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 26th, 2006 at 9:14 pm
Dear Narayanan Sir , Anmol Sir,
Sorry for Late reply was bit busy in work,
I have the cd but I am in reasearch of getting Rafi Sahab’s more songs , as there are around 70 songs in Marathi.
As soon as I get the info I will inform you asap.
Thanx for your reply.
Regards
Sagar
June 26th, 2006 at 8:05 pm
Hi Anmol and Nair Sab,
Tasveer tere dil me…… film Maya
Maine chand sitaron ki tamanna ki composer C. Arjun
Raat bhar ka hai mehman andhera… film Sone ki Chidiya
Bhari duniya mein akhir…. film Do Badan
I think that other knowledgable friends like Anon n Nair sab have correctly mentioned the others.
Regarding Malayalam song I have seen a movie where actresses Jalaja and Sathyakala hears the song Oh Duniya ke rakhwale …song in the womens hostel where they hear on the radio.
Furhter I have heard the songs of Telugu films like version of China town picturised on the famous He man of the Telugu screen the one only one N.T. Ramarao. The other song I heard was the duet with P.Susheela in the C.Ramachandra composed song nane Sipahi…… May be Shankar can add some more to this.
The only Kannada song sung by Rafi was a superhit and no Rafi nite will be complete without the song composed by Satyam. Do not know the wording but it is melodious n sad song.
Regards
Narayanan
June 26th, 2006 at 7:34 pm
Dear Anmol,
…..and the rest;
Tere Kooche Mein Armaano Duniya – Naushad (Dillagi)
Raha gardishon mein – Ravi (Do Badan)
Kis Tarhan Jiten Hai Ye Log – Ravi (Nai Roshni)
Tujhe Kya Sunao – Madan Mohan (Aakhri Dao)
June 26th, 2006 at 6:48 pm
Hi Anmol,
I guess these are the names of few of the Composers
1. Tasveer Teri Dil Main - Rafi/Lata - Salil Chaudhary
2. Mai Ne Chand Aur Sitaron Ki - Rafi. The song has a good use of the sitar
- C Ramachandra ( Not too sure)
3. Bhari Duniyan Mein Akhir Dil Ko - Rafi. In this song the piano is used.
- Ravi
4. Phir Tumhari Yaad Aai E Sanam - Rafi & Chorus - Sajjad Hussain
5. Kis Tarhan Jiten Hai Ye Loog - Rafi -?
6. Tere Kuche Mein Armaano Duniya - Rafi ?
7. Raat Bhar Kaa Hai Mehmaa Andhera - Rafi- O P Nayyar
8. Tujhe Kya Sunao Mai Dil Ruba - Rafi
9. Rahaa Gurdishoon Mein Har Dum - Rafi
June 26th, 2006 at 6:19 pm
A short word about Rafi and Malayalam. In fact, I have read that music director Baburaj had invited Rafi for a Malayalam song, however, due to certain reasons, it did not materialize. Yet, he sang a Hindi song in a Malayalam movie in 1980. Unfortunately, I am not aware of the movie. Probably, some of the friends here might know.
June 26th, 2006 at 3:00 pm
Dear Rafi Fans,
There are few Rafi songs for which I am not aware of the composer and film to which they belong. Possibly our dear friends could help me.
1. Tasveer Teri Dil Main - Rafi/Lata
2. Mai Ne Chand Aur Sitaron Ki - Rafi. The song has a good use of the sitar
3. Bhari Duniyan Mein Akhir Dil Ko - Rafi. In this song the piano is used.
4. Phir Tumhari Yaad Aai E Sanam - Rafi & Chorus
5. Kis Tarhan Jiten Hai Ye Loog - Rafi
6. Tere Kuche Mein Armaano Duniya - Rafi
7. Raat Bhar Kaa Hai Mehmaa Andhera - Rafi
8. Tujhe Kya Sunao Mai Dil Ruba - Rafi
9. Rahaa Gurdishoon Mein Har Dum - Rafi
June 26th, 2006 at 2:25 pm
Dear Sagar,
Thanks for the information. I have heard Rafi singing many Marathi songs during Engg Graduation at Pune in the late 80s and early 90s. I don’t recall the excat wordings of most of the songs, but the tunes indeed are there in my mind.
A few days back I heard Rafi Saab singing a Gujarati song at FM 100.8 while driving. Initially I though I must be some old hindi songs, then I heard carefully Rafi singing “Che” after every line. It was a Gujarati song some what similar to “Mann Re Tu Kahe Na” but slightly faster.
Similarly I heard him singing many Bengali songs, especially related to Durga Puja. I have heard Rafi singing devotional songs in many langauges representing various cultures. The compliment which I would like give is “The Perfect voice to praise the Lord”.
I have not heard Rafi singing any Telgu/Tamil/Kannada song.
I can understand Rafi singing Punjabi songs / Gurbani since he comes from a similar envoirnmental backgorund of North India. But singing songs of all together different language and reproducing the same originality which appeals to the people of that culture is indeed a God gifted quality.
Therefore medoly from any part of nature and Rafi are made for each other.
June 25th, 2006 at 1:18 pm
Dear Brethen of music lovers,
Last few days I on my tour to Phuket was littled depressed by the crazy noise n the jarring music being played in the infamous bangla street. But during my visit for dinner I luckily stumbled in a punjabi restuarent and was very very happy to hear the melodious songs of Rafi being played there which was soothing and made my trip fantastic n successful. The songs played in the restaurent were from Dil Diya…dard liya, Leader, Deedar, Ram aur Shyam, Ganwaar, Aadmi, Kohinoor etc the owner himself a big fan of Rafi N Naushad.
I was lookong for the song Mehka mehka pyar tumhare behki behki chaal.. …. tumhara naam kya hai from the film Ganwaar which was not in the film but used to be regularly played in the Radio those days. This song had western leanings n the maestros did full justice to it.
Padmanabhan
June 25th, 2006 at 1:06 pm
Dear Sagar, I have heard the above mentioned Marathi song during my college days
The song of Rafi Sahab is superb n enjoyable. But can I get the cd of the ame in Mumbai pl?.
This is because my friends in Blre would like to listen to the same.
Regards,
Narayanan
June 23rd, 2006 at 7:17 pm
Dear P.NARAYANAN / ANMOL / MOHAN and NAIR ( SAHAB ‘S )
Please may i also requet you to LISTEN the following song :
Song Name : SHODHISHI MANAVA
Language : MARATHI
LYRICS : VANDANA VITANKAR
MUSIC : SHRIKANT THACKRAY
The above respected song is one of personal favourites of RAFI SAHAB also its a huge hit song it was composed in 1970 , Its a non-filmi song but just check out the TOUCH our SOFT RAFI SAHAB has given you all will go HAYWIRE.
Just get this song and listen to the MAESTRO performing.
I will appreciate if you all give me a feedback.
A TRUE RAFIAN
SAGAR
June 23rd, 2006 at 7:03 pm
Dear Shankar, Sagar and Nair Sab,
Your selection of the songs mentioned were simply fabulous and my favourite also.
Dear Anmol and Mohan, Thanks for the prompt reply and info.
Dear Music Lovers,
Today I got to see the famous song of Dil ka bhanwar kare pukar from the film Tere ghar ke saamne…. What a superb song n picturisation amongst Kutub Minar with the charming Devanand n beautiful Nutan. The Rafi-Burman da combo is at the MELODIOUS BEST>
I wish atleast couple of hours should be devoted to the immortal classics of evergreen yesteryear hits both in the B/W era n the Eeastman color.
Another superb song heard on the radio was Khuda bhi asmaanse jab zammenpar dekhta hoga…. from the film Dharthi produced n directed by Sridhar which is remake of Sivanthamann in Tamil.
Thanks
Narayanan
June 23rd, 2006 at 8:15 am
Thanks Sagar,for appreciating the song. The music for the song(film Aao Pyar Karen,1964) was given by Usha Khanna(not SJ) lyrics by Rajinder Krishan, and song/ yodelling by Rafi.
June 23rd, 2006 at 8:10 am
Thanks Sagar for appreciating Rafi’s yodel. The music for the song(film Aao Pyar Karen,1964) was given by Usha Khanna(not SJ) and lyri
June 23rd, 2006 at 7:14 am
Dear Sagar,
I would like to comment on the first song – Koi Sone Ke Dilwala.
Happy-go-lucky mood (to be followed by love and sorrow), has been a hot theme in early sixties. Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor, and Joy Mukerjee were the best players of this mood. While these heroes depicted the yet-to-find-love state of boys, Rafi provided frills to their acting with his voice – packed with a large dose of “eager yet wary” approach towards love. While the heroes did their job in a romantic colorful ambience, Rafi prepared the emotions package in the mold of the film star’s style as well as the character’s personality in the grey shades of recording rooms. That package delivered by him, in fact, might have made the heroes’ job easier. Certainly, all playback singers do this. But what makes Rafi special is his mastery over this art.
There are umpteenth examples of similar songs, e.g., Jaane mera dil kisse dhoond raha hai, Lakhon mein nigaahom mein, kissi na kissi se, Jawani aye mast bin piye and, so on.
In fact, Kishore also has a few good songs in this account like Chala jaata hoon, Yeh dil na hota bechara, and so on. To my knowledge, no other singer, other than our duo, has done true justice to this theme……has any?
June 23rd, 2006 at 6:45 am
some other very good rafi songs:
dil mein chupake pyar ka toofan le chale
sau baar janam lenge, sau baar fanaa honge, ae jaan-e-wafa phir bhi hum -tum na judaa honge
aap ke haseen rukh pe aaj naya noor hai, mera dil machal gaya tho mera
-kya qasoor hai
ek haseen shaam ko dil mera kho gaya, pehle apna hua karta tha, ab kisi
-ka ho gaya
jeet hi lenge baazi hum tum, khel adhoora choote na, pyar ka bandhan,
-janam ki bandhan, janam ka bandhan toote na
jaane kya dhoondthi rehte hai ye aankhen mujhme, raat ke der mein
-shola hai na chingari hai
June 22nd, 2006 at 9:30 pm
DEAR MOHAN FLORA,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRICELESS GIFT TO ME , I M VERY HAPPY AND THE SONG IS FANTASTIC, GOD BLESS YOU
REGARDS
SAGAR
June 22nd, 2006 at 6:54 pm
Dear friends,
I think what as Naushand Ali Said in these words are all true
Tujhe naghmon ki jaan ahle nazar yoon hi nahi kahte
Tere geeton ko dilon ka humsafar yoon hi nahi kahte
Dukhi the laakh fir bhi mutmain the dard ke mare
Teri aawaz ki shabnam se dhul jate the gham sare
Teri tano me husne zindagi leta tha angdai
Tujhe baksha tha allah ne andaze maseehai
Tu hi tha pyar ka ek saaz is nafrat ki duniya me
Ghanimat thi teri aawaz is nafrat ki duniya me
Mahfilon ke daman me sahilo ke aaspas
Ye sada goonjegi sadiyon tak dilon ke aaspas.
June 22nd, 2006 at 4:14 pm
MY DEAREST RAFIANS,
PLEASE LISTEN TO THE FOLLOWING SONGS THEY ARE ONE OF THE BEST SONGS BY RAFI SAAB :
SOLO:-
“Koi Sone Ke Dilwala, Koi Chandi Ke Dilwala,
Sheeshe Ka Hai Matwale Mera Dil;
Mehfil Ye Nahi Teri,
Deewane Kahin Chal”
DUET:
“Tum Ko Pyar Ho Sajani, Tum Ko Pyar Ho;
Mujhe Tumse Pyaara Aur Na Koi”
DUET :-
“Tujhe Pyaar Karte Hai, Karte Rahenge,
Ke Dil Banke Dil Mein Dhadakte Rahenge;
Tera Naam Leke Jeete Rahen Hain,
Tera Naam Leke Marte Rahenge”
I WILL APPRECIATE IF YOU ALL GIVE ME A FEEDBACK PLEASE.
REGARDS
A TRU RAFIAN
SAGAR
June 22nd, 2006 at 3:18 pm
Dear Mr. Naranaynan,
The song “Ya dile diwana rukh jaati wasale yaar ki” is from the film ‘Unche Loog” picturized on Feroz Khan.
June 22nd, 2006 at 2:52 pm
Dear Music Lovers,
As told by Mohan and Nair we are here to share our knowledge and be a part of the legacy of precious treasures left by Rafi Sahab. In fact as his ardent fan I earlier used to keep the newspaper cuttings or used to record interviews of famous film personalities from Naushad,Lata to Sonu Nigam, Shreya Goshal who have told that they are influenced by Rafi Sahabs singing.
But then I have to keep the record which perhaps is not sufficient to keep in my apartment as the infromation dates from the late 1960s. So I decided to get into the flow of the gems of music which only a music lover can relish.
To continue the thread I have small list of songs which were not big hits but they are simply fabulous:
Ya dile diwana rukh jaati wasale yaar ki…… composed by Chitragupt and picturised on the young Feroz Khan. Do not remember the movie
Nazar na lag jaaye kisi ki rahone mein……oh my love… from the film Night in London by LP. I thought it was SJ as the latters stamp is clearly there. The way Rafi Sahab sings oh my love is fantastic and any romantic female who listens to this should get fascinated.
Infact some months back Amitabh in an interview to Sony Max with Ompuri had mentioned that Rafi Sahabs professional sincerity and the dedication was unmatched whomsover be the Music Director, Actor on whom a particular song is picturised, Prodn Banner etc. Since he is also fond of evergreen classics n melodies he has mentioned this. Further both the legends have sung together in Naseeb for Chal mere bhai… which became a hit with the masses.
Another superb song was the Dil ka soona saal tharana doondege….. with which no tribute to Rafi Sahab can be compeleted was composed by Ganesh Brother of Lakshmikant of LP. Again do not know the movie. Also this was the favourite of the famous Producer-Director a Rafi fanatic Man mohan Desai.
Thanks
P.Narayanan
June 22nd, 2006 at 10:54 am
Dear Avi,
This regarding your query.
Just to analyze KK and Usha Khanna as MD, it has been observed both gave many hits in the 60s.
1960s (Usha Khanna)
Chodo Kal Ki Batein - Mukesh
Chand Ko Kya Malum - Mukesh
Teri Nigahon Pe Mar - Mukesh
Maine rakha hai mohabbat - Rafi
Hum Tum Se Juda Hoke - Rafi
Hai tabassum tera - Rafi/Asha
Ayaa Re Khilone Wala - Rafi
Tum Akele To Kabhi Baug Mein Jaya Na Karo - Rafi/Lata
Result - Seeing the popularity of above songs & KK compositions, both can be considered equal.
In 70s KK doesn’t contribute much as a MD, though he composed music in few films, but Usha is far ahead.
1970s (Usha Khanna)
Barkaa Rani Jara Jamke Barso - Mukesh
Bhin Phere Hum Tere - KK
Dost Banke Aaye Ho - Rafi/Usha
Gaddi Jaandi Chhalaange Maardi - Rafi/Shailendra/Dilraj/Usha
Khuda Hi Juda Kare to Kare - Rafi/KK
Teri Galiyon Mein Na Rakhenge - Rafi
Madhubaan Khushbu Detaa Hai - Yesudus/Anuradha
Dil Ke Tukde-Tukde Kar Ke Muskurake - Yesudas
Tu Es Tarha Se Meri Zindagi Mein - Manhar/Rafi/Hemlata
Ram Dulari Maike Gayee - S Wadker
Jis Ke Liya Sab Ko Choda - Rafi/Lata
Pyra Karten Hai Hum Tumhe Itna - Asha/Manhar
Result - Usha is better than KK.
In 80s again not much contribution from KK, but Usha provides few remarable numbers.
Ajanbi Kaun Ho Tum - Lata
Zindagi Pyar Ka Geet Hai - KK/Lata
Shayad Meri Shaadi Khayal - KK/Lata
Result - Usha is better than KK.
Final Telly - Usha is a better MD than KK.
June 22nd, 2006 at 6:14 am
Please click on the second song in the above thread!
June 22nd, 2006 at 6:10 am
http://www.dvdmaniacs.net/forums/showthread.php?t=20190&page=1&pp=15
Enjoy “Jaan Pehchan Ho” video on the above site and just watch to know what playback singing is all about. How one should match his voice to the actor in the film-whether he was a superstar or an unknown actor was inconsequential to Rafisaab. HE was the King of the medium-no doubt about that.
June 22nd, 2006 at 5:43 am
A clip from a recent article on Rafisaab in indiaglitz:
“The love for the singer was visible when the Shanmukhananda Hall (Mumbai’s biggest public concert hall) was packed for a concert held on the eve of Rafi’s 25th death anniversary despite the city just recovering from last week’s flash-foods,” Iyyer said.
To be crowned greatest by music directors and fans is one thing. But to be given the same status by Manna Dey - a contemporary of Rafi and perhaps the only artiste who posed any competition to the former - proves the point.
“Many may disagree with me. But I know for a fact that Rafi was not very well trained classically. Yet he was the greatest and there can be none like him,” Dey had said.
Yet, no one else could have sung songs like “Madhuban Mein Radhika Naache Rey” (”Kohinoor”, 1960), “Man Tadapata Hari Darshana Ko Aaj” (”Baiju Bawra”, 1955) which are seeped in classical intonations.
Dey claimed that Rafi had even sung under him when he was an assistant music director at the beginning of both their careers.-
We may have our own preferences and nobody can thrust their opinion on others or vice-versa. We should keep a cool frame of mind and share knowledge on the great music legends and enjoy the music they have left behind for us to groove in.Relax!
June 22nd, 2006 at 5:17 am
A clip taken from a RESEACH PAPER ON NON-TELEGU SINGERS IN TELEGU FILMS by Vanaparthy Ranganath reads as follows:
The entry of non-Telugu playback singers to Tollywood is not new today, it has been there for years. Moving our memory pointer about thirty years back we realize that it was Swargiya Dr. NTR who introduced Mohammad Rafi to Tollywood to sing for his movie Aaradhana. The makers of that movie wanted to use a same tune that was used in a Hindi movie. The tune was “Aaja Tuj ko pukaare mere geet re.. o mere mithwa”. They were of the opinion that Mohammad Rafi was the only playback singer who could modulate his pitch so effectively and so he was approached with the offer. Mohammad Rafi said that if the producers felt that he would not kill the language he would definitely sing in Telugu. And so he sang the same tune in Telugu as “Naa madi ninnu pilichindi gaanamai venu gaanamai naa praanamai” and then the entry of non-Telugu singers started into our beloved Tollywood.