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 8th, 2006 at 2:55 am
Mein shayar to nahin
Magar Aye Avi……
Jab se dekha meine aapka (comments on rafi Saab)
Mujhko shaayaree aagayee
Joking Yaar
June 8th, 2006 at 12:42 am
humko haste dekh zamana jalta hai
chor bano ya more yahan sab chalta hai
June 7th, 2006 at 9:00 am
dear Nair,
People are commenting on Amitabh for endorsing so many products. He is charging for it, does it mean he is second? NO sir, NOOOO….
Shambhu Saheb, Anonmous shair nahi hai, shair wo jo
khud ka kuchh likhe,
na ki dusro ka chura kar
masala lagaye….
Aur jo janate nahi wo e kahe “WAH KYA SHAYARI HAI”
:)
Dear Shambhu, I have not done any “BURAI” against RAFI. He is Legends, I accept it but this is the problem with immature Rafi fans who just look into one direction and keep saying RAFi is GREATEST n blah blah.
We don’t mind if you say Rafi is greatest but same time say KISHORE is also greatest, you can’t look inferior to KISHORE.
June 6th, 2006 at 10:47 pm
for rafi,
Burai teri gar zamana kare
Baian koi jhootha fasana kare
Utaye ye kasmen hazaron magar
Yakeen kaise tera dewana kare.
June 6th, 2006 at 10:43 pm
wah wah anonymous bhai kya shair hai (mukarar)
June 6th, 2006 at 8:57 pm
Dear Avi!
To quote you: “why should he not charged, he was not there to do SAMAJSEVA”. That’s it! You hit the mark. Kishore was doing business with muisc, but for Rafi it was tapasya and he sang for the public - samajseva.
June 6th, 2006 at 8:54 pm
dear Aninymous,
I am happy to know that u know KISHORE songs:
Ghungroo ki tarah bajtaa hee raha RAFI
Kabhi SJ ki pag mein
Kabhi NAUSHAD ki pag mein..Kabhi koi na mila to LP ke pag me..
Bandhtaaa hee chala RAFI Bechara
June 6th, 2006 at 7:55 pm
Ghungroo ki tarah bajtaa hee raha KK
Kabhi SD ki pag mein
Kabhi RD ki pag mein
Bandhtaaa hee chala kk
June 6th, 2006 at 6:50 pm
Dear Anonymous,
KISHORE can only lose to KISHORE only.
KISHORE says: HAMASHE NA JEETA KOI HAMASA Na HOGA KOI.
June 6th, 2006 at 4:50 pm
Sings KK
Duniya se jeete par Rafi se haare
yun khel apna hua?
June 6th, 2006 at 2:20 pm
Dear friends,
It is very sad that you people don’t know the difference between AMITABh and KISHORE.
KISHORE was sampoorna KALAKAAR and Amitabh is nowhere.
KISHORE was/is/will always be the best among all singers. You can listen TV/FM or other musical media. Everywhere atleast you can find one KISHORE songs but not RAFI. It is truth and u people have to accept it. I can’t do anything if you denied this reality but somewhere your heart must be agreed to it.
Nodoubt Rafi was great but he was predicatble and most of his unfamous songs are pathetic which is not same in case of KISHORE.
On Pay:
Dear unknown, i know u r biased toward Rafi but when u r talking abt KISHORE then you shoud have proper info abt him. He did not charge for film “AAshirwad”,”Zameer” and many more…. Boss, I don’t undrstand why should he not charged, he was not there to do SAMAJSEVA. Unknown, I know or even evrybody knows that Lata did not sing for O P Nayyar, it doesn’t mean LATA is worst.
In my last comment,i said AMITABH is one of my fav. but boss don’t forget there are many actors better than him like Sanjeev KUMAR n Naseeruddin Shah. AMITABH can’t touch their stature but still he is great.
So KISHORE is like AMITABH and Rafi is like Sanjeev Kumar who was great but not as famous and vesatile as KISHORE. This is the truth.
Dear ALi,
Pls. talk with real facts, it will definetely help you to gain more info on RAFI and KISHORE, this is with reference to the Pay. In last blog, you said RAFI was high Paid and now u r saying he was low paid.
Truth is he was 2nd highest paid singer during 70’s to till his demise. KISHORE always charge 1 rs. less to LATA only in duests. It was his greatness because she is “SARSWATRI”.
Dear Unknown,
“Zamana jab talak ghata rahe ga Mohd Rafi har waqt yaad aata rahe ga” very much TRUE but he would be remembered after “KISHORE”.
Its upto you to believe or not.
HUM KAB NA HONGE TO RO-RO KE DUNIYA
DHOONDHENGI Mere NISHAAN……….
June 6th, 2006 at 12:24 pm
Mr Avi
As u said that Rafi was great human being but media did not projected KISHORE as good human being I think u r wrong because media is who made kishore da and RD in one film they became super star,If there is honest media u will see that SJ,Nausand,Madan Mohan and mohd rafi these was more as they in Media.
Dear Avi
That is good that u like Bachchan do u know that Bachchan has only 3 or 4 best Actor awards Is it mean that he is not great actor????!as u said that kk is greater than Mohd Rafi because of awards!!!!!!!
In RD first film all songs singed by Mohd Rafi.
Zamana jab talak ghata rahe ga Mohd Rafi har waqt yaad aata rahe ga
June 6th, 2006 at 2:18 am
Dear friends,
Both Mohd rafi and KK are great singers but what I think that KK was a great singer but Mohd Rafi was is and will be great singer.
some of friends said that some music directors don’t want 2 use new singer as Kishore was like O P Nayar,Do u know that the great Lata never singed for O P Nayar and O P Nayar is the man who gave us or show us Asha ji and many other female singer in the place of Lata ji,Yes as male he used Mohd Rafi but there was no need to use other singer in place of Mohd Rafi because as O P Nayar said that Mohd rafi was not only great singer he was greater human,How it comes that I have a great singer and a great human and look for some one else.
SJ was one of the greatest MD bollywood had when mohd rafi giving them hit why they should go for some else and as female singers they used few new singers.
some like RD but if we are honest he will be not in best 5 greatest MD,the five SJ,Naushad,Madan Mohan,LP,SD,and some others.
some of friends said that RD back 2 Mohd Rafi because LP and Mohd Rafi was better than RD and KK,RD changed 2 Mohd Rafi be RD Mohd Rafi Vs LP mohd Rafi.
There are few people in bollywood we should not compare them 2 any one because they are the best,Mohd Rafi,Lata,Dilip Kummar,Bachchan,Pran,SJ,Naushad Ali ,Madan Mohan and maybe few more.
LIKE BACHCHAN WILL COME AFTER HUNDREDS YEARS ,LIKE PRAN AFTER 1000″s YEARS BUT LIKE MOHD RAFI NEVER WALK ON THIS EARTH AGAIN.
Zamana jab talak ghata rahe ga Rafi har waqt Mohd Rafi yaad aata rahe ga
June 5th, 2006 at 6:59 pm
dear Avi,
My dear friend, Last month in CNN asha said KISHORE was matchless I don’t think that She mean as a singer .
Do u know about film Laila Majnu?because they want KK 2 sing in this film but MD(MADAN MOHAN)said that if he gave music only Mohd Rafi going 2 sing,please put KK in this film Laila Majnu
Many said that KK has his on style and mohd Rafi his on I think they are wrong about Mohd Rafi because Mohd Rafi is 100% singer abou KK yes as I think KK has a style which make him famous,
Yes a agree with at People can become MOHD. RAFI after getting good trainig but they can’t become KISHORE, do u know why?????because they will be better than KK as a singer but they maybe like Mohd Rafi as u siad but not better than Mohd Rafi,kk was not a singer he was actor same as Aamir khan and Mr Bachchan as a singer,sorry dear Avi if I hurt u.
If some one said that kk paid more than Mohd Rafi yes if for some songs only because Mohd Rafi singed many songs low paid for small films and MD.
Give me one song that KK singed it without takeing money for it?????!! about Mohd Rafi there are many songs in some jest 1Rs
June 5th, 2006 at 5:35 pm
Dear Avi,
You have given your opinion but if u ask the music lovers of vintage era there are only 2 best singers Rafi n Lata. This is the era known as the golden era in Hindi film music from the 1950s to 1970 totally dominated by these two doyens of film industry.
In fact Lata has quoted recently in Etv Marathi that whenever she has Rafi as the co-singer it is like ” barabar ka muqabla hoga aaj “. This was also expressed by our late Rafi.
I dont know but u should listen to some of the best songs during this era like suhani raat dhal chuki, Chaudavin ka chand ho, Pukarta chala hoon main,tere ankhon ke siva duniy mein, kar chale fida, jaane walo zara, pardeshiyon se ankhiyan milale, sau baar janam lenge, dil ka bhanwar, din dhal jaaye hai, chal ud ja re panchi,meri awwaz suno to name a few. If you are an unbiased true music lover you will enjoy these songswhich will take u to the world of happiness n enjoyment.
The classics of this era will never come back as legends like Rafii
is not there with us.
I also like kishore s songs from piya ka ghar, Kati patang,Amar prem,Aandhi,Abhimaan,Imtihaan,Dream girl because they are hummable n melodious .But unfortunately the melody got deteiorated as listeners liked ” khayke paan banaraswala type songs.
Today Himesh Reshmiya is singing songs as if he has taken purgolax or castor oil which is my opinion but youngsters like them. This is true ofthe other singer who has play backed for Hashmi.
Todays yougsters who are true music lovers n admire our indian raagas always admire and are simply crazy about Rafi n Lata .
In fact Manna dey has quoted in the Bangalore Radio city that aspiring singers in male keep Rafi as their idol n female keep Lata as their idol.
Padmanabhan
June 5th, 2006 at 5:10 pm
“People can become MOHD. RAFI after getting good training but they can’t become KISHORE”. This is probably the funniest remark ever made. Even Kishore would not have dared to say this. Dear Friend, please honestly try to understand the greatness of Rafi, as we are all doing with Kishore. Rafi is a singer whom the country has honored with Padmasri way back in 1964. If your intention is to hurt the Rafi fans with false and arrogant remarks, then we are helpless.
June 5th, 2006 at 3:16 pm
Dear Ali,
I respect ur feeling and ur like. Ali, sorry to say ur information on package is wrong. In one interview Shailendra Singh said, He stopped getting work after KHEL KHEL MEIN n BOBBY because there was rumour that he is charging more than KISHORE and that time KISHORE was high paid singer. This is not my word, this is Shailendra’s word.
My dear friend, Last month in CNN asha said KISHORE was matchless and she had to do homework before singing with LATA and KISHORE. This was telecast in CNN again.
Ali, Rafi was great human being but media did not projected KISHORE as good human being. I personally went to his bungalow in JUHU and there i saw a board “THIS IS LUNATIC ASYLUM”. I think only exception guy can do this.
In one word, People can become MOHD. RAFI after getting good trainig but they can’t become KISHORE.
But i like one thing…One thing common between u and me is AMITABH
FOr me 3 best personalities:
1. KISHORE
2. PANCHAM
3. AMITABH
Thanx.
June 5th, 2006 at 2:21 pm
One word about the so alleged “feminineness” in Rafi’s voice. Feminineness is something which is in Lata Mangeshkar’s voice. What is mistakenly called as feminineness in Rafi’s voice is the boyishness as well the youthfulness in it. The same is in Sonu Nigam’s voice. In Naseeb, Amitabh Bachan looked too old for Rafi’s youthful voice. In 1980, it looked perfect for Raj Babbar and Rishi Kapoor. In Laila Majnu, the crew of the film strongly preferred Rafi’s voice for all the songs picturized on Rishi Kapoor, as he was enacting Majnu for whom soul-stirring and love-stricken renditions were required.
June 5th, 2006 at 2:07 pm
Dear Avi,
There is no one in the world who said bad about some one on TV, Yes Lata ji like KK more than Mohd rafi but what she said about Mohd rafi”like Mohd rafi singer never born again”.do u know what SP,M day and Yesudas said about Mohd rafi of the TV.Asha B said that no one can win Mohd rafi in singing.
It is not mean that what I love it should be best If love Pakistan creckit team it not mean they are the best in the world or better than Indian Team.
KK was a great Actor and good singer but Mohd Rafi only a greatest singer no way to compare Mohd Rafi with KK as a singer.
Would u please answer me that in 70’s why Mohd Rafi MD’s paid from Mohd Rafi than KK for a song???because What I know that MD’s paid for a song 25000 Rs for Mohd rafi and for KK 15000 to 20000 ??????!!!!!!!!if I am not wrong.
If i am not wrong that Mohd Rafi don’t like films line as people who know Mohd Rafi said
There are many great people in Bollywood but I think there are 3 who are the best 1, Mohd Rafi 2, Mr Bachchan 3, Lata as I think
June 4th, 2006 at 10:35 pm
Dear Rajan,
You are absolutely right in few of ur comments and i am agree to it. Rafi and KISHORE, both are my favorite and i hate when somebody try to compare them.
Both were great in their style. NoOne can beat them in their style. As you like Rafi most, I like KISHORE most. KISHORE is always fvorites for Carnatika, If you had heard Mr. Srinivas interview, He said lot of good things abt KISHORE.
In one word, both are incomparable. I hurt if Rafi fans try to show that he is the only great which is not true and its proven also. Sir, Many my Tamil friend, after hearing Rafi songs they said it is famenine voice. I know they are wrong but it is their opinion.
On Rafi Portrait,
He kept Rafi portrait to just remind himself that he is not only great in indian film industry. There is another legend who is in the same league. Dear Rajan, I have seen 13 episode of KK interview with Lata in DD where LATA asked him who is the ur best singer after Saigal(he was KK Guru), KISHORE replied “AMI” which means “I” and LATA was agree to it.
Dear Rajan, Both legends respect each other thats why they are/were great. Sir, Today youngster likes HIMESH but at the same time they listen KISHORE very much.
Dear sir, We should not shy in appaluding deserved guys. I am not fan of HIMESH and i don’t listen to him but i appreciated his work in “BANARAS”. Just listen u will also appreciate if u r really a genuine music lover. I don’t think there is any difference between SONU and HIMESH because both r predictable in their songs. Both sound similar in all songs. In today music, My fav. are SUKHVINDER n HARIHARAN.
Before ending my quote, I must say pls. started listening the quote made by SP, SUresh n Yesudas for KISHORE in “GAATA RAHE MERA DIL” program which was air in 1993-94. It was fabulous.
Dear Rajan, Still you are not accepting the fact and secretly you are comparing the great KISHORE with HIMESH which is not acceptable. HIMESH may/will go out tomorrow but KISHORE ruled for 18-19 yrs. (69-87).
I have great respect for Rafi and i admire the way he bounced back in 1977 but that time KISHORE was already on the top and he shared the same top chair as He (RAFI) could not managed to lower his success.
June 4th, 2006 at 1:34 pm
dear Avi,
Iam not against u or ur choice of favourite singer but pl get all the facts right before hopping to comment.
Iam also a south indian like you but I have got totally different opinion on the 2 singers with my friends who are spread across T.Nadu,Kerala,A.P and Karnataka. Infact some of the ladies who listened to Kishore da thought that the voice suited for older men.(Again no intention of hurting anyone). These people have not listened to hindi film music like u n me.
These examples shouldnt be quoted but u are trying to prove that K.k is the best. Kindly avoid ur jaundiced views and let us enjoy the music of both the legends.
Both Rafi sab n Kishoreda shared good n professional relationship that is the reason Rafi sab charged just 1 Rupee in Chalti ka naam Zindagi.
Amit kumar Kishores son was encouraged by Rafi sab and gave lot of tips to the budding singer.
In London after a programme Rafi sab took both Kishore n Amit for a feast in his house there where they shared some joyous time.
May I ask u why in Kishores house Mohd Rafi s potrait is kept along with K.L Saigal ?
All these proves that both of them respect each other and let us enjoy the lovely melodious music of yesteryears.
Today as rightly pointed by Mohan Flora Himesh Reshmiya is very popular that doent mean that Sonu n Udit are jobless.
Dear Shankar,
Your analysis of some of the comments are good but again you are saying that Ghantasala has sung better than Rafi in ku ku bhole song which I disagree. In a typical Carnatic connotations Ghantasala may have rendered better but how can u compare the art of singing in different styles
? It is like comparing Bhimsen Joshi hindustani singer to sing in carnatic like Balamurali Krishna. Hence pl do not compare in one song of Telugu with the hindi version. Infact few years back Dr Narayan Reddy had told in Etv that he felt happy whenever he hears Rafi sab singing in Telugu songs.
Our S.P.Balasubramaniam and yesudas always listens to a Rafi song regularly which they have commented in Gemini n Kairali channels respectively.
Regarding more farmaish for kishore over Rafi it depends on the programme and the listeners it caters to. If todays youngster is after Himesh then how can they listen to Rafi n Kishore or even Mukesh.
It all depends on the quality of music n their listeners but If you take from 1945 it is always the dominance of the GOLDEN ERA which every music director n singer talks about that was dominated by Rafi, Lata,Mukesh,Kishore,Talat,Manna dey,Hemant kumar,Asha and Geeths Dutt.
P.Narayanan
June 4th, 2006 at 1:24 pm
1980 has a good amount of beautiful songs, both by Rafi and Kishore under LP. Rafi’s rendition of the song “John, Jani, Janardhan” in Naseeb is truly amazing. In his later days Rafi sounded more and more youthful. We must accept that Kishore was also remarkable in “Saagar Kinare”.
June 4th, 2006 at 12:54 pm
How do the music dynamics change?
Example: Sonu Nigam- Nowhere! Himmesh Reshammiya- Everywhere!
This is what happened in 1971-1973.
Does what is happening now make Himesh Reshammiya a better singer than Sonu? No! Popular? Yes!
History repeating itself?
June 4th, 2006 at 12:36 pm
Well written, Nair Sir!
Like I have commented earlier, KK did dominate the field of playback singing in the early seventies due to the support of RD and the Rajesh Khanna wave. After his and Dada’s Aradhana, he gave hits after hits with Kishore in films like Kati Patang, Budha Mil Gaya,Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Mere Jeevan Saathi, Amar Prem, Jawani Diwani,Parichay, Seeta Aur Geeta, Do Chor, Rampur ka Lalshman and so on. During this period, RD had little or no use of Rafisaab. What kept Rafisaab going during this time was some patronage he received from other MD’s notably LP.However, RD started losing steam and mediocrity set in with scores in Raja Rani, Shareef Badmash,Joshila, Jheel ke Us Paar,Bandhe Haath.His musical interludes were repetitive and the rythms became stale with Ishq Ishq Ishq becoming the super bore track of his downgradation. How far could his dependence on repetitive western interludes take him? LP also used KK to give super music using interludes and dhol beats with indian appeal and in the process went on to supercede RD with hit scores in Daag, Roti,Imtihan,Dost,Shor,Anurodh,Prem Kahani,Amir Garib,Majboor,Manchali,Aakraman etc. RD kept going down with the onslaught of LP’s dhols. They had used KK to outdo RD, the creator of KK.Like they say, “Lohe Ko Loha Kaat ta Hai! It was in fact RD’s use of the same beats, singers and interludes which had started irritating the listeners and producers and they welcomed the relief that LP brought from RD’s humdrum drone!The moment LP saw that they had the upperhand in the musical chairs, they brought Rafi to the fore and very blatantly. Why was it that RD, who had almost ignored Rafi in the most fruitful phase of his career, had to depend on Rafi in the later phase in films Hum Kisise Kum Nahin, Abdullah,Chandi Sona,Mukti,The Burning Train,Shaan,Phandebaaz,The Great Gambler,Devata, Kaalia,Duniya Meri Jeb Main, Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai, Daulat Ke Dushman and so on.Why was Rafi again in his favor? Had Rafi become a better singer in the last three years that he was ignored by RD? What had happened to his most favored KK? No Sir, Rafi was the same and KK was the same. It was just that the dynamics of film music had changed. LP were now boss and since they were using Rafi more and churning out hits after hits with him, RD had to bow to the trend. Lp never looked back after the late seventies and by the early eighties RD had reached the nadir of his musical career(Have you heard the KK backed songs of the then invincible Amitabh starrer,Mahaan”? Just pathetic!) I don’t want to sound biased. It is music business dynamics. Rafisaab, Kishoreda, RD and LP were all great and all enjoyed tremendous success. Everyone has some ups and downs in a long career. All were popular and will remain so, no matter what we write. As i wrote earlier, I love both Rafi and Kishore. I also know that in a certain period of time, Kishoreda enjoyed mor popularity than Rafisaab, but I also know that except for those few years in the early seventies, Rafisaab has always been the more popular and revered singer. At the time of his death Rafisaab knew,and we know, that he was back at the top. Kishore Kumar also knew that he was tops when he breathed his last. If only Kishore had given more time to music during the Golden Period of Hindi Film Music-1950’s and 1960’s-would we able to know his full potential under the grand old MD’s of Hindi films. But he was an acting star during that time and Rafi shone very brightly as musical star.
June 4th, 2006 at 5:44 am
From 1970-76 Mukesh won 3 filmfare awards and one for KK . I think this does not make Mukesh a better singer than KK, though he was also good in many respects. So Rafi’s one award in the 70s does not make him a singer inferior to KK.
It must be admitted that 70-76 was Kishore era. However, Rafi made a grand come back after 1977, and by 80s film music was turning towards more tunefulness – I mean those songs with strong base on the fundamentals of music, though not pure classical – which required a singer like Rafi very much. Yet, KK also was very much in demand because he also had matured to sing such songs. It was neither a Rafi era nor Kishore; both stood equivalently. Unfortunately, destiny took Rafi away. We must note the kind of influence he is exerting even after 26 years of his death; he is as popular and perhaps a bit more than Lata Mangeshkar. Had Rafi been in this world for a few more years, he and Kishore would have made the world of music richer.