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.
July 21st, 2006 at 7:52 pm
DEAR TIM ,
This your BLOG statement :
” The statements of neutrals are very interesting: Rafi neutrals say “both the singers are good, although Rafi is the best, yet Kishore has versatility, however, he lacks something, but, indeed, a popular singer, nevertheless lucky, but only mediocre, I like both, but Rafi most”. Kishore neutrals say: “both cannot be compared for the simple reason that both are good – one is cricket other is football, I am a Rafi fan too, Kishore is of 70s Rafi is of 60s, yet Rafi never did yodel or comedy, so you have to accept that Kishore is also good!”
BOSS !!!! Dont make such funny statements ……
Listen to the following :
1.) DIL KE AINE MEIN ….. ( Rafi Sahab Has done Yodelling )
2.) Ae Dil hain mushkil …..
3.) Sar Jo Tera Chakraye……..
4.) Mein Zindagi Ka Saath ……
5.) Ramaiya Vastavaiya … ( Mukesh later f****d this song with his nasal
voice )
6.) Savere Waali Gaadi Se …….
7.) Aaj Cricket Match……..
8.) O Akalmand ….. duet with KK
9.) Dil Ka Bhanwar Kare Pukaar……
10.) And the one and only ” GOVINDA ALA RE ……. ”
TIM kindly listen to the above songs and apologize for saying RAFI SAHAB never sang COMEDY , YODELLING etc……..
Also RAFI SAHAB has and can sing KK songs but ask KK and his fans whether he can sing any of RAFI SAHAB’s songs in that QUALITY…….
TUM BIN JAAO KAHAN … for which AVI is saying is best sung by KK …
The fact is that RDB recorded RAFI SAHAB’S Voice first for Shashi Kapoor and then he gave that tape to KK for practising and understanding the mode…after 1 week KK’s voice was recorded…Uneccessary yodelling has spoiled that song because the siatuation in the film was that BHARAT BHUSHAN was really sad as per the plot …but KK yodelled and that song landed no where…………
TIM please do the needful.
Regards
Sagar
July 21st, 2006 at 7:43 pm
Dear AVI,
Veyr well said I need to Improve but you know when I will when you and KK will stop bothering the MUSIC world .
I read your previous BLOG where you had written the following :
Please answer me do u visualize Amitabh when u hear?
1. Manzilein apni jagah hai
2. KISI Baat par main kisi se khafa hu
3. O saathi re tere bina bhi kya jeena
On the basis of 3 songs you are asking us a question whether we visualize Amitabh or not ? Let me ask you and tell you final thing that there are more than 30,000 songs by RAFI SAHAB which when heard we can only visualize the ACTORS … don’t you realize this.
And as far as accepting my challenge is that you don’t have that DUM in you to accept it you are as good as KK who never accepted or sang any songs which meant pure divine MUSIC… he always sang MEDIOCRE,MONOTNOUS songs in his entire career and he got support from RDB,SDB etc… these BENGALI’S were supported by DANGEROUS NIGHT TINGLING SISTERS.
Anyways AVI I don’t think there is any point talking with you because I have realized you are complete waste due to listening to KK songs, wish you had heard some songs of RAFI SAHAB as well.
**************************************************************
FRIENDS AND FOES , Our friend AVI is in deep trouble he needs medical help …. please help him out…………
Regards
Sagar
July 21st, 2006 at 6:50 pm
The number of blogs is nearing 600 – a number which is scaring for someone who wants to read and understand the arguments; laborious and daunting task. Well, there is some relief; as regards the Kishoreans’ blogs, reading those in the tens are enough, as the reader can find the same content (Tim would not say arguments) even in five hundreds. It is the same banal stuff song no.1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 touches the soul of the blogger, yodeling, and comedy. Recently, some Rafians tried to get the Kishoreans in constructive lines by asking doubts about Mr. Kumar’s aptitudes, relationship with Rafi and other colleagues, etc. Well, should silence be treated as ignorance or wisdom? In the whole affair, one must appreciate the dedication of Rafians; they do vertical and horizontal research to expose the positives of their singer. The long lists of movie and song names and statistics are the examples. They even come with the philosophy and science of music and demonstrate how well their singer fits it into. In response for all these efforts they get yodeling, comedy, and song no.1, 2, 3, 4, and five, plus the hollow emphasis on versatility.
Some one admitted both the singers to the engineering stream; one in IIT and the other in regional engineering college. Since Rafi being in the hierarchically higher institution, Rafians gave a positive nod to it. But Tim is surprised how come the other came to the business of engineering colleges without knowing basic math. Yes, now Kishoreans will say that even though Mr. Kumar did not know math, he has done some sums; sums like one plus one is two, two plus two is three. Ah! What high quality sums.
The statements of neutrals are very interesting: Rafi neutrals say “both the singers are good, although Rafi is the best, yet Kishore has versatility, however, he lacks something, but, indeed, a popular singer, nevertheless lucky, but only mediocre, I like both, but Rafi most”. Kishore neutrals say: “both cannot be compared for the simple reason that both are good – one is cricket other is football, I am a Rafi fan too, Kishore is of 70s Rafi is of 60s, yet Rafi never did yodel or comedy, so you have to accept that Kishore is also good!”
As the number is climbing upwards, it seems that something like a Stockholm syndrome (but no hostages or captives) is developing between the bloggers of both sides. They need each other; badly. Probably, this is the cause of all provocations.
July 21st, 2006 at 5:12 pm
Hi Avi,
You are showing complete ignorance on the 71% Rajesh & Amitabh film fare nominations contribution for KK. None of the singers have such a huge contribution from a just one or two actors. Again & again you are shifting the focus of discussion by stating KK sang for many actors. We are aware that KK sang for many actors.
July 21st, 2006 at 4:45 pm
Again more songs – all favorites, more comparisons (concealed delight of Kishoreans are fully on), more statistics, spiritual elevations (an inherent feature of Rafi songs), attribution of that spirituality to lyricist and composer by the other side. Among all these, what I like most is the ascription of an “ever gloomy man” to Bharat Bhooshan; poor chap. Can’t resist from laughing. He too, like many others, became scapegoat for somebody else’s flaw. The logic is overall amazing – if Mr. Kumar is successful, that’s his talent (a term repeatedly emphasized by Kishoreans, do not know why?), and if someone points out a flaw, it’s because the actor has a dull face, the harmonium was old; poor tools, they always get the blame, for what?
Filmfare awards are also back to debate. For Rafians 6 is a handsome number. This is what the other side dislikes; they were proud of 8 (four of which came when the kingdom was forlorn) and when Rafians come with 6 (five of which were when awards were given on a non-genderical basis), Kishoreans feel “afterall awards are immaterial”. Kumar Sanu (the so called clone) with 5 consecutives is a threat for Kishoreans. Its okay, awards are immaterial!
Again more songs – all favorites, more comparisons (concealed delight of Kishoreans are fully on), more statistics, spiritual elevations (an inherent feature of Rafi songs), attribution of that spirituality to lyricist and composer by the other side. Among all these, what I like most is the ascription of an “ever gloomy man” to Bharat Bhooshan; poor chap. Can’t resist from laughing. He too, like many others, became scapegoat for somebody else’s flaw. The logic is overall amazing – if Mr. Kumar is successful, that’s his talent (a term repeatedly emphasized by Kishoreans, do not know why?), and if someone points out a flaw, it’s because the actor has a dull face, the harmonium was old; poor tools, they always get the blame, for what?
Filmfare awards are also back to debate. For Rafians 6 is a handsome number. This is what the other side dislikes; they were proud of 8 (four of which came when the kingdom was forlorn) and when Rafians come with 6 (five of which were when awards were given on a non-genderical basis), Kishoreans feel “afterall awards are immaterial”. Kumar Sanu (the so called clone) with 5 consecutives is a threat for Kishoreans. Its okay, awards are immaterial!
Two advises were given to Tim; 1) close the ears and 2) listen to the same song again. Eh?
July 21st, 2006 at 4:41 pm
Hi Avi,
Don’t get so frustrated, just relax. It is just analysis as per actual facts. I can understand your state of mind, some times it is difficult to digest the reality.
I agree with you indeed 70s for KK’s period, but great singers like Rafi and Mukesh did not fade with KK’s dominence. In fact they won nominations, sang till their last breath and died with their boots on. The same holds true for SD Burman also. Very few get this previlage.
July 21st, 2006 at 4:39 pm
Praban das
Hi I am Rafi Sahab’s Fan
This is for Mr Avi & Shankar
Rafi Sahab and KK was both great singer no doubt , but as compare KK was far away from Rafi Sahab
why are you two simply argiving with Rafi Sahab Fans that also at Rafi Sahab site , if you’all want to fight or argive , you can go on KK’s site
I request you Both of you please quit from this site
Thanks
Pranab Das
July 21st, 2006 at 4:01 pm
Dear Anmol Singh,
I have seen ur comment on Kumar Sanu. Does it mean Kumar Sanu is better than Rafi because he sang for all actors n he received 5 filmfare award in lesser time Rafi. I thought you are one who knows music even though you are bias toward Rafi but its OK because everyone has their own favorite but ur comment on Kumar Sanu is disaapointed. I am sure you would not like if i compare Rafi with Kumar Sanu.
Of course my views are personal but i know many mature people who regards kishore for his innovation. I never said Pran was in jury but he was winner for Best character actor in “Beimaan”. You did not get what i meant to convey.
There is no truth that kishore presence was there because of Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachhan.
Please answer me do u visualize Amitabh when u hear?
1. Manzilein apni jagah hai
2. KISI Baat par main kisi se khafa hu
3. O saathi re tere bina bhi kya jeena
Many more….
It is same as
1. Mujhe teri MOhabbat ka
2. Yaad na jaye bite dino ki….
Above songs are picturized on Rajendra Kumar, I never think of rajendra when i listen these songs.
But yes i rememeber Mehmood when i listen .”HUM KAALE HAI TO KYA HUA DILWALE HAI”
I remeber SHAMMI when i listen “TARIF KARU KYA USKI”
as i remeber Amitabh when i listen
“BUZURGO ne Farmaya ke apne payron”
I am sorry to say that there is no sense in a point what u made, Anmol.
Let me remind you one thing Anmol, People started taking Kishore seriously from “JHUMAROO” and “DOOR GAGAN ki CHHAON ME”. He become one of the great competitor for Rafi and mUkesh after 65 and he bacame no. 1 after 69.
I would be agree if you say SDB played an important role in KISHORE’s career as Naushad play in Rafi’s career but noone going to accept that Kishore existence was relied on rajesh Khanna. I would like to remind you that after 80 kishore gave amazing songs for Anil kapoor, jackie Shroff, Sunny deol apart from Rajesh Khanna n Bachhan.
Dear Mohan Flora,
“O Manjhi chal, o manjhi chal”…fantastic song. If your issue resolved because of this song then you can give creadit to Rafi but please don’t forget LP/Majrooh. It was his imagination. This song would have been famous if it had been sung by Mukesh also. May be Mukesh would have not done justice to this song as rafi did.
Good composition never wait for great voice. This is valid for everybody.
Hope you would have got my point.
Dear Tim,
Ur knowledge is very poor. Kishore song in PYAAR KA MOUSAM is not sad song please watch it once again. Don’t go by Bharat Bhushan face, he always look sad.
If you are saying Rafi song was better than KISHORE then i can’t help you there because world know who was better in that version. I would suggest you to stay away from the singer you don’t like. Please close ur ear whenevr you start listen Kishore’s song. If you are not able to do so, please consult psychiatrics or ask me i will suggest few Rafi’s pathetic song.
Dear Tim. One gentle advice for you.
Pls. listen the same song once again without thinking that u r rafi fan/Kishore fan, u will get the answer.
Dear Sagar,
I did not want to answer you but gentle advice for you.
First get mature, and i promise i will accept ur challenge then.
But unfortunately, You don’t have basic ingradiant of becoming a good and mature human being
July 21st, 2006 at 4:00 pm
Dear Anmol Singh,
I have seen ur comment on Kumar Sanu. Does it mean Kumar Sanu is better than Rafi because he sang for all actors n he received 5 filmfare award in lesser time Rafi. I thought you are one who knows music even though you are bias toward Rafi but its OK because everyone has their own favorite but ur comment on Kumar Sanu is disaapointed. I am sure you would not like if i compare Rafi with Kumar Sanu.
Of course my view are personal but i know many mature people who regards kishore for his innovation. I never said Pran was in jury but he was winner for Best character actor in “Beimaan”. You did not get what i meant to convey.
There is no truth that kishore presence was there because of Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachhan.
Please answer me do u visualize Amitabh when u hear?
1. Manzilein apni jagah hai
2. KISI Baat par main kisi se khafa hu
3. O saathi re tere bina bhi kya jeena
Many more….
It is same as
1. Mujhe teri MOhabbat ka
2. Yaad na jaye bite dino ki….
Above songs are picturized on Rajendra Kumar, I never think of rajendra when i listen these songs.
But yes i rememeber Mehmood when i listen .”HUM KAALE HAI TO KYA HUA DILWALE HAI”
I remeber SHAMMI when i listen “TARIF KARU KYA USKI”
as i remeber Amitabh when i listen
“BUZURGO ne Farmaya ke apne payron”
I am sorry to say that there is no sense in a point what u made, Anmol.
Let me remind you one thing Anmol, People started taking Kishore seriously from “JHUMAROO” and “DOOR GAGAN ki CHHAON ME”. He become one of the great competitor for Rafi and mUkesh after 65 and he bacame no. 1 after 69.
I would be agree if you say SDB played an important role in KISHORE’s career as Naushad play in Rafi’s career but noone going to accept that Kishore existence was relied on rajesh Khanna. I would like to remind you that after 80 kishore gave amazing songs for Anil kapoor, jackie Shroff, Sunny deol apart from Rajesh Khanna n Bachhan.
Dear Mohan Flora,
“O Manjhi chal, o manjhi chal”…fantastic song. If your issue resolved because of this song then you can give creadit to Rafi but please don’t forget LP/Majrooh. It was his imagination. This song would have been famous if it had been sung by Mukesh also. May be Mukesh would have not done justice to this song as rafi did.
Good composition never wait for great voice. This is valid for everybody.
Hope you would have got my point.
Dear Tim,
Ur knowledge is very poor. Kishore song in PYAAR KA MOUSAM is not sad song please watch it once again. Don’t go by Bharat Bhushan face, he always look sad.
If you are saying Rafi song was better than KISHORE then i can’t help you there because world know who was better in that version. I would suggest you to stay away from the singer you don’t like. Please close ur ear whenevr you start listen Kishore’s song. If you are not able to do so, please consult psychiatrics or ask me i will suggest few Rafi’s pathetic song.
Dear Tim. One gentle advice for you.
Pls. listen the same song once again without thinking that u r rafi fan/Kishore fan, u will get the answer.
Dear Sagar,
I did not want to answer you but gentle advice for you.
First get mature, and i promise i will accept ur challenge then.
But unfortunately, You don’t have basic ingradiant of becoming a good and mature human being
July 21st, 2006 at 11:02 am
Living in a foreign country- whenever I listen to the above song, “Jahaan daal daal par sone ki chhidiya karti basera “I feel proud of my country-India- and tears start rolling down my eyes-IN PRIDE AND HAPPINESS- But no one plays it here in a faraway land. I play it to myself sometimes and fantasize about the Sone Ki Chidiya- that my country once was. It is only Rafi who can give these thoughts,feelings and touch your heart about Bharatdesh. Others don’t count at all-Rafisaab all the way!
July 21st, 2006 at 10:27 am
The Song “Jahan Dal Dal Pe chidiya” is a combination of devotion and patriosim, some thing very unique. It starts with the praise of the Almighty and then India. Certainly it makes all prove to be an Indian.
The song is played during Independence day in schools in India.
July 21st, 2006 at 12:24 am
Dear Avi and Shankar,
i think KK is like u r God father and u can’t see.I hope u understant what i mean.
July 20th, 2006 at 10:11 pm
dear KK fans,
The film maker they made around three films on Bhagat singh(maybe more)but the best is when mohd Rafi singed Ae Watan,Ae Watan,humko teri kasam and Kar Chale hum Fide who else can sing these songs,Please see all films on Bhagat Singh(I hope the u know Bhagat singh).
Please listen to ” Jahan Dal Dal Pe chidiya”and there are many other songs on Bharat(India)If u listen these songs I think u will forget all singers jest u remmber only Mohd Rafi.I am not from bharat but when I listen this ” Jahan Dal Dal Pe chidiya” i feel that I am from bharat that is the magic of voice of Mohd Rafi
July 20th, 2006 at 5:49 pm
Hi Avi,
Most of yours views and analysis are personal but not as per actual facts. It’s is a like a student who says that I worked hard, but dispite that his marks are not as per expections. We know that every one works hard but finaly a student’s worth is evaluation by what is the final score.
“I am also not sure why he did not get award for JULIE. Rajesh Roshan got award. Did u think it was right? I am not thinking so.”
Julie is Rajesh Roshan’s one of best works. Plus all the songs charish mass appeal, including a devotional number “Sacha Naam Tera” & and english number “My heart Beating”.
“I hope u know Pran denied to receive filmfare award because that year music award goes to BEIMAAN instead of PAAKIZA. So it happens.”
It is Pran’s view, Pran is not part of the Jurry to decide. Paakiza has fabulous music, but popular among certain section of audience. But other films songs SHOR and BEIMAAN are popular with large mass audience.
“Do you think Rafi deserver award for “HUM KISI SE KAM NAHI”. I think he doesn’t but yes he deserve award for AMAR AKBAR ANTHoNY.”
This song has Fimfare and National Award to its credit. Both are not linked to each other, there are independent Jurys to judge both. Possibly both cannot be wrong.
Coming back to KK, we are aware that KK has sung many fabolous numbers for many actors. As pointed by our dear friend Shanker that KK’s career started some where in the mid fifties. We also think of the same. But the results of entire KK span gives a different picture all together.
The onscreen presense of Rajesh K and Amitabh B plays a major part in KK’s career, which continues till mid eighties i.e. 1969 to 1987. It is not that only Rajesh & Amitabh were successful actors and other didn’t do well. Many films apart from Rajesh & Amitabh were also bit hits.
Many Dev Anand starter movies prior to 1969 have KK numbers which are big hits in their times. Example - Faantoosh, Nau Do Garah, Jewel Thief, Paying Guest, etc.
He doesn’t manage a single nomination for his own performance on screen as an actor and singer.
When Rajesh Khanna comes on screen, then suddenly KK comes into limelight from the grave. Similarly when Amitabh performs KK’s work gets highlighted. 20 out 28 nominations all together contributed by these two. KK performs equally well and in some cases better for other actors but does not manage as many nominations compared to Rajesh K and Amitabh.
So therefore is it Rajesh K & Amitabh’s screen success the major factor and the main drive force in KK’s success?
The same does not hold true for KK’s clone Kumar Sanu. He is not associated with any actor as such. Plus statistics also reveal the same
Year Song Actor Success
1990 Ab Tere Bin Rahul Roy Won
1991 Mera Dil Bhi Kitna Sanjay Dutt Won
1992 Sochenge Tum Pyar Rishi Kap Won
1993 Ye Kali Kali Anke Shah Ruk Won
1994 Ek ladki ko dekha Anil Kap Won
1995 Tuje Dekha To Shah Ruk
1997 Do Dil Mil Rahe Shah Ruk
1999 Aankhon Ki Salman K
2002 Sanam Mere Humraaz Bobby Deol
Kumar Sanu didn’t had to wait for Shah Rukh Khan to be successful. Shah Rukh was the most successful actor in 90s. But KK had to wait for Rajesh Kh and Amitabh B to come into limelight.
July 20th, 2006 at 6:51 am
Dear Friends,
A work related topic had many of us worried today. There was a lot of suspense. At lunch, some of us decided to go out. On the way back to office, I put on a CD. After the first song, a Mukesh-Lata duet from Milan, came the Rafi song ‘O Majhi Chal, O Majhi Chal” from Aaya Sawan Jhoomke! Man, what a song. It is a song of hope-aasha among niraasha-and Rafisaab has sung it in a happy mode-his voice giving hope. I had never listened to the song so profoundly. One of my colleagues said,”Bhaji, dobara lao!”. We heard it again, Boy, what a mesmerising voice- and he gave hope. We reached our office, went to work. In the evening, the work related problem was solved and all of us came home in high spirits. Was it Rafi’s hand?
July 20th, 2006 at 6:36 am
They say many Rafi fans degrade their favourite singer known by the eleventh English alphabet, if repeated. Yet, there is something in this whole forum that means a lot for them, that they are feeling proud to see that their favourite singer is being compared with the God of music – a concealed delight. As for the Rafi fans, they are unhappy to see that Divine Voice is being compared with mediocrity – a revulsion, which takes the form of degrading (as accused of) or, say, they bare the facts in plain language (this is more logical).
At some point, Rafi fans felt it worthless to discuss – sermon to deaf ears is pointless. They began to creatively explore the divinity in that Divine voice, although it is beyond words. Then the other group was deprived of their delight. No more comparisons. Uh! Hence they started all over again…..and thereby giving satirists like me a chance to blog.
July 20th, 2006 at 5:23 am
Many creative music directors also fell into the commercial and cultural trap of the early 70s. Well, why should they be blamed; good music cannot replace the bread in the plate. Many might have been under terrible feeling of guilt, as they too were accomplices, although silent, in the musical holocaust. Some of them, as if against the law of the sphere and doing some guilt, went to Rafi; might have thought “when we leave the world, we should be known as the defenders of music during its dark ages”. They indeed were successful with the divine voice; angels! A couple of them, very honest, tried a sort of refinement, but things were made beyond repair by the trio – the mentor, the singer, and the actor.
The silliness of the 70s climbed that level that the singer needs artificial things like Pan to produce music. Oh God, so does it mean that music does not emanate from the heart? Next time when I sing a song about war and peace, I will carry a gun and dove on both hands. I am a teetotaler; how can then I sing a song supposed to be of a boozed tone?
I have recently seen a song from the movie Pyar Ka Mausam; a father nurturing his child or whatever is, he is very sad and in that sad state he is doing sporadic yodeling, that even, as if he is merry. All the years I never knew that it was a sad song. It is said that this silly number is better than a beautiful romantic number in the film. By the way who is the singer of the former one? I wish to stay away from him.
July 20th, 2006 at 4:12 am
A black-sheep for the media (do not why; paradox!), a corner of jealousness for the colleagues (it is evident), a somewhat hostile music director (who managed a brief period of popularity as well) and his pet, and many more off-putting factors around; Rafi who created mehfils for millions of hearts did not get one around him. Yet, he virtually ruled, then struggled for a brief period, and fought back his kingdom. Many times I wonder, has he had some talisman that transformed everything he touched with his voice into gold (gold is too worthless an exemplar for that voice)? If he had one, I must say, God is so impartial to others, even those who are said to have conquered the heights of music, that he bestowed his whole musical wealth to this man. Now let me say, how far media, or jelousness, or a music detector (one who detects from elsewhere) and his pet can overcome God’s own voice? Yes! That’s Rafi and his success.
Another singer (obviously with aptitude), media kept him on eye lids and followed the logic of multiplication whenever they exposed him, his mentor had a successful time, one commercial hero’s (another mediocre) low musical taste; what else is needed for mediocrity to rise to popularly? He had many flaws, but the “favourables” around him glorified the flaws as innovations – a curse for music. Music lamented in agony, however, was pacified by the turnover statistics. Needless to say, Music is divine; it cannot be deceived for ever. The success story continued, but it could not erase the stains. When ever world speak of him…is not a prick somewhere that he failed to give quality?
Talent and divinity cannot be suppressed even when it is 1971-76, flaws too….
July 20th, 2006 at 1:50 am
dear Avi,
would u please answer me why people said that music start in 1950’s when Mohd Rafi was new,the best time of music was 1960’s when Mohd Rafi singed most of songs,became old in 1970’s when there was kk or u can say that Mohd Rafi didn’t sing much,The music end in 1980?
Is it not mean that good music start with mohd Rafi and end with mohd Rafi?
July 20th, 2006 at 1:05 am
Hello fans!
In fact, Rafi fans’ dialogues with KK (as he is baptized here) fans (relatively less in number in this forum, may be that it is not home ground) help others discard what all musical talents they have thought of as present in Mr. Kumar and virtually liked him. A neutral person can learn a lot about Mr. Mohammed Rafi and naturally develop a love and respect for him, as his fans have put forward a rich pack of information and credible explanation for why should one like Mr. Rafi; these are notwithstanding his soul-stirring songs that can elevate one to sublimely heights.
The other side says that Mr. Kumar should be liked because his fans like some of his songs, say, song no 1, 2, and 3, which touch the soul. Whose soul? Oh! their souls. What else? Oh, yodeling, but all songs cannot be sung in yodel. It, afterall, is only a touch which sounds good in one or two songs.
No thanks, I will listen to Mr. Rafi.
Well, that’s it from me……
Bye fans
July 19th, 2006 at 11:59 pm
Fellow Bloggers, let us not ask Avi to leave. In the mold of Mohd Rafi, let us welcome his input, no matter how absurd it may sound. My thought is his mind believes that Rafi was the greatest, but his blind loyality to KK forces him to defend KK. We Rafi fans will keep expressing our views and may be one day Avi will come to the same conclusion that a singer like Rafi will never be born. Rafi was not only par excellence in singing, but an extremely kind and generous person. KK on the other hand married 4 times, was arrogant and a miser. In singing I consider him an average. I preferred Mukesh and Munna Day anyday to KK.
July 19th, 2006 at 11:03 pm
dear Avi,
Please give me one song in which KK singed it Free,please listen Mohd Rafi songs by RD,Do u know more than Madan Mohan.Ravi,LP,Naushand,O P N,SJ,Manny Day,…..?
Give me Rd film in all songs are hit and K A?
July 19th, 2006 at 10:24 pm
DEAR AVI,
STOP FLOODING THIS SITE AND GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE WITH YOUR KK MAN…………I HAVE GIVEN YOU A CHALLENGE WHAT HAPPENED ABOUT THAT ????/ YOU ARE BRINGING SAME MEDIOCRE SONGS OF KISHORE AND WHAT THE HELL IS THIS ” NAME LIST ” ………………… THE ACTORS WHICH YOU HAVE MENTIONED ALL HAD MEDIOCRE SONGS WHICH KK HAS SUNG …. BEHAVE YOURSELF AND SHOW SOME GOOD QUALITIES AND BRING SOME GOOD POINTS DON’T YOU HAVE ANY WORK RATHER THAN TO SIT ON NET AND POST NONSENSE POSTS / BLOGS AND DISTURB RAFI FANS…………
HOW MANY TIMES AND IN WHICH LANGUAGE SHOULD WE ALL TELL YOU THAT THIS IS A MUSIC ROOM NOT A MONKEY ROOM…….
NOW GO AND GET SOME GOOD TOPIC RELATED TO MUSIC THEN CALL FOR A DEBATE ….. WE ALL ARE BUSY HERE DON’T HAVE TIME FOR USELESS / HOPELESS / GIBBRISH THINGS SO MOVE ON………………
AND LET ME TELL YOU ONE THING ….
” KK WAS MADE BY MD’S , MANGESHKAR SISTERS / AND BENGALI MD’s.
BUT MOHD.RAFI SAHAB MADE EVERYONE IMMORTAL BY LENDING HIS VOICE TO ALL ACTORS/MDS ETC………….. ”
SO WHERE IS YOUR STAKE NOW ? IF TALKING ABOUT FILMFARE AWARDS DO YOU REALLY THINK THEY WERE GIVEN WITHOUT BEING PARTIAL ??????????????? WHEN IT CAME TO REAL SINGING , HEART TOUCHING SINGING RAFI SAHAB WAS RECALLED AND SO YOU WILL NOT FIND ANY DULL DONG BY RAFI SAHAB AND EVEN IF YOU FIND ANY IT WILL BE AGAIN IMMORTAL JUST BECAUSE RAFI SAHAB HAS GIVEN HIS VOICE ………….. HOW MANY SONGS DOES KK HAVE IN THIS CATEGORY ……… IF RD.BURMAN WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN THERE IF LATA/ASHA WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN THERE …WOULD THERE HAVE BEEN ANY ” KK ” AND IF YES THEN WHERE WAS ” KK ” BEFORE 1969 ???????????SO STOP MAKING ISSUES I ALREADY MADE MY VERDICT THAT MOHD.RAFI SAHAB IS,WAS,AND WILL BE THE BEST OF THE BEST HUMAN,SINGER,HUMBLE,CALM,PROFESSIONAL PERSON …………..DON’T BRING ” KK ” HERE HE HAS HIS OWN PLACE BUT THAT PLACE IS NOT THIS…………………
ONE MORE THING FILM ” YAADON KI BARAT ” SONG ” AAPKE KAMRE MEIN KOI RAHTA HAIN ” ??????????? DO THAT SONG HAS ANY MEANING JUST CHECK OUT HOW KK HAS TORN HIS VOICE ….. SEEMS LIKE HE IS READING A BOOK …….AND DANGEROUS ASHA IS GIVING HIM COMPANY ……. BUT JUST LISTEN ” JAANEWALO JARA ” FROM FILM ” DOSTI ” AND THEN TELL ME HOW YOUR HEART REACTS , I BET YOU WILL CALM DOWN ………… SO TRY THESE ANALYSIS AND DONT FALL FOR FALSE THINGS . AND IF YOU WANT TO , THEN DONT DISTURB US PLEASE.
REGARDS
SAGAR
July 19th, 2006 at 8:55 pm
Dear Aryan,
For you. If you think list is too short, i can send more…
Sr. No. Actor
1 Kishore
2 Dev Anand
3 Johny Walker
4 Ashok Kumar
5 Uttam Kumar
6 Utpal Dutt
7 Faruq Sheikh
8 Amol Palekar
9 Amitabh
10 Shashi Kapoor
11 Randhir Kapoor
12 Rishi Kapoor
13 Rajeev Kapoor
14 Raj Kapoor ( 1 song)
Shhammi Kapoor
15 Dilip Kumar
16 Jagdeep
17 Danny
18 Shakti Kapoor
19 Rajesh Khanna
20 Vishwajeet
21 Mithun
22 Rakesh Roshan
23 Anil Kapoor
24 Govinda
25 Sunny Deol
26 Chunky Pandey
27 Uttam Kumar
28 Vijay Anand
29 Parikshit Sahani
30 Vikram
31 Vinod Mehra
32 Vinod Khanna
33 Sanjay Khan
34 Feroz Khan
35 Akbar Khan
36 Sanjeev Kumar
37 Mehmood
38 Jeetendra
39 Dharmendra
40 Pran
41 Navin Nischal
42 Asrani
43 I S Johar
44 ANIL Dhawan
45 Sanjay Dutt
46 Sunil Dutt
47 Vishal (CHALTE CHALTE–ACTOR)
48 DAULAT KE DUSHAMAN — Actor–Not known
49 Kumar Gaurav
50 Kunal Goswami
51 Shutrughan Sinha
Dear Anmol,
On ur comment…Personality influenced..
A singer is just a tool in the hands of the composer, and cannot pick and choose to satiate his inner urges.
70’s n 80’s era was belong to Rajesh Khanna n AMitabh so most of the KISHORE songs u can see on these 2 super stars where it was not the case in 50’s n 60’s.
July 19th, 2006 at 8:47 pm
Dear Aryan,
Here is list of Kishore:
Sr. No. Actor
================
1 Kishore-himself
2 Dev Anand
3 Johny Walker
4 Ashok Kumar
5 Uttam Kumar
6 Utpal Dutt
7 Faruq Sheikh
8 Amol Palekar
9 Amitabh
10 Shashi Kapoor
11 Randhir Kapoor
12 Rishi Kapoor
13 Rajeev Kapoor
14 Raj Kapoor
Shhammi Kapoor
15 Dilip Kumar
16 Jagdeep
17 Danny
18 Shakti Kapoor
19 Rajesh Khanna
20 Vishwajeet
21 Mithun
22 Rakesh Roshan
23 Anil Kapoor
24 Govinda
25 Sunny Deol
26 Chunky Pandey
27 Uttam Kumar
28 Vijay Anand
29 Parikshit Sahani
30 Vikram
31 Vinod Mehra
32 Vinod Khanna
33 Sanjay Khan
34 Feroz Khan
35 Akbar Khan
36 Sanjeev Kumar
37 Mehmood
38 Jeetendra
39 Dharmendra
40 Pran
41 Navin Nischal
42 Asrani
43 I S Johar
44 ANIL Dhawan
45 Sanjay Dutt
46 Sunil Dutt
47 Vishal (CHALTE CHALTE–ACTOR)
48 DAULAT KE DUSHAMAN — Actor–Not known
49 Kumar Gaurav
50 Kunal Goswami
51 Shutrughan Sinha
If u want i can send few more