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Rafi harmonic for first ‘angry young man’ of Indian Cinema: Sunil Dutt

By Mr. Biman Baruah

Na Main Bhagwan Hoon Na Main Shaitan Hoon
Are Duniya Jo Chahe Samjhe, Main Toh Insaan Hoon..
Mujhme Bhalayee Bhi , Mujhme Burayee Bhi
Lakhon Hai Maeel Dil Mein, Thodi Safaee Bhi …2
Toda Sa Main Neik Hoon, Toda Be-iman Hoon
Are Duniya Jo Sahe Shamje, Main Tu Insaan Hoon….

Na Main Bhagwan Hoon Na Main Shaitan Hoon
Bhai Duniya Jo Sahe Shamje, Main Tu Insaan Hoon

Na Koyee Raaj Hai , Na Shar Pe Taaz Hai,
Phir Bhi Hamare Daam Se Dharti Ki Laaz Hai….2
Taan Ka Garib Hoon Maan Ka Dhanwan Hoon
Are Duniya Jo Sahe Shamje, Main Tu Insaan Hoon
Na Main Bhagwan Hoon Na Main Shaitan Hoon
Are Duniya Jo Sahe Shamje, Main Tu Insaan Hoon….

Jeevan Ka Geet Hai Sur Mein Na Taal Mein , Ulji Hai Saari Duniya Roti Ke Jaal Mein…2
Kaisa Andheer Hain , Main Bhi Heran Hoon
Are Duniya Jo Sahe Shamje, Main Tu Insaan Hoon….
Na Main Bhagwan Hoon Na Main Shaitan Hoon
Bhai Duniya Jo Sahe Shamje, Main Tu Insaan Hoon

Mohammed Rafi Sahab sung this philosophical song of life in MOTHER INDIA for actor Sunil Dutt who was considered first “angry young man” of Hindi Cinema for playing revolt characters in the film MOTHER INDIA, followed by MUJHE JEENE DO, AMRAPALI, RESHMA AUR SHERA, PRAN JAYE PAR VACHAN NA JAYE, GEETA MERA NAAM, ZAKHMEE, DARINDA and DAKU AUR JAWAN. In aptitude Sunil Dutt’s roles in these films were an ancestor to the “angry young man” roles of Amitabh Bachchan in Hindi Cinema. The song accurately portrays the rebel character of “BRIJU” played by the actor in the film sung very humorously by Rafi Sahab. The soundtrack of Mother India was penned by Naushad Ali in the lyrics of Shakeel Badayuni having twelve songs sung by Mohammed Rafi, Shamshad Begum, Manna Dey, Lata Mangeshkar, Meena Mangeshkar, Usha Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. In addition to above solo, Rafi Sahab also sung a duet with Shamshad Begum, “O Gaadiwale Gadi Dheere Haak Re” for the actor which was picturised on Sunil Dutt and Chanchal (sister of Madhubala). The film was Produced & Directed by Mehboob Khan became one of the best top ten Indian films and its success became turning point for the careers of three great actors of Indian Cinema, Raaj Kumar, Sunil Dutt and Rajendra Kumar. It was declared as cultural classic of Indian Cinema and one of the best films in Indian as well as in world cinema. It was first Indian entry to Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1958. It won the Filmfare Best Film Award in 1957 and Mehbbob Khan & Nargis won the Best Director and Best Actress Awards respectively. There is a real life story during shooting of the film. While filming a fire scene, Nargis was stuck between elevated flames; Sunil Dutt ran through the fire and rescued her. They fall in love and married soon.

Though Sunil Dutt was emerged as “Rebel Hero” with Mother India, he was not stereotype in upcoming films for his flexibility in acting. He preferred strong roles in wacky women-oriented films like SADHANA (1958) with Vyjayantimala, SUJATA (1959) with Nutan, MAIN CHUP RAHUNGI (1962) with Meena Kumari and became A-grade star in 1960s. Mohammed Rafi’s multipurpose singing greatly supported him to play romantic as well as a social hero in 1960s and central character in 1970s. Thus, he was a tenderfoot as rebel hero in the terrifying era of trio Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand in 1950s, a divergent as romantic or social hero in the glittering era of Shammi Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar and Joy Mukherjee in 1960s and a contestant as an action hero or central character in the glorifying era of Dharmendra, Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Singha and Sanjeev Kumar in 1970s & 1980s.

Mother India

Sunil Dutt was born as Balraj Dutt in Jhelum of West Punjab (presently in Pakisthan ) on 6th June, 1929 and after partition his family re-settled in Yamuna Nagar of Haryana. He moved to Mumbai for study in Jai Hind College and also worked in BEST’s transport division as a part timer. Later, he joined as a Hindi anchor in Asia’s oldest radio station, Radio Ceylon. In an interview, director RAMESH SAIGAL noticed young handsome Sunil Dutt and cast him as a hero in RAILWAY PLATFORM (1955) opposite Nalini Jayawat. The film starts with the lovely Rafi gem, “Basti Basti Parbat Parbat Gata Jaye Banjara , Lekar Dil Ka Ektara” picturised on Manmohan Krishna in a train composed by Madan Mohan. Sunil Dutt’s first film as well as other initial films like KUNDAN, RAJDHANI, KISMAT KE KHEL, EK HI RASTA, PAYAL did not make any impact in his film career till MOTHER INDIA happens.

Railway Platform

Actor Sunil Dutt’s on screen playback was done by various singers like, Hemant Kumar (Ek Hi Rasta, Post Box No. 999), Manna Dey ( Kismat Ke Khel, Zindagi Zindagi, Darpan ), Talat Mehmood ( Sujata, Usne Kaha Tha, Chhaya ), Mukesh (Chhaya, Ek Phool Char Kante, Milan, Jwala), Mahendra Kapoor (Gumrah, Waqt, Humraz ), Kishore Kumar ( Padosan, Zakhmee, Dard Ka Rishta). But the number of songs and films are limited for all these singers. Mohammed Rafi Sahab sung large number of songs in large number of films for the actor from PAYAL (1957) to YAADON KI ZANJEER (1984) and some songs are very inconceivable.

Mohammed Rafi’s first song for the actor Sunil Dutt was a beautiful qawwali with chorus composed by Hemant Kumar in film PAYAL which was a debut Hindi Film of southern beauty Padmini.

Hum Mein Na Chede Koi Hum Sajayee Baithe Hai……

Gale Mein Saat Suron Ko Dabayee Baithe Hai………….    

Maidan Mein Hum Jo Aa Jayee Maidan Ki Chutti Ho Jayee…..

The trustworthy lyrics of the song penned by Rajinder Krishan are best    evident of Rafi Sahab’s proficient singing personality. Rafi Sahab was the key playback voice of Sunil Dutt in later films like B.R. Chopra’s SADHANA (1958), Shakti Samanta’s INSAN JAAG UTHA (1959), A. Bhimsingh’s MAIN CHUP RAHUNGI (1962), KHANDAN (1965), MEHERBAN (1967), GAURI (1968), BHAI BAHEN (1969), Vasant Joglekar’s AAJ AUR KAAL (1963), Ved-Mohan’s GAZAL (1964), Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s GABAN (1966), Raj Khosla’s MERA CHHAYA (1966), CHIRAG (1969) and Raja Nawathe’s BHAI-BHAI (1970).

Sadhna Poster

Rafi Sahab sung for Professor Sunil Dutt a solo “Tora Manva Kyon Ghabraye” and a duet with Asha Bhosle “Sambhal Aye Dil Tarpaye Aur Tarpane Se Kiya Hoga” in B. R. Film’s SADHANA (1958) who fall in love with a prostitute played by Vyjayanthimala. The songs composed by Datta Naik in the lyrics of Sahir Ludhianvi became very popular and the film was the fifth grossing film of the year making the banner financially most viable. After success of entertainment film Howrah Bridge, Shakti Samanta made an attempt to social theme with INSAN JAAG UTHA (1959) starring Sunil Dutt and Madhubala. Though the film was unsuccessful, songs composed by S.D. Burman in the lyrics of Shailendra became quite popular. Rafi Sahab sung one solo “Dekho Re Dekho Log Ajooba” and two duets with Asha Bhosle “Chand Sa Mukhda Kyon Sharmaaya” & “O Mehnatkash Insaan Jaag Utha” for Sunil Dutt in the film.

Oh Meri Baby Doll

Ha Ya Na Are Kuch Tu Boll …………… 2

Meri Dil Ki Baat, Meri Dil Ki Baat, Meri Dil Ki Baat Sun Ja……………….    

It was the first Shanker-Jaikishan composition for this singer-actor composition. Rafi Sahab’s comical singing helps the actor to play a comic lover boy in a light-hearted comedy film EK PHOOL CHAR KAANTE (1960) and perform in the style of Shammi Kapoor or Joy Mukherjee. This was the debut film of director Bhappi Sonie and first film starring Sunil Dutt and Waheeda Rehman. The song is one of old favourite song of my kids for its comical lyrics and singing.

Posters of Main Chup Rahungi, Aaj Aur Kaland Khandan

Mohammed Rafi sung maximum songs for the actor first time in a south Indian production, MAIN CHUP RAHUNGI (1962) produced by A. V. Meiyappan and directed by A. Bhimsingh. The film’s music contains seven beautiful songs sung by Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, composed by Chitragupta in the lyrics of Rajendra Krishan. Rafi Sahab sung two solos, “Khush Raho Ahle Chaman” & “Main Kaun Hoon, Mujhe Ye Hoos Nahin” and three duets, “Chand Jaane Kahan Kho Gaya”, “Koi Bata De Dil Hai Jahan” & “Aaye Na Baalam” for Sunil Dutt.

Rafi Sahab sung three beautiful romantic songs for Doctor Sunil Dutt in AAJ AUR KAAL (1963). The solos, “Yeh Wadiyan Yeh Fizayen Bula Rahi Hai Tuhme” & “Itni Haseen Itni Jawwan Raat Kiya Karen” and duet with Asha Bhosle “Mujhe Gale Se Laga Lo” composed by Ravi in the lyrics of Sahir are everlasting.

Muslim social drama film GAZAL (1964) is a grand film of this singer-actor combination. Rafi Sahab sung four solos and two duets for Sunil Dutt in the film, songs composed by Madan Mohan Kohli created new mark in Hindi Film Music. The solos, “Rang Aur Noor Ki Baraat Kise Pase Karoon”, “Dil Khush Hai Aaj Unse Mulakhat Ho Gayee”, “Mere Mehboob Kahin Aur Milakar Mujhse”, “Ishq Ki Garmi-E-Jazbaat” and duets “Mujhe Ye Phool Na De” with Suman Kalyanpur & “Unse Nazrein Mili” with Minu Purshottam became well-liked.

In 1965 film KHANDAN produced by Vasu Menon and directed by A. Bhimsigh became seventh grossing film in the box office due to its emotional family drama and soulful music. Film’s music was composed by Ravi in the lyrics of Rajinder Krishan and songs were sung by Mohammed Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar, Usha Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. Rafi Sahab’s background number “Kal Chaman Tha Aaj Ek Sehra Hua, Dekhte Dekhte Yeh Kiya Hua” was very emotional and storyteller. Rafi Sahab sung two solos and two duets for Sunil Dutt in the film. The solos Badi Der Bhai Nandlala Teri Raah Take Brijbala” & “Tu Ho Ke Bada Ban Jaana Apni Mata Ka Rakhwala” are so soulful. The duets with Asha Bhosle, “Neel Gagan Par Urte Baadal Aa Aa Aa, Dhup Mein Jalta Khet Hamara Karde Tu Chhaya” & “O Ballo Soch Ke Mele Jana, Sara Saher Tera Deewana” are so charming. Sunil Dutt won his second Filmfare Best Actor Award for the film. The film also won Best Music Director, Best Lyricist and Best Female Playback Singer Award.

GABAN (1966) based on Munchi Premchand’s classic novel with music by Shanker-Jaikishan in the lyrics of Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri is a significant film of this singer-actor combination. Rafi Sahab sung two solos, “Ehsan Mere Dil Pe Tumhara Hai Dostoon” & “Sola Singer Karke Aai Suhaag Raat” and a duet with Lata, “Tum Bin Sajan Barse Nayan Jab Jab Badal Barse , Majboor Hum Majboor Tum Dil Milne Ko Tarse”  for Sunil Dutt are superb.

MEHERBAN (1967) was a family drama starring Ashok Kumar, Sunil Dutt and Nutan also known for its fashionable music by Ravi. Rafi Sahab’s solo Aayega Aayega Ek Chhail Chhabila Aayega” and duet with Lata “Ek Raja Ki Sunlo Kahani” are evergreen.

1969 film CHIRAG is best known for music composed by Madan Mohan with lyrics penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri. Rafi Sahab sung two solos, “Teri Aankhon Ke Siva Duniya Mein Rakha Kiya Hai” & “Chirag Dil Ka Jalao Bahut Andhera Hai” for Sunil Dutt very expressively in the film.

BHAI BAHEN was a Shanker-Jaikishan musical staring Ashok Kumar, Sunil Dutt,  Nutan, Padmini and Pran. The duets from the film by Rafi-Asha Bhosle “Chand Nikla Bhi Nahin Aur Chandni Hai Samne, Main Gira Koyi Aye Mujhko Tham Le” and “Dheere Dheere Mohabbat Jawan Ho Gayee, Baat Itni Badi Dastan Ho Gayee” made waves.

1970 drama film BHAI-BAHI produced by Ratan Mohan and directed by Raja Nawathe was a Shanker-Jaikishan musical where Sunil Dutt plays his only double role opposite Asha Parekh & Mumtaz. Rafi Sahab’s solo rendition for Sunil Dutt “Mere Mehboob Tere Dam Se Hai Duniya Pe Bahar Aur Na Ish Gaam Se Bhari Duniya Mein Kiya Rakha Hai”  and “Ek Tera Sunder Mukhra Ek Tera Pyar Se Bhara Dil Milna Mushkil” carved by Hasarat Jaipuri are very romantic as well as passionate.

In addition to above films, Rafi Sahab also sung for Sunil Dutt in number of films in 1960s. Rafi Sahab’s solos like “Zindegi Ke Safar Mein Akele The Hum” from NARTAKEE (1963), “Radhike Tune Basiri Churayee” & “Nainon Wali Tere Naina Jadu Kar Gaye” from BETI BETE (1964), “Aap Ke Pehlu Aakar Ro Diye” from MERA CHHAYA(1966), “Dil Mera Tuhmari Adayen Le Gayi, Dil  Chinlenewali Nigahen Le Gayi” from GAURI (1968) and “Chali Meri Dulhan Ki Doli, Saath Hai Jeevan Sathi Kiya Karni Hai Barati” from DARAN (1970) are remarkable. The Rafi-Lata duets “Aag Pani Mein Lagi Kaise, Husno Ki Nau Chali Aaise” from JHOOLA (1962) composed by Salil Chowdhury and Aaj Kal Mein Dhal Gaya, Din Huwa Tamaan Tu Bhi Socha Sogayee Rang Bhari Syam” from BETI BETE (1964) composed by Shanker-Jaikishan also outstanding.

In late 1960s and early 1970s due to huge popularity of Kishore Kumar-Rajesh Khanna combinations from the film ARADHANA (1969), there was a great change in the scenario of Hindi Film and its Music. All other singers including Mohammed Rafi, actors like Sunil Dutt and Shashi Kapoor suffered to some extent. Roles are declining for Sunil Dutt as romantic and social hero in 1970s. He got action or central character roles and Rafi Sahab had also less opportunity to playback for the actor.

Jwala Poster

Emperor film JWALA (1971) directed by M.V. Raman was a late release and last film of Shanker-Jaikishan-Mohammed Rafi-Sunil Dutt combinations. Rafi Sahab’s solo “Duniya Ki Kitabon Se Ek Din Mushkil Ka Naam Mit Jayega, Insan Ke Iradoo Ke Aage Ambar Bhi Sar Ko Jhukayega” was very commanding and encouraging. It was also last and full length colour film of Madubala where young Asha Parekh played a small role of “Dasi” who don’t wish release of film as she became top actress at that time.

In 1970s, the duets “Main Tujhse Milne Aayee Mandir Jane Ke Bahane” from HEERA (1973) by Rafi-Lata and “Tere Isq Ka Mujh Pe Huwa  Hi Aasar” from NAGIN (1976) by Rafi-Asha Bhosle was very popular. Rafi solos “Lahoo Ko Lahoo Pukarega, Janam Janam Ka Bandhan Raag Raag Mein Mooje Marega” from GEETA MERA NAAM (1974), “Kaisa Hai Naseeb Tera Kaisa Tu Sabali Hai, Sab Kuch Paya Tune Phir Bhi Jhooli Khali Hai” from PAAPI (1977) are picturised on Sunil Dutt in background. Another Rafi solo, “Tu Jo Nahin Koi Mera Mera Koi Nahin” from DARINDA (1977) is picturised on Sunil Dutt sitting in a Piano. The male duet,“Teen Bathi Wala Govinda Aala, Dekho Matki Phod Ne Aala Re Aala” by Rafi Sahab and Kishore Kumar from MUQABALA (1979) last popular song of this singer-actor combinations. In this song Rafi Sahab playback for Sunil Dutt and Kishore Kumar for Shatrughan Singha. Rafi Sahab’s last song for the actor was a duet with Suman Kalyanpur, “O Saperan Chal Chaliye Ni Sherowali Maa Ki Darsan Ko” from YADOON KI ZANJEER (1984) composed by Rajesh Rohsan. The song was picturised on Sunil Dutt and Reena Roy.

Yaadon Ki Zanjeer Poster

An account of 12 popular Rafi gems from different films picturised on Sunil Dutt: –

SLNo. Year Film Song Music Lyrics
1 1957 Payal Hum Mein Na Chede Koi Hum Sajayee Baithe Hai Hemant Kumar Rajinder Krishan
2 1960 Ek Phool Char Kante Oh Meri Baby Dool, Ha Ya Kuch To Bool Shankar-Jaikishan Shailendra
3 1963 Yah Raste Hai Pyar Ke Tum Jis Pe Nazar Dalo Ush Dil Ki Khuda Hafiz Ravi Rajinder Krishan
4 1963 Nartakee Zindegi Ke Safar Mein Akelee The Hum Ravi Shakeel Badayuni
5 1963 Aaj Aur Kaal Yeh Wadiyan Yeh Fazayen Bula Rahi Hai Tujhe Ravi Sahir Ludhiyanvi
6 1964 Ghazal Rang Aur Noor Ki Baraat Kise Paise Karo Madan Mohan Sahir Ludhiyanvi
7 1965 Khandan Badi Der Bhai Nandlala Teri Raah Take Brijbala Ravi Sahir Ludhiyanvi
8 1966 Mera Chaya  Aap Ke Pehloo Mein Aakar Roh Diye Madan Mohan Raja Mehdi  Ali Khan
9 1966 Gaban Yehsan Mere Dil Pe Tuhmare Hai Dostoon Shankar-Jaikishan Hasarat Jaipuri
10 1967 Meherban Aayega Aayega Ek Chhail Chhabila Aayega Ravi Rajinder Krishan
11 1969 Chirag Teri Aakhon Ke Siba Duniya Mein Rakha Kiya Hai Madan Mohan Majrooh Sultapuri
12 1970 Bhai-Bhai Mere Mehbbob Tere Dam Se Shankar-Jaikishan Hasarat Jaipuri

 

Sunil Dutt and Nargis launching banner Ajanta Arts
Sunil Dutt and Nargis launching banner Ajanta Arts

In early 1960s, actor Sunil Dutt became Producer forming his own banner “AJANTA ARTS” and Mohammed Rafi Sahab also associated with the actor as a singer-producer in the films like YEH RAASTE HAI PYAR KE, MUJHE JEENE DO, DAKU AUR JAWAN, etc.

Sunil Dutt became producer with film Yeh Raaste Hain Pyar Ke (1963) directed by R. K. Nayyar which was based on the real life murder case of K. M. Nanavati vs. State of Maharashtra. The film starring Sunil Dutt, Leela Naidu, Ashok Kumar, Rehman, Motilal and Rajendra Nath was flopped at box office. But the songs composed by Ravi in the lyrics of Rajendra Krishan and sung by Mohammed Rafi became very popular. The solo by Rafi Sahab Tum Jis Dil Pe Nazar Dalo, Ush Dil Ka Khuda Hafiz, Qatil Ki Khuda Jane Bishmil Ka Khuda Hafiz” and duet by Rafi-Asha Bhosle, “Yeh Khamoshiyaan Yeh Tanhaiyaan, Mohabbat Duniya Hai Kitni Jawan” are still humming.  

Mohammed Rafi sung with chorus the background score, “Ab Koi Gulshan Na Ujde, Ab Watan Azad Hai” in classic dacoit drama MUJHE JEENE DO composed by Jaidev in the lyrics of Sahir Ludhyanvi. The film was became eight highest grossing film of the year like other two big dacoit drama films, Dilip Kumar’s GANGA JAMUNA (1961) and Raj Kapoor’s JIS DESH MEIN GANGA BEHTI HAI (1960). Sunil Dutt won the 1st Filmfare Best Actor Award for this film.

Sunil Dutt became director with YAADEIN (1964) starring himself which was first ever Indian film as well as one kind of films in world cinema features single actor and entered in Gunness Books of World Records in the category of fewest actors in a narrative film. The film progresses through dialogues and background music composed by Vasant Desai. Sunil Dutt got National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi in 1964. As a producer, Sunil Dutt introduced his younger brother Som Dutt as a hero in MAN KA MEET with Vinod Khanna, Leena Chandavarkar which was a box office failure followed by his big budget desert debacle Reshma Aur Shera. Reshma Aur Shera was the first film of Sanjay Dutt as a qawwali singer in special appearance where Amitabh Bachchan and Vinod Khanna shared screen space together for first time.

Posters of Reshma Aur Shera and Daaku Aur Jawan

Daku Aur Jawan is the last film of this singer-actor-producer-director combination. In the film, Rafi Sahab sung “Dharti Gaye Re, Aaye Re Khusi Ke Din Aaye Re” with Mukesh and Anuradha Paudwal composed by Laxmikat-Pyarelal in the lyrics of Anand Bakshi. Most probably it was the last song of Rafi Sahab with Mukesh Sahab.

List of Films Produced by Sunil Dutt under his own banner Ajanta Arts:

SLNo. Year Name of Film Director MusicDirector Star Cast
1 1963 Yah Raste Hai Pyar Ke R. K. Nayyer Ravi Sunil Dutt, Leela Naidu, Ashok Kumar, Rehman, Motilal,
2 1963 Mujhe Jeene Do Moni Bhattacharjee Jaidev Sunil Dutt, Waheeda Rehman, Nirupa Roy, Mumtaz, Rajindra Nath.
3 1964 Yaadein Sunil Dutt Vasant Desai Sunil Dutt, Nargis Dutt
4 1968 Man Ka Meet A. Subba Rao Ravi Som Dutt, Vinod Khanna, Leena Chandavarkar, Anwar, Jeevan.
5 1972 Reshma Aur Shera Sunil Dutt Jaidev Sunil Dutt, Waheeda Rehman, Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna, Rakhee, Amrish Puri.
6 1976 Nehle Pe Dehla Raj Khosla R.D. Burman Sunil Dutt, Saira Banu, Vinod Khanna, Dev Kumar, Premnath.
7 1978 Daku Aur Jawan Sunil Dutt LaxmikantPyarelal Sunil Dutt, Reena Roy, Vinod Khanna, Leena Chandravarkar, Bindu, Ranjeet.
8 1982 Dard Ka Rishta Sunil Dutt R.D. Burman Sunil Dutt, Reena Roy, Smita Patil, Ashok Kumar.
9 1991 Yeh Aag Kab Bujhegi Sunil Dutt R.D. Burman Sunil Dutt, Rekha, Kabir Bedi. Shakti Kapoor, Pradeep Kumar, Bindu.

Sunil Dutt also directed ROCKEY (1981), produced by director Amarjeet introducing his son Sanjay Dutt as a lead hero. In the extreme era of remake, Sanjay Dutt wants to remake MUJHE JEENE DO with Ranbir Kapoor and revive his father’s banner AJANTA ARTS. But his second term jail for 3 ½ years due to illegal possession of arms in 1993 abandons the project.

Mohammed Rafi sung about 100 songs for the actor who also had credit of more than 100 films with all filmmakers of his time and act opposite all top actresses of his time. He worked with powerhouse filmmakers like Bimal Roy (SUJATA, USNE KAHA THA), B. R. Chopra (EK HI RAASTA, SADHANA, GUMRAH, WAQT, HUMRAAZ), Hrishikesh Mukherjee (CHHAYA, GABAN) and Raj Khosla (MERA CHHAYA, CHIRAG). He was cast opposite Meena Kumari (EK HI RASTA, MAIN CHUP RAHUNGI, GAZAL), Vyjayantimala (KISMAT KA KHEL, SADHANA, JHOOLA, AMRAPALI), Madhubala (INSAAN JAAG UTHA, JWALA), Nutan (SUJATA, KHANDAN, MILAN, MEHERBAN, BHAI BAHEN), Nanda (NARTAKEE, AAJ AUR KAAL),  Waheeda Rehman (EK PHOOL CHAR KAANTE, MUJHE JEENE DO, DARPAN, RESHMA AUR SHERA), Sadhana (WAQT, GABAN, MERA CHHAYA), Asha Parekh (CHHAYA, CHIRAG, BHAI-BHAI, HEERA, ZAKHMEE), Mumtaz (GAURI, BHAI-BHAI), Saira Banu (PADOSAN, NEHLE PE DEHLA), Reena Roy (PAAPI, JANNI DUSHMAN, YADOON KI ZANJEER) and Rekha (PRAN JAYE PAR VACHAN NA JAYE, AHINSA, NAGIN). He also acted in series of Punjabi religious films like MAN JEETE JAG JEET (1973), DUKH BHANJAN TERA NAAM (1974) and SAT SRI AKAL (1977).

Creative Art of Mohammed Rafi on Facebook

Mohammed Rafi and Sunil Dutt both were great human beings and born in undivided Punjab, settled in INDIA after partition. Government of India honoured them Padma Shree in 1967 and 1968 respectively. In early 1980s, Sunil Dutt also entered in politics and became Sheriff of Mumbai in 1981. He was congress MP from Mumbai’s North-West Constituency from 1984 to 1994. As a Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs once he remarked, “My concept of secularism is to be a good human being who respects all religions”. In 1995, he won the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to film Industry and he was last seen in film MUNNA BHAI M.B.B.S. (2003) before his death on 25th May, 2005.

As a multitalented singer, Mohammed Rafi Sahab sung all types of songs like devotional, romantic, comic, social and patriotic for actor Sunil Dutt. The music composer of this singer-actor combinations were S. D. Burman (Insaan Jaag Utha), Chitragupta (Main Chup Rahungi) Ravi (Nartakee, Yeh Raste Hai Pyar Ke, Aaj Aur Kaal, Khandan, Meherban, Gauri), Shanker-Jaikishan (Ek Phool Char Kante, Beti Bete, Gaban, Bhai Bahen, Bhai Bhai, Jwala ), Madan Mohan (Gazal, Mera Chaya, Chirag ), Kalyanji-Anandji (Heera, Darinda), Laxmikant-Pyarelal ( Darpan, Daku Aur Jawan, Nagin, Muqabala ) and Rajesh Roshan (Yadoon Ki Zanjeer) . It is worthwhile that Sanjay Dutt and Priya Dutt to take some special bother to preserve the songs of these two humble heart combinations and which will also be a good archive of golden era of Indian Film Music.

About the author:

Biman Baruah with his son

This article is compiled by Mr. Biman Baruah, working as a Sr. Finance & Accounts Officer in ONGC Ltd., Mumbai High Asset and a resident of Gokuldham ONGC Colony, Goregaon (E), Mumbai-400063

This article is dedicated to my son Master ADHIKSHIT BARUAH on his birthday 16 February, 2014

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16 Blog Comments to “Rafi harmonic for first ‘angry young man’ of Indian Cinema: Sunil Dutt”

  1. Anwar-ul-Haque says:

    Very sorry for my mistake in the name! Please read the correct name as Biman Barauh ji in my previous comment.

    Thanks!

    Anwar-ul-Haque

  2. Anwar-ul-Haque says:

    Dear Barman Baura ji,

    Great article on this great actor-singer combination. You haven’t left any thing about the topic which is beauty of this article. Many thanks for this well researched and informative piece of gem!

    Thanks and best regards.

    Anwar-ul-Haque
    anwarhq25@yahoo.com

  3. shammi says:

    Dear Ahamedji, these polls are a good indication that even after the demise of the great Mohd Rafisaheeb people still hold him in high regard and still love him as much today as they did when he was alive. Also it show’s clearly how strings are pulled by people in power to give people like Lata awards like the Bharat Ratna because of her influence, surely these people can’t expect us to believe that Mohd Rafi’s contribution to the music industry was less worthy???????

  4. u.k.achan says:

    Don’t forget “Ek Thera Sundar Mukhda ,ek thera pyar se bhara dil” from “bhai-bhai”..My personal favourites for Dutt saab are “Tum Jis pe nazar dalo” ,”gharmiye ishque”,”Chalo re doli utao kahar” and “zindagi ke safar me akele”
    song by the “Living God”;Rafi Saab is still alive in millions of fans.

  5. Ahamed Kutty says:

    Dear Rafians,
    The voting TO SELECT THE MOST VERSATILE SINGER INDIA
    EVER PRODUCED,SANG EACH SONG WITH SUCH DISTINCTION
    THAT LEFT THE LISTENERS SPELLBOUND by The Ranking.com
    come to an end.As usual Rafi Saab come on top with 1,71,639
    points.The points for KK is 1,03,374 and shamefully for the
    Bharath Ratna Awardee – Lata JI it is 46,821

    Long live RAFI SAAB.

  6. mohan ram says:

    Nice article Bimanbabu and a big thanks for this.

    Just to remind dear rafians that today we are celebrating 73rd anniversary of playback singing debut made by great Rafi Saheb for movie Gul Baloch ” Soniye ni, horiye ni, teri yaad ne sataya” recorded on 28th February,1941

  7. Dr. Souvik Chatterji says:

    Excellent article Bimanbabu,
    All the songs in Sunil Dutt’s film Ghazal sung by Rafisahab were gem of gems. “mujhe yeh phool na den”, “rang aur noor ki baarat”, all were masterpieces. You had touched a rarely discussed area of Rafisahab’s combination with Sunil Dutt. Wherever Sunil Dutt and Rafisahab combined together, they produced musical gems in films like Hindustani, Chirag, Ghazal, Beti Bete, etc. Excellent article. Very well written.

  8. sham bhadange. says:

    kudarati awwaj ke mohmed rafisahab ko puri duniyame aaj 33 saalon ke baad bhi rafisahab naam se yaad kiya jata hai, ye unaki mahanata ki pehachan hai, agar rafisahab ko bharat ratna nahi mil raha to unake jamane ke kuch singers ka hi virodh najar aata hai, ye hindusthan me nahi hona chahiye, aur 33 saal ke baad kyun na ho unako “BHARAT RATNA” milana chahiye, ye puri duniya me unake chahanewalon ki maang hai.

  9. bashirahmed says:

    jabtak is bharat ke anamol ratna ko “BHARAT RATNA” nahi milata tab tak samazalo ki bollywood ki is rangeeli duniya me politics chalata hai……….afasos ki baat hai…..

  10. BINU NAIR says:

    Good selections and plenty of Hard Work by Ardent Rafi Saab Lover Mr Biman Baruaha.

    I am proud to be associated with Mr Baruaha – A Gem of A Rafi Saaheb Lover.

    A Big thank you sir.

    From :

    The Rafi Foundation Trust.

    Mumbai.

    Cell : 9833 250 701

  11. BINU NAIR says:

    Good selections and plenty of Hard Work by Ardent Rafi Saab Lover Mr Baruaha.

    I am proud to be associated with Mr Baruaha A Gem of A Rafi Saaheb Lover.

    A Big thank you sir.

    From :

    The Rafi Foundation Trust.

    Mumbai.

    Cell : 9833 250 701

  12. Ghawas says:

    Very Nice Interesting Artical / Information.

    Keep going for others too.

  13. shammi says:

    A nice article and yes it is Sunil Dutt I will always associate with being Bollywood’s first angry young man and not Amithab Bachan. I always felt his character and personalty worked best with Mohd Rafi’s voice and such a pity that there wasn’t much of that magnificent playback singing present in his films as other playback singers were often used.
    I personally feel he should have won the best actor award aswell as Nargis for the best actress award for the film ‘Mother India’ because I really can’t think of any other actors doing justice to the roles that both Sunil and Nargis did in that film. In my opinion the best bollywood film ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  14. Very good and detailed article on great rafi saab and sunil dutt saab.
    Rafi saab ka javab nahi.

  15. biman daa,

    beautifully encompassed rafi saaheb and sunil dutt. you have left nothing for imagination or mention.

    you write with a unique flair for song and detail about personalities which really makes the reader happy.

    more from your pen biman.

    warm musical regards,

    ramesh narain kurpad

  16. Karamjit Singh says:

    very informative article on Rafi Sahab and Sunil ji.
    wish a happy birthday to dear Adhikshit.

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