Mohammed Rafi - Difficult To Know Him Fully In All His Hues And Colours!
This article is written by Mr. B.Venkatadri (also known as Venkat) from Hyderabad.
Normally, Music Directors compose songs keeping in mind mainly the proposed singer’s voice range/scale and also his/her other qualities such as ability to do justice to sangat’s, etc. For instance, if they were composing for Mukesh or Talat, they would do so within a narrow span of scales, certainly not too high and also not that low also. Also, they would not keep many difficult sangat’s for them. For instance, can Music Directors compose a “Zindabad, Zindabad” or a “Tarif Karoon Kya Us Ki” for Mannadey or Talat or Mukesh or even Kishore, for that matter? Simply no way!
However, many Music Directors have gone on record in various interviews thus. While they have to be constantly conscious of the constraints of many singers, male and female, while composing, when it comes to Rafi Saab, they have an absolute free hand in tuning the song. They can just freely compose their musical best and ask Rafi Saab to sing. He would deliver! Not only would he deliver, but would always give them a bonus by adding his own Adaayen/Harkatein, which the MD could never have conceived earlier!
So, that is Rafi Saab for you, friends!
With this small preface, we come to our main theme of today.
I always wondered why, but the fact is that Rafi Saab has scores of songs which start with either an aalaap or some opening line of a different tune compared to the main song! No other singer, male or female, has even 1/20th of the number of such songs.
Here are some examples.
- Wafa Ki Raah Mein Aashiq Ki Id Hoti Hai, Khushi Manaao, Mohabbat Shahid Hoti Hai—-Zindabad, Zindabad—Film: Mughal-e-Azam-1960 (Naushad) .
See, in this opening, how movingly he utters the words, “Khushi Manaao”
- Khol Aankhen Apne Khwab-E-Naaz Se, Jaag Mere Pyar Ki Awaz Se, Zindagi Betaab Hai Tere Liye, Aa Gale Lag Ja Usi Andaz Se—Mohabbat Zinda Rehti Hai, Mohabbat Mar Nahi Sakti—Film: Chengiz Khan-1957 (Hansraj Behl)
The entire opening line is so sublime and gives you goose bumps!
- Mehrabaaaan Likhoooooon, Hasiinaaaa Likhooooooon, Ya Dilrubaaaaa Likhoooon, Hairaaan Hoooon Ke Aapko Is Khat Mein Kyaaaaaaa Likhoon—Yeh Mera Prem Patr Padhkar Ke Tum Naaraz Na Hona—Film:Sangam-1964 (Shankar Jaikishan)
Rated as one of the best expressions of love in the history of cinema! And Rafi saab, with this lone song of his, overshadows everything else in the film!
- Phool Ko Dhhoondhhe Pyaasa Bhanwara, Deepak Ko Parwana, Duniya Apne Rab Ko Pukare, Tujhko Tera Deewana Aaja Aaja Aaja Aaja—
then an out-of-this-world kind of Piano interlude by Khayyam and then
Jeet Hi Lenge Baazi Hum Tum, Khel Adhura Chhoote Na, Pyar Ka Bandhan Janam Ka Bandhan, Janam Ka Bandhan Toote Na, Aaaan –Film:Shola Aur Shabnam-1961 (Khayyam)
See how, through this opening, Rafi Saab enhances the effect of the main song!
- Khushi Jis Ne Khoji Woh Dhan Leke Lauta, Haseen Jis Ne Khoji Chaman Leke Lauta, Magar Pyaar Ko Khojne Jo Chala Woh Na Tan Leke Lauta, Na Man Leke Lauta—Subah Na Aayi, Sham Na Aayi –Film : Cha Cha Cha-1964 (Iqbal Quereshi)
I was 11 years old when this picture was released and its songs used to come on Radio. Whenever this song came on Radio, I used to literally touch my ear to the Radio and listen. When the opening gets over and ‘Subah Na Aayi‘ part starts, I used to experience an ecstasy that I cannot describe in words. At that age, all I knew was that here was some singer and I was just falling head over heels in love with him! A love and worship that would later last a life-time and more….!
I need to write pages and pages to enumerate all his songs with such nice openings. May be, I can now participate in the comments and mention a few more songs along with the readers.
Similarly, there are a number of Rafi Saab’s songs with a nice opening Aalaap or Humming. Some examples:
- A soul-stirring Aalaap before Duniya Na Bhaye Mohe –Film:Basant Bahar-1956(Shankar Jaikishan).
The song reaches its peaks during the three antaras , “Dil Ke Yeh Tukde Kaise Bech Doon, Duniya Ke Baazar Mein”, “Tu Hi Bata Main Kaise Gaaoon Behri Duniya Ke Aage” and lastly at “Tere Pyaar Ki Yaad Jo Aaye, Dard Chalak Jaaye Aankhon Se”.
When the song comes to these peaks, I invariably get pensive and utterly restless and my eyes become moist. During the recording of this song, all the musical instruments must have played by themselves out of reverence for the Maestro! And the recording over, I can visualize Shankar and Jaikishan hugging Rafi Saab warmly with a lot of affection and awe!
Also, one should notice the little variation Rafi Saab throws in suddenly at “Jeena Nahi Aaya Mohe, Ab To Chupaa Le” part, after third Antara!
- Marna Teri Gali Mein, Jeena Teri Gali Mein from Film:Shabab-1954 (Naushad) was sung not only by Lata, but Rafi Saab too sang it separately in a 1:17 duration bit, with a divine aalaap that he alone could render.
- Have you heard the nice humming before “Ek Haseen Sham Ko, Dil Mera Kho Gaya” from Film:Dulhan Ek Raat Ki -1967(Madan Mohan)? Is it not so very romantic and seductive?
- And what about a great Aalaap cum Humming before “Do Sitaron Ko Zameen Par Hai Milan Aaj Ki Raat” from Film :Kohinoor-1960 (Naushad)
- And this nice, stylish and cute “Lara La La, Lara La La, Aha Oho Aha” and then Rahi Mil Gayi Raahon Mein, Baatein Huyi Nigaahon Mein from Film:Dil Deke Dekho-1959 (Usha Khanna). Won’t even today’s teenaged damsels become ‘fida’ with such great voice and such stylish renditions!
Here too, the list is endless.
Finally, as Music Director, Ravi had once said, you can hear all other great singers with your ears, but you need to hear Rafi Saab with your heart!
June 20th, 2007 at 8:24 am
i would like to add song from ram aur shyam aaj ki raat mere dil ki salami lele this song begins with ye raat jaise dulhan bangayi chiragonse karunga ujala mein dil ke dagonse and many more song by my rafi saab
June 20th, 2007 at 9:10 am
Interesting observation. There are a couple of other songs that have a beautiful opening:
Film: leader
tere husn ki kya tareef karoon
kuchh kahte huwe bhi darta hoon
kahin bhool se tu na samajh baithe
ke main tujhse mohabbat karta hoon
Film: teen deviyan
kahin bekhayal hokar
yunhi chho liya kisine
But the song that is the ultimate in this category is from Mere Huzoor; the opening has a different tune and sounds even better than the main song:
apne rukh par nigaha karne do
khoobsurat gunha karne do
rukh se pardah hata jana hai
aaj dil ko tabah karne do
rukh se zara nakab hata do mere huzoor…
June 20th, 2007 at 9:51 am
It is indeed very difficult to know Rafi Saab true potential. A few months back I had written a article in 7 parts ‘Rafi with Music Composers’ & posted it on the web. It was like putting together by entire knowledge & observations of Rafi Saab & his association with many music composers accumlated in the last 20 years. Later I released I had missed many gems which Rafi Saab have sung under various Music Composers in 50s and 60s.
http://www.mohdrafi.com/meri-awaaz-suno/rafi-with-music-composers-%e2%80%93-part-1.html
http://www.mohdrafi.com/meri-awaaz-suno/rafi-with-music-composers-%e2%80%93-part-2.html
http://www.mohdrafi.com/meri-awaaz-suno/rafi-with-music-composers-%e2%80%93-part-3.html
http://www.mohdrafi.com/meri-awaaz-suno/rafi-with-music-composers-%e2%80%93-part-4.html
http://www.mohdrafi.com/meri-awaaz-suno/rafi-with-music-composers-%e2%80%93-part-5.html
http://www.mohdrafi.com/meri-awaaz-suno/rafi-with-music-composers-%e2%80%93-part-6.html
http://www.mohdrafi.com/meri-awaaz-suno/rafi-with-music-composers-%e2%80%93-part-7.html
In fact discussing various music composers and their association with Rafi Saab is my pet topic, for which I can go on for days together.
Possibly if Rafi Saab could have lived in the 80s music world could have witnessed a lethal combination of Rafi-Pancham and a new dimension of Rafi-LP combo. Pancham certainly could have enjoyed tremendous success with Rafi in the 80s and never witnessed the downfall which he experienced. 80s could have witnessed Rafi Saab in all together a new style which is unknown to all of us.
June 20th, 2007 at 10:10 am
Venkat,
Very touchy note,i dont have any words to explain our Rafiji’s singing ability.
June 20th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Respected Fans of Rafi Sahib,
Mr. B.Venkatadri has written so minutely about the sweetness of the Great Mohd. Rafi. When we hear a story of a beautiful prince, we imagine his voice as the sweetest. Such is the voice of Rafi Sahib that is far away even from one’s imagination. His voice is the sweetest as compared with all other singers. We can’t even imagine such sweetness, his voice has real sweetness. Any song of Rafi Sahib can be tested anytime, that ‘ll surely get full marks in melody, rhythm and sweetness. The audience have a relation with a singer only with his voice. If one’s voice comes from his/her nose or if a singer delivers a rough voice or if a singer delivers only one style in his/her every song ; how can he be a super-hit. Although such so-called singers may get the footage only due to the music or poetry for a limited period only, yet they can never be proved the horses of long races.
I again want to thank Mr. B.Venkatadri who presented a quality of Rafi Sahib within beautiful words.
We need the zealous persons like Mr. Binu Nair and Mr. P. Narayanan, who are always seen in the “Mission Rafi”. We should learn from them. None can imitate their selfless efforts. I want to salute them. Certainly, our Mission Rafi ‘ll be a successful one and definitely be upon the top of the world. Our preferred mission should be to get announced the highest award Bharat Ratna award for Rafi Sahib posthumously.
–MEHTAB (Chandigarh, India). +919815703226, E-mail : mehtabmasih@yahoo.co.in
June 20th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
I fully agree with MD Ravi. Rafi should be heard with your heart. Other songs which I can add to the above list are:
1. ‘Parda Uthaye Ke Lage - Chehre Se Apne Aap Ko ‘ from “Palki”.
2. ‘Ramiah Vastavayya’ from “Shree 420″.
3. ‘Kahan Ja Rahe The’ from “Love Marriage”.
4. ‘Din Dhal Jaye’ from “Guide”. What a lovely song?
5. ‘Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna’ from “Shaheed”.
6. ‘Ae Watan Ae Wtan’ from “Shaheed”.
7. ‘Himala Kah Raha Hai Is - Watan Pe Jo Fida Hoga’ from “Phool Bane Angarey”.
8. ‘Ohoho……. Yeh Dekhake Dil Zhooma’ from “Kashmir Ki Kali”.
9. ‘Man Ki Beena’ from “Shabab”.
10. ‘Sukh Ho Ya Dukh - Rahi Manwa Dukh Ki Chinta’ from “Dosti”.
One can go on and on listing Rafi’s songs.
June 20th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
I can not understand why people compare rafi saab with anybody.
It is a universal truth that rafi saab had the best vocal singing quality
and most melodious voice with a classical knowledge.
I do not find even lata tai to be compared with this legend. fans of lata
tai may be annoyed, but as a music-lover i always found rafi saab’s
voice far better than anyone else. whenever i listen “jab jab bahar aayi”
or “Ehsan tera hoga mujh par…” or “Teri aankhon ke siwa…” or “taqdir
ka fasana…” or “Jiya ho jiya kuchh bol do..” i always found rafi saab’s
golden voice echoing in my ears. These and a lot more solo songs have been sung by these two legends with the same lyrics and the same tune, but rafi saab is always one step ahead. Music lovers with good ear will never deny this fact.
some times i think rafi saab can be compared with lata tai upto a mark
because god has given her the best female voice. it is my thinking that comparison is not a good thing…and if you compare a “best”, just compare
him with another “best” .
comparing rafi saab with kk or sonu nigam or shan or yesudas or sanu is
his insult.
it is like showing candles/lamps/neon-lights to the sun.
June 20th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Dear Venkat,
We all know about Rafi Sahab’s singing and all are closely watching and some of us including me has been trying to imitate Rafi Sahab’s singing for about 20 years now but coming out with such a distinct quality in his songs is highly appreciable. Rather I would call it your great attachment and devotion to Rafi Sahab that you have given an altogether new twist to the listening of these songs which were composed by all great music directors.
I congratulate you and thank you for such a fantastic article on my unmet guru Mohd Rafi Sahab.
zorawar_c@hotmail.com
9810224991 (Delhi)
June 20th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
THANKS A LOT MR. VENKATADRI FOR THIS NICE ARTILE .
YOU HAVE FOCUSSED ON YET ANOTHER SIDE OF OUR BELOVED RAFI SAHAB & HIS STYLE OF RENDERING SONGS !
I AM ADDING 3 MORE SONGS FOR THIS CATEGORY OF SONGS :
1) JAAG DIL-E-DEEWANA …..( FILM: OONCHE LOG ) ;
2) KAISE JEET LETE HAIN LOG DIL KISI KA.. ( FILM : SAJAN BINA SUHAGAN )
3) BADE BEWAFA HAI YE HUSNOWALE ….( FILM : ROOP TERA MASTANA ) .
THANKS TO ALL RAFI FANS FOR THEIR COMMENTS TOO!
BEST REGARDS/A.T.M. SALIM.
June 20th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
i would kike to add title song of dil tera diwana hai sanam song begins like this bijli gira ke aap khud bijli se dar gaye this lines rafi saab singing and this begning of the song is best part of this song
June 20th, 2007 at 5:13 pm
Ref post to 2: I fully agreeed with haldar and his choice, and what he wants to say ,but halder,listen one more song from start to finish from (LP)kanyadaan ..”Meri zindagi me aate to kuchh aur baat hoti,to kutchh aur baat hoti.it is being composed by shankar(SJ) alone.
June 20th, 2007 at 6:52 pm
THANKS A LOT MR. VENKATADRI FOR THIS NICE ARTILE .
June 20th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Dear Venkatdri sir,
Fine article witha new dimension to our Guruji Rafi sahab’s singing style.
Shall come with more examples later on.
Perhaps this song Thu Hindu banega na musalman banega also starts with good alaap from the film Dhool ka Phool.
Well done other comments from fellow Rafians
June 20th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Nicely written this article, there have been endless list of such types of songs by Rafi Saheb, to name few songs like Mere mitwa/Geet, Tu ganga ki mauj/Baiju Bawra, Tujhko pukare/Neel Kamal, etc… and many more.
June 20th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Listen to the beginning of “Teri pyari pyari soorat ko” from Shankar Jaikikshan live. Mr. Akela, is that Goody Servai on the accordion?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hMUBPl-cSc&mode=user&search=
June 20th, 2007 at 10:06 pm
Mehtabh ji….
Many things in this life will come and go;; and bite the dust;
people may forget the bharat ratna too ; but no one ever will
forget MOHD RAFI the legend… thanks for the compliments .
I feel the Bharat Ratna will be honoured if it is given posthumously
to rafi saab.
second the rafi foundation formed on May 13 th few metres away
from rafi saabs tomb is surging ahead…. and this is what happens
when u take on a mission - with ur heart on it.
My ex college pal mr narayanan is doing an excellent job too from
bangalore.. now we have units in 8 indian cities and rafi foundation
activities are being announced in fm station in london too…
rafi saab is loved everywhere and its a mission and a love
for the greatest singer and human being - for the last 35 years….
binu nair.
June 21st, 2007 at 2:36 am
NICE ARTILE . by MR. VENKATADRI
June 21st, 2007 at 5:57 am
Good article and on the spot. Rafi is Rafi, playback singing starts and ends with Rafi.
I have heard from many MD’s that with Rafi (and Lata) they never had a problem of customising a tune. This is no minor statement, as it speaks volmues of Rafi’s unmatched potential as a singer.
Every singer has limitations but with Rafi it seems there are none. A God given gift really.
It is embarassing to read when some gullible and anxious fans of other singers hoplesely try to compare and shamefully even demean Rafi to prove their singing idol ranks supreme.
Here are a few facts that are a slap on the faces on such bigots:
1. Rafi sang in all decades from 40’s till end of 70’s, consitstently, flawlessley and for all trends of music modulating his voice for all stars and forms of music. No one has come even 10% close to this.
2. Along with his unmatched quality, he sang for what now looks like over 8,000 songs, which is more than the total of all songs sung by other male singers in that period. It takes a toll on the vocal chords and the heart to sing for such a long period of time and specially when the songs are not throated but sang from the heart. With Rafi, his voice kept getting sweeter with time, a rare phenomenon when all his co singers were loosing their edge with the passage of time. No one has matched even this aspect.
3. With all his fame and success Rafi was always a singer and not a businessman. He never looked at the production or the grade of the MD’s. Every MD can boast of having great Rafi songs under their baton. Rafi could create magic with any orhestra set up and sometimes with no music at all.
No one has come close in this aspect too.
4. More than 75% musical hits from 45 to 80 has Rafi songs. More than 70% of hit films in the same period has Rafi songs. No singer has matched this too.
5. No one can beat a trend or a situation that is one sided but Rafi proved this wrong too. Rafi was successfull in every trend of music. When Rafi was ruling the singing word from 50 to 71 and later from 75 till he departed, he was the number 1 in all ways. No chance for any singer to take the top position.
However when Kishore got favors from a few leading MD’s and toped the charts in early 70’s mainly due to rafi’s absence for about 8 months and favors after favors from Burman da and the greed of a few producers who wanted to cash on the sudden demand of KK who was a complete discard for over 20 years as far as singing was concerned, most felt that commercially Rafi had to be content with the number 2 spot but against all odds he bounced back and took back the number 1 spot and just about 90% of hit films after 75 had Rafi songs proves this. No fantasy talks but facts. Even after he passed away he has more chart toppers than any singer in August 1980 Binca Geet Mala. Who can deny this?
A request to all music lovers, plz dont waste your time on other sites to debate with bigots about Rafi. Fans of Rafi are lucky that they find themselves in an enviable position where they dont need to explain anything to anyone. Use your time in the right direction.
June 21st, 2007 at 7:48 am
Wonderful post sjk.
A few of us, P. Haldar, Binu Nair, Supid and myself have been trying to stop the nonsense that has been written in the KK forum about Rafi, as usual, for the other side, the truth sometimes does hurt. Rafi is incomparable, there is no one who comes even close.
For those of you who would like to know the source from which sjk is getting his info, visit Box Office India, the website dedicated to stats. You will find exactly what he has written to be the truth.
The reason why Kishore came on top is because of Rafi’s absence for about 8 months due to a maulvi telling him at Haj that singing was a sin. Aradhana made Kishore popular however it did not make him the top singer until Rafi left at that crucial moment. People talk about Lata maintaining her position at the top, well she was not away at those specific moments the way Rafi was. Even for Aradhana and Kati Patang (as quoted by producer SS), Rafi was out of town, so a lot went Kishore’s way. On top of it all, no singer has ever made such a comeback the way Rafi did, proving against all odds that he was the King.
Anmol Singh, Pancham needed Rafi at that crucial stage in his career, I am sure they would have come up with many gems during that time. Just when he was starting to once again compose with Rafi more often, the rude shock came. Add to his Rajesh Roshan, look at the three albums from 1980, Unees Bees, Aap Ke Deewane and Shakka along with other songs in that year, mostly Rafi. I am sure we would have seen plenty more from Junior Roshan and Rafi in the 80’s, had Rafi lived.
The difference between Pancham and RR is that although Pancham took to Rafi early in his career, for a brief period he didn’t compose for him as much, only to come back to him again. As P. Haldar put it, he seemed to keep Rafi at a distance. Whereas for Junior Roshan, Rafi was an integral part of his music, right from Kunwara Baap until his passing away.
June 21st, 2007 at 8:28 am
myk
Thanks for your acknolwlegement and for adding some more facts in your post.
Like some one said ealier, 80’s would have seen Rafi singing in a different mode all together. Rafi’s presence in 80’s could have saved RDB’s career who was completely discarded. Well it would have saved the music industry who has never recovered yet after Rafi’s demise.
June 21st, 2007 at 8:58 am
Good point myk. As I’ve said before, this Kishore topic is an unnecessary distraction, and it keeps draining our energy. The media keeps harping on this topic all the time; don’t you think there’s a reason behind that? It’s to keep her on a pedestal and let us compete with lesser talents. We should not lose sight of the ultimate goal, that of establishing without any doubt that Rafi was not only the best playback singer but the best singer of all time. Look at the Indian media; shame on these people that they could not accept what should be regarded as the universal truth. I would request the administrator not to post any more articles related to Rafi-Kishore.
June 21st, 2007 at 9:49 am
This is indeed a great observation that with Rafi Saab as a singer most music composers are carefree. Plus most MDs kept their best works to be explored through Rafi’s voice. Classic example is SDB.
There were of course many exceptions who didn’t make much use of Rafi, but they did worked with him for few songs with other singers couldn’y render.
Classic exmaple Salil C.
June 21st, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Some of the songs with an initial Alaap, either in classical form or through words.
Bhagawan, Bhagawan, Bhagawan, Bhagawan - O Duniya Ke Rakhwale
Hari Om, Hari Om, Hari Om, Hari Om - Mann Tadpat Hari Darshan
Chale Aaj Tum Jahaan Se……… - O Door Ke Musaafir
Initial Classical Alaap - Madhuban Mein Radhika
Initial Classical Alaap - Parda Hai Parda Hai
Kal Jahan Basi Thi Khushiayan………… - Waqt Se Din Aur Raat
Dil e Naa Shaad………… - Mujhe Meri Mohabat Ka Saharaa (Rafi / Lata) intial alap by Rafi.
Jaane Waale Kabhi Nahi………… - Dil Ek Mandir Hai (Rafi/Suman) Intial alap by Rafi
Kya Se Kya Ho Gayaa…Bewafa….Tere Pyar Mein (Too Many Twists & turns)
Intiall Alaap (wordings do not recall) - Nafrat Ki Duniya Ko Chod Ke
Kar Chale Hum Fida Jaana Tan Sathiyo……..(Music) - Kar Chale Hum Fida
HoKe Majboor Mujhe Usne Bulaaya Hoga……. - HoKe Majboor Mujhe(Sung By Rafi, Maana D, Talat, Bhupindar) Intial alap by Rafi.
Surprisingly in most duets in was always Rafi Saab who sang the opening ALAAP.
Of course there are few excepts also
In baharon mein Akele Na Phiro (intial alap sung by Lata)
June 21st, 2007 at 4:27 pm
Excellent article Venkatji. Rafi Saab ki than tho Himalaya se bhi unchi aur Pacific she bhi gehri. The alaap can only be heard by the heart, but I wouldn’t mind the opening lines (before the ‘main’ song - although I know the opening lines are ALSO part of the song - which in most cases could only have been rendered by Rafi Saab) being written onto the web (as often one can’t find them) and I’m proposing to start a page in Hamara forums for that purpose).
June 21st, 2007 at 4:31 pm
salam to all rafians,
rafi sahab ke bare mein yahan itna kuchch janneko milata hey.thanks rafi.com,
wesy tu rafi sahab ke chahnewally sari duniya mein hain lekin india aur yahan pakistan main tu un ki tadad hazaron nahin lakhon main hey.
jiska sabout un ki gaeki ko falow karne wallon se hota hey jasy india main.
janab mahindar kapour.
janab Muhammad anwar.
—— Muhammad Aziz.
—— shbir kumar.
—– vipin singh .
souno nigam & many more.
yahan pakistan main bhi rafi sahab ko falow karne wallon ki tadad kuchch kam naheen.
janab Mohammad Efraheem jo key rafi sahab ke pahily pakistani shagird hain
let Masaood rana ji jo aaj bhi kafi mashhoor hain
let Ikhlaq Ahmed yeh rafi sahab ko bhut achch falow karte thy enki awazz rafi sahab se buhut milti thi aur bara meetha gate thy un ke kuchch gane sonu nigam ne bhi gaey hai
. sawan aay sawan jaay.
salim raza ji jo aaj bhi unke fane hain.
June 21st, 2007 at 5:51 pm
Fantastic article Mr. Venkatadri. In fact I had been waiting one from you, what with your knowledge and collection of Rafi songs. For other readers let me inform, I have met Mr. Venkatadri at his house and had the good fortune to listen to some of the rarest of songs of Mohd. Rafi. Good work and keep posting more of such articles.
June 21st, 2007 at 8:55 pm
“Maut Kabhi Bhi Mil Sakti Hai…’, Rafi Saheb starts this song and then it goes like this - “Raat Bhar Ka Hai Mehmaan Andhera… Kiske Rote Ruka Hai Savera…”, very very emotionally sung by Rafi Saheb, this song has two versions, 1st by Rafi Saheb alone and the 2nd a duet with Ashaji. But, just listen to the 1st one and I bet anyone can cry while listening to this song as sung by the legend. What a song and a must for all Rafians. Anyone need this song can mail me. rafi-fan@ hotmail.com
June 21st, 2007 at 10:23 pm
a praiseworthy article by Mr. Venkatadri.
I salute you on behalf of all the ‘rafians’.
You seem to be a very good listener.
and wah ravi saab ! kya baat kahi !
one need to listen rafi saab from the
heart. laakh rupye ki baat !!!
June 21st, 2007 at 10:30 pm
Some of you are interested in the words rafi saab recited before the actual song started. I would request you to also consider all the three songs (if you can call them songs) delivered by rafi saab for pyaasa. This is the triumph of poetry over music. Sahir’s poetry comes to the forefront, Burman da’s music takes a backseat and Rafi saab delivers what many consider to be the best urdu shayari in film music. rafi1 at his peak. But while reciting the beautiful poetry, Rafi saab also changes his voice and brings in his nuances for Guru Dutt. Listen to the third sher; it somehow got overwhelmed by the first two. Again, I am saying for the umpteenth time, no singer — dead or alive, male or female, north or south, east or west — has ever reached this level. And a gentle warning: no singer should even try to tread this area of rafi’s.
1.
ye mahalo.n, ye taKto.n, ye taajo.n kii duniyaa
ye inasaa.n ke dushman samaajo.n kii duniyaa - 2
ye daulat ke bhuukhe rivaazo.n kii duniyaa
ye duniyaa agar mil bhii jaaye to kyaa hai - 2
har ek jism ghaayal, har ek ruh pyaasii
nigaaho me.n ulajhan, dilo.n me udaasii
ye duniyaa hai yaa aalam-e-badahavaasii
ye duniyaa …
jahaa.n ek khilaunaa hai inasaa.n kii hastii
ye bastii hai murdaa-parasto.n kii bastii
jahaa.n aur jiivan se hai maut sastii
ye duniyaa …
javaanii bhaTakatii hai bezaar banakar
javaa.n jism sajate hai baazaar banakar
jahaa.n pyaar hotaa hai vyaapaar banakar
ye duniyaa …
ye duniyaa jahaa.n aadamii kuchh nahii.n hai
vafaa kuchh nahii.n, dostii kuchh nahii.n hai - 2
jahaa.n pyaar ki kadr hii kuchh nahii.n hai
ye duniyaa …
jalaa do, jalaa do ise phuu.nk Daalo ye duniyaa
mere saamane se haTaa lo ye duniyaa
tumhaarii hai tum hii sambhalo ye duniyaa, ye duniyaa …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSo3KVwrp8M
2.
ye kuuche, ye… ha.n .a.a.a , ghar dilakashii ke
ye kuuche, ye niilaam ghar dilakashii ke
ye luTate hue kaaravaa.n zi.ndagii ke
kahaa.n hai.n, kahaa.n hai.n muhAfiz khudii ke
jinhe.n naaz hai hind par vo kahaa.n hai.n
kahaa.n hai.n, kahaa.n hai.n, kahaa.n hai.n
ye purape.nch galiyaa.n, ye badanaam baazaar
ye gumanaam raahii, ye sikko.n kI jhanakaar
ye isamat ke saude, ye saudo.n pe takaraar
jinhe naaz …
ye sadiyo.n se bekhauf sahamii sI galiyaa.n
ye masalii huI adhakhilI zard kaliyaa.n
ye bikatii huI khokhalii ra.ngaraliyaa.N
jinhe naaz …
vo ujale darIcho.n me.n paayal kii chhan chhan
thakii haarii saa.nso.n pe tabale kI dhan dhan (2)
ye berUh kamaro.n me khaa.nsii ki Than Than
jinhe naaz …
ye phuulo.n ke gazare, ye piito.n ke chiite (?)
ye biibakh(?) nazare, ye gustaakh chitare (?)
ye Dhalake badan aur ye biimaar chehare
jinhe naaz …
yahaa.n piir bhii aa chuke hai.n, javaa.n bhii
tan-o-man biite bhI, Abaa mayaa bhii
ye biivii hai (2) aur bahan hai, maa.N hai
jinhe naaz …
madad chaahatii hai ye havaa kI beTI
yashodaa kI ham jinase raadhaa kI beTI (2)
payammar kI ummat julekhaa kI beTI,
jinhe naaz …
zaraa is mulk ke rahabaro.n ko bulaao
ye kuuche ye galiyaa.n ye ma.nzar dikhaao
jinhe.n naaz hai hind par unako laao
jinhe naaz hai hind par vo kahaa.n hai.n
kahaa.n hai.n, kahaa.n hai.n, kahaa.n hai.n
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4AJhHkhJpU
3.
jab ham chale.n to saath hamaaraa saayaa bhii na de
jab tum chalo zamii.n chale aasmaa.n chale
jab ham ruke.n to saath ruke sham-e-bekasii
jab tum ruko bahaar ruke chaa.Ndanii ruke
ye ha.Nsataa huaa phuul, ye mahakaa huaa gulashan
ye ra.Ng aur nuur me.n Duube hue raahe.n
ye phuulo.n kaa ras piike machalate hue bha.nvare
mai.n duu.N bhii to kyaa duu.N ai shokh nazaaro.n
le de ke mere paas kuchh aa.Nsuu hai.n, kuchh aahe.n
o aasmaa.n-vaale kabhii to nigaah kar -2
ab tak ye zulm sahate rahe Kaamoshii se ham
ta.ng aa chuke hai.n kashamaakash-e-zi.ndagii se ham
Thukaraa na de jahaa.n ko kahii.n be-dilii se ham
maayuusii-e-mak-e-muhabbat na puuchhiye
apano.n se pesh aaiye, hai.n be-gaa.ngegii se ham
aavaaz: bhaaii, koii khushii kaa giit sunaao
ham Gamazadaa hai.n, laae.n kahaa.N se khushii ke giit
de.nge vohii ho paae.nge is zi.ndagii se ham
Gar kabhii mile zi.ndagii ko itteffaaq se
puuchhe.nge apanaa haal, terii bebasii se ham
ubhare.nge ek baar abhii dil ke valavale
maanaa ke dab gae hai.n Gam-e-zi.ndagii se ham
lo aaj hamane to.D di_aa rishtaa-e-ummiid
lo ab kabhii Gilaa na kare.nge kisii se ham
June 21st, 2007 at 10:32 pm
sorry to come in again,but i can not stop myself for mentioning
about the ‘aalap’ of a mile-stone song ‘aaye bahar banke lubha
kar chale gaye…’ from “raajhath” music composed by Shankar
Jaikishan. Just listen to the begining ‘aalap’ and you will find
yourself in another world…..
June 22nd, 2007 at 7:35 am
Friends,
Many many many heart-felt thanks to all the Dil-wale Rafi Saab’s fans for the kind words of appreciation. Also many thanks for those who have mentioned tens of such Rafi Saab’s songs with nice openings/aalaaps.
Well, we have asked a question in this article as to why Rafi Saab alone has such songs with nice opening words, etc. in hundreds. When I think hard, I get this answer:
Normally all the opening lines before the main song will be without any instrumental orchestration and without even the minimal Laya support! The singer needs almost divine Laya Gnan and Sruti Gnan
to sing lines only on his voice, without the Laya support (ie. dholak, etc.) or any other chord support. And Rafi Saab is the peerless master in this area of singing!
Why only opening lines, Rafi Saab has indeed sung even full songs (such as “Mai Kisi Ki Aankh Ka Noor Hoon”) without an iota of Laya support or any instrumental support. And sung them as God only could!
More comments later.
Venkat
June 22nd, 2007 at 9:53 am
ref post 31:
When the microphone failed at a Saigal concert in Lahore, a young lad in his teens regaled the audience with a few songs. A voice that didn’t even need a microphone, can you believe that? The musical instruments are just adornments, the voice is divine. Can anyone get me a tape of the farishta doing his riyaz in the morning? To me, that will be more valuable than even some of his best songs.
June 22nd, 2007 at 2:01 pm
Excellent interactions from all Music Lovers,
Let us finally avoid going to sister site and waste our valuable time,energy painfully explaining the so called immature persons.
Iam reminded of Naya Daur prayer song ‘Aana hai to aa…. bhagwan ke ghar mein…….. which starts with a fantastic alaap.
Yes it is true that MDs wanted safe singer thatswhy they went for Rafi Sahabs vocals.
SYK SIR POST 18 SUPERB LET US FOLLOW HIS MESSAGE
HALDAR SIR,
KINDLY ENLIGHTEN US MORE ON RAFI SAHAB AS U ARE ONE GREAT RAFI HISTORIAN LIKE RAJU BHARATAN,RAJIV VIJAYKAR OF FILMFARE(TIMES) n SCREEN(INDIAN EXP).
PLEASE WRITE TO binus2000@hotmail.com WITH A NEW ARTICLE ON OUR RAFI SAHAB OR PUT IT ON THIS GREAT WEBSITE.
P.NARAYANAN
June 22nd, 2007 at 3:55 pm
A beautiful article, well worth noting and observing the geniuse M Rafi. Comparison are only made by other fans to promote other singers in public eye, if they are so good than why the comparison.
June 22nd, 2007 at 4:21 pm
some rare cancelled duets of M Rafi and Lata wirah hai mera dil from the film lutera, apna banakar chaur na jana from film mina bazaar. bichrai huwai sathi, from the film halchal and many more. these are form very old films. one true fact I like to share with you was back in the late seventies when Rafi sahab came to England, my uncle who was present with m rafi mentioned a beautiful woman approached Rafi Sahab and said take me with you because I am insane about your voice, but Rafi sahab declined and said it was immoral for him to do such a thing. He surely was a saint in every way.
June 23rd, 2007 at 1:27 am
Can anybody remember the two lines …
“dil le liya to isko mat bekarar karna
Iska koi nahi hai is dil ko pyar karna ”
a magical “prelusion” sung by rafi saab before the hit
song ‘dilwil pyarwyar mai kya janu re…’ from the film
“shagird” ?
Please go to ‘raaga.com’ and enjoy it.
June 23rd, 2007 at 9:31 am
Here is something that you guys have never heard of. Please contact MD Ravi to confirm if you wish.
Such was the quality and aura of Rafi’s voice that even in the period from 72 to 74 where he got not only less songs as compared to other years but also very few good compositions, no one had a doubt of his supreme position as the number one singer of all times.
Ek Mahol Ho Sapno Ka, a movie whose songs were recored in this dry peiod had the title song recorded not in Rafi’s and Lata’s voice but KK and Lata’s voice, oh yes!!!!
The producer who was initially adamant to have KK sing after hearing the song told Ravi that KK’s voice does not have the impact of the title song. He asked Ravi to call Rafi. Can you ever imagine that someone who is having the best time of his life, that is KK being replaced by someone. This shows that in terms of quality Rafi was always the automatic choice, such was the impact of his unmatched skills.
Ravi still has the recording of the KK and Lata duet.
June 23rd, 2007 at 2:29 pm
Rafi is the only complete singer. Look at his singing repertoire. With all due respects, all other singers including Lata fall short of the mark Rafi has achieved.
June 23rd, 2007 at 2:30 pm
SJK
Tell this to KK fans and they will give you some ridiculous excuse or start abusing you or Rafi. Another example is Nafrat Ki Duniya song that LP had Rafi sing as KK was not good enough.
June 24th, 2007 at 9:35 am
Last week I attended a concert in Atlanta. Asha Bhosle was the main attraction but Sonu Nigam was also on the card. Sonu gave a nice complement to Rafi sahab during his presentation of a montage of good songs. He said, “Mohammad Rafi jaisa gayak na kabhi pahle paida hua hai na kabhi phir paida hoga.” (a singer like Mohammad Rafi has never been born neither will ever be born). Most of the audience gave a standing ovation to the statement.
He had a nice medley of songs in which he repeated “O duniya ke rakhvale” several times.
June 24th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
Dear rafians:
today in mumbai it is raining cats and dogs and its a good
time to listen : rimzim ke tarane leke aayee barsaat…yaad aaye
kisi ko woh pehlee mulaqaat, rimzim ke tarane…,
asha and rafi saab has done a miracle here… and rim zim ke geet
saawan gaaye haaye bheegi raaton me… rim jim ke geet…..
is another singing landmark by rafi=lata team…… there are many
others but a message first:
sargam the special tribute magazine to be released on July 31, 07
on legend mohd rafi saab is a special issue . rafi lovers and fans
are welcome to write and contribute article and anecdotes. a
section will be devoted to rafisaab fans .. Pl. rush your write-ups
to binus2000@hotmail.com
also view the link: www.nair-binu.sulekha.com for the complete
details of the special SARGAM MAGAZINE….
June 24th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Dinesh
I would prefer telling it to my dog, who has a better IQ than most KK fans. I dont have time to waste. BTW its not about KK, the incidence I quoted was to demonstrate the stature and respect Rafi had as a singer that was second to none.
If there is any singer that needs to be discussed with Rafi is Mukesh as he sang consistently in all decades and had sucess in all decades. Even in 70’s he won more filmfare awards that any one. Even Mukesh conceded that Rafi was number 1.
Don Bradman had an average of 99, if someone plays only one test match and scores a hundered, can anyone say that he is a better player than Bradman as his average is higher. Rafi is the Don of singing and KK fans need to get this in their heads.
June 24th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
when sonu nigam was here in cochin last year and he praised my rafi saab he got standing ovation in cochin audience were requesting to sing rafisaas song
June 24th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
jeetey ji duniya ko jala ya- marke apne aap jala -poocho jaane waale se tere saat kaun jala -this is the alaap of the song from the film chowkidaar it is picturised on omprakash ji song is-ye duniya nahin jagir kisiki raja ho ya rang ya to sab hai chowkidaar kutch to aakar chale gaye kutch jaane ko tayaar khabardaar khabardaar
June 24th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
Rafi saab was popular in every town and city of the world…
some music lovers however feel that in Bengal rafi fans are
few…
this is not true my friends.. rafi saab used to have his concerts
in stadiums like anywhere - in bengal too..
In mumbai : mr.rana chaterjee sings great rafi numbers in
with merit in music shows. mr. fahad a young lad from kerala
also joins him and has his own unique style…
Mr. shrikant narayan, chirag panchal, anil vajpayee and iqbal
darbar are other great and promising rafi singers i n mumbai
who regularly regale music lovers with vintage songs…..
pl. dont miss them whenever u get a chance …..
ashok khare the professor from vjti is the most proficient
who sings with great vigour and he is doing it for the last
20 years….
binu nair.
June 24th, 2007 at 11:26 pm
Mr. B.Venkatadri, I must complement you for your great article. Thank You very much for entlightening us with your observation. Listening Rafi Sahab songs is a spiritual experience.
Read more about Rafi Sahab on the following link.
http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/15957.html
June 26th, 2007 at 12:01 am
it is really difficult to know rafi saab fully in all his hues and colours.
when i hear him singing….’man tadapat…’ i guess him as a ‘bhakti
ras kavi’. when i hear him singing…’din dhal jaye haye..’ i see a sad
lover in him. i see a most romantic man in him when he sings..’dil ka
bhawar kare pukar…’. I see a common poor man in him when he sings… ‘mai rikshaw wala…’. he seems to be a real darbari singer
(poet) when he sings ‘madhuban me radhika…’ or ‘roshan tumhi se
duniya…’. He seems to be a pucca drunkard when he sings…’maine
pee sharab, tumne kya piya…’. A real guru and an ideal teacher is
seen in him when he sings…’hum laye hain toofan se…’
how can one narrate or illustrate rafi saab… who is a man of
various colours and indefinite tints !!!
June 26th, 2007 at 3:50 am
Venkatadriji,
what can i say about this article, superb, brilliant, outstanding, i would like to use all such words from the dictionary. From now on I am your fan as well, i will be waiting for your next one eagerly.
The MDs used Rafi Saheb for such opening lines or alaaps was because they wanted ’sone pe suhaga’ in their songs. Because thats what it is, isnt it?
I would like to add a few to the already growing list by all the Rafians:
1. Bikhar gaye bachpan ke sapne…. Song: kehdo oi na kare yahan pyar
2. Mere dil se Situmgar tune achi dillagi ki hai…. Mere dushman tu meri dosti ko terse
3. lara ra ra ra, lara ra ra ra ra ….. mujhe duniyawalo sharabi na samjho
4. umeede aarzooe kelti hai….dil diya dard liye Title song ( i have not heard this in the audio version, but its there in the movie)
5. pyar ka saaz bhi hai… cheda mere dilne tarana tere pyar ka
and there are many more..
i would like to know if that ‘malish, teil malish’ in the beginning of ’sar jo tera chakraye’ is Rafi Saheb or Johny Walker himself.
Thanks once again for this very insightful article about another colourful aspect of our most respected Rafi Saheb.
June 26th, 2007 at 9:43 pm
Great article.Two great songs coming in my memory
Meri nazar mein to sirf tum ho kuch or mujko pata nahi hain
teri mehfil mein ud rahi hum magar koi rasta nahi
sorry if notexact words
1)Tum bin jaaoo kaham(pyar ka mousam) sad version.I wonder why this song was ignored by all.
2)Tere is pyar ki shukriya(aag or daag) this song also begins with heart touching aalaap.
June 26th, 2007 at 10:15 pm
Hi friends !
why don’t you stop answering this ‘bahurupia’ ashu/ashwin.
he is a ‘virus. for this beautiful website. Please aviod him.
Nana patekar was very much right when he said…”ek machhar
sare aadmi ko hijda bana deta hai”.
Please think of coming 31st July !
June 27th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
Friends,
Many thanks once again for your kind reactions to this Aricle.
After many years, I was just listening to this beautiful solo of Rafi Saab from Film:Mera Qasoor Kya Hai(1963)–MD:Chitragupta. This song has shades of another Rafi solo of Chitragupta from Aakashdeep–”Mujhe Dard-e-Dil Ka Pata Na Thha”.
The MQKH (1963) song I am referring to is this.
Opening lines without orchestra: “Kaaton Pe Chal Ke Paaon Ke Chalon Se Kya Gila, Maangee Thi Khud Hi Raat Ujaalon Se Kya Gila”
Actual song: “Kahin Se Maut Ko Laao Ke Gham Ki Raat Kate”
In my view, these opening lines rank among the top ten such songs of Rafi Saab. See how he enunciates the lines and draws out empathy from the listener!
I request the Admin. to see if he could upload this great song for the benefit of those who do not have it already.
Venkat
June 28th, 2007 at 7:00 am
Dear friends,
Nice expressions in the article about the amazing capabilities and range of Mohammad Rafi! Music directors gave wonderful music to Rafi’s songs and used beautiful instruments in the orchestra, but the voice that followed the music was even more beautiful and captivating. You can listen to hundreds of his songs and would find each one very different. It will be such a difficult task to come up with a list of Rafi’s best 100s or 200s, you will always find another song that very well could be a part of that list. Another amazing thing about his songs is that you never get tired of listening to Mohammad Rafi. You can play a song or a CD over and over, but it will sound pleasant every time - or even better than the last time. Please keep sharing Rafi’s thoughts and songs. We have only one life, might as well live it beautifully!
June 29th, 2007 at 3:13 am
hi
me also a big fan o rafi jo i dont think any singer ever can compet hom after him ilike sonu nigam he is good too this is for rafifan you been to sonu ji,s comcert on atlanta please can you update the medley he samg of rafi ji,s please if any body on this site been in atlanta comcert can update the medley song,s of rafi sang by sonu nigam
thanx saira
or email at metshawor@yahoo.com
June 29th, 2007 at 9:01 am
Please : SONU NIGAM give ten minutes to THE RAFI FOUNDATION
and show some dedication to the memory of the legend by
supporting us…. It is very difficult to reach u through ur secretary
whose number u have given me some time back.. .
binu nair.
June 29th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
Listen to this mushaira from pyaasa; not a trace of a musical instrument in 2:20 minutes!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xb7zAMc2uhA
June 29th, 2007 at 1:06 pm
Dear Sir,
As I think for RAFI FOUNDATION should be bigger names like Mr Bachchan or MD Ravi or singe M kapoor…..or some one like u Sir binu nair a great fan of Mohd rafi……………..
June 29th, 2007 at 10:42 pm
pls make index of songs better to search ,the site is good…..
good juke box
pls make folder wise song selection ..like bhajans. serious etc
June 30th, 2007 at 8:10 am
dear fans
nice again.
allaps are always difficult to sing,
but not for him.
thanks parvez sahib for sending me songs.
June 30th, 2007 at 11:24 am
Dear Rafian:
A Writer director Prayagraj had associated with Great film maker Manmohan desai - maker of Badtameez,AAA,Naseeb,Dharam Veer,GJS,Suhaag,Sachha jutha,Roti,Bhai ho to aisa,etc.
Do you know this Prayag raj came bombay to try as a singer in film but destiny took him as a succesful writer of films.
This same Prayagraj Voiced “Yahoo”in junglee-”AFFU KHUDA”in Jab jab phoolkhile,and “KUKKU”in super hit farz.All this songs are sang by Rafiji,who actually offered him tea from his own flask after seeing him several retakes for the last film.
(Courtesey”Screen”)
June 30th, 2007 at 6:50 pm
Well said Prakashbhai,
kindly send the anecdotes to binu nair email binus2000@hotmail.com who is compiling all anecdotes related to Rafi saab for the forthcoming Sargam mag dedicated to Rafi saabs glory n his innumerable fans.
Haldar da,
Great songs from Pyaasa. Infact the SD Burman da Rafi saabs combination is one of the best in indian music .
In this it is only Rafi1 and the same is true with Naushad,Madanmohan,OPN,SJ n in Roshan. Most of the 50s 60s songs of LP are also can be Rafi1.
I liked ur analysis about Rafi1,2,3 etc…
July 4th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
Dear All
Prakashji has brought out one more pehlu of rafisahab and well written article
needless to mention that rafisahab is the most versatile singer of all times.
Before RAFISAHAB appeared on the scene Music directors had limitations with the singers available but rafisahab gave them the complete freedom to compose from one corner of the harmonium to the another.
Same was the case with female singers but that problem was also solved when Lataji started singing and that how we got the hit singing jodi of the
millenium RAFISAHAB -LATAJI.
Regards
Rafi Fan
July 5th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
Dear Binuji,
I recd.your sms for 11th july programme at parle but as per my reply to you thro sms..i can’t move from here.But narayan and you would do much better if you invite and convince Pyarelalji to give some more light of his own experiance with legend Rafiji for all this years association.Because Pyarelal himself is living legend,and Laxmikant pyarelal has given some beautiful melodious tune / songs with Rafiji from chhaila babu(old) to aas paas and i am sure what he will disclose would be unfold tilldate.
All the best to you and Mr. P.narayan taking all this pain for rafi foundation.
Note:Some of my friends of your city will contact you shortly, They are also rafian but not knowing abt.your W.site.and activity.Due to any reason if pyarelalji not able to come than ask for his brothers Narendra sharma,shashikant,or gorakh they all are associated with LP and must have many irrelevent (anecdotes) stories with rafiji to tell to gathering of 11/07.
July 5th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
dear Prakash bhai:
I met last week pyarelalji twice : for a few hours;
some interesting notes were exchanged.. the l and p team were
great rafi followers….. but there are many inside stories in the
industry which many would not share… and many things cannot be
written too even if told… this industry is the opposite to the very
character that rafi saab possessed and lived for, throughout his life…
l and p were great composers and we miss laxmikant today - who
was a real rajah from the heart like rafi saab was..
On the 11th I am inviting Mr. Omi…for the song feast by rafi lovers.
the one from the SONIK AND OMI TEAM.
BINU NAIR.
July 9th, 2007 at 11:13 pm
Dear Mr Venkat and Rafians ,
What a topic you have started, I guess no other songer might have sung as many edlibs as Rafisaab had, There also one more from Phir wohi dil laaya hu, The song is ‘Humdum mere khel na jaano chahat ke iqrar ko’,It starts like ‘Door bahot mat jaaye leke qarar hamaara,aisa na ho koi loot le raah mein pyaar hamara’ and Asha follows ‘Paas rahu ya door mai hu saath tumhare,denge gawahi pooch loye khamosh nazare’,The way asha struggles to be at level with rafisaab is very visible,her whole line is nothing when you compare to Rafisaabs ‘Door……….’
As far as other singers are concerned I gues only we have Mukesh ji’s song from Yahudi ‘Dil se tujhe ko bedili hai….ye mera deewapana hai’ that can be considered as a very good renderation.
But when it somes to Rafisaab’s edlibs, it raises the whole song to another level of immortality.
Thanks 4 ur thought and writeup.
Irfan
July 10th, 2007 at 2:45 pm
Dear Sri venkat garu,
Glad to know that you are an ardent fan of Rafi Sahab. Me too. Me is a fan of late Sri Rafi Sahab since my very very child hood. It used to touch my heart and remain there till I listen to another number of Rafi Sahab. thats Rafi sahab for me. Its only Rafi sahab and no one else. He covers all the 64 keys of the harmonium with the same ease from the first one to the 64th one.
Venkat garu I am also a resident of Secunderabad. I request you to kindly give your contact number so that I can meet you in person . my cell number 9949509592.
regards venkat garu.
Ramakrishna
July 12th, 2007 at 9:14 pm
Hi fans,
Add me to the list of the millions of fans of Rafi Saheb. From childhood I have been mesmerized with his voice and will until I die. Speaking of alaap’s and humming, even though I don’t know much about notes and keys and tunes and different ranges, I would appreciate if someone can give me a crash course on Indian music and all the different ranges and why and how he was so different from others even though we all know he was the best but I need to know all the differences. How can anyone forget the range of this song composed by S.D. Burman from “Kaagaz ke Phool” , “Dekhi zamaane ki yaari, bichde sabhi baaari baari” with the chorus, beautiful, wonderfully rendered by the King of voices. Living in U.S. for the past 17 years, it is so disappointing to see what has happened to our Bollywood music and whenever I listen to songs on the radio stations and TV here, they hardly play or show any of his songs and in my opinion, we here have forgotten our great musicians and singers of the past which I would say without them, they would be no songs or music in Bollywood today because they were the founders and inventors of music for the industry. However, I will always be a fan and a lover of old music and also some good new music.
July 12th, 2007 at 10:50 pm
Whenever i watch my all time favourite evergreen dev saab
singing___
1. Dil ka bhawar…
2. Kabhi khud pe…
3. Tu kahan ye bata…
4. Sau saal pahle…
5. Sathi na koi manzil…
6. Falsafa pyar ka…
7. Khoya khoya chand…
8. Mera man tera pyasa…
9. Mai zindagi ka saath…
10. Apni to har aah… and a lots lots more sung by rafi saab
i find him more and more handsome and energetic. He was
the most handsome hero indian cinema has had so far and
rafi saab’s devine voice doubled his charming personality.
July 13th, 2007 at 4:05 pm
Hello All
Yes I agree with Mr Venkat admin should load up this song if they have it as I would love to hear this song.
Thanks
Khalid Rashid
UK
July 13th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Hi Dear Rafians,
Thinking about Rafisaabs edlibs, two duets that came across my mind One more song (duet with Suman Kalyanpur for Anjaana) that was started marvellously by Rafi saab.’Ke jaan chali jaaye jeeya ahi jaaye’.I hope you have listened to the edlib ‘Qarar khoya mohabbat ne is zamaane mein, ye baat sach hi kahi hai kisi deewane ne’.Another duet between Rafisaab-Lata is the evergreen ‘Mujhe teri mohabbat ka sahara mil gaya hota’,from Aap aaye bahaar aayee starting with ‘Dil shaad tha k phool khilenge bahar mein , maara gaya gareeb isi Aetbaar mein’.Interestingly both songs had Rajendra Kumar (Jubilee hero) as the protagonists.
Regards,
July 14th, 2007 at 12:06 am
Hi friends: a new biography on legend Mohd Rafi…by Vinod Viplav..
Uni journalist and founder of the rafi foundation delhi has written
a bio on Mohd Rafi . The book will be released on July 30 at a
function in delhi. Its in Hindi and the title is : Meri Aawaz Suno…
Please order your copy from mr.Vinod Viplav or to me:
binus2000@hotmail.com
binu nair : Mumbai: 9833 2150 701
July 16th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Rafi is a immortal person
July 30th, 2007 at 9:02 am
Mohammad Rafi lives in our lives days and nights together. I have been listening to him, about him ever since I got into my senses. My father was himself a bigtime fan of him, and eventually all of his friends that I knew shared this sentiment with him. Mohammad Rafi’s voice is not just a singer, it is much more than it. Rafi saab koi insaan nahi thhey, vo to farishtey hi thhey. Unki awaaz itne saalo ke baad bhi hamaarey saath hai. We all are blessed that we are listening to his songs. If you go and read Bible, at one place, Bhagwan Jesus himself says that “Blessed are those who have not seen me but still they believe in me”.. accordingly, we all are blessed to be sharing a common objecting of knowing much more about this angel. May God bless all those who have come across this heavenly voice.
November 11th, 2007 at 9:51 pm
I wondeer how I had missed out on this good article by Mr. Venkatadri earlier, or have I already posted a comment ?? Fantastic research work Mr. Venkatadri and thanks for listing out the opening lines of many of the memorable songs, both known and unknown to me earlier. one of the readers Mr. Irfan has also coined the word “edilibs” for these opening lines in the songs and I thank him too for adding the same in my vocabulory. One other songs which has such a edilib was left out in the article and I could not locate the same in various comments too. The edilib goes thus - teri muhabbat pe shak nahi hai, teri wafaon ko maanta hoon. magar tujhe kiski arzoo hai, main yeh hakikat bhi jaanta hoon. These are the opening lines of the song - na aadmi ka koi bharosa, na dosti ka koi thikana from the film “aadmi”. Wonderful article and a thought provoking one too. Let all our rafian friends and even those who are not, read this article and they will agree with what has been said in the article.
December 24th, 2007 at 12:04 pm
Mr. A.S. Murthy,
I too have seen your post just now and am responding to thank you. Yes, even the opening Aalaap mentioned by you from Aadmi is one of his many superb ones.
Today is the Birthday of the Farishtha. I am sure he is blessing all of us and is delighted that there is not a day ever since his death 27 years ago that he is not remembered by this world.
Venkatadri