The Rafi-Kishore saga
The following article appeared in The Statesman,Calcutta, on Aug.7 th 2005. It will give more food for thought to the ongoing debate about the Rafi personality and magic - Mohan Flora .
Mohd. Rafi was the greatest playback singer, asserts Ranjan Das Gupta as he pays tribute on the melody kings 25th death anniversary. Rafi was a classically trained singer while Kishore was naturally endowed with excellent resonance. The latter was a versatile genius, singer, music director, actor, writer and director all rolled into one. Both were proficient singers but had separate individual styles.
In the 1950s Rafi literally ruled the roost. He was the most favoured singer for veteran composers like Naushad, S.D. Burman, Shanker Jaikishan, Madan Mohan while Kishore was preferred by S.D. Burman and Salil Choudhury who was playback mainly for Dev Anand and his own films. Rafi on the other hand could balance his melodious voice for diverse stars like Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Guru Dutt, Rajendra Kumar and Shammi Kapoor.
It is an astonishing fact that O.P. Nayar used Rafi to sing for Kishore Kumar the unforgettable tune Man Mora Bawra in Ragini in 1957. Shanker Jaikishan also had Rafi to sing Ajab Hai Dastan in Shararat in 1958. Says record museum owner Vinod Santhalia, It is simply amazing. Imagine Mohd. Rafi sang for Kishore Kumar in films Kishore himself acted.
Shanker Jaikishan commented, No doubt Kishore Kumar is a good singer. He sang beautifully for me in Rangoli. But Ajab Hai Dastan was simply not Kishores cup of tea. The mukhdas and antaras required a singer of Rafis range and classical background.
Although Kishore Kumar felt bad about this, he could only marvel at Rafis brilliant rendering of the two songs. Rafi characteristically remarked, No one else except Kishore could sing Dukhi Man Mera in Funtoosh so well.
Salil Choudhury was not favourably inclined towards Rafi at one point of time, but even he was compelled to use Rafi for the unforgettable Tootey Huey Khuabo Nay in Madhumati and Koi Soney Ke Dil Wala in Maya and confess that Rafi was indeed peerless.
It is generally known that Rafi and Kishore went through a bad patch in their relationship. Yet it is also true that both liked and respected each other. S.D. Burman openly admitted to Kishore that the three solos in Guide by Rafi could not be matched by any singer. On Dev Anands special request, he composed the Kishore-Lata super hit duet Gata Rahe Mera Dil for Guide. Similarly, Rafis numbers in Teen Deviyan and the haunting duet with Lata Mangeshkar in Jewel Thief were far superior to the Kishore numbers in these films.
In the late 60s when R.D. Burman composed the melody for Tum Bin Jaaun Kahan in Pyar Ka Mausam, he experimented the same solo with both Rafi and Kishore. True, Kishore sang this number by melodiously incorporating his inimitable yodelling. But in the romantic number, Rafi scored over Kishore in melody.
The 60s was also considered Rafis decade though Kishore matured considerably as a singer during this period. The Jungle Mein Mangal number Woh Din Ke Baat Sharan Karo had both Rafi and Kishore together but is somehow not remembered that well. But Shanker Jaikishans Hanste Gate Jahan Se Guzar in Andaz by Rafi quite eclipsed Kishores entire Zindagi Ek Safar in 1971.
Madan Mohan also used both Rafi and Kishore in the song Yu Na Sharma for Parwana in 1972. Kishore sang the happy rendition for hero Navin Nischal. But there was Rafi again to do full justice to the Are Hansnewale, the melancholic aspect of the same song for Amitabh Bachchan.
In the 1970s the Kishore Kumar wave took the Hindi film music by storm and was backed by R.D. Burman. Some critics felt R.D was partial to Kishore and avoided using Rafi. The Rafi Kishore duet Yaadon Ki Barat from the film with the same title in 1973 turned out to be a superhit. But it cannot be categorised either as an exclusive Rafi or a Kishore gem for both sang in perfect harmony.
Subsequently, R.D. Burman opted for Rafi again after four years as no other singer could have rendered so skillfully Chand Mera Dil and Kya Hua in Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin; that too in a film with many Kishore Kumar superhits like Mil Gaya and Aa Meri Jaan.
When Rafi sang Darde Dil for Laxmikant Pyarelal in Karz in1980 based on a single note, he proved melody was indeed God-gifted to him, remembers upcoming singer Sujan Bose. Kishores Ay Mere Umar Ke and Ek Hasina Thi could not touch that level. The same can be said for Rajesh Roshan’s Yarana where Rafi’s Aare Re Aisa Tarana completely surpassed Kishore’s Sara Zamana and Tere Jaisa.
Mohd. Rafi left for his heavenly abode on 31 July, 25 years ago. Remembers author Nabaran Bhattacharya, The photo of a silent, sad and grief-struck Kishore in the newspapers portrayed very well that no one except him understood what an irreparable loss had taken place in Indian film music.
As Kishore himself said when Jagjit Singh criticised the Rafi gharana, How dare these so-called ghazal singers criticise an icon that Manna Dey, Mukesh and I dare not criticise. Rafi was unique.
June 20th, 2006 at 6:21 pm
Dear Narayanan,
Raafi Sahab’s last song in Aas Paas does not have any orchestra.
June 20th, 2006 at 6:09 pm
Ya rab na vo samjhen hain na samjhenge meri baat,
de aur dil unko jo na de mujh ko zuban aur.
dear P.Narayanan,
I know few songs whith out any music background
1.Tang aa chuke hain kashma kashe zindagi se hum(in pyassa)
2.nahin ishq mein is ka to ranj humen(in mirza ghalib)
3.there is one song in(Palki)also which is not on my mind at the moment.
Dear avi,
could u pls tell me the duet in kunwra baap which sang by Rafi & kk.
June 20th, 2006 at 2:30 pm
Dear Brethren,
Rafi and Asha speak in “Dilruba dil pe tu” (Rajkumar). This is yet another sensuous song by the duo. Just listen how he yodels in the last line to make the character lascivious.
June 20th, 2006 at 2:26 pm
Hi MohanFlora,
I have listened to the song “Rukkh se zara nakaab hatalo mere huzoor”. The starting narration sung by Rafi Saab is amazing and also totally different from actual song. I also like the break which Rafi Saab applies ater saying “Rukh Se” and then proceeds. I think it is a LP or SJ composition.
Their is a similar song from Sangam - “Ye Mera Prem Patra Pad Kar”
June 20th, 2006 at 1:07 pm
Hey Anmol,
How about Rafisaab’s introduction to the Mere Huzoor super hit,” Rukkh se zara nakaab hatalo mere huzoor”- I don’t want to spoil the suspense! Just listen to the the song and you will be transformed to a world of romance. His presentation is superb. Narayan sir, pl. note!
June 20th, 2006 at 11:49 am
Yes, it is a tribute to Rafi’s greatness that he figures in as many as 7 out of the 20 BEST EVER Bollywood songs. Rafi rightfully so, has more songs than anybody else, including Lata. On top of that, the top 3 songs are all Rafi’s !!!
Well, although I never needed such confirmations, yet this re-confirms that Rafi is/was the GREATEST ever!! This list has some kind of credibility too because it has been created by people who are themselves in the music business— people like Sonu Nigam, Manna Dey, Javed Akhtar, Sameer, Shankar, Gulzar etc.. At least, it hasn’t been hashed up by some XYZ people.
June 20th, 2006 at 11:35 am
Dear Rafi Fans,
Some more songs on Rafi Saab’s conversation have been found.
April Fool Banaya, To unko Gusaa Aya - April Fool
Bhangara Song from Kashmir Ki Kali - Rafi & Asha give a mide blowing performance to match the chemistry of Shammi Kapoor & Sharmila Tagore.
Aaj Ki Raat, Ye Kessi Raat Ki Hamko Nind - Perhaps one of the most sexist songs sung by Rafi for Rajendra Kumar. The Giggles & Musti of Saira Banoo are perfectly co-ordinated with Rafi’s voice. Full marks to SJ. Even in today’s era when most talk about sex in films, cannot recreate such a master piece performance.
Tum Kamsin Ho Nadaa Ho Bholi Ho - Here Rafi once again sings for Rajendra Kumar where his singing appears like a conversation. Rajendra Kumar sings for Saira Banoo in the film.
There is duet sung by Rafi/Asha from the film Anpad (Lyrics I don’t recall) involves a lot of teasing between the two. What I recall Rafi saab saying “Mai Gujarati Chokro”.
Humdum Mere Maan Bhi Jaayo - Here Rafi sings for Biswajeet. Words like “Halka-Halka” with a jurk and shouting of “Hai” at high pitch can heard quiet option.
———————————————————————–
If one wants who reality enjoy teasing in songs involving couples then Punjabi music is the area where Rafi Saab and Shamshad Begum have contributed.
Shamshad Begum’s voice is sharp and strong which matches body language of well build rough & tough Punjabi Woman who works in rural area. There is no other female singer who can sing to such a perfection. To some extend there is a Pakistani Singer Reshma to can produce the same effect (But Not in Bhangra)
There are many Punjabi Bhagra numbers in the Black & White era which involve the Rafi-Shamshad combination providing minding blowing teasing effect.
Example - “Nee Cheetiye Kabutariye, Asi Dus Kee Kariye” is song which I heard 20 years ago.
———————————————————————–
While singing Gurbani Rafi Saab’s conversation can be heard
Example - Film - Guru Maneo Granth. Before singing Gurbani Rafi Saab Narrates “koi Bole Ram Ram, Koi Bole Khudaae”.
Film - Nanak Naam Jahaj. In the starting here Rafi Saab sings “Mitar Pyaare Nu” twice without music, which appears like a narration.
June 20th, 2006 at 10:11 am
Dear Avi,
Thanks for update regarding the song “DOOR GAGAN KI CHHAON ME” sung by Hemant Kumar. In my opinion the song should have been sung by Rafi, the reason being KK’s high pitch compostion could have been a value addition in his work.
With Rafi as the most preferred singer in the 60s this could have given KK recongnition as a composer. Possibly as a composer KK could have been very successful if could have exploited the potential Rafi’s voice through his compositions.
With similarity of body language between Shammi Kapoor and KK in the 60s, it could have been a very leathal combination of Shammi Kapoor as an actor, Rafi as a singer & KK as music composer. KK as music composer could have give SJ and O P Nayyar as tough fight.
If we analyze the music composers of 50s and 60s as new comers viz. Usha Khanna, LP, Jaidev & RD Burman, all have used Rafi maximum in their compositions because film makers use to put conditions to use Rafi for their songs.
KK used Rafi for his own production in 70s later. But for not using Rafi in 60s for his own production could be considered a miscalculation on part of KK. The result of which his work as a singer over shadows his work as a music composer + he picturizes all the songs on himself.
He could have used Rafi’s voice either in background or on some other actor in his own production. I don’t think Rafi could objected on that.
June 20th, 2006 at 9:25 am
Dear Mohan n Nair,
Thanks for link and info.
I am totally agree that Rafi sang more no. of songs than any other male singers so obviously his hit are also more. As we know 50’s and 60’s were golde era of indian music, so most of the great written and composed songs went to RAFI and LATA.
My friends, i am not doubting their capability, don’t misunderstood.
But please read the following line from the same link
================================
Each jury member was asked to nominate 10 favourites
in no order of preference.
The winners are ranked according to the number of votes each songgot.
==================================
My Analysis:
Since Rafi’s and Lata songs are more in the list so they have been popular singer. 85% sonngs in the list are from 60’s period.
I am happy to see KISHORE/RDB song at 2nd place.
I am also feeling great that after Rafi’s demise, KISHORE sang the same song “MAN RE TU KAHE NA DHEER DHARE” in Khandwa in memory of RAFI.
Thanx
June 20th, 2006 at 5:23 am
That’s really great news. Well, “man re tu kahe na dheer dhare”…… Avi dear, we unnecessarly debated.
Thanks Mohan!
June 20th, 2006 at 4:38 am
Dear friends,
Even though Rafisaab was voted the Singer of the millenium, some of our friends still had doubts and kept on arguing on the subject unnecessarily.
Our stand - RAFISAAB IS THE BEST- has been vindicated once again.We don’t have to prove it, friends. The World knows and feels it. OUTLOOK appearing on June26,2006, had Kumar Sanu and Abhijeet on the jury, too!
Rafisaab also had the maximum number of songs(male or female) on the 20 most popular songs ever! Read on!
BREAKING NEWS!
RAFISAAB VOTED THE MOST POPULAR MALE PLAYBACK SINGER EVER!
Also, top three of the 20 most popular songs ever have been sung by the one and only MOHAMMED RAFISAAB! For more, pl. go to
http://www.outlookindia.com/full.asp?fodname=20060626&fname=ABestSongs&sid=2
20 Best Hindi Film Songs Ever
Outlook asked 30 leading composers, lyricists and singers to name their all-time favourite Hindi film songs. Here are the top twenty.
Special Issue: Bollywood Music Special
The Jury
Abhijeet, Adesh Srivastava, Alisha Chinai, Anu Malik, Ehsaan, Gulzar, Hariharan, Himesh Reshammiya, Jatin, Javed Akhtar, Kailash Kher, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Khayyam, Kumar Sanu, Lalit, Loy, Mahalaxmi Iyer, Mahendra Kapoor, Manna Dey, Prasoon Joshi, Rajesh Roshan, Sadhna Sargam, Sameer, Sandesh Shandilya, Shaan, Shankar, Shantanu Moitra, Shreya Ghoshal, Sonu Nigam, Talat Aziz.
Poll conducted By Lata Khubchandani and Namrata Joshi. Each jury member was asked to nominate 10 favourites
in no order of preference.
The winners are ranked according to the number of votes each song got.
1. Man re, tu kaahe na dheer dhare
Singer: Mohammed Rafi
Film: Chitralekha (1964)
Music: Roshan
Lyrics Sahir Ludhianvi
2. Three songs tied for the second position
Tere mere sapne ab ek rang hain…
Singer: Mohammed Rafi
Film: Guide (1965)
Music: S.D. Burman
Lyrics: Shailendra
Din dhal jaaye, hai raat na jaaye…
Singer: Mohammed Rafi
Film: Guide (1965)
Music: S.D. Burman
Lyrics Shailendra
Kuch to log kahenge logon ka kaam hai kehna… Singer: Kishore Kumar
Film: Amar Prem (1971)
Music: R.D. Burman
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
3. Three songs tied for the third position
Waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam…
Singer: Geeta Dutt
Film: Kaagaz ke phool (1959)
Music: S.D. Burman
Lyrics: Kaifi Azmi
Jo vaada kiya woh nibhana padega…
Singers: Rafi-Lata
Film: Taj Mahal (1963)
Music: Roshan
Lyrics: Sahir Ludhianvi
Pyar kiya to darna kya…
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Film: Mughal-e-Azam (1960)
Music: Naushad
Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni
4. Thirteen songs tied for the fourth position
Ai qaatib-e-taqdeer mujhe itna bata de…
Singer: K.L. Saigal
Film: My Sister (1944)
Music: Pankaj Mullick
Lyrics: Pandit Bhushan
Ayega, ayega, ayega ayega aane wala…
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Film: Mahal (1949)
Music: Khemchand Prakash
Lyrics: Nakshab Jarachavi
Piya tose naina lage re…
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Film: Guide (1965)
Music: S.D. Burman
Lyrics: Shailendra
Mai ye sochkar uske dar se…
Singer: Mohammed Rafi
Film: Haqeeqat (1964)
Music: Madan Mohan
Lyrics: Kaifi Azmi
O sajna, barkha bahar ayee…
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Film: Parakh (1960)
Music: Salil Chowdhury
Lyrics: Shailendra
Kuch dil ne kaha, kuch bhi nahin…
Singer: Lata Mangeshkar
Film: Anupama (1966)
Music: Hemant Kumar
Lyrics: Kaifi Azmi
Zindagi ke safar me guzar jate hain jo makam…
Singer: Kishore Kumar
Film: Aap ki kasam (1974)
Music: R.D.Burman
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi
Tum jo mil gaye ho to ye lagta hai, ke jahan mil gaya…
Singer: Mohammed Rafi
Film: Hanste zakhm (1973)
Music: Madan Mohan
Lyrics: Kaifi Azmi
Dil cheez kya hai aap meri jaan lijiye…
Singer: Asha Bhonsle
Film: Umrao Jaan (1981)
Music: Khayyam Lyrics Shahryar
Chura liya hai tumne jo dil ko…
Singers: Asha Bhonsle-Mohammed Rafi
Film: Yaadon ki baraat (1973)
Music: R.D. Burman
Lyrics: Majrooh
Tum pukar lo…
Singer: Hemant Kumar
Film: Khamoshi (1969)
Music: Hemant Kumar Lyrics Gulzar
Har ghadi badal rahi hai roop zindagi…
Singer: Sonu Nigam
Film: Kal ho naa ho (2003)
Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Poocho na kaise maine rain bitayi…
Singer: Manna Dey
Film: Meri soorat teri aankhen (1963)
Music: S.D. Burman
Lyrics: Shailendra
IN THIS STORY:
Tere Liye Saat Rang Ke Sapne
Enough. No more ‘which Hindi film song is the greatest’ debates. Outlook asked, and the men who make the music have spoken…
The #1 Song
Man Re Tu Kaahe Naa Dheer Dhare: the Song, the composer, the lyricist
The Most Popular Film
Guide (1965)
The Most Popular Lyricist
Shailendra (1923-66)
The Most Popular Singers
Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi (1924-80)
The Most Popular Composer
S.D. Burman (1921-75)
June 19th, 2006 at 9:06 pm
Dear Anmol , Narayanan, Nair Sahab,
Thanx for the info you all shared with me and also backing me with logical sense.
Mirza Ghalib songs are fantastic , the way they are composed its just fabulous, I would also like to bring to your notice to listen to ” HUI SHAM UNKA KHAYAL AYA ” the flow and voice stirs the soul , and this song doesnt bore even if we listen N number of times, ( other songs doesnt do either ) but this song is just fantastic.
Just lend your ears to this song, each and every word said is so clear and meaninful that can’t explain in words.
Regards my friends
Sagar
June 19th, 2006 at 6:35 pm
Dear Nair,Sagar,Rasheed, Anmol and all Rafians,
My sincere thanks to u for enhancing my knowledge on the musical interludes where Rafi Sahab talks in between with his sweet voice.
May I add the duet song of Rafi/Asha from the film Naya Daur ‘Maang ke saath thumara” where the rustic villager played by Dilipkumar shouts in typical Punjabi voice of Rafi.
Regarding Rafi Sahabs song with no background music in the song perhaps keen listeners of late40s n early 50s can highlight.
I would like to list some rare songs of Rafi which were not superhits but is really mindbongling than the superhits in the film
They are
Aye Husn zara jaag tera Isq uthayee… from the film MERE MEHBOOB which is fantastic n sung with a low pitch.
From the film Mirza- Ghalib there is a song which a fakir sings in the voice of Rafi Aye bas…… Do not know the song but I heard it in the classic special of Radio.F.M
Yeh jo chilman hai dushman hai hamare from the film Mehboob ki Mehendi.
This is a lovely and fantastic song composed by the great duo L.P.
Also can anyone tell me the meaning of Chilman as I do not know Urdu. BUT WHATEVER I KNOW I HAVE LEARNT FORM RAFI SAHABS DIL KO CHU LENEWALE SONGS.
Thanks with a request to continue the tread by other Rafians,
P. Narayanan
June 19th, 2006 at 5:38 pm
Hello Mr. Narayanan,
There are quiet a few songs in which Rafi Saab’s conversation can be heard.
Bade Mia Diwane Ase Na Bano - Film Shagird
Meri duniya mein tum aayeen - Heer Ranjha
http://www.hindilyrix.com/songs/get_song_Meri%20Duniya%20Mein%20Tum%20Aye.html
This is a very solo duet Rafi/Lata. The duet is almost Music less, though actually both Rafi & Lata are singing, but it appears as if there is a romantic conversation between the two. The above link has the complete song.
Tumse kahoon ek baat paron se halki halki… - Dastak
In this song there is a similar effect can be seen the way Rafi pronounces Halki Halki…. Actually he is singing but the song is so composed that the words Halki Halki…appear as if he is talking.
Kitna Pyaraa Wadaa Hai in matwali Ankho Kai - Carvan
Here Rafi sings Jeetendra and starts with “O Sonie Maar Suteaa”
Goria Kahan Tera Des Rai - Carvan
Here Rafi sings for Jeetendra and Starts with “Hey Goria Jaldi Aa Re”
Nisul tanaa Re Pyaar Ka Mausam Ayaa - Pyaar Ka Mausam
Here Rafi sings for Shashi Kapoor, the songs start with a note stated by some one.
Hum Kaale Hai To Kya Hua Dil Wale Hai - Gumnam
Here Rafi saab sings for Mehmood - In between the songs Rafi Saab narrats some thing, perhaps the words I don’t recall.
There is a song from a film ‘Love in Simla’ where Rafi sings for Joy Mukherjee, there is a brief conversation with the female counterpart.
Then there are many songs where Rafi starts the song with an intial shout.
Kaan Mein JhomKa Chal Mein Thomka - Composed by Sonic Omi
Mein Jat Yamla Pagla Diwana - Prateegya
Here Rafi sings for the Dharmendra and matches his body langauge perfectly.
June 19th, 2006 at 4:20 pm
Hello
Narayanan Sir
This is Rashid here , I you have told in which song Rafi sahab has heard taliking , I think In film Chupke Chupke (Amitabh & Dharmendra) on song was there SA RE GA MA 1234 , in that song Rafi Sahab speaks , (WAH WAH KYA SUR LAGAYA HAIN , CHAL WAPAS AAJA ) actually in this film Dharmendra teaches a song to Amitabh & other was in film JEENA KI RAAH , one song there AANE SE USKE AAYE BHAHAR , Rafi sahab speaks in starting (KABHI ROK LETI HAI RAAHON MEIN………KAHI PE WOH BARKHA KAHI PE BAHAR & one more in song EK BANJARA GAAYE ,Rafi sahab speaks in starting . SUNA EK TARANA , NAYA EK FASANA , KE SAVERE SAVERE………..)
Thanx
Regards
Rashid khan : 9869030908
G.M. Ansari : 9833484837
June 19th, 2006 at 2:31 pm
Dear Anmol,
Thanc for ur comments. But u should remember that Hemant Kumar sang for KISHORE in “DOOR GAGAN KI CHHAON ME”, I still preferred KISHORE to sing that song.
Based on ur anlaysis, If u r comparing KISHORE with SD and Hement Kumar then it automatically suggest that He is genious because Hemant and SD was master.
As far as USHA KHANNA consider, If u take the percentage, i think KISHORE is ahead but of course no doubt she was full fledge MD who can sing.
I like her composition in SOUTAN and HAWAS.
But if u compare best coimposition of USHA Khanna to best composition of KISHORE, KISHORE will always has edge over her, though KISHORE gave composition in less movies.
June 19th, 2006 at 12:09 pm
Dear Avi,
Why KK cannot be considered a genious as a music composer? There are many factors.
Lets analyze KK with Hemant Kumar as MD: Both operate in the same range as singers. Both have composed music in films. Compared to KK Hemant Kumar has used order singers very effectively. When KK composed music he did not use other other singers very effectively. Looking from Film makers point of view they would be courious to know the category of songs he composes for films. His composition do not include any devotional, patriotic and classical number. In 50s and 60s there used to be at least one devotional song in most of the films. Looking from actors point of view Dilip Kumar would like know how he uses Rafi/Talat. Manoj Kumar would see how he uses Mahendra Kapoor. Raj Kapoor would see how Mukesh is used by KK as music composer.
Coming back to Hemant Kumar as Music Composer, thought he had a very limit range of operation as a singer, but utilized other singers in at all the scales very well.
Example
Rafi
Hum Laaye Hai Toofan Se - Patrotic Song
Tera Husn Rahe Mera Ishk Rahe - Romantic
Lata
Dhire Dhire Machal Ae Dil-E-Bekaraar - One of the best songs to describe an Indian woman.
Jadugar Saiynaa Chodo More Baiyana - Madhubala dances superb on screen.
Asha
Balma Bada Naadaan Hai - Nice teasing song, Waheeda Rehman does full justice to Asha’s voice on screen.
Manna Dey
From the film Anand Marth there as Sanskrit duet sang by Lata/Manna Dey. Its a devotional song which is a morning prayer in many schools in India till date.
Note - As far as my knowledge goes no MD has composed a Sanskrit song.
Geeta Dutt
Chale Aao Chale Aao - Nice song with haunting music
KK
Wo Shaam Kuch Ajeeb Thi - One of KK’s best sung songs, far superior than his own compositions.
————————————————————————————
Analysing KK and SD Burman: Possibly it would be unfair to compare the Guru(SD) with Chela(KK), but till there is one point. As a Singer SD never gave playback for any actor as such, but used his voice only for special occasions. SD used his voice if there is a turning point in the story or a message to be conveyed to the audience.
Examples
“Mere Sajan Hai us Paar” from Bandhini - In the film Bandhini, 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 after releasing from jail changes his mind to proceed else where instead of going back to his hometown, fearing insult.
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.
SD Burman gets a National Award for this song from Aradhnaa. Perhaps the only MD to receive an award as a Singer without using an actor on screen. This is called genious work. KK never got any award for his own compostions as a singer.
Please refer to the following link - Songless Indian Films written by SD Burman himself.
http://www.sdburman.net/website/Articles/Articles_sd.html#
“I personally believe that instead of placing a song in an unwanted position it should be removed entirely. An out-of-place song is the most horrible thing imaginable in a movie.” - SD Burman
————————————————————————————–
Analzing KK with Usha Khanna - Usha Khanna initially came to the film industry to pursue a career in singing. She did sing a few songs initially, but realized later that with Lata, Asha, Geeta Dutt & Shamshed Begum she stands no where.
She turned to music composition and got first assignment from the film “Dil Deke Dekho”. She used Rafi/Asha for Shammi Kapoor & Asha Parekh. Though the songs were hit but that did not give her much recognition since there were O P Nayyar and SJ who were far superior.
She did get a few assignment mostly from C grade films and continued singing also.
Exmaple - Juke Jo Tere Nina - Mahendra Kapoor/ Usha Khanna.
Unlike KK as a singer she gets her due in the 70s as a music composer.
Examples
Teri Galiyon Mein Na Rakhenge - Rafi
Ajanbi Kaun Ho Tum - Lata
Madhubaan Khushbu Detaa Hai - Yesudus/Anuradha
Dil Ke Tukde-Tukde Kar Ke Muskurake - Yesudas (He gets a film maker award 1979)
Ku Es Tarha Se Meri Zindagi Mein - Manhar (Rafi sings the enthusiastic number at a faster speed)
Zindagi Pyar Ka Geet Hai - KK
Shayad Meri Shaadi Khayal - KK/Lata
There are many more hits Usha has composed in 70s and early 80s. She is the only female MD to excel to such an extend. Plus she is highly respected by both Lata & Asha till date.
————————————————————————————–
Considering the above analysis KK cannot be placed in the category of genious music composers. But certainly is a very good composer for his own voice.
June 18th, 2006 at 3:55 pm
Dear Sagar,
Thanks! May I invite your attention to another one? “Aasman se aaya farishta” – from An evening in Paris. I have noticed that there are numerous changes of emotions, even within the same line, in this song – such a strong emphasis has been given by Rafi for the pranks of a lover who is desperate to get his love, plus the four-styled “kaho pyar hai tum se” at the end. One can feel the hope, zeal, desperation, helplessness, and joy of a lover fluctuating in the same song. “Akele akele kahan jaa rehe ho” also is somewhat akin to this, not fully though.
June 18th, 2006 at 3:15 pm
Dear Narayanan and Nair Sahab,
Hello to you and thanx for the post , I know one such movie which I think and guess you must have heard of in which Rafi Sahab has acted with Dilip Kumar the name of that movie is ” JUGNU ” the print of that movie is unavailable as of now , it will be a very good collection if we get that movie, I got this information from on of my friend Rashid.
I tried collecting it but JUGNU is really a rare movie , if we get that we will be able to see Rafi Saab’s acting too.
There is a song which I would like to post ” KAISE SAMJHAOO ” from film SURAJ - 1966 with ASHA BHOSLE.
The best part of song is that Rafi Saab has sung that song in various ways and we can feel the change of mood of the song and voice its done fantastically.
If anyone has some other info please share.
Thanx and Regards
Sagar
June 18th, 2006 at 2:33 pm
Dear Narayanan,
You might have heard the great gazal “Lagta nahin hai dil mera” from Bhadur Shah Zafar, where the rendition is just with tambourine in the background. Rafi rendered the same gazal in a live concert too; his voice is so crystalline and divine. It proves that for a gifted singer the ambience is immaterial – be it a stage or recording room. However, he is accompanied by tabla and saxophone in the concert.
June 18th, 2006 at 1:46 pm
Again DEAR FRIENDS,
IN THE QUESTION OF THE SONG LAL-QUILA THE SONG ‘ITNA HAI BADNASEEB HAI JAFFER’ IT DOESNT HAVE ANY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. ONLY RAFI SAHABS VOICE IS HEARD. CAN WE LIST SOME MORE LIKE THIS.
REGARDS
June 18th, 2006 at 1:37 pm
Dear Mohan,Nair,Anmol,Ali,Manoj,Ramesh,Rajeev,Rajan Iyer,Padmanabhan,Rasheed Khan,Jawedbhai,Shambhu,Sagar and all Rafians n true music lovers,
I think we had a long discussion on the comparison going to so many responses. My sincere request is to go to other interesting sites in this superb web which will help us to gain more insight to THE GREATEST PLAYBACK SINGER RAFI SAHAB.
I WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE THE THREAD SINCE MANY OF U ARE KEEN MUSC LOVERS AND WOULD LIKE TO BENEFIT IN THE WORLD OF RAFI SAHABS MUSIC.
kINDLY TELL ME IN WHICH SONG INTERLUDE CAN WE HEAR RAFI TALKING ? i CAN THINK OF THE ” LOVE IN TOKYO’ SONG AAJAO AA ZARA LEHRAKE AA ZARA. THIS IS BECAUSE SANJEEV KUMAR KOHLI MADAN MOHANJIs SON HAS QUOTED THAT WHENEVER HE USED TO PICK UP PHONE IN HIS HOUSE HE USED TO GET AMAZED BY RAFI SAHABs VOICE WHILE TALKING. CAN WE LIST SOME MORE SONGS.
I LEARNED THAT RAFI SAHAB POTRAYED SMALL ROLE IN INSANIYAT N SAMAJ KO BADAL DALO. IS THERE ANY SUCH FILMS IN WHICH HE HAS ACTED.
CAN WE LIST OUT THE LOW PITCH SONGS LIKE THE ONE ‘ NAV KALPANA NAV ROOPSE POOJA KAROON SANSAARK KI’ FROM THE FILM MRUG TRISHNA .
APART FROM ONE SONG QUOTED BY ONE FAN ‘ITNA HAI BADNASEEB HAI JAFFAR’ FROM THE FILM LAL-QUILA , CAN ANYONE LIST THE OHTER SONGS WITH THE FILM NAMES.
CAN WE LIST SONGS OF RAFI SAHAB IN WHICH THE HERO SINGS IN THE MIKE OR RECORDING STUDIO AND IT IS RELAYED TO RADIO OR T.V. I CAN QUOTE THE IMMORTAL SONG OF ‘BARSAAT KI RAAT’ BY ROSHANJIs ‘ZINDAGI BHAR NAHI BHULEGI WOH BARSAAR KI RAAT PICTURISED ON BHARAT BHUSHAN AND MADHUBALA HEARS THE SONG ON THE RADIO.
FRIENDS MUSIC LOVERS N RAFI FANS PL HELP ME TO ENHANCE MY KNOWLEDGE ON THE GREATEST,HUMBLE,ENCHANTIC,MAGICAL,MELODIOUS AND MSEMERISING VOICE OF THE STARS RAFI SAHAB.
FOR MORE INTERACTION I REQUEST U TO GET IN TOUCH WITH ME IN MY ID bangaloreconsultancy@hotmail.com or convenient mobile number 09886779557 please.
Thanks n Warm regards,
P.Narayanan
June 18th, 2006 at 12:48 pm
Dear Avi
there is no problem that u r favorite is KK but there problem start when u said that kk better singer than Mohd Rafi.
Who can else sing this song for Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru “Karti Hai Fariyaad Yeh Dharti” or for Gandhiji “Bapu Ki Amar Kahani”
June 18th, 2006 at 12:13 am
Dear Avi and KK fans
I hope u saw at TV when P from LP said It is easy to make songs for Mohd Rafi,Lata and Asha P from LP said because they(M RAFI,LATA,ASHA)will sing it how we make the songs but other singer they can’t?!!!!!
Dear Avi if I like Aamir Khan more than Mr Bachchan it should not mean that Aamir Khan is better than Mr Bachchan because there are something like in Aamir Khan but when u compare Aamir Khan with Bachchan I should be honest with that,
Dear Avi what said by Mr Nair ,Mohan and many more with proof and sorry 2 say but u have no thing 2 say only that u love KK If it like that I love my son it mean that he is better singer than Mohd Rafi and KK.
I think Amit Kummar(son of KK)a copy of KK but where is he?!!!!
Please be a like sport man.
June 17th, 2006 at 11:16 pm
Dear avi,
Thanx for your response. I wanted to prove a point and you have readily proved it! You are a KK fanatic and this can be gauged from the bitterness or grudge you carry in your comment for those who don’t toe your line of thought. A fan is a person who admires or enjoys listening to sb/sth very much. You have carried your admiration of KK to extreme levels. I salute you for your fanaticism and beliefs but pity you for your blurry vision. It was nice and enjoyable to go thru the comments and views of all friends-including avi and shankar- and learnt a lot of new information from the likes of anmol, nair, anon and others. I am leaving for a few days but will return in time to read the latest by the avi-shankar express and others. No hard feelings though. Bye!