Rafi’s Influence on New Talents
By Mr. Naveen Zalpuri
Last year around the same time, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs was on the air and it was a delight to find contestants as young as 10 years old trying to attempt Rafi songs to showcase their talent. In last week’s episode on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007 where participants were asked to sing songs from the decade of 60’s and 70’s it was again our Rafi Sahib who emerged as the singer of choice. It is no co-incidence that more often than not at the crucial junctures in shows like these, the contestants revert to a familiar Rafi song to showcase their highest singing acumen. Whether they do justice to these songs or not is a different subject but they sure need to be complimented for the attempts they make.
Out of the eight male singers on the show in that episode, six of them chose a Rafi song. The other two male singers sang a Lata and a Yesudas number. The following Rafi songs featured in that one episode Affo Khuda from Jab Jab Phool Khile, Oh Hasena Zulpho wale and Aaja Aaja Mein Hoon Pyar Tera from Teesri Manzil, Dil Jo Na Keh Saka from Bheegi Raat, Kaun Hae Jo Sapna Mein Aaya from Jhook Gaya Aasman and Gulabi Aankhen Jo Teri from The Train.
All this brings home how much influence Rafi Sahib’s works have on new “wannabe” singers.
It needs to be seen whether good sense guides and inspires the Sa Re Ga Ma producers to do a Rafi special episode to mark his death anniversary. Sadly it always has been the case that people at the helm conveniently manage to not mention the legend even when they benefit from his works. Personally I would be looking forward to such a special episode on Rafi Sahib on Sa Re Ga Ma Challenge 2007. If they don’t come up with one it is only their loss for the legend lives in the songs and in our hearts.
September 21st, 2007 at 2:45 pm
Rafisaab is not a voice its a soul. Some people can try to imitate his voice but still the song will not have the soul.
If there is anybody who can match upto 80% of his voice & 30% soul should immediately start learning classical music and try to give a full fledge classical concert in Rafisaab’s voice. A full fledge classical concert by Rafisaab is the only regret in a life for all Rafians.
GOD BLESS.
Lanjish.
August 11th, 2007 at 7:58 pm
Ref: post 1
I am highly impressed by Shri Shirish Kulkarni Sahab’s comments!
Rafi Sahab ka daur phir aayega aur aisa aajega ki koi jawab nahi!