelings that the kind of love and respect he has for the Great Rafi saab he should have been more prepared as he knew much much earlier that he would be performing in a an environment with such kind of 75 people orchestra. because its not India where things organized can be changed at the last minute. In my opinion he already knew it what sort of audience , music and environment he would have there. He has been singing in all kind of audiences and ten times bigger crowds.
I really felt he has some problems with the voice nowadays. The only one aspect which no one portrayed is this that Sonu had maintained his own identity by his own voice.
@Mainsh Rana
I think you have given comment without reading whatever I have written in my previous comments. I didnt say it was wrong songs selection not even in indirect manners. Songs were selected properly but were not sung as could have been sung because we never expected any other person other than Sonu Nigam to sing these wonderful songs sung by Rafi and also do justice to them but it wasnt the case. Its simple and straight.
@ General Comments
All those who understand music and singing understand what is the difference of singing in recording studio, in a room, in a bathroom , in the open air theatre, in the selected gathering, in the crazy crowd, or in a park or garden and so on . Singing is always largely effected by the kind of crowd and environment developed at the time of singing.
cheers
Mohsin
Shenzhen China
manish ji : post 258 : if u do not understand my response and put statements in to my laps, what i can say. i suggest, please read my posts again and again and then advise. but, first grasp the meanings before writing.
Hi,
I think we mostly have problem with our mind because we like to compare,some us compare Mr Bachchan with Dilip kummar,now people comapre great player in creckit!!!!!!??????????why we should compatre why why why why why why why????????????????
Binu sir:
This difference of opinion is bound to happen… Actually not many of us hard-core Rafians are questioning the intention of Sonu… most of us are also not questioning his singing skills. It’s just that many don’t find the title of the programme appropriate and that it was felt that Sonu took too many liberties with the original scores. There ends the differences and we can always agree to disagree, na? Again, as you know, Rafisahab’s standards are so high that it’s a Himalayan task to even appear similar (unlike the case with certain other singers).
Personally, I admire and appreciate Sonu’s intentions while I can’t comment about his actual performance since I haven’t been able to watch/listen to it.
Post: 259: I am glad atleast you have accepted that no one can sing like Rafi Saheb, but let me tell you people that I am not critisizing Sonu, it was my opinion that he could not justified the songs he sang in the show. Why don’t you upload Sonu’s site and see the results!!!
post 241: don’t repeat anything…just upload your song and show us if you can sing better than sonuji…i guess you were expecting rafi saab himself to sing at the concert…which wasn’t possible…and that is why you aren’t satisfied…plz,widen your mindsets…you can not expect any singer to be rafi saab’s carbon copy or he will never have his own identity..sonuji did a commendable job…and he surely deserves appreciation…
@binu nair
what u want to say say it clearly
what i understand i replied for that…i dont know in which manner u r talking…
a contradiction: kishore kumar lover “will” lap up a c grade programme called K for kishore. and mohd rafi lovers “would” not acclaim a good internation effort by a rafi sishya to remember and tribute him.
my serious concern is what will happen if there is a R for Rafi show – week after week, since the said event is under planning stage.
binu nair, mumbai
Post 253: That’s your opinion.
manish rana ji : post 254 : thanks for the knowledge and do read my posts again and again.
binu nair, mumbai, cell 9833 250 701
@binu nair
Exactly what i want to say. Never compare singer. Every singer have some special quality which cant be find in other. Both of them are great.
@Prabhakar Bhatt.
Sonuji concert was also rated outstanding. If a non-indian band paly indian tune, that will be difficult for them also. But for that purpose u cant question on sonuji singing or abilities.
@Nikhil Gangavane
u think so. still more then half india mummer Sonuji song daily. If he is a period singer then there is no one in industry who is forever singer.
@Syed Mohsin Mahmood
there was no wrong song selection. Just buy Rafi reselected CD and ur all doubt will come to an end and u’ll know how superb he can sing. There is difference in singing in a room and performing live. It can be well justified form his CD.
Hussein Sheikh
i know everyone has his own opinion, but if cant appreciate any one then dont cretized any other. specially when someone sing so awesome i a live performance.
Ref: Post 250.
Found some interesting observations about Rafisahab’s voice/singing and agree with it. Yes, Rafisahab’s voice and singing is deceptive in the sense that one feels it’s an easy-to-copy voice and the style is simple enough to pick up easily. But when one tries to actually sing like him, it becomes clear that ‘Rafi is Rafi’.
Speaking of ‘closed voice’, Rafisahab’s voice (if it can be categorised) falls within the broad category of such a voice. But it had so many characteristics which makes it ‘un-closed’. For instance, Rafisahab could punch hard when he wanted to, he could hold his own in lower notes and the voice retains its heaviness at higher notes. A comparison with Nusrat saab’s (another singer with a ‘closed’ voice) singing would make this point clear.
To sing Rafi songs, you have to practice them.. to sing with an orchestra.. you have to be able to practice with the orchestra over a period of time. none of that was done.. you cannot fly to london two days before the show and then sing Rafi.. Sonu did good in the capacity he was given.. at least he dedicated his voice to rafi saab.. he has said over and over again that rafi is his first and only mentor.. sonu’s first.. second.. third.. fourth cd’s were songs sung by rafi saab.. sonu is a true shagird of rafi saab..
Sonu Nigam is basically a good singer. I dont know what happened. I still remember he could sing better but I have watched his performance and I felt that he didnt do justice to the songs sung by the Great Mohd Rafi.
I felt many problems with his singing. How to maintain the breath while singing, how to make expressions deep and clear, how to maintain high pitch of singing, how to manage the rhythm and keep the surs.etc. Well for me he appeared to be an other ordinary singer although I have always rated him very high.
There is no doubt its not easy to sing Rafi saab songs accurately. God had given him the kind of voice that whoever listened him wanted to sing his songs and only he knows who tries to sing his songs because his voice made every song appear to be very simple but when one tries it is actually very difficult.
It was a big mistake to go like this and sing Mohd Rafi’s songs . I like Sonu Nigam but I really felt he has left a bad taste in the mouth. It would take a long time to normalize. He needs to open the doors of closed voice because he was singing with a closed throat and closed breath, then he needs to understand the Dard, Soul, and to sing with the heart. Whatever he has attempted there was totally soul less and heart less.
I know he is a good singer and can sing much better but he needs to have more time to sing Mohd Rafi songs at least with the kind of honor these songs should be sung to give tribute to the best ever singer in sub- continent. And those who make comparison should avoid this practice because it is also good for the honor of the Great Singer Mohammad Rafi and also good for Sonu Nigam future singing as I feel he is going down the slide of good singing.
Syed Mohsin Mahmood
Shenzhen – China
Post 245: Everyone has his own opinion, I felt he did not sing well, sometimes he went off key. So, nothing serious guys!
all these fans compare singers and up in a mess. please understand learned men of music that, that, and that singing with a symphony orchestra is altogether a different ball game. the instruments are different, learned men of music, from from from and from desi indian instruments.
the music lovers whom i interviewed after the event – never did compare sonu with rafi saaheb. and they overwhelmingly liked the programme. and, the people who compared sonu with rafi saaheb are still arguing. this is a fiasco running in to 240 comments wasting all our precious time. please stop this comparison business . binu nair, mumbai
Yes, I fully agree with the article written by Mr. Ramchandran. I didn’t like the orchestra at all because it was lacking originality. It was good but cannot be rated outstanding. No doubt, Sonu is an excellent singer but at his own only. His singing quality is superb but should not be compared with any other legendry like Rafi Sahib.
What is funny and is away from the topic of this conversation is people (both sonu and rafi fans) Saying that this concert bought rafi into limelight again or revived his era. Its wrong. Check the sales statistics of Rafi songs compared to sonu, and everyone will realize that its a great disrespect in spending time of comparing Sonuji with great Rafiji. Sonuji is a great singer.. period. Rafi is is a great singer….. Forever!
@Hussein Sheikh
Its was a nice concert and he sung all the songs very well. If a singer has to coup up with a band who dont know what they are playing, then it was the awesome example of singing. He some time goes of track not because he is not capable of singing that singing but because the musician dont know the music and played what they got in there notes. And in live performance, no one can perform like him. It was the extreme singing, i ever heard live.
Its was an amazing concert, i ever seen. The band of 75 musician playing INDIAN tune just(and only) for Sonuji. His voice and the song were awesome. I enjoyed it very much.
Dear Friends,
I missed the program of Sonu Nigam in Sony TV. But still eager to listen to it. Is any CD available on this London program? I shall be thankful if someone could update me in this regard.
MOHAMMED RAFI (SAHEB) IS A GOD’S GIFT TO INDIA. THE BEST SINGER EVER INDIA HAS PRODUCED. WE ALL SHOULD FEEL PROUD OF RAFI SAHEB. LONG LIVE RAFI SAHEB.
Post 240: I repeat he didn’t sing well Rafi Saheb’s songs in the show. No one can deny it, it was not as expected! This is final.
What I am trying to say is, if u didnt like it, say that na…how dare u say that he didnt sing well or that he sang ‘horribly’..U r nobody to pass a judgement on anyone..U can say that it didnt appeal to u..then it will be ur opinion and it will be respected..
post 230…
sonuji performed better than anyone else could have done…if you can do better than him,then please upload your…we would surely like to listen to it…
As a senior Rafi sahab’s fan we all love Rafi sahab for the King of Music that he was and thank him for giving us memorable songs for the past 40 years till 1980,,,
I also like Sonu Nigaam not only for his immense talent but for proclaiming openly that for him, Rafi sahab is a demi-god,mentor and a Guru of playback singing……
I congratulate him for his divine wishes and may GOD n RAFI SAHAB bless him always,,,
He is the only star singer who can bring back the sweet memories of Rafi sahab to say a younger audeince of plus 16 to 25,,,,,
As for the older audience they are even more fortunate as GOD like RAFI SAHAB’s songs were always played during those days which is now confined to world space or few hrs is Bhule bisre geeth programs,Chaya geeth,Vividh Bharthis gems etc….
Mr. Rama chandran ……Very thanks for your views….but for your kind Information Sonuji was not trying to fulfill ur expectations… and You dont have any rights to rate him…Dont You Think We should appreciate Sonu ji ardour for music. Before saying that Sonu ji was always a fast singer I guess You need to check out his songs once again ……and Songs I just want to say that it was a flawless splendid performance . I guess it was a scrimmage try from ur side … so better luck next time…
regards.
Moderators, kindly close this thread. Absolutely insane fans of ‘Sonu ji’ have gone totally berserk here and the forum has been polluted by their rantings. Shame on you- Sonu Nigaaaaam’s fans, and just get out out of here.
Dear Mohd Rafi fans please don’t try to compare Mohd Rafi with any one,
Dear Sanu fans I want to thanks Sanu for singing Mohd Rafi songs but I feel that Sanu can sing KK was also.you can not compare Sanu because I speak about like this
1,Naushed Ali Mohd Rafi was 50% of my music
2,Mandan Mohan should not pay with Mohd Rafi sing for him.
3,LP my first film far award I got it boz of mohd rafi
4,Shammi Kapoor and OPN if there was no Mohd Rafi there was no OPN same
said by Shammi ji
5,and many more big name in music world
the actor who was hit in 1960′s with mohd rafi without Mohd rafi where was they!!!!!????
Pawan Ji as you said
may be There must have been Fatwa’s against him(mohd Rafi) for singing bhajans..!!!!!!!!!!?
why not on Nuahand and who wrote the Bhajans,do u know the best Bhajan in bollywood wrote by muslim music by muslim and singed by muslim,do u know what does Fatwa mean?I am not sure but I read some time back that after Mohd Rafi back from Haj he said that he will not going to sing in 1970′s but if you look to the history of Mohd Rafi singing you will never find single year there no mohd Rafi songs.In 1980 he was doing a Bhajan before he left us..Mohd Rafi mean the magic voice….why there was no Fatwa on KK when he changed his name and became a muslim and again became non muslim
Mohd Rafi is a gift of God to show Indain that we are human only jest long how a muslim can sing a Bhajan and give the feeling no one else can do.
How people appreciate sonu nigamm.His voice is the most immature voice rather childish voice till date in hindi film industry.I dare challange any body.All knowledgable people out here tell me wether his voice suits any actor like rafi saab.His voice is not able to convey the emotions in patriotic songs because it sounds childish.eg zindagi mout na ban jaye.He sings very well but what I am talking is the voice .Tell me frankly does he sound mature enough even after so many years.Just listen to rafi saab song o duniya ke rakhwale at his young age,so mature and with so much devtion.Contrast this with sonu nigamm.Very sad how people do not understand this point.Udit narayan is better than sonu as far maturity in voice is concerned.eg qyamat se qyamat tak.
Rafi saab is the best.Pl ignore the childish voice of sonu.
sonu nigam is d best…. media should focus on the legends n great people…. they are living in present n forgetting the great personalities of india…
Sonuji did really really well on the concert…..other than Sonuji no one would have taken the show to such a high level…
its just this that some people dont have knowledge about music and cant appreciate someone doing well, so they give useless comments…..
“SONUJI YOU ARE THE BEST”
Post 229: No body here ia against Sonu Nigam, it’s simple that he could not justify the songs he sang in london, that’s all…. People have had great hopes on him, but he couldn’t sing well Rafi Saheb’s songs in the concert, that’s all….. So, cool down and nothing is serious!!!
Post 224: Sirji, I think what u prefer is an Copycat coz u cant stand any one giving his own Flavour. What u guyz shld do is::::
stops watching new concerts……………just stick to ur old Gramophones & N’joy……………
“Mujhe Le chalo……
Aaj aaisi jagah.
Jahan pehle kabhi yeh dil Lad khadayee”
Regards
Pawan
I guys,
I dont understand why people are comparing sonu with rafi sahab. Sonu is a different. he never compare with anyone. he just gave him his best.
Winners dont do different things, they do things differently. just like sonu.
And i m completely agree with comment No. 24
Sonu is a great singer in our industri.
God bless sonuji…
Thanks
I totally agree with Shyamaji nobody can sing better then Sonu Bhaiya.
TOh Kya Hua Agar Chand Har Raat ko Roshan Karta Hai
Kehte to Sab Yehi Hai i Chand Main Bhi Daag Hai
Rafi Sahab Ke Pujaaran Hamare Pyaare Sonuji
Jinki Suro ki Mithaas Puri Kayanath Mein GUnji
Jo Karte Hai Rafi Sahab ki Puja Sachchi
Ajube Hain woh Jinke Kaano tak ye Mithaas Na Pahunchi
Kehte to Bohot Hain ki Hum Rafi Saab ke Bhakt Hain
Par Kisine Aaj Tak Sonuji Jaisi Bhakti Na Dikhaai
Koshish ki Sonuji ne Rafi Saab ko Shradhanjali Arpit Karne ki
Par Ye Baat Rafi Saab ke Muh Bole Bhakto ko Na Bhaayi
Isse Kisiko Koi Fara nahi Padta bhai
Sonuji Ki Mahima Hamesha Pure Jagat pe Rahegi Chaayi
Aap Logo ki Suro Ki Samajh Pe Aata Hain Mujhe Taras
Nahi Samajh Sakte Aap Sangeet Ko Chahe Beet Jaaye Hazaron Baras
Suro ki mahima aapki Jaise Bina Shabaab Ka Jaam
Bin Samajh Comment Karte Ho Boss Aapko Salaam…….!!!
Shyama Ji Forget it…These Guys will Never Understand No Matter How Much you Argue with them….They Just think they are the Music Maestros and nothing else Matters…Be it Someone’s Pure Dedication from the heart or Any Great Music….They Just Can Pass Comments and Can Never Change…Even As we Comment on them at this Moment they will Never Undestand What Music Actually means..Actually They are Unlucky Souls Who Try to Justify their Love for Rafi Saab By Insulting Sonuji who is the Only One Who has come so Close to Rafi Saab and Is Spreading Rafi Saab’s Mucis to the Current Generation…Well Rafi Saab is Watching this From Heaven and Crying Guys…But How Much does that Matter to you People…I doubt Anyone of you has Actually Felt Pure Music…If it was so then you wouldnt Waste your time Writing Such Articles….Well All Said and DOne..I know this is Not Gonna Have Any Effect on you People…So God Bless you Guys!!!
Post 222: Sachhai hamesha kadvi lagti hai!
As Rafi Saheb had Sung…………..
“Unhi Ka Hua Hai,
Roshaan Nasiba,
Jinhe Pehle Logo ne……
Patthaar hai Maara”!!!!!
Rafians…… inspite to all of the above 222 Comments i think that 200 had critized Sonu……..but dont u 200 odd people forget that there must have been say 20 Lac crowd who had watched on TV(Leaving the 2000 present at the Auditorium). and so what that if u dont like that…….
there must have been Critics for Rafi Saheb’s early Days Singing also(Or Maybe at the time of “Yahoo!” or may be There must have been Fatwa’s against him for singing bhajans..
IMHO i think the real LITMUS test as an artist is when u had confidence that u can perorm any NEW Theme to ur audience(Its a Gamble even the Gr8 Rafi saheb had taken……and successfully cleared) and I Feel had Also Cleared his Test with Flying Color’s
Important thing is that he had put his full effort in the show and he had at Least Achieved what I want him to Perform.
as an audience i fully enjoyed his performances….
do u believe that the guyz at the Symphonic Orch will be so CHEAP as to accept to perform with Sonu Without hearing him or if he dont have anythng in him (anythng SPL) would they agree for earning some MONEY?????????????
Guys lets stop thim SPAM by accepting that YEP SONU is having some Spl Gift while Performing(Rafi Saheb’s Songs as Well)
Pawan Tiwari
09370996770
pawanmtiwari@gmail.com
Nagpur
Mods Pls Close these Thread now!!!!!
Who the hell are u guys to decide if someone sang horribly or well? Do all of u have PhDs in music? If all of u know better about music and can do better than Sonuji, go ahead and prove it..we’ll all appreciate it..Sonuji is an achiever and has proved himself time and again..he is not where he is for no reason..he isnt idolized by millions over the world for no reason..passing such lame comments sitting in front of the computer screen and claiming to know everything is a sign of foolishness..coz spreading negativity, however justified it is, will never be considered greatness..it shows u have zilch knowledge or respect for music as an art..u are just blindly obsessed with Rafi Saab..No singer is ‘horrible’..please..music is a divine art..and anyone who serves it deserves respect..everyone is working hard and doing their best..learn to respect talent and look at positives rather than make comparisons..I am very sad that u call a pious and righteous soul like Rafi Saab ur idol..His soul must be paining..and it amuses me that I am probably talking to people who are atleast 20 years elder to me..sad state of affairs..
Post 218: The audience were forced to say or sing ‘yahoooo’. And I fully agree to post 217.
hi,
I don’t understand those useless ppl who sit back jus critise and don’t knw nything abt the musicians and orchestra sonuji was singing songs as wht wid orchestra was comfortable dis useless ppl don’t have brains and jus knw to critise boss siting back and commenting is very easy as i’m guitarist i knw how tough it is to play wid d singer and b in rythm and for information ma dear useless critisiers rafi saab was a gr8 person,is a gr8 person, and will be a gr8 person bt never forget tat sonuji praise rafi saab as his guru his mentor ok so guys no diciple can ever take place of his guru ok so useless ppl if don’t knw music plz plz and plz never critise d person for his efforts if u got guts jus stand in front of crowd 1000 ppl and sing den u will cm to knw how it is difficult to conduct such concert and if don’t have guts den plz never comment on a thing which u cannot perform ok so plz shut up ur big mouth and njoy d music
Rabia says,
Hi guys! I am an ardent Sonu Niigaam Fan and as a fan i was really dis heartned to hear the negative reviews by so called musical lovers. People who critisize have nothing better to do. They should try and do wot Sonuji has done.He has never said that he is better than M.RAfi Saab but he has always praised him. There will never be a M. Rafi again and likewise there will never be a sonu niigaam again. This concert was a welcome change to the usual loud concets that we are use to. People need to appreciate the efforts made by all the people involved and should be applauded for being brave enough to do something different. So to the people that want to critisize, we take critisim positively!!!!! Stop being old fashioned and learn to accept change!!!
There is one correction!!!! Remember this.. There will not be another Rafi Saab but there are more than thousand of Sonu Nigams waiting to get a chance. Listen to the devine voice of Rafi Saab very very carefully. Sonu is critisized based on the fact that he is considered to be a “top singer” of India and he had to simply copy the songs. He literally slautererd a lot of songs may be because he wanted to sing in his own style (which is horrible and I am trying to give him a benifit of doubt). No body can deliver the same results as Rafi Saab. The simple reason is the depth of his voice, he sang from the bottom… of his heart (nobody has such a huge heart with a depth of Pacific ocean) and he worked very hard. I urge Rafi fans, please do not compare anybody with my beloved Rafi saab. My be God is not willing to spend enough time to create another Rafi Saab… Period..
Rafi Saab’s die hard fan
the audience singing “yahoo” on the song “chahe koi mujhe junglee kahe” says the all…audience goes crazy when sonu is on the stage ……it is very easy to sit back n criticize…but its not easy to live upto crores of people’s expectations….n sonujii is doing this tough job undoubtedly superb
I have been reading all the comments on sonu nigamm .I was amazed to see that for the first time 215 comments have appeared on any topic till date.We have all missed out on the real reason for criticism of sonunigamm.It is not that people do not like him.The main reason is that people love rafi saab so much and are saddened to see him being ignored by the media and industry .And the same people praise sonu nigamm and other ordinary singers.Even in the musical programme at London the focus was on Sonu Nigamm and not rafi saab.I challange anybody on this.So when the best singer is ignored this will happen. And sonu nigamm sang horribly.This is the fact.I will say so again and again because our dear rafi saab has been ignored.
To everyone who wasnt satisfied with the song selection..this is to let u know that Sonuji had no role at all in it..The concept of the album was not his either..Sa re ga ma conceived the project..and the songs were selected by Tim Pottier..They approached Sonuji for it, and he gladly accepted it coz he wanted to do it for Rafi Saab..He himself says that if he were given a choice, he would include a a few different songs..like Man Tadpat, Madhuban me Radhika, NAche Mann Mora Magan etc etc..The orchestra was a western symphony orchestra and they had their limitations..
TO :
ALL RAFISAHAB FANS I M SUNEIL M I HAVE CREATED FORUM ON RAFISAHAB YOU CAN UPLOAD AND DOWNLOAD SONGS ALSO SO PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE FORUM MY FORUM ID IS http://www.enjoyatkhushi.com/smf/index.php
YOU HAVE 2 REGISTER THAN ONLY U WILL ABLE 2 UPLOAD OR DOWNLOAD SO PLEASE KINDLY GO N VIST MY FORUM . I THANKS HAMARAFORUMS FROM BOTTOM OF MY HEART ALSO FOR GIVING ME INSPIRATION TO CREATE THE FORUM AND TO KEEP RAFISAHAB ALIVE IN OUR HEARTS .
JAB TAK SURAJ CHAND RAHEGA RAFISAHAB TUMARA NAAM RAHEGA . JAI RAFISAHAB .
THANKS & REGARDS . .
SUNIEL .
Hi! Friends,
I had heard very first song of Sonu from his album Rafi ki yaad. That time i didn’t even knew him. I was spell bound with the purity & sootheness of his voice. These forced me to find more about him, I searched for all his albums present in the market. In one of his album there was a small photo of sonu printed on the cover. I was zapped to see such a young boy singing rafi saab’s song with this kind of perfection. I am a very big fan of Rafi Saab’s may be that could be the reason Sonu’s voice had attracted me. How many of the present singers hold this kind of talent. Apart from this when ever sonu got a chance to sing really good songs he has done a full justice to it. Anyways it is easy to criticise than to actually live up to the expectations of crores of people.
Regards,
Kiran
Hi guys! I am an ardent Sonu Niigaam Fan and as a fan i was really dis heartned to hear the negative reviews by so called musical lovers. People who critisize have nothing better to do. They should try and do wot Sonuji has done.He has never said that he is better than M.RAfi Saab but he has always praised him. There will never be a M. Rafi again and likewise there will never be a sonu niigaam again. This concert was a welcome change to the usual loud concets that we are use to. People need to appreciate the efforts made by all the people involved and should be applauded for being brave enough to do something different. So to the people that want to critisize, we take critisim positively!!!!! Stop being old fashioned and learn to accept change!!!
I don’t Know why they compare Rafi Sahib With Sonu Nigham,
There is no Coparision Rafi Sahab Cannot be compared.
As far as Sonu Nigham he did a superb job, why they don’t think Sonu has his own style.
sonu sang the songs in his own style, thats ok, but what i have heard of sonu a decade ago when his voice was much more devoted was missing here. i actually got surprised thinking whether it was really sonu. his voice is still best for today’s singing but the quality has decreased for real singings.
the biggest flaw in the concert which i pointed out in my very early post was that by making a very poor song selection,mr nigam created the impression that rafi sahib was a unindimensional singer.but for suhani raat dhal chuki,he didn’t touch the best songs of rafi.i would have liked him to sing kabhi khud pe kabhi halaat pe,mehbooba teri tasveer kis tarah main banaun,chhoo leine do nazuk hoton ko,is bhari dunya mein,na jhatko zulf se paani etc.he sang only one type of songs.the kind of orchestra available might have been responsible for this.this kind of concert rather than resurrecting rafi,presents him in a poor light as a fast-paced noisy singer which he was not.
rafians like me and others who have criticised the concert are not commenting on the merits of sonu nigham as a singer.they are simply commenting on this programme.those who are going ga ga over the programme forget that right in the middle of it some members of the audience demanded that sonu should sing punjabi songs.obviously they were not satisfied with what he was singing.
those who are asserting that it was a fabulous programme are exposed only to trash and crap in the name of music which they avidly lap up and which has totally blunted their sensibilities.they have absolutely no notion of rafi sahib as a singer,his range and sublimity.they have either not heard rafi or heard him casually and superficially.they are not acquainted with his awesome repertoire.in jane austen’s novel emma, a male character remarks:who will care for harriet when emma is by?so who will care for the sonu nighams when rafi is there?
Sonu Nigam’s efforts need to be applauded and in this regard his criticism for not matching up to Rafi saab is not justified. However, in terms of stature, Sonu Nigam has a long way to go, its debatable if he is at all the best singer of even this generation. To all fans of Sonu Nigam, i just want to say-please take your hero worship to some other site/forum.
In fact I never liked Sonu Nigam singing Mohd. Rfii’s Songs. It is trash always. Rafi is always Rafi. Nobody dare to become even miniature of Mohd. Rafi, the greatest singer ever had in the World. Sanjaya Srivastava, IPS, A-1218, Indira Nagar, Lucknow.
For all those who are going on criticising Sonu just note that it was a Very Nice effort from Sonu, Although I haven’t seen the show but I had seen the promo and Sonu doesn’t come ‘closest in the least’ to Rafisaab.This proves one more thing that The best of this generation (read Sonu) also cannot hold out a candle to the epitome that was RAFI.Is it or not a matter to be proud for the soul called RAFI.We have hugely talented singers who can at least touch KishoreDa but for RafiSaab the vacuum remains yet to be filled as no one can be in the shadows of Rafisaab for long without being marked with error.On a second note it takes courage to dedicate an entire program to Rafisaab coz you have almost the entire industry (including the SISTERS) backing for K for Kishore but only one Sonu Nigam to dictate in the Media that his idol is Rafi.And Rafisaab has been the bread earner for producers,music directors,cassette companies, so why cry foul that Sonu and the organizers are earning in his name.Atleast most of Sonu’s fans know by now that he tries to followup the footsteps of the one of whom we are fans.
appreciate sonu nigam for calling rafi saaheb his guru and giving an internatioal tribute in the face of active music lobbys – working overtime to obliterate mohd rafi’s memory from the public mind. its another matter that its never ever possible.
please remember the joker himesh reshaammiya words in a tv musical programme. the joker had said to contestants: “do not sing old songs ever in this show” . the reason, he would soon become unacceptable and unemployed if olden golden songs become the musical flavour of the youngsters.
binu nair
when a singer be compare with Mohd rafi and lata Ji that mean he or she is good singer,,,,,,,,
Thanks Sanu for great job…….
Dear Sonu Nigam fans
Stop Crying.This is home of Rafi fans and we have the geniune right to Write the fact that Sonu Nigam has not rose to the standard that we expected.What is wrong with it?.I am from this generation and I got attracted to Rafi songs mainly because of hearing Rafi ki yadein by Sonu Nigam.I on behalf of all Rafi fans appreciate the efforts of Sonu Nigam for his efforts.But that does not mean that we will accept what ever you people write.
There are 2 things.One is ‘fact’ and second is ‘opinion’.Mohd Rafi is the greatest singer India has produced and Sonu worship him.This is a fact.Sonu Nigam has sung the Rafi Songs perfectly.This is an opinion.
Dear Fellow Rafians,Please take things positively.I must say that Sonu Nigam really adore Rafi saab and he has done a lot for his idol.Don’t jump on SOnu Nigam for his singing.We know that he can not reach Rafi saab’s level,but still appreciate his efforts.Please avoid any contravarseries.
Post 157 makes a valid point and thanks so much to P. Haldar. It is time to put our mind into the real debate….who the real culprit is? HMV has been known to skin money off singers and for years it has defied and distorted all laws and traditions to deny royalties to singers. In this case, yet once again HMV has come up with a plan to rake more money using Mohd Rafi. Once his son, Shahid Rafi, said he was happy that even from heaven, his father keeps providing bread and butter to many…more than bread & butter to HMV, in this case, surely.
Sonu nigam is just another artist like his idol, why blame him? he did an excellent job and gave us a wonderful overall show. Sure I want to know how much of the money that HMV raked in went to those that HMV used.
Thanks P Haldar again.
i think u must not have heard sonuji correctly. he is d best singer of india after rafi sahab….. he doesn’t copy him but he sings rafi sahab’s songs with his own style….. SONUJI IS GR8
Sonu Niigaam is not Mohd Rafi..He is just inspired by Rafi Saab..He is an independant,extremely talented musician with his own strengths and weaknesses. Please donot expect him to deliver every song word by word like Rafi Saab did..He is evolving as a musician, and has developed his own style and niche..He tried his level best to maintain the purity of the songs because he didnt want to experiment with his Guru’s songs like he does with his own..he holds them sacred..he sang Rafi Saab’s songs with the divinity of reciting his prayers. So please give him a break..we all agree that there are two sides to every coin..there may be puritants like u who will not appreciate anything except what they have grown up listening to..non-progressive mindsets..but some of the words used in the original article and a few of the comments are really harsh considering that Sonuji is not a 2nd grade stage artist who performed on stage to please people like u, but the best singer we have now in India who did the album to pay a tribute to his Guru who also happens to be ur Idol..Please respect music and musicians..dont pass harsh judgements..because u have to remember that u r a minority..lakhs and crores of people were spellbound by Sonuji’s efforts..the more u go on with ur cribbing, the more people will protest..u have a right to ur opinion, but opinions which insult or offend others are better when they are kept to urself..Take a lesson from ur Idol..do u think Rafi Saab would be happy to see his so-called fans lashing out on other singers like this? Every person who posted here holds Rafi Saab in the highest of regard..nobody wants to even argue about the fact that he was a magician..but he was not the only one who existed..others have to be appreciated too..music is an ocean..every artist has his USP..every singer is different from the other..and every generation takes inspiration from the previous generation..but along with that evolves on their own to suit the time in which they live..20 years down the line, Sonuji will be in Rafi Saab’s place and someone else will be in Sonuji’s in this argument..the cycle will and must go on..but we must learn to appreciate change..and appreciate new talent and love them for what they are worth rather than compare them to their seniors and call them inferior..think about it..
But at times, i dont want to blame him for all this disappointed things. He is also a singer, so he knows his limitations. I feel sonu is the next mohdrafi in the film industry.
The fact is sonu is also a playback singer, so he always sings Mohdrafis songs in the stage shows, but he disappointed many times to the audience which is not impressive.
I am a fan of Sonu Nigam who has listened to almost every song of his in every language he has sung. I’m not a native hindi speaker and as a person who has listened to Sonu Nigam’s tamil and kannada songs, i can 100% be sure that he is the best we have now. I just admire the way he sings and his flawless pronounciation in whichever language he is attempting. Criticisms are necessary but not to the level of calling him names. I feel we, as Sonu Nigam fans, need not listen to such comments. We know he is unbelievably talented and we are proud of his ability to send positive vibrations all over. we love him for what he is. It doesnt matter what others say.
i was sittin with my grandparents… while the show was aired on telivision!… they forced me to not even change the channel in the commertial breaks!… they are ardent fans of Mohd. Rafi… and have loved sonu’s way of represnting rafi!… they even bought the tickets to the concert sonuji had in my city..
Plz… i dont believe in your review!… i am sorry if i am exceeding my limits…
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But we shud be proud of a singer like sonu ji!… coz in this decade when every body is busy promoting their own songs and doing their own stage shows thru out the world!… He’s the one who is promoting Rafi… we shud support this gesture of sonuji!…
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Regards…
vaiibhavii
Dear all.
I am thrilled and troubled with this debate at the same time. Thrilled because it reinforces the fact that Rafi Sahabs very thought is so dear to all of us and we defend it so furiously !WOW!, troubled because there is negativity in the view taken by some and the counter arguments are equally naive. This is a sight dedicated to the most humble of artists a giant amongst men who’s ego was elfish, who stood for everything positive and yet we somehow seem to mock the very traits of this saint singer by bringing negative vibes into our arguments and views. Lets just celebrate the fact that we all adore the memory of the genius, and if Sonu Nigam has taken the courage to personify the feelings we all only share amongst ourselves into a much bigger public realm, we need to appreciate that. And guys wake up the lamp can never compare to the sun, so don’t compare. The achievements of “The Master” are so magnanimous that not even time can erase it, much less any mortal. No matter how fast and shift the winds blow…winds cant move mountains.
Hail Rafi Sahab.
R
p
Rafi Resurrected was a divine show…..it was a tribute to a great legend Rafi Sahab .Sonu Ji did the magic in it.Nobody in the industry can copy the style of Rafi Sahab except Sonu Ji.It was a best tribute ,Sonu Ji has always said in his interviews that Rafi Sahab is his god so it was an offering to his god.He was praying actually. Sonu Ji did this by his heart.
Please Please for God’s sake stop this ……..if you dont want to appreciate atleast dont critizise please…….
Sonu Ji is the best and God bless him always.
I’m very glad that Sonu has done this beautiful job. It’s great and just great. I don’t know why people are so negative today. Indeed, there was no dholak and Tabla, but this is an effort to do it without these instruments. I’m very greatful to Mr.Sonu Nigam that he had sung these songs. In these days where there is so much boycot of Rafi Saheb, I think Rafi Saheb’s fans should be greatful to Sonu for doing this beautiful job and making Rafi Saheb’s name “Roshan”
In my opinion Sonu ji has done a great job…Sonu Nigaam ji ..May God bless you..
Mr. A. Piroe
Holland
I personally think this debate has gone too far. Please, for God’s sake, stop this already. If the Rafians(as they call themselves) felt that Sonu Nigam was by any chance wrong in conducting such a high profile event, then kindly don’t go overboard with harsh comments for him. Sonuji regards Rafi Sahab very highly. Indeed it was such a daring approach on Sonuji’s part, but exceedingly it was a tribute to a legend from a great admirer and follower as Sonuji is.
I have nothing more to say. I hope this biased criticism comes to an end very soon. God bless Rafi sahab and Sonuji.
Hi all….why all this negativity …..i thought music is such a pious thing why say all this about a such a wonderful person like Sonuji…. who with all his Love & Affection & devotion gave a soulful tribute to Rafisaab…….his Guru & Karmic father as he always says…….he himself a hugh Fan & devotee of Rafisaab…..& he did a great thing by recreating the whole experience….of Live Ochestrization & Singing…and bringing the old memories….back…if u do not want to appreciate his efforts please don’t critisize….its a humble request…..LOVE U SONUJI for all u did………….GOD BLESS ALL…..RAFISAAB SONUJI and all the Fans………..
Namaste all,
I think sonuji is not answerable to anybody.He has set himself quite high to be compared to anybody in the industry.He himself has dedicated himslef to the Rafi culture.If someone found the concert not upto mark,it was simpley his/her own opinion.In this era there are lovers of Himesh Reshmia too.
So let the people think and write whatever they like..that doesnot change the golden boy image and quality of our beloved singer Sonu Niggam!!
Thanks…enjoyed views of all…Lots of Love Sonujii!!!
Sonu was a disgrace… and ofcourse only those who understand music and have indepth knowledge about taal, sum and viberto will be able to concur to what is now established as a popular beleive after the Rafi resurrected show. To begin with the title itself was not appropriate. it sort of belittled the enormity of Rafi saabs skill level. Sonu tried to show off his classical training my tring to add more than required ‘harkats’ into the song. So much was the vibration in his voice that it felt he is doing a “Talat resurrected” show instead.
He should stick to his own songs. This kind of stuff is far beyond his reach.
we mohd rafi fans we go to see programms on mohd Rafi by unknow singers and we enjoyed that and why we are compare Mohd rafi with them we should only enjoy what ever on our Mohd Rafi and not compare ………..
Yeah..please please stop..we have had enough negativity here to last a life-time..and it doesnt suit a forum dedicated for a pious soul like Rafi Saab..lets hope that as the outcome of this discussion, music will emerge the winner..:-)
I think wat Sonu Ji has done at An Evening in London was really really spell bounding performance. A great & one of the best best singer & musician of the industry gave a mind blowing performance wid gr8 musicians of Symphony orchaestra. I loved Sonuji’s singing. Whenever I listen Sonuji’s songs, I think that Sonuji has given his best in this song but in the very next song again, i think that no Sonuji is at his best in this song. But actually the fact is that Sonu is Sonuji & He dosen’t want to be categaroised by anyone, and especially from those who really don’t know how to even take a microphone in their hand. Simply Sonu is really doing marvellous job, and His tribute to great musician Rafi Saab, was mind blowing. I’ve been in Sonuji’s shows, and he’s still performing with the same grace, with which He entered the industry. I believe that no one is a better singer than Sonuji in this industry. For his fans, He’s God. All his songs gives peace to the mind. All songs sung by Sonuji at London were too good. Moreover it was the first chance for a Bollywood singer to perform there with such a big orchaestra. I believe that the ppl who have missed the show has missed something more than Heaven.
The top most musicians of the industry too eulogize Sonuji & respect him a lot. Even the Saraswati on Earth, herself, singing diva, Lata ji, has also praised his talent. She sat with Sonuji for almost 3 hrs. and gave her interview on a FM channel. So, everyone love Sonuji & shyama you don’t think about some bad elements of the society. I just have a simple & straight line for all those who criticise Sonuji & his talent …….
” Kutte bhaunke hazaar, haathi chale bazaar”
So, our Sonuji, is a cool guy, very down to earth person. I got a chance to meet him & it was really a pleasure & a lifetime experience for me. Being on apex of the industry, today also He meets ppl with love such that He knows them from a long time span.
So that’s Sonu Ji. SIMPLY SONU, SONU – THE MUSICAL MAESTRO.
God Bless Sonuji.
I would wish that folks called this debate to an end. However, I am guilty of contributing more to this debate!! All said and done, this was a tribute and let it be as such. No one should think that Sonu would emulate Rafi saab. The key is did he revive(resurrect!!) Rafi saab. To me he did! I was there in London. Yes, I am not a music Connoisseur, but as an avid listener of Rafi saab, I felt that this was as close to the original as we could get. Yes there were nuances that Sonu introduced on his behalf, yes there were at times when the “taal” felt out of “sync” but the key was I FELT RAFI SAAB!!!!! The CBSO DOES NOT RELY on “TAAL” or as I see it — the beat. This was the key difference, remember we are used to the “taal” a tabla, drums etc. A symphony orchestra relies on a degree of laxity with the “taal”. This is a concept we find abhorrent as we are used to the concept of “taal”. Listen to Jazz and you will think where in the heavens is the “taal”. In addition, have you heard Rafi saab in live concerts, if not hear some of the recordings on youtube. Even Rafi saab would modulate and change some things from the “original” that we all recognise as the “real deal”. SO, when Sonu does some changes and accomodates the CBSO (One would argue if the CBSO accomodated Sonu!) take in your stride MAN (read this with a West Indian Accent). Please PLEASE stop now all of you including me!!!!
Long Live Rafi Saheb(Saab) in all our memories and our hearts, long live all his fans and also (As he himself said in London) Sonu, who by the way declares himself as the biggest fan of Rafi Saab!!! I think I might get into an arguement with him, you know, cos I think I am the biggest FAN!!!!!!
C’mon guys lighten up and look at the broader picture, is it not true that in all of this RAFI SAAB is going to live longer in our hearts and minds and memories and thoughts and everything else?????????????………………….
Mahesh
A Rafi Fan
Also a Sonu Fan
Why all this negativity?I am asking the senior Rafians..I am sure most of u are much elder to me with much more experience about life..I understand that all of u have dedicated ur lives to music and to Rafi Saab…which is wonderful..music is the language of God..music is the language of positivity..why criticize or find faults or pass judgements? Any genuine piece of work which comes straight from the heart of a musician should not be judged..Dont listen to the music u dont like..its ur choice..God has given u free will..look at the positive side of things..it all depends on perception na..if u listen to it with a mind to find faults, only faults will appear to u..if u listen to it positively with an open mind,u will feel the emotion that the artist is trying to convey and appreciate him for it..whether it be Rafi Saab,Sonuji,X,Y or Z..any musician who makes a sincere effort to serve music should be appreciated by music lovers..because at the end of the day, music should be the winner..!! All this negativity wont take any of us anywhere..please bless Sonuji, so that he can continue to do good work, and continue to serve music..he needs ur blessings..he needs ur support..
Please Sanu fans don’t understant me wrong I am also Sanu fan,Maybe what I said in my last msg was wrong but that is because of the magic of Mohd Rafi voice.
All fans I am sorry if you feel that I am wrong,we are human and we should done the mistake,
Mohd Rafi is God gift to wrong country and wrong place,sorry again to saying that,,,,,
sorry fans
I don’t know what wrong with you people your speaking about music and you are comparing Mohd Rafi with Sanu!!!!!!!!!????????
Once Mohd Rafi said in Dubai stage programm that he will try to sing I mean Mohd Aziz not Mohd Rafi.
as I said I am not good in English
I don’t what wrong with you people your speaking about music and you are comparing Mohd Rafi with Sanu!!!!!!!!!????????
1,I want say that from 1960′ to 1970′s Mohd Rafi was M kapoor.
2,From 1970′s to 1980′s was Anwer
3,From 1980′s to 1990′s was Shabir Kummar and mohd Aziz
4, from 2000 up to date he is Sanu.
Please try to compare who was the best from these Mohd Rafi style singers and I don’t mean that they copied Mohd Rafi but I think they are good singer and we compare them to our Mohd Rafi.
Singer like Mohd rafi born once in life time as said by Lata Ji and many more and that is true and no one can change that.
1 ,Sanu fans please answer honestly,when the music born in bollywood?
2,when was the best music in bollywood?
3,when was music became old?
4,when the music end?
My answer
Ans 1,in 1950′s music born when Mohd rafi came with naushand.
Ans 2, in 1960′s music was best time of music when mohd Rafi singed mostly.
Ans 3,in 1970′s was old because Mohd Rafi singed less.
Ans 4,after 1980 there is no good music because there was no Mohd Rafi.
we doing know anything about music and we saying things!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!????????
Once Mohd Rafi said in Dubai stage programm that he will try to sing mohd rafi song but please don’t compare him with Mohd rafi boz he is nothing when you comapare him with Mohd Rafi same said by Anwer,S Kummar.
Sanu has great voice because of that we are compare him with Mohd Rafi but better than Mohd Rafi.
Sorry to say no one can dream that he can be 10% of Mohd Rafi .
People like Shammi Kapoor,Madan Mohan,Naushand Ali,OPN and many more who are greatter than Sanu most of them said that if there was because of Mohd rafi ,Sanu fans do you know who is Madan Mohan!???who said he should not be paid when mohd Rafi singer for him boz song be hit not because of him but because of Mohd Rafi,Sanu fans do u you know who is OPN!!!!!!!???Great Lata ji never singed under OPN music and OPN said if there was no M RAfi there was no OPN,Raj Kapoor for who Mukesh ji gave songs Raj Kapoor said Mohd Rafi the king without crown,I am asking to all of you Please give me one big name in Bollywood who said as these people said about Mohd Rafi.
I put my name as unknow because I am music lover not Hindi or muslim,sorry to say but some few people they are doing that way.
Mohd Rafi is A to Z in singing world that is true because the magic did by Mohd rafi that made his voice the best we human can’t think better voice that mohd rafi gave us.No one of us saw the God but most of us think there is God but all of us think on his own way.God is one but with many names each of us saying his God is the best!!!!!!???
Soory if some one mind what I said also sorry my English is not Good
shyama,you hit the spot by saying that if rafi saab was alive today he would be extremely proud of sonu….and sonu’s tribute was absolutely spellbinding… i dont think we should be bothered about listening to the opinion of people who dont know the m of music..people have no other business apart from talking and most of all criticising….and sonu is by far the most respected singer in the industry…so if ppl are gonna tell sonu how to sing rafi saab’s songs,the songs he has grown up and the songs that have given reason for an icon like sonu niigaam to be born..i pity these people.. genuinely..if they have any clue about music whatsoever i suggest they go and tell sonu how to sing since they apparently know so much..apparently even more than sonu..so lets completely ignore all these biased criticism.. because they hold no good and dont even have a standing…an evening in london was a brilliant show and no doubts about it..true connesuiers of music wld know that in today’s india there is noone who can match up to the versatality and genuis of man that is SONU NIIGAAM!!
TO THE EDITOR
PLEASE POST A REASON FOR NOT ALLOWING MY COMMENTS (Posted on 03-10-08) ON AIR WITH REGARD TO THIS DEBATE.
YOU CAN ALSO SEND ACROSS YOUR ANSWER ON MY MAIL ID
zorawar_c@hotmail.com
Regards,
Zorawar Chhugani
If Jesus can be resurrected, so can Rafi Saab!
post 177, Nikhil ji,
the sonu-c b s o show was really a daring, different and great experimentation of hindi music with the aid of western symphony. millions of people enjoyed it. some music lovers even told me : please learnt from the britishers how to present the indian music.
kindly note again that it was an experimentation – largely successful. the cbso team invested great amount of time and money to showcase the show. if, they have made money out of it, one should never grumble over it.
the rafi standards are very high and some puritans may not have liked the event but majority of the people who watched the show – enjoyed it. the writer of the piece seeing the support for the great event and the feedback conceded that he never “did” criticise sonu nigam.
the c.b.s.o. music team must be complimented for the great experimentation on the songs of legendary singer mohd rafi saaheb.
binu nair, mumbai
I love Rafiji & Sonu Niigaam (dunno the exact spelling). Whether Sonuji sang like Rafiji is a question even Sonuji wont debate on. Everyone knows the truth in their heart. What was disgusting in the concert was the singing tempo going up and down, missing words, less emotion in voice. Technical facts cannot be commented upon by anyone of us here, but any musical critic with knowledge of symphony orchestra and Indian songs will agree that a respected symphony orchestra like CBSO cannot go missing beats or changing tempo within songs. What happened on the stage is totally unknown to us, maybe Sonuji didn’t get good feedback on his monitor to follow the tempo properly, but there surely was a hell lot of confusion which did mess up the songs. Who is to blame only Sonuji and the CBSO (musicians, technicians & conductors) must be knowing. And as said earlier by many others, No one is better than Rafiji in his own songs and No one Sonuji is better than Sonuji in his (Sonu Niigaam) songs. I feel Sonuji sang Rafi songs better 15 years back, but surely not at CBSO. Many of his fans might have been fascinated with the concert due to their first experience with a symphony orchestra concert (being in hindi – more understandable) but as a Sonu Niigaam fan, I find the performance a failure. Sonu is far better than what he performed in any of the places. (Remember this was not performed only in london)
haldar saaheb : well said. sa re ga ma is in to the “business” of music. they would never give respects to most of our legends. they are currently courting a female singer who dictates to the music company on which singer to herald and pay their tributes.
recently, their chairman visited mumbai and the staff wanted a journo to write a speech about the female singer. the journo was told to write that this lady singer has sung about 35000 songs – to date. when the journo said she has sung only 6000 songs till date and the figure 35000 is pure fiction – the saregama staff protested and said its not true and slanderous.
the journo had the facts on his fingertips and asked the executives to furnish the list of 35000 songs sung by this singer. they said they have the facts but when they went through their records they could not find more that 6000 songs.
can sa re ga ma be trusted my friends ? my simple question to music lovers – all around is do not ever fall prey to the marketing gimmicks of many many companies today.
the second point i would like to state is that rajiv vijaykar of screen film industry newspaper published weekly had said in many articles that “rafi resurrected” is not the right title for the sonu nigam concert. and this is the truth since rafi saaheb has never gone away from us.
binu nair, rafi foundation, mumbai
binu nair.
It’s nice if Sonu paid tribute to Rafi Saheb by singing the legend’s songs in London show, but frankly, Sonu didn’t sing well, it was just so so……….
all rafi lovers and sonu lovers: please note that screen music critic and myself have discussed the title ” rafi resurrected ” and we disagreed with the title a year back – when the actual recordings happened in mumbai. nobody on this earth could ever resurrect mohd rafi. he is in the hearts and minds of people at all times.saregama is only making money and i do not agree with them on every point. to cite a point, they are playing “truants” with all our legends who are not paid their royalties. when senior singers like sharada, mukarak or the shailendra family approach them – they are told, please go to calcutta. i hate them to the core like our haldar saaheb. and let me tell you some thing . there was an exhibition for a month at the prince of wales musueaum on the sounds of music when first started – in mumbai last month. there was not a single picture of mohd rafi, mukesh and talat mahmud at the glow singns – at the entrance. there were pictures of all junior most singers of the industry. the curator, the organiser of the show mr.gopalka – gives great lectures on music at the venue. let me request him to show basic courtesy to our legends first and then venture out to give lectures on music. about three rafi lovers from the rafi foundation complained to him and made a small scene. he said sorry to our members but took no action. i request saregama to give a honest explanation during the next week when i will be meeting him. yes haldar saaheb : all of us are right. saregama ( h.m.v.) is not interested in our legends. they are only interested in making fast bucks and its their business. binu nair, mumba rafi foundation
to reshma…
sorry,i don’t agree with your choice…sonuji is much much much better than that…it isn’t worth comparison….
I haven’t watched the show (live or telecast). So can’t comment on the quality as such. However I’m also of the opinion that Rafisahab doesn’t require ‘resurrection’, he’s very much alive among the true fans, more alive than the ones who are alive and kicking, singing (?) the kuckuru kucku stuff that’s on offer these days.
However I wouldn’t want to discredit Sonu Nigam, it was nice of him to do the show and sing the songs of his idol.
to mr xxx….
please do mention your name in your next post…anyways,you should have read my post more carefully…i said there are many youngsters who have come to know about rafi saab through sonuji….i din’t say all the youngsters like rafi saab because of him…if you are not amongst the youngsters i am refering to,then its good….but you can’t deny the fact that sonuji hasn’t made attempts to keep rafi saab’s memory alive amongst the youth of our country….aap rafi saab ko yaad karte ho,ye bahut acchi baat hai par jo log nahi karte unke liye sonuji ye attempts karte hain….
and please don’t say that sonuji sings only dhik chik type of songs because it shows that they have zilch knowledge about sonuji’s greatness….
i never intended to hurt rafi saab’s fans…in fact,i love them….but here,it was they who provoked sonuji’s fans to come in between by saying bad things about him…
and you must know ki sonuji ke forum me keval rafi saab ki taarif taarif hoti hai because we all respect him from the core of our hearts and keep him in the highest regards…and it is really disppointing to see that you people are criticising sonuji due to some or the other reason….
To Sir raju,
Sir you are just making stories as per your wish, and they are of no use indeed the are irritating Sonu Niigaam fans and Rafi Sahab fans as well and good music lovers too, so please stop posting illogical posts…
To mr xxx
Mr if you are such a staunch follower of Rafi Sahab then are you scared of revealing your name?
First reveal your name then your points will be considered as a true Rafi Sahab fan..
and who told you that good music has stopped coming in market??
I will suggest you one song of Sonuji from the movie “Hum milein na milein”, that is “Roz ye mausam aayein”, listen to that song.
Second listen to Sonuji’s latest album Classically mild if you appreciate good music, I bet will not be able to put that under any genre in this world..
You yourself are not aware of good music that your fault not music directors fault, if you are not aware of good music then you don’t have any right to say anything in opposition to anybody in the bollywood music stream..
Every field has good and bad in it, please be aware of the world then comment on people, I wonder how an oblivious person like you can post here and how come are such posts allowed here…
Take care of yourself ad get aware of good music, get well soon..
To P.haldar sir,
Sir resurrect even means “to bring back something in to use or existence that has disappeared or ended ”
So the title was apt, because Sonuji brought those songs to life again by singing them live, what most of the singers don’t do in their live performances..
So Sir the title was totally apt. And sir we you know that these songs are infamous, but all out there don’t even know these songs so it might have been new to them and they would not have enjoyed, sir he sang “Tere aane ki aas hai dost ” and “Barbaad-e-mohabbat” which were not popular, he sang those songs as well, sir it would have all gone in vain of he had sung those songs which are not as popular and sir the first three songs are not rare, they are popular, my dad asked me to fetch these songs from the internet, sir in every era songs are left unrecognised, even our Sonuji’s few golden songs have been left unrecognised because of the non-musical youth in today’s world ad because of the media as well which promotes useless music, and act as fuel to fire and they all are forgetting what good music technically is.. Sir you cannot blame Sonuji like this he sung even those songs which were not as popular and the popular ones too, in the beginning of the show he gave his tribute to Rafi Sahab by singing Tere aane ki aas hai dost which is not known to most of them..
Hi Friends,
before Critising any1 plz….think………Sonu ji atlest tried to sing Rafiji’s song…..is there any other singer who has taken such a risk….and he did not do this concert to imitate Rafiji or sing as him…it was his way of saying his respect and love for the Legend singer..plz Respect that….
SONUji ALWAYS THE BEST!!!
Keep Rocking……..
Sonuji has tried a lot but md rafi is a versatile genius still sonuji is quite near to him.I saw one fellow wrought songs sung by sonuji was not upto the mark but i think that fellow has no singinsg sensation.How he can say this?Is he a musical critic.Myself jatin from jalandhar.Please say him not to make faltu comments towards sonuji because sonuji is musical genius.
kindly refer to post 157.
this website urgently needs sensible writers like mr p halder. may be he stated explicitly what i could not do. he has hit the nail on head. when one does not have a valid argument in supoport of one’s point, people start taking recourse to pathetic methods like writing under psudonyms. and the only way that argument is buttressed is by harping on the same cliched, worn out stereotypes.
if anybody is naive enough to thinks that rafi needs resurrection, let them. it doesn’t change facts. those who have followed the singing giant’s career, understand his persona and know the ethos he stood for, all this cacophony will make little sense, as it should actually do.
let me make it clear. i have nothing against sonu nigam personally, but it irritated me no end that someone can pay a tribute to rafi at the expense of making money. it would have made horse sense, as haldersaab rightly put it, if the proceeds were to go for some rafi memorabilia.
i have attended rafisaab’s concerts and have met him personally a few times, and he never took any popular liberties with his own songs. there was always this sanctity to whatever he did. but then, i guess times have changed and we have become so loose with our conscience that these things have become inconsequential.
sonu nigam is a more than god for me rafi saab if my life……. because i`m also a stage artist “funny magician, mimicrian, anchor and a good singer (hindi, marathi)…… agar rafi saab aur sonuji na hote to aaj main artist na hota…………………….
Sonuji,
In life,every moment, we used to face many problems. Just take it as a bad dream and make yourself stand more strongly. Maa Saraswati is always with you. She will definitely take care of you.
Lots of love to you
I again himbly request to please please put on this website the Sonu Nigam concert. I was not able to see it, and I am sure many others like would love to see how a great disciplle of Mohd rafi did at the contest. Did no one tape the program? Mr. Binu Nair, since you are so proactive in promoting Mohd Rafi, and I truely appreciate that, would you have a tape of the recording. Does anyone have the recording? I cannot beleive all the Rafi fans who listened to this program, would not have taped it.
I suggest we quit this discussion here..because the more we go on, the more we insult both Rafi Saab and Sonuji, and more than anything else music..God bless Rafi Saab’s soul..God bless Sonuji…may music be the winner at the end of the day..!!
Mr.Raju Korti, the person whom u r writing off as a clone is a bigger disciple/devotee of the Guru than any of u can possibly be..he is the only person who is leading the way..he is the only source of light..the day u, and other like minded others realize that, the world will definitely stop crumbling..coz a huge negative force will be eliminated from this music industry..
2 points on the sonu- cbso grand event. pls do not compare rafi saaheb with sonu nigam. rafi saaheb started his career in the forties and sonu nigam in the eighties. there is definitely a generation gap between lovers of mohd rafi saaheb. one school of puritans would always want rafi saaheb to be heard the way he recorded his songs. the second love rafi saaheb and sonu nigam is their idol who worship their idol rafi saaheb.
please make it clear thar mohd rafi is irreplaceable. there will be only imitators but no real rafi saaheb again. some rafi saaheb singers are very good in patches but rafi saaheb was the best singer for all moods and all seasons.
mohd rafi groomed two singers in his lifetime and never spoke ill of any singers. he encouraged each and every singer whom he met and made it a point to hear them and wish them well .
the two singers that he groomed were : a) usha timothi , who was a daughter to him and b) Mahendra kapoor , whom he used to call mahinder. rafi ji used to attend the recordings of mahinder and guide him, motivate him like a true guru. long live the guru and music legend of all times.
i am delighted to see rafi lovers and sonu lovers – all coming out in strength to prove their common point that rafi saaheb is the real king of music. rafi saaheb is for ever and every rafi saaheb lover is my friend. amen…..
readers may also revert to post 123 on the same topic…..
binu nair, rafi foundation, mumbai, ( binus2000@hotmail.com )
This singer is better than Sonu nigam … http://www.amarzanger.hyves.nl
To Sonu fans:
On behalf of all rafians, I extend my apologies to all of you if any one of us has hurt your feelings. It is good to have the passion that you share for your idol; that is what fanfare is all about. In that vein, you should also try to understand the love and devotion we have for our farishta. Mr. Ramachandran is a senior Rafian and he has presented his own analysis, which may not have been to your liking. But please don’t attack him personally.
I haven’t watched the programme, so I don’t want to comment on it. But I’d like to make a few points, which I’d like all of you to think about dispassionately. None of these should be construed as criticism of Sonu since the concert, as I understand, was conceived by Tim Pottier, the conductor of CBSO.
First, was “rafi resurrected” the right caption to use? The dictionary definition of “resurrect” is to raise from the dead. Rafi saab may not be physically with us anymore, but he lives in millions of hearts all across the world. How would liverpudlians feel if there is a concert titled “John Lennon Resurrected”?
Second, if the concert was arranged as a tribute to rafi saab, has any part of the proceeds gone towards doing anything to keep his memory alive (e.g., an award in his name, a statue in Birmingham, or a donation to Rafi foundation)?
Third, if there’s a villain in the piece, it is hmv, which in its new avatar saregama, is milking money in the name of a person to whom it never had to give even a one rupee royalty. The songs that they are recycling were created by stalwarts like Shankar Jaikishan, Madan Mohan, Naushad, Laxmikant Pyarelal, Usha Khanna, Hasrat Jaipuri, Shailendra, and Majrooh Sultanpuri. Has any part of the proceeds gone to helping them or their families?
Let me narrate something that you may not be aware of. Around 1974, hmv came out with an lp record titled “Mohd Rafi, We Remember”. On the backcover, hmv noted that they wanted to remember rafi’s less popular or forgotten songs, yani bhoole bisre geet. I still remember some of the songs that were included in the lp; here they are:
1. ek haseen sham ko dil mera kho gaya:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkvNKXEcrKc
2. jaag dil-e-diwana
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJfkFB07sQ8
3. maine chand aur sitaaron ki tamanna ki thi
4. ajab hai dastan teri aye zindagi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txsn3Y-9RIE&feature=related
5. hai kali kali ke lab par
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xlm78C3720
6. hui sham unka khayal aa gaya:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDOPXDl8SO8
So in 1974, hmv wanted to write his obituary and you want me to believe that they are doing all this to pay respect to the legendary singer. To the best of my knowledge, this company, which is headquartered in the city I grew up in, did nothing tangible in his memory. In short, it’s nothing but a money-making machine.
Finally, I want to tell sonu fans that they have every right to feel bad if someone criticises their idol. But please don’t keep harping that rafi saab needs sonu to spread his message. I am really surprised that in this day and age, when songs are available at the click of a button, someone has to attend sonu’s concerts to learn about rafi. I am especially surprised by the comments of some of the fans from uk, given that rafiana spread to those shores almost 50 years ago and he was by far the most popular singer from the subcontinent in that part of the world.
I hope sonu fans will take my post in the spirit it was written.
SID wrote to mr.Korti::
“…rafi saab shayad bhoole bisre ho bhi jaate agar sonuji ne unki gaayaki ko alive rakhne ke liye itni efforts na kiye hote to…i believe that if youth of today respects rafi saab,then the major credit goes to sonuji…i m a die hard fan of sonuji….and it was only because of him that i got to know about the greatness of rafi saab…he turned me and thousands of youngsters like me into rafi saab fans….u must b thankful to him for that…”
in bhaisab ki baat sun lo, Rafi sahab bhule bisre ho jate agar sonu nahi hote to!!! ..
How could moderator allow such persons to write here!!!!
to all sonu fans::
Sonu nigam is nothing but among the obnoxious musicians of today who have made the mockery of hindi film music very well, and you all are saying that legend like rafi is alive because of sonu!!! well .. may god bless the musical taste of you all, i also belong to this so-called gen-x and chaps like sonu have nothing to do with my liking for Rafi sahab.
yes one thing i must say here that sonu and his companion singers and music directors are very well versed in making “worst” and “mortal” form of the music i.e. “dhik-chick” “dhik-chick” “dhik-chick”. 99% of todays’ music is crap because of these scrap dealers(so-called singers and music directors now a days– GHOR KALYUG)
so i would like to urge all sonu fans that go and get your own forum on sonu and write poems in his praise there only. this portal is to discuss the most revered singer of all time-RAFI and his elite and immortal companion music directors-shankar-jaikishan, naushad, sd burman etd…..
I am really surprised 2 c dat people r blaming sonu for his efforts..His devotion to music is really incredible..It is really difficult to sing in a foriegn surrounding..Inspite of that being happening he did not loose hope n tried to give the best..I was feeling like as if sonu was left alone…But infact the prog was just superb..Sonu has given his love to his idol Rafi sahab..
Hi fans,
what wrong with you fans?why you want to compare?Sanu is the singer today who remember us our Mohd Rafi,in 1960 there was Late M Kapoor,In 1970′s there was anwer,in 1980′s there was Shabir Kummar,in 1990′s was Mohd Aziz and today is Sanu.
plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz plz don’t forget that all these singers are mohd Rafi fans how we compare fans.
As said by many that mohd Rafi is the the first and last word of music it not mean that our’s are not good.we should stop to compare….
Thanks Sanu to take us back in dreams,Thanks Sanu for singing mohd Rafi songs.
Great job Sanu and I hope the same will done to other singer like Mukesh,KK, Mannay Day,Lata Ji and Ashi,
I dont think K.S. Ramachandran have any right to say anything about sonu ji vo kabhi kuch galat nhi kar sakte aur vo kabhi khud ko rafi ji se upar nhi mante apne show me bhi unhone aisa kuch nhi kiya jo galat ho unka gaya hua har song man ko utna hi touch kiya jitna rafi g ka karta hai sonu g hamesha unhe apna guru mante hai aur kabhi unki disrespect nhi kar sakte.us show me sab kuch perfect tha
This is a tribute to mahendra kapoor saaheb and to sonu nigam : one female singer wanted to have a concert with sonu nigam. sonu refused to do a foreign tour with her. she wanted to be in the limelight and shine in sonu nigams shadows. and, to be in the limelight she will also shake her legs before the cameras. I compliment sonu for not giving any “lift” to this singer who day in and day out, behind the curtains – talk ill of mohd rafi, talat mahmud and mahendra kapoor. journalists, composers and naushad saaheb household members have reported many such incidents about this seventy something female singer who has a great voice but very less human qualities in her. Iam writing these lines with a reason; i wish to salute mahendra kapoor saaheb for his solid friendship and support to mohd rafi at various times. after mahendra kapoor’s last journey, a composer friend reported an incident which i would like to present before innocent music lovers who have seen only one side of the face of some music personalities. the lady singer in this discussion stopped mahendra kapoor while leaving a recording studio and said ” tumhara mohd rafi besurra ho gaya” . Mahendra ji stopped and reported back : “if mohd rafi has become besurra then , the word “sur” will never be left on the face of the earth”. may the soul of mahendra kapoor find eternal peace.
This is a tribute to mahendra kapoor saaheb and to sonu nigam : one female singer wanted to have a concert with sonu nigam. sonu refused to do a foreign tour with her. she wanted to be in the limelight and shine in sonu nigams shadows. and, to be in the limelight she will also shake her legs before the cameras. I compliment sonu for not giving any “lift” to this singer who day in and day out, behind the curtains – talk ill of mohd rafi, talat mahmud and mahendra kapoor. journalists, composers and naushad saaheb household members have reported many such incidents about this seventy something female singer who has a great voice but very less human qualities in her. Iam writing these lines with a reason; i wish to salute mahendra kapoor saaheb for his solid friendship and support to mohd rafi at various times. after mahendra kapoor’s last journey, a composer friend reported an incident which i would like to present before innocent music lovers who have seen only one side of the face of some music personalities. the lady singer in this discussion stopped mahendra kapoor while leaving a recording studio and said ” tumhara mohd rafi besurra ho gaya” . Mahendra ji stopped and reported back : “if mohd rafi has become besurra then , the word “sur” will never be left on the face of the earth”. may the soul of mahendra kapoor find eternal peace.
Im very disappointed with this article. It seems tht Mr. Ramchandran has nothing to do with music, he’s just a fellow who enjoys critisizing everything wonderful. Sonu was great as he’s always, and i found nothing wrong in his singing. He’s the best singer India have. Hats off sonu!! This article sucks a big time.
the irony of our times! the guru and his minority (?) disciples/devotees are taking a backstage and eating an humble pie. the admirers of clones are taking the centrestage in the guise of paying tributes (so what if we make a living out of it?). And all on a website dedicated to the guru. the foundation is crumbling!
RAFI SONGS DISTORTED AT LONDON BY SONU
To all my Mohd. Rafi fans,
I fully agree with the comments of Mr K.S. Ramchandran. Myself being a musician and sound recordist by profession, listened to the programme very carefully and came to a conclusion that singing Rafi songs by the present generation seems to be impossible. I am listening to Sonu from the days of Saregama and version recordings of Rafi Songs published by T Series. He was excellent in those days. His ‘gayaki’ has detoriated a lot. Now the only thing that I can request him to do is please don’t sing Rafi songs outside India which may spoil our national image.
Lastly, the orchestra was superb and Indian music directors of present era have many things to learn from them. First the use of natural instruments,co-ordination, melody, clarity while playing an instument etc.
Sonu did a phenomenal job there. His singing is like sun rise. Jab suraj nikalta hai to sab ko roshni deta hai, waise hi jab sonu gata hai to sab ko enjoy karvata hai. That’s why he’s being loved so much. Raat ka andhera pasand karne wale suraj ki tareef kaise kar sakte hain. Par suraj to fir bhi apni roshni sab mein bant ta hai. Just like that Sonu knows what he’s doing and without giving importance to this kind of criticism, he’ll keep his good work up. Sonu doesn’t need to be compared with anybody caz he can’t be.
Thanks,
Muskaan
Sonu ji did such an outstanding, extraordinary job in London. To understand and support this kinda thing one has to think extraordinary, that everybody can’t, of course. Sonu Niigaam’s one of the best singers and his enchanting voice doesn’t leave anybody think negative once he starts singing. M sure he doesn even need to care about this criticism, but since he’s the best, he’ll accept the criticism. That’s y i like him the most.
With love n regards,
ANGEL
Mr. K.S. Ramachandran……..
SONU NIIGAAM IS THE WORLD BEST SINGER………YOU CANNOT SAY ABOUT SONU JI ANY RUBBISH COMMENT…..SO MIND YOUR LANGUAGE……..SONU JI SUNG VERY VERY MUCH BEAUTIFULLY……..SONGS IN EN EVENING IN LONDON……………
SONU JI ROCKS………………WE LOVE SONU JI………..
kishore kumar lovers lapped up the show” k for kishore” a fourth grade music show. see their loyalty.
and here we are, rediculing a great programme of sonu nigam, enacted by the britishers from the c.b.s.o. ( a very popular symphony orchestra ) who has done the unthinkable – of promoting hindi songs and that too of our – legendary mohd rafi saaheb.
while everyone is celebrating the success of the programme, mohd rafi lovers are “criticising a honest and sincere effort of taking our golden era music to the new generations”. keep it up guys. repeat it many times.
then we all can say : history repeats itself first as a tragedy, and then as a farce.
but who cares anyway, no one can stop the rafi music bandwagon not even time and tide. it’s here to stay for centuries and centuries. ur criticism will all be washed away – very soon.
binu nair. mumbai….
Instead of looking at the positive aspect I guess you are dragging the unwanted issues, rafi shaab and sonu nigam both are legends and shouldn’t be compared but again when sonu is putting his effort to showcase the songs of ravi shaab we shud respect that !!
my survey of 10 ladies, all who loved sonu nigams recital seems correct seeing the flood of reviews and comments made here.
to recap, i interviewed 10 ladies ( the commanders in chief in most homes ) all who watched sonu c.b.s.o. event, who are all music lovers. nine out of ten loved the programme that’s ninety percent of the people viewing it loved it all.
next time authors (who get some free time to write) should not write rubbish; thier views may be totally off the mark. and if they are singers they better be careful. they willl be taken to task once they finish their “live recital”
whenever it happens.
moral of the story : do not rush with your pens; think a crore times before writing your account for once writtten – it cannot be taken back.
binu nair, rafi foundation, mumbai, cell : 9833 250 701, binus2000@hotmail.com
I think it’s time for us all to move on. Mr. Korti and Mr. Ramachandran have apologised for their comments. In the heat of the moment let’s not blame each other for being insensitive. I am of firm belief that had Rafi sahab been amongst us today, he would have been hurt big time seeing us squabbling over what Sonu should have done or what he did not do. So, it’s my humble request to all to come together and spread Rafi sahab’s message far and wide. I will be more than happy to lend my support to Sonu Nigam-if he is the one leading us.
Hi all,
really this is very sad to read this article.
for your kind information Mr. K.S.Ramachandran Sonu himself is the biggest fan of Rafi Saab. May be you are having preconceived notion about Sonu. It seems you are quite aged and cant stand a genuine effort made by a genuine singer.
Sonu Rockzzzzzzz
Hey you!!
How dare you say something against THE SONU NIGAM – our idol our musical maestro.
He is just perfect and now I can see some people just can’t bear this.
My suggestion is if you can’t appreciate others talent than better you keep your dumb views to urself do not publicize them.
It’s just too sick.
One small advice to everyone who “expected” from the show..Never expect anything from anyone..Expectation ruins everything..if u had sat back at home, calm and relaxed and watched the show with an open mind and with respect, considering this as a humble tribute to Rafi Saab, and instead of comparing Sonuji with his musical father every minute, if u had listened to those renditions as Sonuji’s own..u would have really enjoyed the show….The son can never match the father..The son isnt trying either..Sonuji is sincerely dedicated towards giving good quality music to his listenersl..and hez putting his heart and soul into it..all I am saying is respect his intentions atleast..noone else is doing anything na..The problem was not with Sonuji or the orchestra or anything..The problem is with many of ur mindsets..So stuck behind in the 1950s that u are not willing to move forward in life and accept new things or any change..U want it the way u “expect” it..and if u dont get that, wat u got was just bad thats it..U spoiled it for urselves..God bless u all..I am glad to see many of u have realized it though..Atleast there is a ray of hope for music in this country! Rafi Saab’s soul will rest in peace!
to mr anoop…
sir,who said u dat sonuji is a seasoned singer….have u gone out of ur minds….sonuji has reduced playback singing drastically just to sing only qualitative and challenging songs which can throw light on his unprecedented singing capabilities…if it wasn’t for sonuji,many modern singers like neeraj and atif wouldn’t hav even got any chance to make it in the bollywood….jus recall the time wen sonuji was into fulltym playback singing…he used to sing almost every song and every music director wanted him to sing their songs…it is only after sonuji left playback singing dat many so called’singers’ made it into bollywood….agar sonuji aaj bhi chahe to kis bhi waqt mainstream me sakta hain but he won’t do that…coz he is the real class…and that is why he doesn’t wish to compete with today’s mediocre,less talented and nasal singers….
to mr raju korty…
i genuinely feel that you are not a rafi saab fan because instead of appreciating a singer who is trying to give a tribute to ur guru,u r criticizing him…and u really need not to be concerned about the name of the next programme…so plz keep ur silly ideas with you…coz no1 needs it…rafi saab shayad bhoole bisre ho bhi jaate agar sonuji ne unki gaayaki ko alive rakhne ke liye itni efforts na kiye hote to…i believe that if youth of today respects rafi saab,then the major credit goes to sonuji…i m a die hard fan of sonuji….and it was only because of him that i got to know about the greatness of rafi saab…he turned me and thousands of youngsters like me into rafi saab fans….u must b thankful to him for that…
alok…
buddy…i heard to aneek’s song that u posted and i must say u don’t have as much knowledge about music as u posee to have…u people were criticizing sonuji to have sung the songs at a higher pitch than the normal…just listen to aneek’s song and sonuji’s song and then tell whose pitch was higher…and aneek’s tempo was slower than the original song….and sonuji’s tempo was perfectly normal in it…jin cheezo ko aap log criticize kar rahe the vo cheeze aneek ki performance me hai na ki sonuji ki…u can listen to the songs and observe these things…and if u people wanted sonuji 2 sing in dat manner,den it wuld surely hav been a disaster…sonuji ka rafi saab se fir bhi comparison ho sakta hai,aneek ka rafi saab se comparison is something next to impossible…aneek ka to sonuji se hi comparison nahi ho sakta to rafi saab to bahut badi cheez hain…and if u actually believe that aneek is better than sonuji than i would just say that u r being foolish and plz come out of ur dreams…
when sonuji used to sing in rafi saab’s voice…i mean wen he used to try to do that n his older cover versions of rafi saab…people used to criticise that why doesn’t he sing rafi saab’s songs in his own style…he was given names like ‘rafi clone’ and all….and today,now wen he isn’t copying rafi saab…then again u people have a prob wid it…
r u people rafi saab’s fans or simply SONU HATERS…watever u r…i would just say….u people are big tym losers who think they know everything….sorry for being rude but i guess u pple deserve it…
the show was mindblowing,out the world and the sooner u wuld accept this reality,the better it wuld b for u pple…
It’s very Dissappointing to seeing such comments from Rafi’s Fans…Sonu Nigam is among the finest singers India is blessed with..He is dedicated, humble and devoted to Music…it’s so disheartening to see people can think of Sonu like this…He has such high respects for Rafiji that none of us can even think of…by blaming Sonu..Rafiji himself would have felt hurt to see such comments for his favourite child abused like this..if Sonu was not geniune it would have never been possible for him to do such show…God will always help good soul like him and Rafiji’s blessings are always with him…
To suresh chauhan,
Dear Sir Sonu has never said that he wants to be like Rafi sahab so its of no use saying how many Sonu Nigaams can be Rafi Sahab, because Sonuji himself does not say that he has surpassed Rafi Sahab or anything like that…
Please do not say like this..
Thanks.
It hardly matters Raju, what do you think, or you will wait for Sonuji’s concert in a mocking manner, doesn’t matter at all because everyone knows that Sonu Niigaam cannot be surpassed and is unbeatable…
And you are not the King of bollywood that it will work as per your judgement on Sonuji..
Its silly to expect that anyone could sound like Mohd Rafi, so why blame sonu nigam? On the contrary he did a marvelous job trying to recreate the magic with this new experiment. This is the only place I see people complaining. Sony TV is even planning to repeat this show soon. This show won many many hearts across the whole world. And here in this room we have a handful of new born ‘music critcs’ forcing a childish debate.
The imperfections, people seem to be complaining here, will be part of this experiment. They should look at the bigger picture. The legacy of Mohd Rafi was celebtared together by Sonu Nigam alongwith the musicians of a foreign land whose mother tongue is NOT hindi. We also got to hear a new female voice that only complimented the effort.
Why dont we join Sonu Nigam & his troup and look at the positive achievements instead? Its ok to not like something as long as you express or even denouce it decently.
Since Sonu Nigam is a classically trained singer, therefore I will rate his performence far superior than any of the Rafi Clones of the 80s (Anwar, Shabir K & Munna A). Intead it was a great tribute to Rafi Sahab.
Hope to see more such performences from Sonu in the future. Once again please do not compare Sonu with Rafi, there will only be only disappointments.
Binuji,
Your post 123. I beg to differ. I dont think anyone has critised Sonu. These are only opinions and they differ from person to person. Criticism is a wrong word please…
Chandan
Hi
I was really disappointed to read the article written by Mr. K.S. Ramachandran. As a primarily Rafi fan devoted to his music, I attended the London programme of Sonu Niigaam. Contrary to what has been written, I had goose bumps all over me when Sonu was singing, there were moments when I had tears in my eyes brought about the wonderful rendition of some of Rafi saab’s songs. I would hope that when in future articles are written on this forum, that there is some semblence of truth in it!!!!
Dear Rafiyans,
Maine is section k saare comment padhe, par kuch comments ne mera dil dukha diya. Ek to sonu nigam ne dil se rafi sahab ko Shrdanjali di aur hum log unki koshish ki taarif to door uspar tarah-tarah ke ilzaam lagane sure kar diye k sonu nigam khud ko rafi sahab se bada gayak samajhte hain, ye programme sirf paise k liye tha etc.
Mai manta hoo ko jitna expectation mujhe is programme se tha wo poora nahi ho paya phir v sonu ne koshish to ki rafi sahab ko yaad karne ki.
Behtar hoga unki koshish k liye sonuji ka sukriya ada kiya jaye.
Thanks
Samshad
I think that sonu nigaam infact has again refreshened the memories of the great md.rafi sahab. its difficult to play in front of such a large audience with foreign orchestra. and he has done a splendid job. I think people who don’t understand music will say such rubbish things about him. he is the best singer we have in the industry today. great job sonu.keep it up. and all the best wishes to you always.
Dear sir,
Please don’t comparison anybody with rafi sahib. I remember the word of Shabbir Kumar,Playback singer * Thousand /Crores shabbir can’t became a Rafi then how can a single sonu nigam become a Rafi Shib. I know sonu nigam is a good singer.
Thanks,
With regards
Suresh Chauhan
098558-05688
i think sonuji was spectacular with his rendering of the rafi songs
will hard work and true talent was evident in the show Rafi Resurrected… hearing the album is a treat.. if someone understands true music they would know that RAFI RESURRECTED is a master piece and SONUJI is a legend
we all love you Sonuji
kamakshi
@K.S. Ramachandran
Its good that u ve given a clarification…. But sonuji told in an interview that he had to change the pace of the songs according to the symphony orchestra…. I hope u know why he changed the pace….
sonu nigam has guts and courage for he is the person who valiantly took forward the works of his guru mohd rafi when there was some quarters in the film industry who wanted mohd rafi saaheb to be forgotten. please remember that mohd rafi was refused any filmfare award or honours once he left us in 1980. the name of mohd rafi was “taboo” in the recording studios claimed sonu nigam in many interviews. I meet many film industry journos and they love mohd rafi saaheb and sonu nigam – for he had to face a caucus of female singers and composers during his early stages.
One thing i will tell you rafi lovers and that’s mohd rafi has blessed sonu nigam and sonu has come up the hard way just like our mentor mohd rafi saaheb. please dont love him but also do not rile him like some of the rafi baiters.
and, lastly i would request no singer to criticise another singer for if i hear most of these singers – i too could bring out hundreds of follies in their singing.
Please do not behave like the doctor who will never have a good opinion about another physician and his prescriptions.
binu nair, rafi foundation, mumbai ( binus2000@hotmail.com )
It is very rude critisism that you have made. And it stands no where. If you don’t have the knowledge of music then keep quiet and don’t write such kind of analysis. It is an insult made to a great singer. Please remove this content and do apologise for whatever you have done.
I was very sad after reading such harsh comments made by few people about Sonuji’s Rafi Resurrected concert. My answer to them is that SONU NIIGAAM IS THE BEST. After Rafi Saab’s death, many singers came to industry as his replacement. But the real replacement was done only when Sonu Niigaam entered the industry. Sonu Niigaam is a multi-tasker, but he has never forgotten that first he is a singer and he is very sincere and serious to that (which you can make out even when he was judging saregama lil champs). So when he is giving tribute to his musical guru by singing his songs, he will put more than 100% hard work into it which was showing throughout the concert. Some people have habit of targeting somebody. If you can not appreciate somebody, at least don’t pass such comments. We are very proud of Sonu Niigaam
Sonu Niigaam….ONe of the most awesome singers of all times….If you care for Kishore Kumar and Mohd Rafi as legends, this guy is a LIVING LEGEND…He is simply the best singers at this time…..He shows his genius in whatever he sings, whatever genre of songs he sings…..if you guys dont have knowledge of music, you guys have no right to comment on this genius talent….He is the best and will remain the best with his great attitude, humbleness and ofcourse his SINGING…
Long live rafi sahabs voice & sonu niigaams talent – no one can take
there talent away by writing silly things here woh bhi ramzan ke paak mahine mein,,,,shame on those who did, sache fans kabie nahi chahenge ke rafi sahab ko log bhool jaaye, sonu nigam acha kaam kar raha hai aur karta rahega !!! let the new generation know rafi sahab
DONT TAKE THAT AWAY FROM THEM !!!
I dont think that a few bad comments can make sonji depressed or disapponted, because there are millions of people who love and respect sonji at the same time, and he knows that too.
He has achieved too much to lose anything. He has more than enough support from the world around.So little bad coments like that is common.
Come on now, Everybody know sonuji is the best. Its just that people cant stand the fact that he is the best.
Sonuji rocked once again with the blessing of rafi saabji.
@ Raju Korti
As a fan of Sonu Niigaam, I give you the benefit of being ‘an ill-informed person’ and accept your apologies.
Friend, you needn’t scratch your brains over the title for Sonuji’s next programme. I suppose there are better persons to do that job.
FYI – some tips on criticisms
• Criticism is to improve oneself and ones life, but not to insult or disgrace someone.
• Criticism must be done only by mature people who are graceful and diplomatic by nature, must be done in a polite manner.
• Always get into others’ shoes and walk in their shoes before criticising them.
Good Luck Friend
sonu ji done a great great job in london .
Well i am fan of both Rafi and Sonu, its true there is no comparison between sonu and rafi sahab. But when sonu says to compare him with rafi? sonu knows its not possible.
Well that concert was just great effort from a great singer to recall great legends. Nowdays who have can dare to sing rafi’s songs live? no one i am sure.
Sonu rocks!!!!
Dear Rafi fans and Sonu fans,
I would like to clarify that by my writing this article on Sonu’s performance, I never ever meant to dishonour him in any way, as I am, like all of you, an ardent fan of Sonu. For many a times, I have been dumstruck by Sonu’s excellent capabilities as a singer to be so close to Rafi Sahab. No one can deny that Sonu’s singing excellence is beyond doubt. He is truly a great artist with his singing dexterity not knowing any boundaries! In anycase, it was only my opinion and sincere submission that his singing on the show could have been much better with a slower pace. Thats about all. After all, all opinions of all the people in this world cannot converge into a point of total agreement!!
Sonu if you hear me saying: this is for you- You are truly great. I would have only wished that you sing in slower pace especially songs those demand only that much pace and not more!
Chandan
Please let us not argue whether Soin can Sing like Rafi or not. The fact that Sonu Nigam, took it upon homself to honor Rafi by holding this concert in England, does move to resurrect Rafi, than anyone has ever done. Sonu is a real devotee of Rafi, and I say we Rafi fans are eternally grateful to him.
namaste sir me 1 gane ki lyrics complete kar li hai
main chahta hoon ki uss dhun ko main aapko suna sakun sir
“Maine Tumse Kaha Hai” &”Hua Hai Mujhe Pyar”
thank u sir
plz plz reply sooon
I agree with Sonus biggest fan (please specify your name) that it doesn’t behove well of Rafi sahab’s fans to trash Sonu Nigam like this. He is the single most celebrity torch bearer of Rafi’s legacy, and is quite competent at that. As lots of us have mentioned that it is not easy to render so many songs at one go- that too along with seventy five piece symphony orchestra, comprising of musician who do not even understand our language. I thought these musicians, Sonu and thousands of people in attendance that night had once in a lifetime experience. Hats off to you Sonu Nigam. You have made us proud. I want the younger generation to know more about Rafi sahab. There will never be a better person than Sonu Nigam to spread Rafi sahab’s genius. So far he has done that asking for nothing in return. The fact that he makes it a point to pay tribute to Rafi sahab wherever he goes for concerts, is a point in case. He is an youth icon. When he speaks, people take notice. Keep it up Sonu! You are the only one fit enough to carry Rafi sahab’s divine singing style to every nook and corner. You have already succeeded to some degree. We are all with you.
It’s my sincere request to all those who are bad mouthing him to please stop it. We should learn a lesson from KK fans. K for Kishore, according to me was the worst singing show I ever watched on TV. A lot of us thought that way. But, I never heard any KK fan trashing the show. The simple reason being, it was a show dedicated to their master who they worshipped. If we are sincere in our efforts about Rafi sahab than we ought to be accepting Sonu Nigam with open arms. He has done full justice in keeping Rafi’s memory alive all these years. It is in bad taste to question his sincerity in the efforts that he puts in to promote Rafi sahab. Today there is no bigger name in music industry than Sonu’s.
People are bound to take notice whenever Sonu says that a real singer should be like Rafi sahab who was able to sing whatever genre was given to him. He gave a very heartfelt tribute to Rafi sahab on the night we are all talking about. At the same time he did not forget to mention Rafi sahab’s family. He was honest and sincere to the core in his effort that night. We as Rafi fans could not have asked for better. He is a big celebrity. Bigger than big ones. He doesn’t need any platform to promote himself. He drwas packed houses wherever he goes. We should in fact be proud and respect him for what he has done on behalf of us all .
sonu nigam sang rubbish… he used to sing better when he copied rafi songs at his early stages..At London his performance was very bad…his voice has deteriorated a lot and on that day his voice was not coming from deep of his heart.
Mr. K.S. Ramachandran ,watever u wrote is very disappointing.if sumone does sumthing gud den let ur palms clap.u hav written dat sonu nigam was much to my xpectation,dat shows u were ready 2 do all these stuffs before the show.it seems to me dat dis article is also written before sonuji performed d show
.
so i wud rather suggest u to start writting sum other articles and make sure dat dis time we shud be answerless.
What bullshit!!If u cannot appreeciate such a great musician’s tribute to his musical father U better go hang urselves!Am sure if Rafi Saab was alive he would have been the happiest man on earth…well his soul must be definitely elated now!
sonunigamis the best he is tis reallymagnetic singer …n his concert was of par excellence …he won evrybodies heart n soul ….above tat d due respect he paid to rafi ji ws unbelievable …no body cud have done better than tis ….i support him out n out n ppl who think it ws nt good or smthn ..thn all i have to say is …..learn smthn bout music n thn comment ….first hv the guts to b on tat stage n thn perform n thn u hv the rght to comment ..
god bless sonu ji n m really proud to be a sonu nigam fan tc
I completely agree wid da writer of this article. Foremost, to reach Rafi Saab’s touch that he gave to his songs – its same as fooling yourself. One singer who gave me nostalgia of Rafi saab was the winner of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa ’07 – Aneek Dhar. Although the TV was ON one day I was just listening to the audio, and as soon as this fellow started singing – it ‘almost’ felt like Rafi saab was singing. But again Rafi saab is Rafi saab. Anyways, I think if you can take a few mins out of your life and watch the video given below, you will understand my view a little better:
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=pk09X1gb4A4
Cheers!!!
I thought being the gr8 Mohammed Rafis fans u ppl would have good taste in music…. I m wrong…. I guess the only reason u watched the show was 2 critisize Sonu nigam…. Sonu nigam was absolutely wonderful that day…. May i ask all those ppl who found fault with Sonu Nigam’s tribute what have u done in your lifetime that gives u the eligibility 2 critisize Sonu???Have u learnt music for even one day???U ppl say that rafi has been ignored by the new generation and kishore da has been given more priority… whenever someone tries to introduce Rafi saab to the Gen next all u guys do is critisize the person… Shame on u guys….For me Rafi sahab is like Don Bradman and Sonu Niigaam is like Sachin Tendulkar ….I guess u ppl r realy jealous of his success and unmatchable talent… The gr8 Manna Day had said a few yrs back that sonu is born in the wrong era and he would have given good competetion to Rafiji and Kishore da… I guess sonu does not need a stamp of approval from u guys…. Kudos to Sonu Niigam for doing such a great job…. Hope u ppl develop some good taste in Music…
tis really mean if u say tht sonuji sang those songs with out feeling or anything…infact it was really wonderful..nd ofcourse it is wrong to compare rafisahab nd sonuji….one should appreciate the fact tht sonuji is atleast trying to keep rafi sahab’s memories alive in us and also to introduce him to the coming generation who unfortunately does nt hav the opportunity to listen to rafi sahab live…u should appreciate good music irrespective of any other reason…
All rubbish!!! Dont know why people are afraid of accepting truth??? The concert was simply amazing and so is Sonu Niigaam. Rafi Sahab were a legend no doubt, but here we have another legend in making. Some will never accept the truth, but even Sonu’s age does not equal the carrier of Rafi Sahab, he is just 35 and for me he is already a legend. And if he sings till the age Rafi sang then u see what he’ll be, the best Indian singer ever. Some people like to live with past instead of moving on with experience from past
In short, worthless article
I thought people here know music
He’s the best mashhalaah
I must say, there are always biases. Just like how biased you are against Sonu Niigaam and how I am so biased towards him. The difference is, you disregard his talent and genuine dedication and devotion to singing Mohd. Rafi ji’s songs. You think he’s trying to be the next Rafi saab, but that’s where I can safely say you are totally wrong.
Sonu ji has compiled an album of Rafi saab’s songs, and with this concert, it has only elevated Sonu ji’s standing in the realm of music. Don’t try putting down a singer soley because of your dislike for him.
Never compare a singer to another. Each has their own quality, and uniqueness. Sonu ji for one, is a very professional singer. He walks into the recording studio and does a song in 3 or less takes. How many such singers can you find? His stage performances are electrifying and he’s a great performer.
Either you are jealous that your favourite singer, if you even have on, cannot do as well. There see, comparing again. Not needed. Or that you just have a lot of time on your hands. Obviously I don’t, and so I won’t try to reason anymore, because if you don’t get it, you just don’t.
Sonu ji is India’s pride, the world’s pride. He has done magnificent work, and will continue doing so, his improvements are clearly seen and HEARD.
hello all those who felt ‘hurt’ due to the article itself and also some of the comments, in particular my own comment at no.1 in this thread. I am sorry if I have hurt anyone’s sentiments. we admire sonu nigam and the effort that he is trying to put in to present the songs of rafi sahab and we give due credit to him on this score. only you must all understand that it is very natural for us to compare the songs of rafi sahab with those presented by sonu nigam, for we too were sure that sonu nigam would do a highly commendable job. if it were not so, we may not have watched the telecast of the show and in its entirety, you will all agree. what we were trying to impress here was that we were dissapointed. we felt that sonu nigam could have given a much better rendition as he too is a versatile singer. the changing of the words from ‘an evening in paris’ to ‘an evening in london’ however remains to me a ‘gimmick’. again, this should not be construed as any disrespect to sonu nigam, but then the original lines cannot be replaced in a show that claims to ‘resurrect’ rafi sahab. however much you want your audience to be involved in the musical show, one should never make parodies of songs and present them with the original lyrics. if these are not pointed out, some day some other singer may even try to present these lovely songs in a totally different composition (read tune) and this then certainly becomes a ‘mockery’ which i had referred. i once again wish to impress upon all that we like sonu nigam and enjoy his songs and we are proud that he did take the name of rafi sahab to greater heights by staging this programme in the u.k. if we do express our dissappointment, it should be taken in right spirit. i regret for my comments if they have hurt anyone’s sentiments, which never was my intention in the first place. let us bury the hatchet is my appeal. thanks.
I agree with most of the comments left by Sonuji fans. Sonuji was not trying to sing songs on a level that Rafi Saheb would, he was just trying to sing those songs in tribute to Rafi Saheb and he did a tremendous job. I was not present at the concert but I have the album and I love every song. Hats off to Sonuji who made an effort to give shradanjali to Rafi Saheb. If even one of you could accomplish what Sonuji has then good for you if not none of you has the right to critize Sonuji and literally rip him apart. Just think about you are saying before saying anything.
God Bless You Sonuji!!! continue to enlighten us with your heavenly voice
While it’s obvious for everyone to see that Mr.Ramachandran from TamilNadu is not a professional journalist or a music critic, he could have done a huge favor to himself and his article by thinking of something better than the “Nilgiri Express” to make a comparison. Now, where did that come from?
First of all, I’m not sure how qualified this gentleman is – to write an unprofessional article, questioning the talent or to criticize a singer like Sonu who’s a legend in his own right (without being a Rafi clone). I’m not even going down that road now…
Secondly, the programme was called “A tribute to Rafi” and NOT “I am better than Rafi”. Sonu does NOT have to imitate Rafi or even try to sound like him anymore. He’s made his name and fame and has his share of the limelight – by just being himself – Sonu Nigam. People all over the world love him not because he sounds like Rafi but ,as we know, he is a legend in his own right. This was just a tribute to Rafi saab and Sonu tried to do it his way.
Mohd Rafi and Sonu Nigam belong to completely different generations. For this very simple reason, one cannot be compared to the other.
I fully agree with Mr.Ramachandrans views. This was exactly what I felt when I saw the concert throgh TV channel..
I love and respect Sonu, being perhaps the only singer in India who can come closer to the legend Rafi Sahib than any one else now in rendering the great melodies. Of course some of his renderings were great.
My feeling is that Sonu was a little overconfident at that time.He showed unduly hasty in some of the slow memorable songs of Rafiji and of course his voice did not give the rich timber he used to give , may be as Ramachandran put it was due to his excessive rendering of the present day fast nonsense they call songs
Yes friends you all are right.
Sonuji said it earlier that he had done no modifications in the songs because he wanted to maintain the original flavour of the song, else he would have done “N” number of modifications in them..
He never said that he wanted to or that he has already surpassed his IDOL, he indeed regards him as his father, he always keeps Rafi Sahab first and then comes on to himself..
Manier times on shows as well as interviews he has said that “How can we forget that I have come into the industry with Rafi Sahab’s voice.”
He said that he has got to know his original voice after Kal Ho Na Ho, so how can he disrespect Rafi Sahab, he has been so honest everytime, he is never shy of saying these things whereas any other singer might feel shy saying it on the camera nationally that he came into industry with another voice..
How can u ppl be so ridiculing??
And however it is of no doubt that his voice is closest to Rafi sahab.
Listen to the song which he sang in rememberence of Rafi Sahab in the beginning of the show
ie TERE AANE KI AAS HAI DOST,
and then listen to the original track by Rafi Sahab and then again listen it subg by Sonuji. you will see a striking resemblence of his voice to that of Sonuji..
I don’t have words as well as space to say about Sonuji in context to Rafi Sahab, please respect Rafi Sahab’s soul and Sonuji.
He is the national icon for India, respect him…
Its really sad to write these things about sonuji. Most of indians would comply with me saying that sonuji is the most versatile singer in bollywood circuit today. On drawing comparisons personally i am completely against comparing art especially performing arts. There is no doubt that rafi saab is far superior than sonuji which sonuji will accept since the time rafi saab used to perform they used to have live rehearsals with the whole troupe. But do we have a better singer than sonuji who can even think of repeating rafi saab’s stupendous voice quality and control, the answer is no. Thus drawing comparison is completely unfair. We have to b generous and thank sonuji that he made an effort to make us here those songs which were long lost in time.
thank you…
I have the opportunitry to see Sonu Niigam live and he was wonderful to watch. He sung the songss expressively ,truly reaching out the younger fans who adore Mohd Rafi saab but could hear him in person.
This was Sonu Niigam tribute to his mentor and never an attempt to imiitate.
Every moment during the cobncert, Sonuji has shared his wonderful moments with Mohd Rafi ji and how he asprire to be like him. Sonu is lives in awe of his guru and nothing else.
One should have an open mind and not stand to cirtize as this was truly an unforgetable moment.
Sonu Niigaam- your an inspiration to many and adored by many more. You sing from your heart and we hear your soul.
With best wishes and love
yes i do agree with all my friends that sonuji was excellent in the concert and no one should make stupid comments on such a great singer. we are their with you sonuji. god bless you you are too good to be understood by such people.
Dear Mr. Unbeatable,
Ref. post 34 & 35
First of all, greetings on becoming a part of this site. Surprisingly, you were not there on the site for so many years when we started discussing about our unmet guru, Rafi Sahab. We don’t call ourselves the fans but we are bhakts of that saintly figure. Suddenly you have started posting since there have been criticism about the Sonu Nigam concert. Although I personally liked the programme but it is not necessary that everybody should like the programme and always speak good about it. Why ?
And moreover, its a discussion, lets not get into any argument.
Can Mr. Unbeatable tell us, what is your dedication about collection of Rafi Sahab songs and what have u been doing to spread the fragrance of Rafi Sahab ? Hussein Bhai, Murty Sahab, Binu Sir, Mr. Ramachandran, Narayan Sir, Shri Umesh Makhija and many more, they have dedicated their lives to Rafi Sahab. How can one know about their dedication who is visiting this site just to support Sonu Nigam ?
I am myself a big fan of Sony Nigam but that doesn’t mean that I should put him at par with Rafi Sahab. I also do concerts in the memory of Rafi Sahab. I also get some good remarks and some criticism also which I have to take sportingly to make my next concert better than the previous one.
So, take a chill pill Mr. Unbeatable and stop pointing fingers at others. But, look at yourself you are discussing Sonu Nigam more than Rafi Sahab on a site which is dedicated to Rafi Sahab .
Discuss Rafi, Sirf Rafi, Baar Baar Rafi ! Yaad Na Jaye………..
Long Live Rafi Sahab !
Regards
Dear all,
At the very outset, I would like to clarify from my end that I am myself an ardent fan of Sonu Nigam and have been watching his program ever since he came to limelight. He is extremely talented and is always known for his inimitable style which anyone would acknowledge. He is undoubtedly the best amongst singers today to sing Rafi songs. All I wanted to say in the article was that he could have sung the songs at the normal pace and not hurriedly as in the show. That’s about all. That in no way makes him a lesser than a great singer. This in any case was my opinion which could differ from person to person and it is almost impossible to come to any consensus with a large population of Rafi fans around the world!
If Sonu is hearing me – I never ever meant to hurt you but only wished that you sing with the right pace of the song. My wishes are always there for you to be at the helm, heights and glory of all tributes, as one of the greatest singers of the new generation! God bless you!
Regards
KS Ramachandran (Chandan)
Sonu Nigam is really a talented singer. There is no second word for it. Last year he gave a fantastic stage show at Mysre Dasara. But he should have not made this project. Rafi is Rafi. Nobody in this world can replace Rafi. In my opinion, Rafi, Kishor, Mukesh, Lata and Asha, they are not human being. They are the messengers of Goddess Saraswati. So before taking the project, he should have tought 1000 times, whether it is worth doing or not. He has established his own image and trend in the minds of the present generation. He simply spoiled everything by doing this project.
During the show, he should have kept some popular anchor like Amin sahani of famous Binaca Geet Mala or someone, who are really too good. He was only talking and singing. That will spoil the entire quality of the show.
Anyhow, my intension was not hurting Sonu Nigam. He is a very popular singer in Kannada industry. We all love him.
Regards
Venkatesh
Stage Singer
Mysore
& yea I thng for sure he ws jus wowwwwwww
mind blowin
all dis words aganist doesnt make any loss to his performance which he gaved …………………………
CONGRATS SONUJIII
carry on ur work
well well its reli not true to say dis………I mean I only wana say dat I reli enjoyed wat sonuji did
reli excellent job………………. d thng not to bring out d mistakes but its d thng to appriciate …reli I mean how many try or evn thnk to try dis wat sonuji hd reli done ……he put all his efforts …
I ws enjoyin dat to d fuulest ,,,,,,,. I ws not born whn rafiji ws der
but yeah I hv listnd to him but u knw wat ……………..sonuji reli ws if ot him den near to him
…..dis articlke reli heartd me as dis article reli puts all efforts of sonuji in darkness …………if u cnt do smthng atleast one shd not try to discorage I will lik to see sonuji doin dis agn next tym………….. & I”ll agn listn & enjoy each & evy song of sonuji
…….
pore diil se
sonu bhaiya I treat u as ma god
my mighty & …………. srry I sed sumthn joh mujhe nahin kehna cahiye tah wat I jus cant read dis rubbish about u ……..
cheers 4 ur wrk me my family
my frn all attched to me luv ur performanec & I will luv to hv d frnot sit next tym whn u do dis……………
xxxxxxx
take care
While a person gives tribute to his elders by devoting them for something, it always does not necessarily require to be exactly as the Guru has been. and it should not be like that too…
The central thing in the event was that it was dedicated to a Maestro called Rafi Saab to whom Sonu Ji believes as his Guru.
He dedicated the same and did the best. It could not be better..
This is a human activity and not a machinery activity, where you can get a photocopy. This is a world where one can not even compare two eyes, leave two people apart.. One needs to understand the feelings rather than comparing the two legends………
All Sonu Nigaam fans love Rafi sahab
So let us compliment Sonu for remembering the immortal and doyen of Playback his Demi- God Rafi sahab….
He tried to pay rich tribute to his Guru and with his charizma brought the younger age group of 14 to 18 also to the magic of Rafi who do not get exposure to old melodies.
Yes there might be few flaws but replicate can never become ORIGINAL
All i can say is this..it was a fantastic effort from Sonuji.I really loved each song he sang..i have grown listening him…i believe this has one of the finest tribute he could give to Mohd Rafiji.
I really loved each performance of his..and expects him to give such tributes time and again..
The only person who could ever come close to Mohd Rafi is Sonuji.
Love u sonuji…
i think u have gone mad…remove this non-sense.
Has anybody of you guy, who is critizising Sonu Niigaam, performed on stage in front of a 75 piece symphonic orchestra ? Does anybody of you guys know to work with such an orchestra ?
I’ve attended two of the concerts myself and also watch it on Sony TV… This was the best performance ever, that I’ve seen yet.
If some of you complain, that he hasen’t not met the pitch…
you should know, that Sonuji has complained about the pitch to the orchestra already at the rehearsals – he knows 100 % well about Rafi sahabs pitch and he also knows to modulate his voice to meet it close to perfection.
Same about you complaining the speed…
You guys should know, that it was the transcription to the symphonic version of Rafi songs, which made the sound you’ve heard now and which made Sonuji sing the way he did…
This time he’s to go with the renditions of the orchestra and not the other was round.
So instead of bashing and critizing Sonuji, you should honor what he’s done – not for his fame , but for the fame of Rafi – to show the world, what great singer this legend was (even to those, who didn’t know him by now) and to pay tribute to him.
You guys name yourself Rafi fans – but you don’t understand the sense of music and therefore you don’t understand Rafi sahab.
He would NOT agree to you bashing and criticizing other singer and even less, if they pay tribute to him – Rafi sahab would be proud of Sonuji and would applaud to his work.
So shame on you !
And as some other person here already stated:
please wake up – Rafi has gone many years ago – keep up his memory, but appreciate the work of other singers and musicians, who do a tremendously good job and spread the cultural gems of India around the world.
Every time Sonu Nigam has been taken for granted. For awards functions also many a times he’s got nominations but not the actual award. But never mind he is great singer & the GOD is watching all these unfair practices.
After watching Sonu Nigam paying tribute to Rafi saab , I thought Rafi fans would be proud of Sonu Nigam.
Instead I am reading so many bad , disrespecting comments degrading Sonu Nigam. I am really shocked now.People who are genuine fans of any artist will never dis-respect any artist in such a demeaning manner.
The concert was obviously a sincere attempt by Sonu Nigam to enlighten gen next about the greatness of Rafi saab, his songs,
his singing style. Through this tribute , new generation who listen to Sonu Nigam get to know from where Sonu Nigam
derives inspiration from . It is a divine tribute by a disciple to his master from whom he learnt so much musically.
Sonu Nigam has always been showing his love , gratitude towards Rafi saab throughout his career.
We , Rafi fans , should be very proud of Sonu Nigam . Great going Sonu.Keep it up!!
NO BODY CAN MATCH RAFI OR LATA, as you can’t compere Taj Mahal with Lotus Temple, but Sonu Did a great Job, by rembering his Guru publically and presenting the Great Singer to young generation who don’t know Great Rafi, by hearing to this numbers sung by Sonu, young generation is inspired to hear real song by the great Rafi Saab, so their is no harm. In age of Ho Halla, some one is their to remember RAFi Saab, and we want the numbers to increase not decrease let the new generation realize what Rafi is and see his singing. at this stage of his professional career Sonu does’nt require Rafi Saab name to promote himself, he is only offering this tribute to the legend, and Rafi Saab became Rafi after putting great years, let Sonu blossom
Mr. Ramachandran, if your knowlege of the intricacies of music is comparable to your command of the English language, then your qualifications to write an analysis/critique of this concert are meagre, indeed.
He sang the “songs very normally”? You would rate him much much lower than what he used to sing when “he came in about 13years ago through Saregama”? His voice has “conspicuously deteriorated” with his singing all types of
“medlee”/Hindi pop songs “and of that sort”. Even the title is ridiculous.
What does all this nonsense mean? And does this site have any consideration regarding the quality of the content published?
Here are some respectfully offered suggestions for you:
1. Write your articles in your own language (Hindi?),
2. Have your work edited by someone familiar with English grammar and spelling,
3. Use “spellcheck” before submitting your work,
4. Have someone else author your opinions, so they’re expressed clearly.
Please accord some respect to the readership; don’t waste their time on such useless dribble. A concert of this calibre deserves a well thought-out opinion, not a biased diatribe.
Yes friends you all are right.
Sonuji said it earlier that he had done no modifications in the songs because he wanted to maintain the original flavour of the song, else he would have done “N” number of modifications in them..
He never said that he wanted to or that he has already surpassed his IDOL, he indeed regards him as his father, he always keeps Rafi Sahab first and then comes on to himself..
Manier times on shows as well as interviews he has said that “How can we forget that I have come into the industry with Rafi Sahab’s voice.”
He said that he has got to know his original voice after Kal Ho Na Ho, so how can he disrespect Rafi Sahab, he has been so honest everytime, he is never shy of saying these things whereas any other singer might feel shy saying it on the camera nationally that he came into industry with another voice..
How can u ppl be so ridiculing??
And however it is of no doubt that his voice is closest to Rafi sahab.
Listen to the song which he sang in rememberence of Rafi Sahab in the beginning of the show
ie TERE AANE KI AAS HAI DOST,
and then listen to the original track by Rafi Sahab and then again listen it subg by Sonuji. you will see a striking resemblence of his voice to that of Sonuji..
I don’t have words as well as space to say about Sonuji in context to Rafi Sahab, please respect Rafi Sahab’s soul and Sonuji.
He is the national icon for India, respect him…
sonu sonu sonu… the crowds cheer at any concert. This great man, has revived mo.rafi to the youth. He has inspired and motivated. This pop idol has done a superb job and has left spot on everyones heart. A man who is in a leugue of his own, humble and outstanding. People say bad things but dont take them to heart, listen and let it make u a stronger person. The concert which sonuj rendered could never be done better by anyone else. Sonuji has the love an passion, which he spread around the globe by singing.
Rafi Resurrected show was divine….the way Sonu ji sang each n every song was simply the great…it was like a person is praying to his god….and those who are saying rude things should be ashamed of themselves……
He is a respect singer of industry, he is a genuine musician….you should be proud of Sonu ji.
u said that he was fast……what the hell …u think that u know music well…then why dont you sing han?
if you guys cant appreciate the hard work of Sonu ji so please atleast dont say any rude thing about him.. it hurts us becuase we truly love n respect him. and we cant tolerate this okay…
RR was a great tribute…..and Sonu Ji is the best.
here is my take on the sonu nigam/cbso tribute show:
i liked the show. i liked the orchestration much more and sonu nigam’s singing to a lesser degree. but, enjoyed the event.
according to me even if five persons from the gen-next enjoyed the event and learnt few mohd rafi songs then, then the show must be considered a huge success.
and since i wanted to feel the pulse of the people i interviewed ten house wives who spent more than three hours of that sunday evening watching the programme. almost nine out of ten ladies said the programme was very very good and entertaining. i got the message that on the whole the people enjoyed the programme. some people with little more knowledge of music must not have enjoyed the sonu nigam limitations and it could be or could not be justified – since sonu nigam is no mohd rafi. he only made a sincere effort to present mohd rafi songs on a larger “international” canvas.
the indian music and mohd rafi songs were the winners on that sunday evening and many many singers would be dreaming for a similar opportunity to sing mohd rafi gems.
coming back to the live viewing of the event, whenever there was a bit of criticism from my side about sonu nigam, there were frowns and glares from the viewers at my home including my wife.
binu nair, rafi foundation, mumbai
i think sonu niigaam has done the job which no other singer can do…he has truely followed rafi sahab as a devotee follows bible …and it is being said that the original songs are slow he sang too fast..etc..hold on guys but in original songs the music was different…the instruments were different…here sonu had to sing along with 75 people on the instruments ..even slight mistake could have broken the link…and it is very obvious that rafi resurrected would be a different and bigger one…sonuji has already sang most of his songs in rafi ki yaddein different volumes..and that songs included music closer to original ones…but in concerts there were no drums no electro pads no guitar…both the cbso and sonu niigaam has done a gr8 job in album and also in concert..and its true that its never to be repeated project…sonu niigaam when asked “What was the biggest challenge for you?has said that
Sonuji – I didn’t want to go too far away from Rafi saab’s soul. I didn’t want to tamper with it. I could have done a lot of variations in terms of tune and melody, as I do in my own songs, but I didn’t because I wanted to maintain the
sanctity of his voice and songs. I followed him like a student follows a teacher. I didn’t try to surpass my teacher – I didn’t try anything my teacher didn’t do. So this is my heartfelt tribute to Rafi saab. That was the challenge sometimes when you are doing something as an artist, you want to do changes and bring in
your own effects. But my soul said I should not tamper with what Rafi saab has done.
so guys dont be disappointed but be proud of what sonuji has done …if you can do it better then proove it or else atleast learn to praise it and gain something from it………i consider sonuji and rafi sahab as my gurus…so i can feel what sonuji has sung and i am very proud of my guruji……long live sonu niigaam….
i love sonuji!!! i will definetly not tolerate dis….im 12 yrz old and sonuji is more than a guru 2 me…i love him very much!! he gave in a lot 2 dis project and i love it!!!! my dad really admired him although he is a rafi saab fan….sonuji aap please dissapoint mat hoiye…who will listen 2 rubbish people anywayz…mujhe pata hai k aapne bohot mehenat ki hai aur mein aapki bohot izzat karti hoon. my papa mummy loved it!! i live in new zealand and we’ll buy ur cdz as soon as it comes here..promise!!!
love u lotss…
from ur no.1 fan
PRIYANKA DHAWAN
If u really want to prove urself to be Rafians or Rafi Saab’s devotees…respect other musicians and singers..as far as I understand, Rafi Saab’s humility and excellence went hand in hand..and Sonuji exhibits the same quality..Sonuji is working his heart out for the sake of uplifting the music of India…respect his efforts guys..dont love him, dont be his fans if u dont want to..its ur personal opinion and noone has the right to question that..but, its unfair to use such cruel words in response to his genuine effort to pay a tribute to Rafi Saab..live singing is not a child’s game..20 songs at a stretch..in front of a huge audience,media and with a western orchestra with whom he has no previous experience…he is the only person who could have pulled off what he did..and he did a stupendous job..the audience was left spellbound..u guys are experts at criticizing him and judging him..didnt any one of u see the devotion in his eyss and the respect in his voice for Rafi Saab..Rafi Saab lives in the hearts of every person who respect music and understand it..And his blessings are with Sonuji and will always be..coz Sonuji has only made him proud..Kehte hai “Mann se raavan jo nikaale ram uske mann me hai”…
TO ALL WHO HAVE CRITISIED SONU JI, LETS FACE A FACT,WOULD YOU ALL OUT THERE BE ABLE TO STAND IN FRONT OF THOUSANDS AND DO WHAT SONU JI DID,I MEAN SING FOR A PERSON WITH A CALIBRE OF RAFI JI.NO I DONT THINK YOU CAN, SO IF YOU DONT HAVE THE DAAM THEN DONT CRITISE SOMEONE WHO PAYS RESPECT AND TRIES TO BRING OUT IN US THE SONGS THAT WERE SO BEAUTIFULLY SUNG BY RAFI JI.
WHAT SONU JI IS KABILE TAARIF AND YOU PEOPLE OUT THERE DONT HAVE THE GUTS TO ACKNOWLEDGE HIS EFFORTS,BECOZ YOU CANT BE HIM OR DO WHAT HE DID FOR HIS GURU,LISTENING TO RAFI JI ON RECORDS OR CDS IS NOT BEING RAFI JI FAN,ITS MAKING OTHERS REALISE HIS WORTH
HATS OFF TO SONU JI,I STAYED UP LATE NIGHT TO SEE HIS SHOW ON SONY TV AND IT WAS WORTH LOSING MY SLEEP
Nobody is perfect but his effort shown to the world is commendable. As long as persistence is there,he will reach his mark.God Bless Sonuji =) Our fans are there to support him.
to all the devoted fans of sonu nigamji
my profound apologies to you all, including your idol. it’s time we devote this website to sonuji instead. yes, he did a great service to rafi since the latter happens to be his guru. i dont think there ever has been ever a greater tribute to rafi. we must all be indebted to sonuji for bringing alive the memories of a man who was known for his simplicity — in every sphere of life — humility and professional excellence. now i stand corrected and chastised. i concede sonuji has more admirers than his “idol”.
so kindly forgive me and i assure you i will look forward eagerly to his next programme (maybe titled bhoole bisre rafi) and sing his praises.
i thought criticism, even if it appears vile at times, has a valid acceptance. now i know better. i take back all those words and i have no hesitation to say sonuji is the best singer india has been fortunate to have.
my genuine apologies to all of you if i have hurt your sentiments. please treat those remarks as those of an ill-informed person.
I completely agree with Ramachandran. I am great fan of sonu nigam but the show was quite disappoitning. I am hearing sonu since he was at all famous. The Rafi songs that he rescoeded earlier for T-series is much of higher quality.
I am sure Sonu is mature person and will take this feedback positively. The reason I raised this concern becuase I still belive he is the BEST singer as of now.
Man, Sonuji does not need to prove his metal now, when it was needed he did that…
Please stop criticising Sonuji, if you people have so many issues then why don’t you yourself go and perform in front of such a huge amount of people?
Please stop being a Complaining type..
Guys,
None of the Rafi fans here have anything personal against Sonu. It is just that all the Rafi fans would have heard so much of Rafi Sahab that even small mistakes seem glaring, especially if it is from a seasoned singer like Sonu.
Rafi Saahab’s songs are evergreen because of the style of rendition, the rooh, the emotions. If you take out all these attributes from Rafi Sahab’s songs, do you think it will touch people’s hearts? This was the problem in Sonu’s concert. He should not have sung Rafi Sahab’s songs in his andaaz. He should have tried keeping it as original as possible.
Technically, the orchestra missed indian instruments like dholak (esp. for songs like Badi Mastani hai meri mehbooba).
No doubt Sonu is a great singer, and hence the disappointment. We know Sonu can perform much much better.
Cheers
Anoop
Hi, I think we need to accept the critics. It is only when we grow and they are also a kind of publicity. These feedback would definately not affect either Sonu’s performance nor his art. It is Sonu’s tribute to his guru and he has given his best. I feel his performance was not for any publicity. Accept the critics and thank for appreciation.
Sonu- U have given your guru dakshina and trust me one day you receive the same. ‘Sonu Niigaam ke liye Sur naman’
Sonu was,is and will be a great prospect and legend of whatever that comes out from his throat as songs………………………
I saw the concert and was dumbstruck by its scale and clinical efficiency. The orchestration was terrrific coming as it did from musicians for whom the songs were from an alien language.
Sonu sang with supreme confidence and I am very happy that he chose to sing Madan Mohan number: “Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho..” which is perhaps one of the most difficult songs sung by Rafi Saab. Sonu sang it with elan. This shows the class of Sonu. Well done, Sonu.
Those who criticise him either do not understand good music or are plain jealous of his talent.
i think sonuji did a fabulous job……no singer in this world can do it as good as sonuji…..no comparision
Reading all these comments will make anyone laugh, indeed. I don’t know who started it and why. I see no logic here. But anyone starting this sick debate is miles away from understanding nuances of music. This concert was a tribute to the singer we all love and not any competition. Seems like these same people can tolerate and applaud shameful reality shows on TV. Sonu Nigam has been singing Rafi songs for years so what is the problem today? The medium was far better this time. Interestingly, the Internet has suddenly allowed most people to think that they are not only “writers” but can also critique as well. If Rafi Sahib’s immediate family has no problem working and associating itself with this concert, do we need more testimonials to prove the point? It is funny that most of these Rafi fans want to revive his music but contradict themselves with such outlandish remarks.
The highlight of the evening was not only Sonu Nigam bringing Indian music to an international forum and audience but also present it in a lavish style. How he did is secondary but you can’t doubt man’s loyalty and dedication to his Guru. And I sure will have doubts if anyone else could have done a better job than him in front of a few thousand audiences and a 75 strong international orchestra. This experiment did not fail but a handful of among us obviously failed to see what we gained. May be some of these people needed to hear the CD format if they expect a recording room quality from a stage show. Sonu Nigam deserves congratulations for celebrating the man in a grand style and also for introducing us a real female singer as well. The combination of it all could not be any better.
Who says sonuji sang like a breeze?? I humbly ask that person can he even sing 1 line like sonuji………….sonuji did an excellentt and wonderful job//
I and all praisers of sonu bhaiya will thank him throughout the life for giving such a beautiful and unforgetable evening//
This was the ffirst evening in my life atleast which waas so magical, marvellous, melodius, mindblowing //I hav less words but this show was really out of this world.// sonu bhaiya is always sincere in what he does..
And when It comes to comparing him with Rafisaab ji…………..He never compares himself with him………..people who wants to find faults in sonuji keeps on doing that//
sonu bhaiya never said that he sings better or equal 2 rafisaab but ppl wat 2 say??
I think “AN EVENING IN LONDON” was the bestest show full of colours ,love,respect, feelings n melody as it was a lovely tribute 2 a musical wonderful idol rafisaabji by his biggest admirer and fan sonu Nigamji…..//
I think NO one in this world will do such an awesum job which sonuji did//
whwat people have 2 say they will say but TRUTH WON”T CHANGE that this show was Grand.//
Thanks
FYI..this is just one of the many reviews that are on the net.
Hi fans
Sonu Niigaam Ji did a great job for people of UK,I hope same will be done in Gulf and other countries,I think it is wrong to compare Mohd Rafi with with any singer,Sonu Niigaam ji himself a great fan of Mohd Rafi as we know that Sonu Niigaam Ji can sing also in voice of KK .
As mohd Rafi fan I want to thanks mr Sonu Niigaam ji for this great job and I hope same be done to other great singers.
i think sonu niigaam did an excellent job!!!
how many singers do u see now-a-days holding such a big tribute show????? many singers dont even have to guts to do wat sonuji did. everyone says they are mohd rafi jis fans but all they do is sit around.
sonu niigaam has really showed how much of a fan he is to mohd rafiji.
he didnt say that he wanted to be the NEXT mohd rafi or that he is going to COPY mohd rafi at this show.
its a tribute to guru. that doesnt necceseraly mean that he is going to imitate mohd rafi
definetly a lot of work has been put behind it. so all of u just sitting there saying rude things about sonuji should think again.
this show is the best tribute i have ever seen so HATS OFF TO SONU NIIGAAM!!!!!!!!!
I totally agree with Mr. Mukesh Vig, it is sad to see people here trying to compare Rafi Sahaab and Sonuji. I don’t think Sonuji even in his wildest dreams would think about trying to excel Rafi sahaab. He treats him like his guru, does anyone compete with their guru. I myself have been to several of Sonuji’s concert, I have seen that in all his concerts Sonuji makes sure he remembers Rafi Sahaab and thanks his parents for introducing him to Mohd.Rafi songs at a young age. He says whatever he is today as a singer is because of Rafi Sahaab’s blessing.
And now comming to the concert you guys are referring here, I was in the audience, I travelled all the way to London just for this concert and it was the best experience of my life. If you guys think I am a fool to say all this, then everyone in the audience should be fools. Everyone was just spellbound. Not even a slight disturbance in the concert, everyone was just immersed. The audience was clapping at the right time, listening so carefully to everything Sonuji said. Rahi Sahaab’s family(Grand son and his family) was sitting right behind me and they were really enjoying the show. Sonuji even made sure he thanked Rafi Sahaab’s grand son. It was such a pleasure to watch Sonuji and the live Orchestra complimenting each other so perfectly and there could not have been anything better than Rafi sahaab’s songs. My 5 yr old daughter who was in the concert is so impressed with the songs that everytime I play the “Rafi Resurrected” CD, she is like ..”Mommy I love these songs, these are the same songs he sang in London right? When are we going to London again?”…
I am not trying to exaggerate things, but this is my personal opinion, the concert was “Out of the World” experience. It is so sad to see people not realize the motive behind the concert. Sonuji hats off to your sincere effort of paying tribute an also trying to refresh Rafi Sahaab’s memory for all genuine music lovers.
hi friends
actually…i am here to disagree with you
i visit this site occasionally couse i am moh rafiji’s big fan…sonuji’s as well
i was present at that programme…i feel he sang all songs fabulously…couse we can judge it from the audiance response…i will share something with you….when the song “suhaani raat dhal chuki” started….just after one line audiance started clapping for more than 15 seconds….you know what it means?…sitting in front of tv and saying anything is easy…for anybody…but i cant tolarate that type of review for sonuji and also for rafiji…i totally disagree that he sang songs simply…he puts his soul for that …i have purchased rafi resurrected as my golden memories…
Yes I agree Sonu Niigaam will maybe never be better than Rafi, but I would like to see the day when one of you who are criticizing him comes even close to what he can do…I really highly doubt that day will ever come
Sonu Niigaam himself has always been a huge Rafi fan since childhood and considers him his musical father, his guru and knows he’s not better and doesn’t even want people to consider him better than Rafi…for those of you saying he has no humility I repeat he has never and will never consider himself to be better than Rafi…this was just his way of giving a wonderful tribute and spreading his guru’s music worldwide….
And I seriously cannot believe some are commenting on how he changes his appearance from time to time…so what if he does? What the hell does that have to do with singing ability….and yes he has tried his hand at acting and other stuff…just cuz he’s a singer doesn’t mean he shouldn’t try doing other things…there’s no such law or rule saying that you can only do one thing with your life…life should be liven to the fullest..for some it means being devoted to one thing, but for others it means trying all kinds of stuff
The title Rafi Resurrected does not imply Rafi has been forgotten…it simply implies that his songs are being given a slightly different form due to the symphonic orchestration
His name was the first and only name to be recommended to the CBSO guys for this tribute….and this was only because they consider him to be the only one capable of doing justice to these songs…if SAREGAMA, the CBSO, Rafi’s own family loved the tribute then how can anyone else criticize? And anyways, each and every artist deserves to be treated with respect
Wow! It’s amazing to see how everyone on this website has decided to rip apart the best living singer of the country. Some comments are outright ugly & personal. Well, such comments reflect these people’s upbringing! So you didn’t like the show…but there are many out there who thoroughly enjoyed Sonu’s singing. When did Sonu claimed to be at par or better than Rafi Saab! It was just an humble attempt to pay tribute to his Guru…and he is being ripped apart for his effort.
Get a life guys and stop calling yourself Rafi fans as none of you have an iota of humility of that great legend we all love and admire including Sonu Nigam.
God bless Sonu Nigam! May he continue to delight us with his heavenly voice!
After reading many responses on Sonu Niigaam’s performance, I am very disappointed with all the Rafi Fans that claim that Sonuji has made a ‘mockery’ of Rafj Saheb’s popular numbers.
I am a loyal and dedicated fan of both Rafi Saheb and Sonuji. I was not present at the London performance but I did certainly watch all of the performance on Sony; It was absolutely terrific!!
“Rafi Resurrected” was not just ‘another’ performance for Sonuji but a tribute, an offering to his musical father, his Guru – Mohd. Rafi Saheb.
No one can sound or have that ‘magical carisma’ that Rafi Saheb put into the songs he sang because quite simply, no one is the same, whether it be looks, style, voice, talent etc; so how can so many people expect Sonuji to sound and sing exactly like him??
Just because some of you feel that Sonuji may not have sang to your expectations, does not and will not make Sonuji a ‘kal ka chokra’ and he does not ‘proclaim to be the inheritor of the rafi legacy’ because he has never ever seen himself as a ‘match’ to Rafi..as I have mentioned earlier, Rafi Saheb has been a Guru to Sonuji…No student in the right mind would challenge his/her Guru because a Guru is a teacher.
Sonuji, at this stage of his career undertook this project only because he wanted to ‘Resurrect’ or remember Rafi Saheb and expose the glory of the musical magician to the younger generation..Instead of appreciating his efforts, these guys are bashing him.
Sonu Niigaam has simply followed his Guru in terms of music and ‘style’ of singing and from these teachings he has developed into India’s most popular and ever thriving singer!
Sonuji is greatly talented in my opinion because he can adapt his voice in so many different ways. By this I mean he sings with great passion.. Whether it be a sad number that he sings or happy, you will be able to feel the emotion through his voice – similarly to Rafi Saheb.
There are many talented singers all over the globe but as a recognised singer, Sonuji is simply brilliant and I envy his dedication to music. He should be appreciated that he keeps Mohd. Rafi alive in our hearts and minds. Because of people like Sonuji and Rafi Saheb, it has inspired myself to sing on a semi-professional level. It would be an honour to meet Sonuji and I hope one day this will come true. I consider both Mohd. Rafi and Sonu Niigaam as my Guru’s.
If Rafi Saheb was alive today, he would be very proud of Sonuji..and His blessings are always always with him…God bless his soul…God bless Sonuji!
@ Raju korti
Degrading post anyway god is watchimg & not to forget Rafi sahab is too !!!
But you know what raju god bless you always ….
I do agree with all that he did some mistake he was bit fast but if you see his earlear performence when he was anchor of the famous show SAREGAMA on zee tv. He was singing good. But there is no doubt we cant compare any one with RAFI SAHAB. But some time it happens and i think due to the symphony orchestra may he was not matching himself. Any ways sonu nigam is a good singer for 2000 in bollywood he is the only singer now a days who can sing any kind of songs.
I attended the performance at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham and must admit that i really enjoyed the evening together with my friends. We all found that Sonu Nigam was superb on the night. What was even more inspiring was the humilty of this talented individual. It was the first time i have heard him live and will definately go again if the opportunity arises.
Did anyone from this generation talk about Mohammed Rafi Ji as much until Sonu Ji sang his songs, wake up.
The only reason Sonu is being talked about here is because he WAS good at resurrecting Rafi.
I attended his performance, and he did Mohammed Rafi proud. Listen to the originals that Rafi did and even I would agree that Mohd Rafi has his place in history, but Sonu Niigaam is of the here and now and I did not read anywhere that said:’Sonu is replacing Mohammed Rafi’.
At the start of his UK tour Sonu took time for a minutes silence to the memory of Rafi, he showed respect to his memory and even more so to Mohammed Rafis work by resinging his songs.
Is anyone seriously trying to say that Sonu Niigaam is trying to get famous by comparing himself to Rafi. He is already well known, a very reputable playback singer and a singer in his OWN RIGHT, who happens to have sang songs that Mohammed Rafi sang, so what! Why the criticism?
Of all the remakes of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan songs, how many have actually ever complimented the originals?
For people saying there was no ‘swar’ post a performance of yours with a demonstration of how to do it right, then may be I for one will actually take that comment seriously.
To Everyone who is criticising,
Please be a good listener and have some knowledge about something before commenting.
You all listened to Sonuji as Rafi Sahab and that is why you all have complains, listen to him as a different singer ie listen to him as a new indivisual Sonu Niigaam who is resurrecting his Idol and not copying..
You all may have forgotten the notes and are not able to recall them and hence you all are writing all rubbish and stupid things.
First be perfect at you end and then point out someone, dont just be a psycho typo…
SORRY TO SAY ALL THIS TO U WHO DONT UNDERSTAND ANYTHING BUT SEEMS PEOPLE DONT KNOW wats music n especially whats singing. If people dont know wats singing then pleaaaaaaaaaaaaaase keep quite. u r making a fool of urself. As if u r a fan of Rafi ji then u should know whats the meaning of Sonuji´s singing. but seems today all fans of golden singer´s like Mhd. Rafi sahaab r just coz they like to follow wat other people like..
if u like just one singer´s singing then its fine but dont criticize other singers just to defend that singer without knowing what is singing.And if u really want to criticize then find first a reasonable reason then say whatever u want.
FIRST GO TO SINGING CLASSES THEN JUDGE TO SINGERS LIKE SONU NIGAM AND YES… FOR THAT MAY BE UR WHOLE LIFE WILL BE LESS AS SINGER´S LIKE SONU NIGAM are few in this world.
AND if u all r really Rafiji´s fans then u all must know that if ur idol (Mhd Rafi)would be here in this world then more than i can sure u more than 200% that he would be sooooo proud of Sonu´ji n he will be disappointed by all his fans who think like that.HE WOULD come to know that all his fans are not fans coz of his talent… they r fans just like that..
AND ONE THING MORE
all the songs u all have heard of Mhd Rafi´s they have been recorded…
Sonu Nigam was singing that in a live performance for soo loong time…If he really wants he can sing like him as he is gud in that also. HE has his own voice he has his own personality… n he is not comparing himself with Rafiji..
He is just giving a tribute..
AND YES THANX TO HIM MANY PEOPLE WHO DONT LIKE OLD SONGS START LIKING OLD SONGS JUST THROUGH SONU NIGAM… HE IS NOT MAKING LESS PEOPLE TO ATTEND TO THE TRIBUTES TO RAFIJI… INFACT HE IS INCREASING THE MUSIC ESSENCE BY SHARING IT WITH ELDER PEOPLE N YOUNGSTERS ALSO.
SOO GUYS.LEARN SINGIN TRY TO REACH THE LEVEL THEN SAY AND . PLEASE THINK BEFORE TALKING OR ATLEAST TAKE A SUGESTION BEFOR TYPING ALL THIS NONSENSE THINGS..
THE CONCERT WAS SUPERB AND FOR PEOPLE WHO UNDERSTAND ATLEAST A LITTLE BIT OF SINGING IT WAS MORE THAN SUPERB
NO ONE COULD DO BETTER THAN SONUJI.
Thank God Rafi Saab is not here with us physically because he would have been extremely disappointed seeing the disparagement here. For all people who call themselves Rafi Saab’s fans, I would like to ask them one question. Had Rafi Saab been there with us today would he have made such harsh comments? Never. A true artist respects and admires his fellow artist’s deeds.
Its insensate to compare ‘Rafi Resurrected’ with the original numbers. No one can ever reach there and I am sure even Sonu Nigam would agree to that. Singing live in one take is not an easy task and that too with a 75 piece orchestra. Mistakes are bound to occur. This album was never meant to sound like the original.
I read one comment above by Raju Korti questioning the name of the album. Who are they to resurrect Rafi, is what he asks. Well I would ask him what have you done to resurrect Rafi?? If you got guts, go and perform in front of the big audience in London. You say people can never forget Rafi Saab and he still lives in our hearts. Tell me how many times have you heard a Rafi Saab song on the plethora of musical reality shows today. You can count it with your fingers. There was a whole show dedicated after Kishore Kumar recently. Tell me when did this happen with Rafi Saab last and you are raising fingers on a person whose first stage performance was at a tender age of 3 when he sang ‘Kya Hua Tera Vaada’. People of today would prefer to watch a show of a nasal singer rather than ‘Rafi Ressurected’. On top of that, you are also challenging Sonu. Wow great. Well Sonu Nigam made his point through ‘Rafi Resurrected’. Common now its your turn. Lets see what mettle you are made up of. And yes even I too wonder what is happening with the great soul up there.
People will pull people down who are at top and never those who are already biting the dust. That is what is happening with Sonu Nigam. The truth is that ‘Rafi Resurrected’ is a masterpiece and a soulful tribute by a student to his Guru.
To Rashid
Sir the show wasnt bad at any point..
To Ponnaps
He did not fail friend, listen to him as a different singer and not as Rafi Sahab, please, then you will feel the difference and you will appreciate it to the fulles on your own..
To Anoop Rawal
Sir he did the same magic, I think the memories of old songs have faded from your mind that is why you were not able to recall the notes and hence which resulted you to criticize..
To Kj Ravi
Sir even you need to be a good listner and have some knowledge about music before commenting..
To Sagar
Listen to the concert and don’t see it.. Please
To Anmol Singh
Sir I would recommend you to LISTEN to the concert again instead of seeing it, please sir, he did not miss any swar or sur or taal or layy, indeed he coped up with the speeding orchestra..
To R.U. MAHALE
Sir those were original tracks, the instrumentation is new now a days, the songs he sand were flawless, indeed he even coped up with the music when the orchestra was speeding up at places. Please see the concert again closely and be a good observant sir.
To Jyoti mohanty
My dear friend he was absolutely flawless with the expressions, its next to impossible to sing live with expressions. Tell me the name of any other singer in BOLLYWOOD who can emmote the songs amidst LIVE audience and make them quiete to listen to what he is singing??
Listen to TERE AANE KI AAS HAI DOST which he sand at the very beginning, and you will see the expressions in his voice..
To Dhani Ram
Mr Dhani Ram you are very poor with music knowledge, have you ever tried to sing Jumping notes tracks? Try singing the song Satangi re, mera rang de basanti chola, des ki mitti, ekla chalo re.
He was perfect with jumping notes, nowhere did I find him lacking to cope up with the notes because this is something next to impossible, he has been singing in the industry for past 20 years and you not even a singel day has sung even one song fully, please mind your bussiness. How much free time can you people spare I can see that, because fools are the ones who think that they have ample of time.
To Hussain Sheik
Mr Hussein you have been shaked by your brain after listning to a perfectionist. If you are saying that Sonuji was not even one percent of Rafi Sahab then why don’t you go and conduct a show with the symphony orchestra?
I will tell why you cannot do a show with them, because you are not known to anybody in this big world, and second because you don’t have music sense, The show was Rafi Ressurected and not Rafi Copied, every singer has his/her own voice and style and so does Sonuji, so better be in your limits.
To A.S. Murthy
Mr whatever you are saying is totally opposite to what had happened, he was not fast, the orchestra was speeding and that is why he too sped to match with the tune, if you cannot listen to everything properly, then who the hell has given you the damn right to brutally critize someone? Watch the show again and then utter a word, you are not a music fan, you are a rubbish music fan indeed, you don’t know what is TAAL in a song and LAYY, and the saving grace to the show were his efforts and his golden voice which is actually closest to Rafi Sahab.
Listen to Tere aane ki aas hai dost in original and then listen to what Sonuji has sung and then say folly things further…
Sonu did not butcher the songs, nor did he make a mockery of them. He was clearly paying tribute to his idol and guru and did not expect these cheap bashing comments from any of you. He never claimed he was better or even at par with Mohd Rafi, but you decide to insult him. Why don’t you all go sing then if you think Sonu is so bad. You can’t because you know you will never be anything like Sonu Nigam. This man is kind hearted amazingly talented and doesn’t need you insulting him everytime he tries to do a good deed.
Common…No one in this entire world can even touch 1% the Sonu Nigam’s rendition of Rafi Saab’s songs… Sonu didn’t copy..He proved that you don’t have to copy style…Yeah he did sing rafi numbers but the style was his without doing anything bad to the songs like the way these so called modern singers like Neeraj and Harry Anand do…HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT HE MAKE MOCKERY OF THE SONGS..HE POURED HIS HEART OUT..REMEMBER IT WAS A STAGE PERFORMANCE, NOT A STUDIO RECORDING..EVEN THEN HE SANG LIKE A MAGICIAN…HAD SONU BEEN IN RAFI’S ERA THE SAME PEOPLE WHO ARE MAKING SUCH SILLY COMMENTS WOULD HAVE SAID JUST THE OPPOSITE..THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT TODAY’S INDIAN SINGING GOD IS SONU AND RAFI IS SONU’S GURU…BUT SONU IS GOD….
I’m actually surprised why so many people are comparing Sonu’s voice to that of Rafi’s . It was only a tribute by Sonu , to show his respect. I can understand, no one can beat Rafi saab. but if there’s anyone among the current crop of singers who can even come close, its Sonu Nigam.
I think, instead of bashing him up, people should start appreciating his guts to take up Rafi’s songs. And Sonu has nothing left to prove. His records and awards more than speak for themselves.
Its pretty easy to sit in front of a PC and say “the speed wasn’t right… the pitch was high etc… But try thinking what you would’ve come up with if you were asked to sing a Rafi song.
Also the article mentions that Sonu is always a “fast singer” . I’m wondering if the person who has written this, even listens to Bollywood songs.
You have missed out on a lot of gems sung by Sonu Nigam.
Please do some research before you write something.
This is really really really sad…What are u guys doing..U open a community to honour Rafi Saab and so brutally criticize the only person who has done so much to keep his name and fame alive..Sonuji never in his life claimed to be better or even at par with Rafi Saab..The concert was his humble attempt to pay a tribute to his musical father. Its very easy for u to sit at home and write nonsense on forums..Have any one of u done anything to make the younger generation realize the value of the musical magician?U all claim to be musical maestros who know music better than Sonuji..why then is he the most sought after and respected singer in the industry and u all stuck to posting comments on this forum..If Rafi Saab were alive today, he would be really really proud of Sonuji and ashamed of u guys, his so-called fans..who cant as much as appreciate a genuine effort to glorify their Idol..If u cant applaud him dont..atleast dont brutally bash him like this..It really hurts!!Sonuji put his heart and soul into this project..It wasnt just a project for him..it was a tribute, an offering to his musical father, his Guru…His devotion could be felt when he was rendering those songs..and u guys are making such silly,nonsensical comparisons..Try singing 20 songs at a stretch in front of a huge audience with a 75 member orchestra u r meeting for the first time in ur life..with just one day of rehearsal..Rafians u call urselves..u shud be plain and simple ashamed of urselves for being so narrow-minded,critical and lacking in common sense..
Sonu need not to prove his talent as he has proved it long back…and the only guy who could have given a tribute to Rafi saab by singing his songs was Sonu…he has never claimed to be even at par with Rafi saab….and let me say to applaud an effort is tough and to criticize is much much easier. Think before you criticize the best singer of this age.
If anyone taped this program, will you be kind enough to put this on this website?
Why is there so much of Hoopla over Sonu’s London concert? Those who find him fast or slow on that stage have to understand that it is not a tabla harmonium set up..both musicians and the artists are simply following their notes and complimenting each other. The symphony did a marvellous job re-creating the wonderful music that has enthralled us for years. This effort deserves a big applause for putting Indian music up there. I dont think Sonu has ever claimed he is like Mohd Rafi…if you are a Rafi fan, am sure you like to sing his music…some of us do good some not so good but we dont compare or compete with Mohd Rafi..or do we ? Some of these comments here seem so ridiculous. Most of us do not understand music but we still wanna put someone’s effort down.
Singing on stage and recording in studio are day and night..am sure we all know that. And if you are singing 20 plus songs non stop on stage, how can we expect a studio like perfection? I see this concert and its amazing grandeur as a celebration of Rafi Saheb where a city in England is also joining us in paying tribute to this great singer. Anything wrong there????
readng to these cooments seems dat these honurable,highly potential rafi saabh lovers..were there to see raafi saabh singng and not sonu niggaam.seems so cheap to read dat these are critisicng a soul whom living Sarswati,Lata Mangeskar,has compared to rafi saabh.
The show hold the true mixture of rafi saabh’s feelings and sonu ji voice.The show was a ressurction bt these person seems,wantd to attend a hip hop show…coz this was bore how ridiculous…
better for them to listn to stupid song which come nowdaz and enjoy themselves.
it was a best show and i thank sonu ji for takng such a job of bringng the golden era to life once again
THANKS SONU……
The show was superb! all the songs was superb, as Sonu is Great bcoz his Guru is Mohammad Rafi…
If some has any problem with this show…. so tell me what was the worng in that show??
I will answer on the behalf of Sonu!
Hey
salaam everyone
I think sonu sung all the songs beautifully.
I have seeen many singers who tributes rafi saab in last 20 years but sonu is fantastic among all.
if you say who is the singer of the calliber of muhammad rafi and Kishore kumar among recent generation its obviously sonu nigam.
He is Lata ji’s favourite, asha ji’s fav.
every music director claimed that sonu is the best among all playback singers.
Guys dont find exact copy of rafi in sonu.
sonu is someone completely different.
so i completely disagree with the article writer.
I think you should learn music first, do a complete research, and then try to comment on someone who is far far greater then your desires.
Dont mind.
Regards
Faysal
I humbly diagree with some of the comments that were made about Sonu nigam in this thread. He has never claimed to be better than Rafi. In fact, he considers Rafi sahab the doyen of playback singing, and worships him like a God. He always makes it a point to mention Rafi sahab in whatever he does. It is no secret that a lot of folks in the film and music industry are promoting Kishore Kumar from among the old generation. On the contrary, we should all be proud of Sonu for spreading Rafi sahab’s style of singing far and wide- and in the process keeping younger generations aware of the phenomenon that was Rafi sahab. Why are we quetioning Sonu nigam’s motives? He has nothing to gain from it. He has achieved whatever he set out to achieve. As a Rafi fan I feel proud and honoured to have a singer of Sonu Nigam’s calibure vouching for Rafi sahab.
I agree he did not do that great a job of rendering those Rafi masterpieces in London. But, then who has? May be, in the heat of the moment he strerched his limits. Well, it’s next to impossible to bring the same emotions and modulations that Rafi sahab brought to his renditions. That’s why we all are of firm belief that there will never be another Rafi. I thought Sonu did pretty good with ‘Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki’ and ‘Teri Galiyoan Mein Na’. Anyway, he had nothing to prove to anybody. It was his tribute to his Hero and God. And its hard to sing like a God. He is a tried and tested singer, and has proven his versatility time and again. It just doesn’t seem right to question his singing credentials. He is by far the best mainstream singer of the modern times.
You guys should be ashamed of yourself, i am an ardent fan of rafi sahab
But i go out & do tributes to the maestro, what are you guys doing here critising a artist like mr Sonu Niigam who has taken rafi sahabs name Internationaly, i agree no one sing like rafi sahab but sonu is the only one at This time of age who has done justice to ressurect rafi sahabs name
People are forgetting rafi sahab nowadays, especially the younger Generation …
Sonu nigam all his life has sang rafi songs in all his concerts, is This
The credit he deserves ??
Ramzan ke mahine mein tum logon ne ek sache artist ka dil dukaya hai, jis
Artist ne dil se uk jaakar rafi sahab ke tribute concert kiye, gore ne music diya..to phir apne log kahan the, kaun tributes karta hai is level tak ???
Rafi sahab ka dil zaroor dukha hoga…
Roze rakkar, aur dil mein burayi rakte ho, islam ye nahi sikata
Sonu niigaam should not sing for people with no ears & no clue of indian music – Long live rafi sahabs memory’s & Sonu Niigaam
Sonu Nigam dwara Mohd.Rafi Sahab ke gane pesh karne ki koshish behuda majak saabit hui. Es performance se bahut nirasha hui. Sonu Nigam bhi es me jyada serious najar nahi aaye aisa lagata hai poora programme sirf paise kamane ke liye tha. Orgonisers should be ashamed.
Well its right that in some of the songs sonu nigam saheb was going faster than the orchestra but i really enjoyed that 3 hrs. and i nearly recorded all the songs holding my mobile in front of T.V. and i listen to those songs nearly everyday and try to compare Rafi saheb’s org. no. with these songs. BUT Rafi saheb ka toh koi jawab hi nahin hain. Just try n compare his song “TUM JO MIL GAYE HO” and u can easily make out the diff.. Well I cant say anything about Sonu Nigam saheb kyunki meri itni aukaat kabhi nahin ho sakti as he is my IDOL and i really try my best to follow him and in this way I m following both the legend Mohd. Rafi Saheb and Sonu Nigam Saheb.
I couldnt agree with you more. Like many hundreds of people I went to see the show in London but was disappointed. However I was extremely happy to see that so many people attended the show in the name of Rafi Saheb. I am sure if it was just a Sonu Nigam show many would not have gone to see the show. I dont think anyone can be as near Rafi Saheb but we are all looking to remember him through anyone who respects the great singer. I once walked out of Sonu’s show held in Wembley as it was terrible.
i think sonu tried too hard to match Rafi sahab emotion for emotion,effect for effect,note for note…these qualities are impossible for anybody to emulate succesfully…infact most singers dont even risk trying it…Sonu atleast tried to put these across in the rendition…arent these the qualities that distinguishes Rafi sahab from others(besides the voice)…Sonu failed trying but IMO its better than not trying at all…
I agree that Sonu nigam was dissappointing in that show. In fact I was expecting he will create the same magic or do better as he did in the show 15 years ago in Delhis Talkatora Stadium on the death aniversary of Rafi Sahib. He was not even a shadow of himself. I still remember he sang two songs “Meri Awaaz Suno” and “Chal Ud Ja Re Panchi”. He took those songs to great height that it started touching the soul.
i knew this disaster was waiting to happen. A kal ka chhokra these days proudly and loudly proclaims to be the inheritor of the rafi legacy. that i have been privileged enough not to watch sonu nigam’s idiotic and utterly pedestrian performance on sony tv is just a small mercy. i have a larger issue here and the saddest part of this unmitigated nonsense is no rafisaab admirer has raised objections on it.
my first question to sonu and the organisers of this supreme fiasco is who are they to resurrect rafi? do they know the meaning of the word?
implicit in that highly defamatory title is that rafisaab has been long forgotten. and we are supposed to have been so amnesiac blessed with such poor memory that we have forgotten music’s God! whoever has thought of this title should not be encouraged anywhere near any recording room.
the fact is all that new-found success – if you can call it that — has gone to sonu’s head. these days he thinks he is as good or even better than rafi while paying mere lip service to the one-and-only-rafisaab. if i can recall correctly, sonu has gone on record saying that the word rafi is a taboo in recording rooms these days. if he is so devoted to rafisaab, why does he have to spout such uncharitable remarks? and what does he know about rafisaab? i openly challenge him to come and face me and let’s see what he knows about the rafi school of music. just because he can sing a few songs from the incredible rafi repertoire doesn’t mean he can claim to be another rafi. in fact i will dare say he has no voice culture at all. all he does is to exhbit some boisterous flamboyance and cheap gimmicks which most singers of these days do on stage to win some easy fans. what is even more disturbing is some of our own rafi fans are tom tomming about sonu being the closest to rafisaab. i hope for God’s sake they understand what they are talking about. if sonu nigam is our idea of rafi’s successor, then god save us.
this man, who masquerades a new and a stupid avtaar every time with his now-here-now-gone beard and mane, is not sure what he wants to become in life. a singer or an actor or a compere. and he has the audacity and the cheek to shout from the rooftops he can sing just as well as rafisaab. i wonder what is happening to that great soul up there to listen to this unabashed display of loud pride.
the least sonu can do, presuming of course, he has the wisdom to do so, is to earn his living by being one of those many clones. he should actually go to a temple everyday and thank the almighty that he is making all those bucks because of rafisaab. but given his demeanour, i doubt he will. the fellow hasn’t learnt the basic virtue of rafisaab — of humility. and he wants us to believe this crap that he is resurrecting rafisaab. there won’t be another rafisaab till the end of this universe and sonu can take crores of births in an attempt to become another rafi. he won’t. that’s for sure.
now, it’s time he stops all his funny antics and making the mockery of a legend who time has the courtesy to produce only once.
long live rafi, god save sonu nigam
i think we are getting too critical of Sonus performance..its wasnt too bad..lets not forget he is no Mohd Rafi and you are not going to get the same effects,modulations,layers etc like the great one gave us..also this was a one-take performance and with 20 odd songs back-to-back so some slippages are expected..the orchestration missed including percussions without which i cant imagine how one can sing ‘Jat yamlaa pagalaa’ and ‘Tareef Karun Kya uski’like songs..however he did murder ‘Aaj mausam bada’ but then the song is what I would call a singers song where the whole song is carried on the singers shoulders..here the music and tune is of little support ..i havent seen any singer who has pulled off this song anywhere close to the originial…IMO only a rafi could pull-off such a song and no one else…
what I didnt appreciate was the presentation of the show itself…id have expected large photos of Rafi sahab in the background..perhaps a small shraddhanjali at the start..i felt the focus was tilted a bit towards Sonu but Sonu did try to change that by talking about Rafi…perhaps a knowledgeable compere would have helped here…
other plus points…thanks to Sonu’s star-power Sony TV found it ‘profitable’ to telecast this concert..this has certainly bought Rafi sahab back into the limelight…CBSO orcestration was just amazing but percussions were sorely missed…
one could say a singer who is more into the Rafi style(like the the earlier Sonu) would have been better but then Sony wouldnt be telecasting such a show…if im not wrong CBSO did a similar show with Mehboob Chohan earlier which was also houseful but not telecast-worthy…
Dear Rafians,
Nobody is even remotely close to Rafi Sahab as all could see by the disappointing performance of Sonu Nigam (and he is a much much better singer than that no two ways about it than what was evident) in the show “An Evening in London.” The biggest fatal mistake by him was that he was rushing through the songs, instead of taking it slow and steady. This first time this was pointed to me by my sister who also was watching it with me and I totally agreed with her, as it was quite evident. Sonu Nigam should stick to his original songs, which he is superb at and really spellbounds the audience with them. I am a huge fan of his for his original songs, but when he tries to copy Rafi Sahab he has always fallen flat on his face as was the case here. This is also evident in his album Kal Aaj aur Rafi, though he has tried his best, the feel of the songs is just not there, what with modern arrangements and recording, that was the essence of the maestro the legend the feel which he created in his songs is unparalleled in the history of Indian Film Music and that’s why he will be remembered for time immemorial.
But frankly overall the show was disappointing as I had been waiting for it for over a month, but then I didn’t even watch it till the end.
Anyways the orchestra was brilliant, the saving grace of the show, what with Britishers playing to the songs. It was quite amazing to see them playing through immortal songs of Rafi Sahab with such grace and dexterity. Anyways such initiatives should be lauded for they keep alive the legend of Rafi Sahab amongst the new generations and especially abroad keeping his melodies alive.
Long live Rafi Sahab.
Gagan
Admidettly, Sonu Nigam does have a great stage presence and charisma as well. But he should sing something original on his own and leave Rafi Sahab’s immortal songs alone.
Rafi was a genuine singer, in my opinion has was grate than tan sain, Sonu negam also a good singer but time take place to sing songs in voice of Rafi Sahah.
sonu was extremly confidence within him when the show was started.but in the due course of time when he started to sing it was rediculos.because it is very very difficult to sing rafi sahab’s song and the energy which required to sing his song was not with sonu.no doubt he is a great fan of rafi sahab but he was good when rafi ki yaadein cassetees were recorded.in simple words it is insult to the versetile genius rafi sahab.he should not do the same mistake again.
well,
to all, who are criticizing Sonu Niigaam – give a proof, that you can do better…
It’s easy to criticize someone from afar. How would the outcome be, if you would have the chance to enter stage in direct comparison to Sonu Niigaam and/or “Mohammad Rafi” (guys, I know that this would not be possible at all), a kind of contest ?
My guess : Mohammad Rafi would be the winner, Sonu Niigaam second – and then – nobody for a long, long time….
What Sonu Niigaam’s done should be honored – ’cause he not only tries to keep up memory to the legendary Mohammad Rafi, but also spreads Rafi’s legend allover the world, even to those, who didn’t know about Rafi until now.
You should know, that he’s a Rafi devotee himself, and he knows himself best, that he cannot be like Rafi – he even does not want to. So why do you expect him to be a clone or a 1:1 copy of Rafi ?
And btw. I don’t think, that Mohammad Rafi would agree to you bashing and criticizing another singers and musicians – what I got to know about Rafi, he’s respected other singers and their work, too – so why can’t you do this ?
I think we should not have very high expectations from any singer who tries to sing a Rafi number. Sonu’s voice is very soft for singing any Rafi number. It is a natural phenomena. That is perhaps one of the reason on higher notes he is not effortness like Rafi.
Perhaps he is a classically trained singer, hence he could attempt most the Rafi numbers. The only drawback I could observe was the need for more accuracy in control of swar. I could observe in many small areas, where Sonu was slipping swars many occasions. Especially the song “Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho”, there is a line “Ye Jahaan Mil Gayaa” needs a lot of accuracy. I think only Lata matches Rafi here.
But over all I will still support Sonu for his great performence. Plus the British Orchestra were just too good. It was so accurate that it over shadowed most of Sonu’s drawbacks.
This is not to under estimate the talent and effort of Mr. Sonu Nigam, but reality is that the songs rendered are not a match to the original rendition by great maestro Mohammed Rafi. It was evident at the level of ordinary viewers- my wife simply passed remark that the originals were par excellent.
Truely sonu made a mess of those beutiful gems of rafi saab;today’s top singer of bollywood not only failed to catch the momentum of the songs but also looked vulnerable in expressions( the pathos & joival both).Even i feel the lady singer rendetion was far superior instead .The orchestra is simply FABULOUS.Anyway,kudos to sonu for his endeavour for a greater cause & his love & affection for the singing god.
Leaving aside suhani raat dhal chuki,all other songs were fast paced.such songs highlight only one dimension of rafi sahib.the concert sent out a wrong message to those who were not familiar with rafi sahib’s repertoire.rafi’s best was not touched.a very very poor show indeed!
and sonu’s voice.the less said about it,the better.his voice got muffled the moment he changed scales.besides a mellifluous voice,rafi sahib’s greatest quality,that no other singer had or has,is effortless transition in scales without missing a note on the way.other singers spasmodically hop from one scale to another,bumbling through notes.rafi never does that.
overall,a disappointing show with one saving grace.sonu has never pitted himself against rafi sahib.he acknowledges rafi sahib’s superiority to all other singers and makes no exception of himself.he was decent enough tio pay a very rich tribute to rafi sahib in the course of the concert.
Of course, I also felt, in front of such a big sympony orchestra, sonu”s performance was not upto the mark. In fact, he left the rhythm in Tarif karoo from Kashmir ki kali.
I am also a stage singer from last 15 years and a great fan of Rafi and Shankar Jaikishan. To some extent I left, I am better then sonu. It is very easy to make comments about the participants in reality shows.
Venkatesh
Stage Singer
Mysore
Sonu also performed the songs without dholak or tabla-the songs therefore were dull. Very sad. This was a fatal error.
kaleem
Those who say Sonu Nigam’s voice is close to Rafi Saheb will now learn their mistakes after watching Sonu’s show in London. After watching this show on Sony TV, I feel he’s not capable to sing Rafi Saheb’s songs! He’s not even 1% close to Rafi Saheb. The show was a disaster as the title indicate of this article.
I agree there were moments when I felt Sonu was speeding here and there, however rendering 20 of Rafi saab’s super hit numbers in that atmosphere & enviroment must take some extra effort. Neverthless Sonu did an overall good job.
For many days prior to the actual telecast of this show by sony tv, we had been waiting for 21st sept 2008 8.00 p.m. to watch this so called ‘great show’. we had just concluded our regular musical session that day and i was receiving calls from all and sundry if i was in front of the tv. i knew i would miss a good 45 minutes into the telecast and was feeling very sad. just as i reached home, i checked up with my nephew how many songs i really did miss. after discounting all the time taken for the usual advertisements, i was sure it would not be more than 5 to 6 songs and i was right. i watched the entire show hoping that atleast the next song would be to near perfection. alas it was not to be so. sonu nigam made a mockery of the songs and not just the pace of the songs, his pitch too seemed to be far higher at places than at which the original songs were rendered. there was hardly any deftness in modulation and however much that sonu nigam may have tried he was found to be wanting in almost all the songs. the audience would give standing ovations to the songs for different reasons – first they are all rafi numbers, second they are being rendered by another celebrity called sonu nigam and third they happen to be all the common most favoured songs. sonu nigam also could have done without changing the ‘an evening in paris’ to ‘an evening in london’ type of gimmicks.
the orchestra was very good indeed, and it was amazing british musicians playing such complicated indian tunes. however, lack of tabla, dholak and other indian instruments was visibly throwing up the lack of originality in the songs. the orchestra did their best given the situation, but when a programme of such a magnitude is being organized, they could have done a much better job with the orchestra too.
the only saving grace for us all that the name of rafi sahab was once again the focal point due to the staging of this programme and towards this extent, the organizers deserve a pat.