Rafi - Lata Misunderstanding
This article is written by Mr. H.V.Guru Murthy.
Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar have perhaps sung the maximum number of duets as compared to any other Singers, which was even admitted by Lata in her SHRADDANJALI. Those days, the MDs used to get the complete Royalty for any record sold. In the mid sixties, these two great Singers had a rift due to which they did not sing together for about three years. Officially it was given that Lata wanted a higher Royalty for the Singers, and thought that with Rafi’s backing, as he was the most popular singer during that period, it could be achieved. But Rafi’s contention was that once the song is recorded and money paid to the Singer, the Singer does not have any further business to claim Royalty. Well, there can be arguments against both the stands, but both stuck to their principled stand. In fact, Lata in her SHRADDANJALI has admitted to this fact, though she appreciated the stand taken by Rafi. I personally thought both were right in their stands, though the perspective with which they viewed the particular issue was different.
Lata Mangeshkar and Mohd Rafi
The three years hiatus resulted in Lata singing more duets with Mukesh and Mahendra. But the real gainers were Asha Bhonsle and Suman Kalyanpur who got the opportunity to sing maximum duets with Rafi. Of course, Rafi – Asha duets were always there thanks to O P Nayyar. In fact, in the Rafi duets during this period, no body felt the absence of Lata.
Asha Bhonsle and Mohd Rafi
Rafi and Asha had “Kaise Samazhaun” and “Ho Ek Baar Aata Hai” both from SURAJ, “Raat Ke Humsafar” from AN EVENING IN PARIS, “Ae Chaand Zara Chupza” and “Tanme Agni Manme Chuban” both from LAAT SAAB, title song of CHOTISI MULAQAT, “Sawan Aaye” from DIL DIYA DARD LIYA, “Kabhi Tera Daman” from NEEND HAMARI KHWAB TUMHARI, “Na Yeh Zamin Thi” from SAGAAI, “Gori Chalona Hans Ki Chaal” from BETI BETE, all duet songs of TEESRI MANZIL, “Yeh Parda Hatado” and the medley of parody songs from EK PHOOL DO MALI, title song of APNA BANAKE DHEKHO, title song of PYAAR MOHABBAT, “Jidhar Jo Main Dekhoon”, “Kisiki Mohabbat Me” from KAISE KAHOON, “Sadiyon Purani” from SHAHNAI, “Panchi Re O Panchi” from HARE KAANCH KI CHUDIYAN, “Hathon Me Haath” and “Ham Bhi Agar Bache Hote” from DOOR KI AWAAZ, “Tum Ishq Ki Mehafil Ho” and “Pyaar Ki Raah Bahar Ki Manzil” both from SAANZ AUR AWAAZ, title song of SAANZ AUR SAVERA, “Neel Gagan Par Udate Badal” and “Aa Daance Kare” from KHAANDAN, “Dilruba Dilse Tum” from RAAJ KUMAR, “Dekho Abto” from JAANWAR, “Bhari Mehafil Me Cheda” qawali from PALKI, “Ek Chameli Ke Manve Tale” in CHA CHA CHA, “Dayya Re Dayya” from LEADER, “Aapko Pyaar Chupane Ki Buri Aadat Hai” and “Tere Paas Aake Mera Waqt Guzar Jaata Hai” from NEELA AKASH, “In Baharon Me Akele Na Phiro” from MAMTA. PYAAR KA SAGAR had Rafi-Asha duet “Muzhe Pyaar Ki Zindagi Denewale”, BAHU BEGUM had a duet of Asha - Rafi “Hum Intezar Karenge”. Well, the list is endless.
Suman Kalyanpur, Hasrat Jaipuri, Mohd Rafti and Jaikishan on Harmonium
But personally I feel Suman Kalyanpur was the maximum beneficiary and could give plenty of hits with Rafi during this period. Suman, though was a good Singer, was always in the shadow of Lata. Here was her chance and she grabbed with both hands. The Rafi – Suman duets included “Baad Muddat” from JAHANARA, “Tuzhe Dekha” from CHOTTISI MULAQAT, “Na Na Karte” from JAB JAB PHOOL KHILE, “Woh Jab Yaad Aaye” from PARASMANI, “Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyaar Ke Charche” from BRAHMACHARI, “Itna Hai Tumse Pyaar Muzhe” from SURAJ, “Tumse O Hasina” from FARZ, “Tuzhe Pyaar Karte Hain” and “Kehdo Kehdo Jahan Se Kehdo” both from APRIL FOOL, title song and “Meri Zindagi Tere Pyaar Me” from JEE CHAHTA HAI, “Aise To Na Dekho” from BHEEGI RAAT, title song of DILNE PHIR YAAD KIYA, “Dile Betaab Ko Seene se Lagana Hoga” from PALKI, “Maine Ae Zaane Wafa Tumse” from BEDAAG, “Tumne Pukara Aur Hum Chale Aaye” from RAAJKUMAR, “Aja Huna Aaye Balama” from SAANZ AUR SAVERA, title song of DIL EK MANDIR, “Phir Aane Laga Yaad Wahi Pyaar Ka Alam”, “Oye Tu Raat Khadi Thi” in HIMALAY KI GOD ME, “Raat Suhani Jaag Rahi Hai” from JIGRI DOST, etc. Perhaps some of the songs in the above lists might have been recorded before or after the rift, but majority of the above songs during the period were due to the Rafi – Lata rift.
In fact, Suman also got some good solos during this period like “Mere Sanga Gaa Gunguna” a classical song from JAANWAR, “Paradesiyon Se Na” from JAB JAB PHOOL KHILE, “Dil Jo Na Keh Saka” from BHEEGI RAAT, “Nanhi Si Kali Meri Laadli” from DIL EK MANDIR, “Mere Mehaboob Na Za”, etc.
Even Sharada got a chance to sing with Rafi though only in SJ movies like “Jaane Chaman” in GUMNAAM, Shamshaad Begum in “Muzhko Apne Gale Lagalo” in HUMRAAHI and Aarti Mukherjee in DO DIL – “Kara Mora Kazara Churaya Toone”. But surprise of surprises, Music Directors completely forgot Geetha Dutt, with whom Rafi had given so many wonderful duets especially under OPN and SDB.
Perhaps, it was a blessing in disguise that in the absence of Lata, Suman got a chance she so richly deserved and also the number of Asha – Rafi duets increased. The rift ended only when SJ and I read some where Nargis, compromised between the two Icons and they sang together in GABAN that wonderful duet “Tum Bin Sajan Barse Nayan” and the Lata – Rafi duets continued there after to thrill us for the next nearly one and a half decades.
August 22nd, 2007 at 8:34 am
The famous music director Naushad in “the Last Journey of Mohammed Rafi” states that the producer of Kohinoor did not want to include “Madhuban Mein Radhika Naache Re”. As he thought that this song did not suit the situation and would not become popular. Rafi loved the song and told the producer that he will sing it without accepting any fee. However, if it became popular, he will ask him for money that he will determine (Munh-Manngi fee). Naushad also insisted on keeping the song. When the song was released, its popularity was enormous. The producer went to Rafi and said, “You won, I lost. Tell me how much you want for the song.” Rafi replied, “I have already received my fee”. The surprised producer said that he does not recall ever paying it. Whereupon Rafi responded that the acceptance by the people was the only fee that he ever wanted. He did not accept any money. Folks, we got the best film song ever recorded in Raaga Hameer (my humble opinion) for free. I have enjoyed this song for last 40 years and love it every time I hear.
Is it enough proof, as if proof was ever needed, that for Rafi Sahab the money was secondary? For a person who sang for the mere pleasure of the people royalty is totally unimportant. We have enjoyed his song all our lives. Let us pray to God that He gives our favorite singer His blessings for making our lives more enjoyable.
August 22nd, 2007 at 12:07 am
ref post 21.
what controversial statement? why are taking the name of the saint called Rafi sahab & telling that even rafi sahab was away from all these controversies?
August 21st, 2007 at 11:00 pm
In the article it is mentioned that “Woh Jab Yaad Aaye” from Parasmani is sung by Suman Kalyanpur with Rafi. A correction… It was sung by Lata. Te film was released in 1963, one year before the Lata-Rafi rift began.
August 21st, 2007 at 4:02 pm
Rafi and Lata haven’t sung the maximum duets, maximum duets have been sung by Rafi and Asha. So please correct it.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:44 pm
ALL THE FANS KNOW ABOUT THIS MISUNDERSTANDING BUT LET US NOT MAKE ANY CONTROVERSIAL STATEMENTS.
RAFI SAAB WAS THE ONLY ARTISTE WHO WAS AWAY FROM ALL THESE CONTROVERSIES BUT HE MADE A VALID POINT ON ROYALTY ISSUE AS HE FELT THE ROLE OF A SINGER CEASE TO EXIST ONCE THE TRANSACTION MONEY TOOK PLACE. MAY BE BEING SIMPLE N HONEST PERSON HE IS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. BUT AT THE SAME TIME CONSIDERING MANY UNSRUPULOUS PRODUCERS WHO DO NOT PAY MANY ARTISTES ONCE THE FILM IS MADE THEN LATA IS NOT WRONG IN DEMANDING ROYALTY..
BUT THE MUSIC LOVERS FEELTHAT ONE DOESNT GIVE IMPORTANCE TO MONEY AND THE OTHER IS ALWAYS IN THE FOREFRONT FOR MONEY…
BUT TRULY BOTH ARE THE BEST DUET COMBOS IN THE INDIAN FILM INDUSTRY AND UNBEATABLE…
IAM CURIOUS TO KNOW WHICH ARE THE 3 YRS WHEN THEY NEVER SANG TOGETHER…..
ALSO CAME TO KNOW THAT DUE TO NARGISJIS EFFORT BOTH THE LEGENDS CAME TOGETHER IN JEWEL THIEF SONG ‘ DIL PUKAARE AA RE AA RE’
August 21st, 2007 at 1:34 pm
Gurumurthy Sir and all the bangalore fans of Rafi saab
There is a GRAND GALA MUSICAL EVENING — TRIBUTE TO THE LEGEND OF LEGENDS RAFI SAAB AT R.V.DENTAL COLLEGE AUDITORIUM.BANGALORE ON SATURDAY 1ST SEPT 20007 FROM 6 PM……
SRIKANT NARAYAN FROM MUMBAI FAMED RAFI SAAB VOICE FROM ‘KEEP ALIVE’ IS THE MAIN SINGER.PL DO NOT MISS THIS EVENT…
FOR DETAILS PL BE IN TOUCH WITH ME AT 9886779557…
SORRY IAM OUT OF ABOVE TOPIC…
REGARDS,
August 21st, 2007 at 12:47 pm
Mr.Gurumurthy,
Incidentally, your article’s first sentence is not a fact! Rafi-Lata duets are 425 no.s, whereas Rafi-Asha duets are nearly double at 780 no.s!
What Lata keeps saying is that her duets with Rafi Saab are higher than her own duets with any other male singer. That is true, because her duets with Mukesh or Kishore are even less than 425!
But, Rafi Saab has sung the maximum number of duets with Asha (780 no.s) and not with Lata, as you said. Hope this is clear.
Venkat
August 21st, 2007 at 10:25 am
Why label Lataji as greedy ?
When the royalty for playback singers was granted, did any singers, regardless of their stand or principle, refuse to accept it. So ultimatley
every singer, including Rafi saab benefited from Lata’s stand for royalty.
There was also a period in film industry when play back singers did not get
credit for the song, but the film actors did. Lataji also fought for it and won.
Lata did lot more for palyback singing besides being a great artists.he
All the singers of golden era, Lata, Rafi, Mukesh etc were great and true
legends.
August 21st, 2007 at 9:02 am
The thing is Mohdrafi was a humble person, no greed & have helped many artists when they needed, but Lata did not helped anybody also her sister Asha Bhosale, so she is greedy women so dont compare with rafi at all. I think Rafi is better singer then Lata also, listen to their songs, one e.g “Dil tera diwana hai sanam”, the way rafi sang with ease & listen how lata sang, thinking that she had put more pressure for this song. So, i want to say that many songs which rafisahab is better then lata & not that he is a better singer.
Shashank_72@rediffmail.com
August 21st, 2007 at 8:31 am
Friends,
Even as I was reading this article, I was simultaneously listening to this divine and very rare Lata solo from Film:Sardar(1955)–MD:Jagmohan Sursagar! The song is “Pyaar Ki Yeh Talakhiyan, Jo Na Kah Sakun, To Main Kya Karoon”. Requested on HF and d/led there!
Oh, what a song! A must-have for all music-lovers! This is one of the few Lata songs, for which I use the expression, ‘divine’, as against expressions like ‘very good’, ‘great’, ‘excellent’. Lata has innumerable songs under the ‘very good’, ‘great’, ‘excellent’ descriptions.
But, it is the songs under the ‘divine’ category that I crave for. As I said above, Lata has a few in this divine category, one being the song that I mentioned above.
But, when it comes to Rafi Saab, the songs even under this ‘divine’ category are difficult to count! Not to mention the hundreds of his ‘very good’, ‘great’, ‘excellent’ songs!
Venkat
August 21st, 2007 at 6:34 am
this is an article regarding dispute & presto so many comments. let us talk some thing constructive & informative otherwise this forum will be a ‘ time pass ‘ one. why are we for such articles. hope ythe publishers will make a note of it.
August 21st, 2007 at 12:06 am
With due reverence to all concerned…Gurumurthy ji…i am also a very big fan of Lata ji…but it is a known fact that she is money minded..i dont blame her at all because it is her choice…when i hear her sing..i forget the person behind it. i just got this little episode to tell all…i come from the town which has the richest Hindu God in the world…they have this tradition of inviting singers for annual function.. when they called her in eighties…she demanded a sum of rupees one lakh and a five star accommodation and flight fare ! i know it because..my uncle worked in the organization. when the institution turned down her…parveen sultana came and sang without taking a pie saying that singing before the God itself is a priceless remuneration…So, music always reigns supreme..it triumphs over all man made things…religion, language etc.
August 20th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
With reference to Post No. 8, Lataji has admiited that her decisison in this issue if succeded, would have helped many Singers. Let us take her at her words and not cast aspersions on her intentions. It is undeniable that if the royalty issue had been decided in the Singers favour, it would have definitely helped other small small singers though it might not have mattered to Great and popular singers like Rafi, Lata, etc. Regarding the other point, I fully agree Rafiji was that much better than Lataji, especially when it came to singing at high pitches. But I will unhesitatingly admit that I still very much admire Lataji’s songs and no body can deny that she is the best female playback singer in the history of Indian film industry.
August 20th, 2007 at 10:10 am
I meet journos and film industry people - as this is my great interest.
Not one of them yet has said kind words about the diva to say.
these journos and the industry people talk and work with the
diva - needless to say it.
They have scorn for the lady. They say she is childish, she sulks
and is vindicative. She went on with this behaviour because no one
“called her Bluff” till today. the female singers even today are scary
of her.
When I told this to an internet acquitance he got shocked and there
was some amount of acrimony between us.
Yesterday , the mumbai mirror published a news item about the diva
which says she has sung 30000 songs. a “white lie”. she has sung less
than 6000 songs.
then the report says : she is in the guinness book of records : again
false. Her name was removed from the guinness book of records - the
year i do not recollec now..
So, deliberately people are being fooled by the media and music lovers
get thus fooled.
binu nair sargam music
August 20th, 2007 at 9:14 am
Good Article Guru Murthy.
Great analysis indeed. Possibly if the rift could had never occured, we could more Rafi-Lata hits. It could have never affected Asha as such, since music composers OPN and Ravi were her strong supporters. But yes Suman K could have been the major loser.
August 20th, 2007 at 9:08 am
Dear friends,
As i think as female singer lata was the best only as a singer,In a programm Suman said that Mohd Rafi helped her.as u all know that Lata ji din’t sing for SJ because they gave songs to Suman to sing.
offourse Mohd Rafi had hit songs with all singer he singed with but as I think Lata Ji was the best after that Asha Ji,Geeta Ji,Suman and who he singed with
August 20th, 2007 at 8:18 am
webmaster, please correct the last sentence before posting to:
.. she is in no way comarable to Rafi saheb.
Thanks.
August 19th, 2007 at 11:00 pm
Mr. Guru Murthy, I like your article but disagree with some of the inferences. We can understand the position of both the artist’s on the copyright issue. One was based on greed and the other was based on fairness. One wanted a continuous flow of money if the song was successfull. Other did not want the part of the prfit if he was not sharing the loss. In no way we could equate both the positions. You have diplomatically tried to soothen the wound that was caused by the diva. Although her campaign of getting our beloved singer out of the industry did not succeed, she manage to give a permanent scar.
I love Latji’s melodious voice and do not deny that she is the best female singer but she is in no way comparable to Rafi Sahab.
August 19th, 2007 at 5:56 pm
To akmal ji
It is Mubarak begum who has sung the song, but unfortunately she needed money for the medicine. i want to help her. Mohdrafi sang with everybody also with Anuradha Paudwal also.
Shashank_72@rediffmail.com
August 19th, 2007 at 8:35 am
“oye tu raat khadi thi chat pe… is most probably sung by
Usha Timothy.. in “himalaya ke god mein”
binu nair. Sargam Music : The Rafi Foundation.
August 19th, 2007 at 1:43 am
To listen anyone else except rafi is just waiting of time rafi is the powerhouse of tallents and rest are the points (switches).
August 18th, 2007 at 11:31 pm
You are right Ganesh.
Such a melodious number one of my favourite.
August 18th, 2007 at 8:49 pm
Dear H.V.Guru Murthy duet with Asha Bhosle is far ahead than Lata, here u counted songs only your observation is poor in this article, there is only one article i personally liked very much i.e Rafi - Do Pahlu Geet ur comparison was fantastic there
August 18th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
Ref Post 1, Neither Mukhtar Begum nor Shamshad Begum ther is Mubarak Begum in Mujhko Apne Gale Laga Lo
August 18th, 2007 at 3:03 pm
mukhtar begum in mujko apne gale lagaloo not shamshad