Rafi in Background
This article is written by Mr. Anmol Singh.
Songs in background in films are used to describe a special occasion in a film where either there is turning point in the story or a special message to be conveyed. Among all the singers a classic example would be the legendary composer S D Burman who never gave play back to any actor as a singer. He sang for only special occasions in many classics like Bandhni, Sujata, Guide, etc. All most every singer has contributed incredible songs sung in background. There are few gems contributed by Rafi Sahab as well.
Majority films are about fiction & entertainment, which relives stress to some extend from this day to day hectic life. There are filmmakers like Guru Dutt who have dared to made films highlighting the materialistic world where all relationships are temporary. There one such gem is in the film “Kaagaz Ke Phool”. The song “Dekhi Zamane Ki Yaari…Bichde Sabhi Baari Baari” is an incredible score delivered by Rafi under S D Burman. The song starts in background with a very high pitch Alap and later describes the materialistic attitude of this unforgivable world.
The year 1962 sees the Indo-China war where India suffered maximum casualty of soldiers. It was a huge defeat on part of India. The scenario is described the best by the film “Haqeekat” which has a patriotic song in background “Kar Chle Hum Fida”. The song is an ultimate tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in the battle. Rafi Sahab starts with a slow Alap and operates full throttle there after. The song is a great source of motivation in every aspect of life. Even if one has lost every thing, there is still enough strength left within us to recharge ourselves and fight back.
The song “Tujh To Pukre Mera Pyar” from “Neel Kamal” can best describe a soul, which is trying to seek salvation from centuries. The words “Aaja…Aaja…Aaja” in the Alap describes the eternal pain of the soul the best. Full marks to Rafi Sahab and Ravi for rendering this magnificent gem with great sensitivity. The song appears in background since the soul is invisible. Finally the song ends with same eternal pain “Aaja…Aaja…Aaja”. There is another song on similar lines “Sau Baar Janam Lenge” from “Ustaadon Ke Ustaadon”. Once again it is the magic of the Rafi-Ravi combo.
Life is a combination Good and Bad times. The song “Waqt Se Din Aur Raat” from the film “Waqt” describes it the best. The song is a formation of great lyrics written by Sahir. It appears in background in the film where the story has a turning point portraying the separation of the families due the natural calamity. Rafi Sahab once again deliverers a great High Pitch Alap “Kal Jahaan Basi The Khushiaan; Aaj Hai Maatam Vahan; Waqt Laya Tha Baharen; Waqt Laya Hai Khiza”. Yesterday where there was happiness, Today there is Sorrow; Time had brought happiness, Time has brought sorrow. There is no poetry other than this song which can define a “Time (Waqt)” so well. Rafi Sahab gives outstanding expression to Sahir’s work. Despite the differences with the B R banner, Ravi wanted only Rafi Sahab to sing this number. (Courtesy – Jai Mala Programme).
From a film “Daastan” where an individual is held on the cross roads of life where one doesn’t know where to go; is best described by the song “Na Tu Zameen Ke Liye Hai Na Aasma Ke Liye” from “Daastan”. Once again it is Rafi at his best for LP.
As we move ahead in the late 70s there are more such incredible gems delivered my Rafi Saab. The film “Mukti” starts with the following words “Mil Jaati Hai; Sasaar Se Mukti; Miltee Nahi Marke Bhi Magar Pyaar Se Mukti”. This is a music-less Alap sung by Rafi Saab to the perfection for Pancham. The song is “Pyar Hai Ek Nishan Kadmo Ka” written by Anand Bakshi speaks the summary of the entire film just in a few words. This song is a tribute to Rafi Sahab and all the great legends; who have left their physical form from this world, but are very much associated with their fans and all the well wishers through the love they had left behind. There is a very beautiful line in the song “Rok Leti Hai Rah Mein Yaaden, Jap Bhi Raahon Se Hum Guzarte Hai”. This line is dedicated to all the loved ones who have been very closely associated with Rafi Sahab.
There is a devotional song (Gurbani) from a Punjabi film “Guru Maneo Granth” which needs a special mention. The Gurbani “Koi Bole Ram Ram, Koi Khudaae, Koi Sewe Goseyaan, Koi Allaae” sung by Rafi Sahab appears in background. It signifies the realization of God where the devotee listens to his inner voice (conscience) after spending his entire life in improper deeds. Rafi Sahab has sung most Punjabi devotional songs in the early 70s during his lean phase under S Mohindar.
Possibly the last song sung by Rafi Saab is also in background from the film “Aas-Paas”. “Tu Kahin Aas Paas Hai Dost”. It is indeed a very unfortunate coincidence that after singing this song Rafi Sahab goes in background forever from his world. We as Rafi fans are left nothing but to feel Rafi Sahab’s present through his songs speaking to ourselves “Tere Aane Ki Aas Hai Dost….Sham Phir Udaas Hai Dost….Tu Kahin Aas Paas Hai Dost”. Indeed without Rafi our every moment is Udaas.
Some of the other incredible songs sung by Rafi Sahab in background are - “Sapne Jhade…Caravan Guzar Gaya” from Nayi Umar Ki Nayi Fasal; “Ab Koi Gulshan Na Ujade” from Mujhe Jeene Do; “Rahein Na Rahein Hum” from Mamta; The title song “Ganga Tera Pani Amrit”; “Taqdeer Ke Suron Se Koi Bach Na Payegaa” from Be-Rehem.
April 30th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Thanks a lot Anmolji.
The song from Mukti is my all time favorite. It’s engraved in my heart. Mind you, very few people have both versions of this song. I bought the Mukti movie DVD to try and get both songs in better quality. But guess what, it didn’t feature the part-II.
Many years ago, I got both the versions from a locally recorded cassette in Newyork. The recording quality was not great. Many years later I converted it to CD and that sounds better than the one on my DVD.
I am still looking for truly high quality recording of this song.
And finally, I don’t think Rafi ever died. He’s with me. He’s with us. He is omnipresent. He is God!
Tum nahin ho, magar tumhi tum ho,
Sab tumahari yaadgaren hain
Tut jane se tut jaati hai
Dil ke rishte ye kaun kehtha hain.
(Excerpts from second antara from that song - part-1)
Regards,
Rafian
April 30th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Just a small query, the song “Tute Hue Khaawbo Ne” from Madhumati, does it appear in background?
April 30th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
One common observation is that most songs appearing in background had extra ordinary poetry. In order to convey the special message it appears Rafi Sahab along with music composers have taken extra care during the recording to do complete justice to the poetry by providing the right expressions at the right moment.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:22 am
hi all rafi fans and lovers, one more song comes to my mind and it is “main baithaa hoon raahon mein aankhen bichhaye,faristhe massarat kaa paigam laaye; mohabat chali hai,mohabat sae milne; kaho maut sae zindgi ban kae aaye”.the movie is “love and god” and the music is by naushad saa’b. i’m not sure wether this song is in background or not but one thing is for sure that “rafi saa’b ko lene khud farishte aaye honge. ashish kapoor. tel ;09810087414; 09212587414. ashkpr@hotmail.com
April 30th, 2008 at 4:20 am
Re. Post # 16: If Asha Bhosle said it, that’s her problem! Just hear the song “Muqabla Humse Na Karo…from the film “Prince” in the voices of Rafi Saheb, Lata and Asha. Hear the song properly and you will feel that “Rafi Saheb ne donon Mangeshkar behnon ki chhutti kardi thi us gaane mein”. Rafi Saheb sang so well the song, both sisters were faded out. Anybody need to hear this song, can mail me to get the proof. melodiousrafi@yahoo.com
April 30th, 2008 at 4:11 am
Again a nice write-up. There are many songs picturised as background. But the most touching is Dil Ek Mandir Hai……… from the film Dil Ek Mandir.
April 29th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
DEAR ANMOLJI
THANK YOU FOR YOUR FINE ARTICLE !
I AM ADDING 5 MORE SUCH BACKGROUND SONGS :
1) KHUSH RAHO AHLE-CHAMAN , HUM TO CHAMAN CHOD CHALE…..
( FILM: MAIN CHUP RAHUNGI ; MD: CHITRAGUPTA ) ;
2) CHAL UDJA RE PANCHI , YEH DESH HUA BEGANA….
( FILM : BHABI ; MD : CHITRAGUPTA) ;
3) LAHOO KO LAHOO PUKAREGA ….
( FILM: GEETA MERA NAAM ; MD : LAXMIKANT PYARELAL ) ;
4) CHAL CHAL ….
( FILM : CHAKRAVAYU ; MD: LAXMIKANT PYARELAL ) ;
5) HUM TO CHALE PARDESH , HUM PARDESI HO GAYE ….
( FILM: SARGAM ; MD : LAXMIKANT PYARELAL ) .
BEST REGARDS/A.T.M. SALIM.
April 29th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Nice column!
Mr. Anmol Singh you have written a marvelous and nice column on Muhammad Rafi sahib’s work. i would like 2 ad only one song of This Legandary and Greatest Playback singer ever listend.
The songs is
Ya meri manzil bata ya zindagi ko cheen le - Rakhi
Muhammad Rafi cannot die because he is eternal in his fans heart.
April 29th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
thanks a lot for a wonderful article Anmolji. We all miss our dear Rafi Saab and his songs in background. Now we are poorer because we do not have such films with such good stories nor those great music directors nor Rafi Saab. Let us keep listening to the golden oldies and thank the Almighty that we had Rafi Saab. It is unbecoming of the famous sisters to say anything negative of the great Rafi Saab. By doing so they are only lowereing their own image. Rafi Saab will remain eternal long after many others have been forgotten on leaving the scene. One other background song that I always enjoy is ..Aye mere dost Aye mere humdam… from film Meherbaan. Lyrics are by Rajinder Krishan and music director is Ravi. The line in the end is very poignant - ab ghadi aarahi hai jub mujhe is zamane se hai janna - tears come to my eyes when I listen to these lines sung by Rafi Saab. wonderful photo of the great singer.please post any other such rare photos of Rafi saab.
April 29th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Dear Binu Nair
would u plz tell us what Asha Ji said on Mohd Rafi.
April 29th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Dear Anmol almost ur are great it is great topic.
If am not wrong there are few backgrounds songs for female acctress which should be in female voice but they gave these songs to Mohd Rafi.If am not wrong.
if it true or not that Nafrat Ki Duniya Ko Chod from Haathi Mera Saathi first was given to other singer.he or she was not able to sing that song Rajesh Khanna and flim maker request from LP to change it the way singer be able to sing it and LP said thae song should be sing this way and siner who was not able to sing it he or she request call to Mohd Rafi to sing it..
April 29th, 2008 at 11:37 am
“Chal ur ja re panchi ki aab ye desh hua begana!!!” Rafi sahab’s songs in background are not all to see the heights of this immortal singer. His non-filmy songs are also very very melodious indeed! - sanjaya srivastava, ips, commandant, 28th bn. pac, etawah, uttar pradesh.
April 29th, 2008 at 11:14 am
May 10th is Saturday Night “rafi” fever at mumbai’s naushad hall at sion-koliwada, next to the canara bank. rare rafi songs will be taken “live” and all are invited.
May 18th at gcc club in mira road, thane district, about 800 music lovers will attend the programme : “aasmaan se aaya farishta” programme, a live musical programme of rafi saaheb songs.
the programme is free to rafi foundation members and for passes please write to binus2000@hotmail.com or call : 9833 250 701:
binu nair, rafi foundation, mumbai.
April 28th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
To all the Rafi Fans, thanks for the compliments.
I was not aware that Rafi Sahab has sung so many songs in background, possibly I need to see the picturization of all.
April 28th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
The photograph of rafi sahab in royal attire is a true tribute to the Shahanshah of music - Rafi Sahab. Thanks to admn for the photo.
April 28th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Commendable article and neately researched one too on the “background” songs sung by Rafi Sahab. All the songs mentioned in the article are real gems. In fact our friend Ashish Kapoor from New delhi had wanted an entire article on “Dekhi Zamane Ki Yaari…Bichde Sabhi Baari Baari”. One song that comes to mind which is not mentioned in the article is from “khandaan” - kal chaman tha aaj ik sehra hua, dekhte hi dekhte yeh kya hua - a masterpiece of lyrics, composition and soulful rendering. Thanks for the lovely article anmolji. and dr aliuddin sahab you come up with the nicest of ’sher’(s) at the appropriate time. thanks to you too for keeping this forum active ever.
April 28th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Thanks for a heart touching article.
Anmolji, well said “Indeed without Rafi our every moment is Udaas”.
But with the golden meories/melodies left behind by the legend of universe Rafi Saab we are getting inspiration to live.
Majeed Khan
9892361112
April 28th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Superb article! I would like to include one more gem of a background song rendered mellifluously by Rafi Sahab, penned poignantly by Kaifi Azmi and tuned soulfully by Madan Mohan for the film Naunihal. The song is ‘Meri aawaaaz suno…’.
April 28th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Songs in background by other singers
Mukesh has sung some great songs in background. To name a few
- Chal Ree Sajni Ab Kya Ruke - Bambay Ka Babu
- O Jaane Wale Ho Sake To - Bandhni
- Kayi Baar Yun Dekha Hai - Rajnigandha
Kishore also has many to his credit as well.
- Mera Jeevan Kora Kagaz - Kora Kagaz
- Ruk Jaana Nahi Tu Kahin Haar Ke - Imtehaan
- Ye Jivan Hai - Piya Ka Ghar (Not sure)
- O Majhi Re (Not sure)
- Mera Jeevan Kuch Kaam Na Ayaa
- Kya Khabar - Saaheb
One from Mahendra K as well
- Sansar Kee Har Shay Kaa Itnaa Hai fasaana Hai - Dhund
Lata Ji has also sung songs many in background
- Rajnigandha Phool Tumhare - Rajnigandha
- Na Jane Kyoun Hotaa Hai Es Zindagi Ke Saat - Choti Se Baat
- Na Maano To Mein ganga Maa Hun - Ganga Ki Sogandh
There are many more.
April 28th, 2008 at 11:49 am
A tribute to S D burman(Dada) as a singer.
Talking about Dada’s own singing, he never gave any play back as such to any actor. His songs could be heard in background only. Songs sung by Dada were played in background for a special occasion. There are few examples.
“Mere Sajan Hai us Paar” from Bandhini; In the film Bandhini, actress Nutan changes her decision at the last moment and reaches her beloved in the brink of time when the Steamer is just about to leave the harbor.
“Yuhan Kuan Hai Tera Musaffir” from Guide - In the film “Guide”, Dev Anand(Raju Guide) after releasing from jail changes his mind to proceed else where instead of going back to his hometown, fearing insult.
“Kahe Ko Roye” from Aradhnaa - In “Aradhnaa” the song acts as a link between two generations plus it encourages Sharmila Tagore to not to give up, the foundation laid by her will be accomplished one day.
In films like Sujata, Prem Pujari, Amar Prem, etc his voice conveys a special message.
April 28th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Respected Anmol Singh Ji
Nice to read a great article in great topic .
The background song plays a very important role in Hindi Cinema and our great Rafi Sahab had sung some best background songs of HFM. In would like to add the following :-
1. Yeh Zindegi Ke Melee from Mela (1949)
2. Rimjim Ke Tarane Leke Aayee Barsat by Rafi-Geeta Dutt from Kala
Bazar.
3. Dil Ka Suna Sanz Tarana Dhundega from Ek Nari Do Roop.
4. Nafrat Ki Duniya Ko Chod from Haathi Mera Saathi.
5. Chalore Doli Uthao Kaha Piya Milan Ki Rut Aayee from Jaani Dushman.
I am not able to guess the Chokidar song ” Yeh Duniya Nahin Jagir
Kisike Raja Ho Ya Rank Yaha Tu Saab Hai Chokidar” in background or not .
Dada Burman had also sang in Aradhana (Kaheko Royee) and I think which was his last film song.
Thanking u once again.
With very best regards to all Rafi lovers
Biman Baruah, Sivasagar, Assam.
April 28th, 2008 at 10:36 am
Dr Khaja Aluiddin Ji,
Thanks for the compliments. Infact the song from “Mukti” has incredible lyrics, each an every word of this song is a gem.
There are two versions of the song, which appears in the starting and ending of the film. Requesting u to listen to both the versions.
The following are the great words..part of the first version.
Kuch Bhi To Kam Nahi Hua Lekin,
Zakham Hai..Phool Hai…Bahaaren Hai..
Tum Nahi Ho..Magar..Tumhi Tum Ho…
Saab Tumhari Hee..Yaadgaaren Hai..
April 28th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Other such good back-ground songs sung by Rafiji are:
1. Kali Raat Kali from Upkaar.
2. Babul Ki Duayaen from Neel Kamal.
3. Dil Ek Mandir Hai - Title song.
4. Vatan Pe Jo Phida Hoga from Phhol Baney Angarey.
5. Paise Ki Pehachhan Yahan from Pehchaan.
6. Mahakavi Shri Vedvyaas from Mahabharat.
7. Is Mulk Ki Sarhad Ko Koi Choo Nahi Sakta from Aankhen.
8. Shatranj Ki Chaal from Shatranj.
9. Dharti Kahe Pukar Ke - Title song.
10. Ae Watan Ae Watan from Shaheed.
Well the list is endless.
April 28th, 2008 at 3:23 am
Janab Anmol Singh Saheb, Adab Araz hai,
Mubarak for the selection of unique topic and for beautiful narration. You really touched my heart with the beautiful line of the song from “Mukti”.
Rok leti hain raah mein yaaden
Jap bhi rahon se hum guzarte hain
In response to this sher, I would say to Rafi Saheb,
Saath rakhta hun hamesha teri yaadon ki dhanak
Main kabhi khud ko akela nahi hone detha
Long live Rafi Saheb,
With regards to all Rafi lovers,
Dr. Khaja Aliuddin
April 27th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
anmol ji : a very nice research on background songs of the eternal godly singer.
u can write thousand such articles on various subjects as rafi saaheb has given us songs for every mood and occassions. the lyricist,composer and the producer should be happy that there was rafi saaheb to do 100 percent justice to all these numbers.
such numbers will never come back to us as we do not or will not have a rafi anymore, no matter what asha bhonsle tells on national television.
thanks for a great and original write-up , once more…
binu nair. rafi foundation, mumbai…