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.
May 28th, 2006 at 3:04 am
A clarification! In one of the clips I had erroneously mentioned Rafi’s song in the indie film Ghostbusters. Sorry ! It should have been ‘Jaan Pehchaan Ho’ in Ghostworld (2001). What a hit! after nearly 40 years. Awesome, Rafisaab.
May 27th, 2006 at 11:43 pm
dear Ali,
Surprise to read that you don’t know the difference between the great KISHORE and AAmir.
KISHORE won 8 fimfare award and that is higest till he was alive and he made RAFI to sit idle without work.
If you remember there is song in “VIDHATA” and in unreleased “PYAR AJNABI HAI” where KISHORE sang for SHAMMI KAPOOR and both were super duper hit so Mr. Ali, MDs always influenced singer. There are many songs Rafi sang for RAJESh KHANNA and few are hits but KISHORE became the voice of first SUper star and his successor super star.
Once again i said singer never makes superstar. Many Rafi fans regeret that if ARADHANA songs sung by Rafi then KK would never came in the limelight, this prove that MDs always makes singer.
Another example, There was a time when not a single movie released without KUMAR SANU in ANU MALIK composition but now because of bitterness in their relationship all songs are going to SONU NIGAM.
Latest example i cn give, personally i feel in “FANNA” film one song sung by SONU NIGAM and CHOUHAN, “MERE HAATH ME TERA HAATH HO”, i feel this song suit better to UDIT and ALKA but song is hit.
Just listen RAFI in Ghar (Bootle se ek …), Aandhi (AArti devi…)
and one song in Priyatama including one song in PYAAR KIYE JAA, all are pathetic. It is my personal view and many view.
According to me, noone can touch KISHORE
May 27th, 2006 at 1:51 am
Dear avi ,
I do think that Rajesh Khanna became superstar because of KK OR SD OR RD,he was superstar when he had Mohd Rafi songs.
As u said that singer never makes hero andSinger always become great with the help of Mds and Lyricist ,I think dear u r wrong if we speak about Mohd Rafi ,Please jest i think Shamma Kapoor without Mohd Rafi songs and as MD O P N,Yes Naushad show us Mohd Rafi and Lata yes that is right.
Why we don’t have any other Mohd Rafi from greatest Naushad?
Shanker Jaikishan the greatest Md commented ” Ajab Hai Dastan” from film Rangoli it is simply not Kishores cup of tea as they said.If I am not wrong Shanker Jaikishan is one of few best MD,
dear if we compare Mohd Rafi with KK or any singer I think there is one answer.
please go for Mohd rafi with Lata or asha songs and KK with Lata or Asha,where do u get the best?
Go for Naushad or O P nayar or Shanker Jaikishan or SD or RD or LP or Madan mohan or any one do like from MD If u will see that they have there best songs with Mohd rafi not with KK or any other singer.
A man like Manny Day one of the best Play back singer said that Mohd rafi is the best Male singer no one can be like him and there are many more.
Some of us said that some songs singed by KK that can’t be singed by Mohd Rafi as KK singed dear friends I think we are wrong because any song became famous we think about that it singed great way no other singer can sing it as it singed,
O N Nayar (MD)said once if there was no Mohd Raf there was no O P Nayar and O P Nayar said that Mohd Rafi was More great as human as a singer.If u know that O P Nayar is the man who show us Asha as singer as Asha herself said.
There is one KING and one QUEEN I mean Mohd Rafi and Lata.
Mr Bachchan all songs which he singed are famous and hit is it mean that he is the best singer?Aamar Khan singed a song it because 2nd best song of the year Is it mean that is the best singed?yes that is because of MD not to Mohd rafi and Lata.
THERE IS ONE WORLD AND ONE MOHD RAFI.
May 26th, 2006 at 8:36 pm
Dear Rafians,
Iam greatly releived to note the website forwarded by our friend Anmol Singh which clearly states that Jagjit Singh loves our Rafi Sab like any other music legend. Also this was mentioned by another friend P.Narayanan who mentioned earlier in this forum that Jagjit Singh paid rich tributes to Rafi Gharana in the Legend Special where all Legends like Naushad,Lataji,Manna da etc paid tributes to Our Immortal Rafi sab. My kudos to both of them and request this point of controversy to be removed from this lovely article and excellent website.
Rajan Iyer
May 26th, 2006 at 7:38 am
Dear P. Narayan,
I will follow up on your request when I return home in a few days. As it pertains to Rafi saab’s songs,they will be free and you can burn them for your friends.Wait for my mail!
May 24th, 2006 at 11:58 pm
Dear Music lovers,
Like my previous comments I sincerely request all not to compare Rafi Sahab with anyone. I personally feel that two legends cannot be compared and we should concentrate on this fantastic websit in the discussion forum wherein we all can go deep into so many aspects like for instance I learned from one hon member Prince Ali that Rafi sahab has sung 50% of the songs composed by the musical wizard and the music legend Shankar-Jaikishen. Further there are so many thrilling moments like very rare songs,articles,etc on Rafi Sahab only a true Rafian can enjoy to the max.
This is for Ali who feels that Pakistanis rever Rafi sahab more than indians which is totallt WRONG. During my marketing career I have visited each and every town from U.P to Kerala and from Gujarat to Andhra Pradesh and had interaction with friends,contacts and have listened to music in mofussil buses, taxis,paan shops,music programmes etc everywhere Rafi Sahab lives AMONGST ALL OF US. Maybe in disco where D.Js play where youngsters dance there are remixes but again here also Badan pe sitare,
is very popular number. Also I would like to mention that not only in the sub continent but also in U.S,Canada,U.K,Netherlands,Carribean,Africa,Middle east,Srilanka,Singapore,Malaysia etc Rafi Sahab is very popular and there is craze for his songs.
Dear Mohan Flora I shall be thrilled if you can arrange to send the unique non filmi song of Rafi sahab details to bangaloreconsultancy@hotmail.com and I would like to buy them. Please also inform me where I can get the bio-graphy of this great legend Rafi Sahab which was released in Hyd.
Iam also interested to hear Guru Baani sung by Rafi Sahab which are revered prayers for the sikhs which is out of stock in Bangalore.
LET US NOT TALK ABOUT ANY COMPARISON BUT USE THIS WEBSITE TO IMPROVE OUR MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE N WORSHIP THE HUMBLE MELODIOUS RAFI SAHSB TILL WE LIVE.
P.Narayanan
May 24th, 2006 at 9:48 pm
Mr. Ali Baluch,
You should know that singer never makes hero. For your information, Rajesh Khanna came to industry after Kishore and To make Rajesh Khanna superstar, KK and RDB and some extent SDB played important role.
It is upto music director to sign singer based on their comfort (90%), style of songs and whom it is going to picturise.
My friend Ali, NoOne become great because of Rafi or Kishore but yes Rafi n KISHORE became voice of few superstar.
Singer always become great with the help of Mds, Lyricist and To make Rafi great, credit goes to Naushad who suddenly saw Rafi in Chorus and gave him chance.
May 24th, 2006 at 5:51 pm
KK fans,
really i don’t understant how we compare a singer with Mohd Rafi!!!!
when i was a child i liked Mr big B sound more than Mohd Rafi and songs with singed by KK for big i liked it much more than Mohd Rafi which singed for Shamma Kapoor!!!!!!
KK was a great singer but when we compare him with Mohd Rafi we should be honest,Please don’t ask 2 u r heart jest ask u r mind,please ask 2 the people who worked with Mohd Rafi and KK.ask P from LP,Ravi or anyone who know about music as I thing if there are 100 person I think they will vote 200% for mohd Rafi because ever one of them will put his both hands up for Mohd rafi.
we should not compare Mohd Rafi and with anyone but when compare we should be honest.
as said about Mohd rafi
Utha Surahi Yeh, Seesha Woh Jaam Le Saaki,
Aur Uske Saath Khuda Ka Bhi Naam Le Saaki,
Mr Raj kapoor jest have few song which singed by Mohd rafi for him he said that Mohd rafi is the KING without crown.
Dear KK fans jest give me one name who said that he became hit because of KK but i can give many name they because great because of Mohd rafi songs.
JEST give ONE NAME PLEASE BUT THERE ARE SOME NAMES WHO MADE KK GREAT AS I KNOW ARE SD, RD, BIG B,Rajesh KHANNA
yes KK was the greatest as all in one but not as a singer as I think
May 24th, 2006 at 4:46 pm
Sorry Mr. Avi, I meant SD Burman not RD Burman…It was a typing Mistake.
May 24th, 2006 at 3:13 pm
Dear Rafi Fans,
This is confirmation through the following web link which clearly states that Jagjit Singh never criticised Rafi Sab.
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/enc3/mohammed_rafi
As the famous ghazal singer Jagjit Singh mentions, “Rafi was extremely versatile and could take on the personality of the Shammit Kapoor or for that matter any other hero on whom the song was picturized.”
Regards,
Anmol Singh.
May 24th, 2006 at 9:39 am
Mr. Nair,
You are absolutely right now. I meant to say both KK and RAfi are greatest in theor own style. KK couldnot adapt Rafi or Rafi could not adapt KK style because both were different personality.
I am disagree with you on RDB part.
Mr. Nair, As a human being we always like to work with the person who can add his points or view to get our job better.
There was great bonding between KISHORE and RDB.
We should not blame RDB for KISHORE success.
Both are great in their indivisual songs.
May 24th, 2006 at 12:13 am
Mr Avi,
By saying that a song originally rendered by Rafi, obviously in an inmimitable style, would sound better in KK’s voice, you are failing to admire a legend like Rafi and lowering him….also going for comparisons. Man re tu kahe na dheer dhare is a song meant for Rafi….not for KK. That’s why Music Director had chosen Rafi for that song. Now, I would not argue that certain KK songs like “Kora kagaz tha ye man mera” would sound better in Rafi’s style. It is a KK song….specially tailored by RD Burman for KK.
Kishore kumar is certainly a versatile singer….but does not mean that a Rafi classic would sound better in KK’s voice and style. As per your logic, “O duniya ke rakhwale” should be more soothing in KK’s voice and style? All he needs is a recording room and harmonium?
Regards
Nair
May 22nd, 2006 at 11:36 pm
Hey guys…..KK was an alright singer, and did sing some good songs. Having said that, I don’t think that KK, with his various flaws as a singer, is even one-hundredth of a singer Rafi was. Just look at the body of work that Rafi has left behind, just listen to his unbelievably classy voice, just focus on the nuances and subtleties of his songs, and you will realize that there is no other who even comes close. It’s not even a competition!! Rafi has been the greatest male singer, by a huge margin, to have ever come out of the Indian suboontinent.
May 22nd, 2006 at 10:01 am
Mr. Shambhu,
I like ur blog but i am big fan of Rafi and i can’t differentiate both.
Whatever songs u have mentioned r fabulous and very tough and RAFI did 100% justice to that songs.
Few KISHORE songs from low to High
1. Na Hasna Mere Gham pe (it start with low and last antara is high)
2. Pyaar Hame kis mod pe le aaya (very low note to very High)
Again, i m not comparing but i m just mentioning both are untouchable.
Thanx
May 21st, 2006 at 11:01 pm
dear kk Rafi fan,
Idont think u are a fan of Rafi if u are u would knew that songs like Pag gungroo band meera nache de was not a big deal for him . and from low tune to high tune and high tune to low tune speacily broghted for him, before rafi there were alot of singers like Talat,KLSigal, Pankij Maliketc, they used normal tunes u can say little high or low,but when the music industry knew there is a person who can sing in very high tune, every body wants to get advantage of this voice to make thier music imortal. I also give u a list
1. Mujhe le chalo aaj us gali mein(very low tune)
2.Maa tujhe dhondun kahan(from high to low) when he say Maa shouting and direct come down and say Tujhe dhondun kahan,very difficult to sing.
3.Who dont know about O duniya ke rakwale.
4.Akber mera naam nahin hai(playing with his voice in this qawali)
this is not about insulting the legends, kk and Rafi they will be legend until the end,but ppl should know what is the reality and they can tell thier opnion what they think. for me this is not insulting anybody.
May 21st, 2006 at 3:13 pm
I have just copied KKRAFiFan/KKRafi blog n send it. I hope both are same person.
Anyway I am 101% agree with this gentleman/s.
May 21st, 2006 at 3:10 pm
Mr. Nair,
Its ur opinion that KK is far away from Rafi in tribute song “MAN re tu kahe na dheer dhare”
I feel if KISHORE could have sung the same song in recording studio, it could be better than Rafi version n of course it would be in different style. I must say KK sung beautiful on Harmonium in LIVE concert in KHANDAWA.
See the greatness of KK, he was givin grespect to another Legend but what you people are doing.
Pls. admire both. Both are great and greatest in their own style. They are uncomparable.
May 21st, 2006 at 2:52 pm
I have seen all the comments and quite disappointed by reading them.
I am great fan of KISHORE DA and RAFI Saheb. There should not be any
comparison. Those who are comparing them, they are wasting their time and insulting 2 LEGENDS.
I feel whatever songs KISHORE sang RAFI can’t do justice to them and vice
versa.
Rafi fan will not digest it but since i am greatest RAFI fan so i can say
this.
KK songs:
1. TUNE ABHI DEKHA NAHI
2. MAIn SHAAYAR BADNAAM
3. EK Ritu aaye ek ritu jaaye
Rafi songs
1. Sukh ke sbh saathi
2. Dil ki awaaz bhi sun
3. Tu ganga ki mouj me
Both are uncomparable and unmatch.
Since i am great fan of KISHORE DA and RAFI Saheb, i can’t digest Yesudass
and SPB are better than KISHORE pls. consult physician. You can put Yesudass
and sPB in same league of SURESH WADEKAR, SHALENDRA SINGH, JASPAL SINGH.
So pls. for God sake, don’t spoil them.
May 21st, 2006 at 11:52 am
“Utha Surahi Yeh, Seesha Woh Jaam Le Saaki,
Aur Uske Saath Khuda Ka Bhi Naam Le Saaki,
Utha Surahi ……….
Phir Iske Baad Hame, Trishnagi Rahe Na Rahe,.
Kuch Aur Der Murabbat Se Kaam Le Saaki,
Kuch Aur Der………
Phir Iske Baad Jo Hoga Woh Dekha Jaayega,
Abhi Toh Peene Peelane Se Kaam Le Saaki, Abhi Toh Peene……and so on”
The above is a portion of Rafi singing in his inimitable”peeyakar” style in a non filmi album. The effect on the people listening to the song is electric.Whether they understand or not the meaning of the lyrics but the alcohol consumption is threefold/fourfold with encores. I don’t play this song in my parties anymore. I have the CD of songs and wouldn’t mind passing on to the bhakts! Jai Rafi!
May 21st, 2006 at 12:24 am
Zamana jab talak ghata rahe ga
Rafi har waqt yaad aata rahe ga
May 20th, 2006 at 8:00 pm
Hi All,
I have seen all comments and quite disappointed by reading it.
I am great fan of KISHORE DA and RAFI Saheb. There should not be any comparison. Those who are comparing they are wasting their time and insulting these 2 LEGENDS.
I feel whatever songs KISHORE sang RAFI can’t do justice to them and vice versa.
Rafi fan will not digest it but since i am greatest RAFI fan so i can say this.
KK songs:
1. TUNE ABHI DEKHA NAHI
2. MAIn SHAAYAR BADNAAM
3. EK Ritu aaye ek ritu jaaye
Rafi songs
1. Sukh ke sbh saathi
2. Dil ki awaaz bhi sun
3. Tu ganga ki mouj me
Both are uncomparable and unmatch.
Since i am great fan of KISHORE DA and RAFI Saheb, i can’t digest Yesudass and SPB are better than KISHORE pls. consult physician. You can put Yesudass and sPB in same league of SURESH WADEKAR, SHALENDRA SINGH, JASPAL SINGH.
So pls. for God sake, don’t insult these 2 LEGENDS.
May 20th, 2006 at 4:18 am
Mr Ali Baluch:
What I said was this:
“So SPB and Yesudas are better than KK now. Please!!!”
Did you notice the “Please!!!”? That gives a whole different meaning to the statement.
Anyways If you havent understood me by now, I will reiterate my opinion again. I think Rafi is a better singer than KK any given day when it comes to classical elements but KK is overall a more versatile,spontaneous and popular singer. SPB and Yesudas are great singers but not in the same league as Rafi or KK. I hope you get my point now.
May 19th, 2006 at 9:13 pm
The general statement that “teenagers like KK” is too naive. There is no authentication for that. The fact is that a considerable majority of them are Rafi fans. Another point is regardng the rendition by KK of the rafi song “Man re tu kahe na dheer dhare” as a tribute to Rafi in a live concert. It was not even a million miles near Rafi’s original rendition. However, the statements made by KK before that rendition show how much respect he had for Rafi.
Nair
May 19th, 2006 at 3:30 pm
mushkile sangeet vo muskara kar jelta
perta ragon ko lehron mein suron se khelta,
May 19th, 2006 at 2:49 pm
Hi,
This is my first comment in this forum. I am big fan of KISHORE and RAFI.
Nobody can beat them. Someone in this forum trying to compare Udit with Kishore, i have doubt in his music sense. Where is Udit now? hardly he is singing. Nowadaya playback singing life is less. What happen after Kishore dies, Kumar Sanu rules for 5 years, he is out and same thing happend to Udit. And same will happen to SOnu Nigam who is hot nowadays.
U people should understand that these 2 legends sustain and remained on the top till they die.
There are few songs which KISHORE sung and i am sure nobody, even Rafi can sing as good as KK sings.
for e.g
1. Pyaar hamei kis mod pe le aaya (from low to high)
2. pag ghungharoo bandh and many more.
AND Same with Rafi, there are many songs which KK could not sing.
), They should not deny proven things. for e,g. if they don’t like KK, fine but they should not say anything against him.
Friends, there should not be comparison.
I have advice for Rafi fans (excluding me
Even i strongly believe, trained singer can easily sing all the songs sung by Rafi, of course not 100% but no trained singer can sing Kishore songs. It is proved, if you can watch all musical reality shows.
For e.g. Karunya from Indian Idial try to sing “Ruk jaana nahi”, it was so cheap that i chnaged the channel but he sing well “Dukh ke sabh saathi”
So friends, don’t fight. Both are great and they are not comparable.