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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.

  1. 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”

  2. 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!

  3. 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!

  4. 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!

  5. 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:

  1. 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!

  2. 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.
  3. 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?
  4. And what about a great Aalaap cum Humming before “Do Sitaron Ko Zameen Par Hai Milan Aaj Ki Raat” from Film :Kohinoor-1960 (Naushad)
  5. 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!

Proclaim your love for Rafi Sahab on twitter

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74 Blog Comments to “Mohammed Rafi – Difficult To Know Him Fully In All His Hues And Colours!”

  1. Raajkumar Akela says:

    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 !

  2. RAFIAN1 says:

    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.

  3. Anand says:

    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.

  4. Raajkumar Akela says:

    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 !!!

  5. Mushtaq Ahmed says:

    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

  6. binu nair says:

    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.

  7. mohamed parvez says:

    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

  8. mohamed parvez says:

    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

  9. sjk says:

    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.

  10. binu nair says:

    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: http://www.nair-binu.sulekha.com for the complete
    details of the special SARGAM MAGAZINE….

  11. rafifan says:

    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.

  12. dinesh says:

    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.

  13. dinesh says:

    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.

  14. sjk says:

    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.

  15. 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.

  16. Hamza says:

    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.

  17. Hamza says:

    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.

  18. P.Narayanan says:

    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

  19. P. Haldar says:

    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.

  20. B.Venkatadri says:

    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

  21. 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…..

  22. P. Haldar says:

    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

  23. Raajkumar Akela says:

    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 !!!

  24. Hussein Sheikh says:

    “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

  25. A S MURTY says:

    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.

  26. javifazl says:

    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.

  27. amooly says:

    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).

  28. Anmol Singh says:

    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)

  29. Anmol Singh says:

    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.

  30. P. Haldar says:

    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.

  31. sjk says:

    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.

  32. myk says:

    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.

  33. sjk says:

    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.

  34. rafians74 says:

    NICE ARTILE . by MR. VENKATADRI

  35. binus2000 says:

    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.

  36. P. Haldar says:

    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=

  37. Hussein Sheikh says:

    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.

  38. Narayanan says:

    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

  39. javifazl says:

    THANKS A LOT MR. VENKATADRI FOR THIS NICE ARTILE .

  40. prakash shah says:

    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.

  41. mohamed parvez says:

    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

  42. ATM SALIM says:

    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.

  43. Zorawar says:

    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)

  44. Raajkumar Akela says:

    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.

  45. H.V.GURU MURTHY says:

    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.

  46. Mehtab says:

    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

  47. prakash shah says:

    Venkat,
    Very touchy note,i dont have any words to explain our Rafiji’s singing ability.

  48. Anmol Singh says:

    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.

  49. P. Haldar says:

    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…

  50. mohamed parvez says:

    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

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