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True Voice – Mohd Rafi

The following article was brought to my notice when Sharad posted it on MAS. The article has been trimmed down a bit keeping afloat Rafi details. However, anyone interested can go visit the source at http://tfmpage.com/forum/4980.6302.04.57.19.html

I am Swaminatha Iyer and I am 78 years old. I hail from Tiruchi and I am a part of music associations in Tiruchi, M’as as well as in West Bengal and Maharashtra.

I think it is wrong to condemn music or artists on either side of Vindhyas. Our Indian music is one of the few which has not been cleaned off by the western music though there has always been a influence. It speaks a lot of the richness of our music. Sometime back director of MTV had said that MTV westernized the music wherever it went but in India , MTV had to be Indianized for it to be accepted. A lot of this credit goes to the Indian film music.

I have been fortunate to have close personal association with Rafi, Sirkali, TMS, Dr. BMK, Kishore, SPB & KJY, PS, Mannadey and the one and only Lata Mangeshkar.

Comparisons are bound to come, but almost every artist or I have met considers Lata to be beyond comparison. Her talents are beyond anyone’s reach. Even Sirkazi used to talk of her singing like a die-hard fan as do countless others.

Now coming to the Rafi-SPB discussion. It might be difficult to convince an South Indian to believe Rafi is the better and at the same time Rafi crowd will never believe any other male singer comes anywhere nearer. There is one more mobile crowd, which is well conversant with Hindi and some south Indian language. Majority of them tilt to either Rafi or Kishore.

During one of my stays in M’as I had stayed with SPB. While talking of true voices he said, I don’t feel like half a singer when listening to Rafi. True voice is not a tech term but many in circle use it. Perfect example would be lata, but to understand consider our own PS who within her range is superb. People who do not have such true voices can never do justice to original. They generally underplay many parts of the song or fake it with bass/superficial singing. True voices make people like Sirkazi, Nusrat Fateh Ali khan, Lata… Inimitable. However since Sirkazi and Nusrat did not have the filmy voices their “real” following is limited to their local arena.

In addition to the true voice if the singer has a very good voice then in “most” cases he/she can better songs of others. It is this combination which makes Rafi stand out among the other male singers. There are many here who seem to have mistaken notions on a good bass and also on high pitch.

Bryan Adams does not require a monster bass in “Summer of 69” to sound real manly. It is the punch which gives that feel and that is decided only by the comfort level in most ranges (that is by what your throat can support). This you CAN never disguise with bass. Since people have talked about lack of manly voice viz. a viz. Rafi it was necessary to bring this point out. I have had the fortune of listening to most singers in studio and some times without a mike, practicing with MD’s.When Lata or Rafi do, the level is so high that people hesitate to even hum. It felt silly to sing in their presence (and it feels silly when someone says his voice isn’t manly).

In RD’s tribute when SPB sang “Aaja Aaja mein hoon” or “Chaand mera dil” it sounded only sweet and lacked punch if you compare with Rafi’s original.

Yesu once told me God has been partial to Rafi. He said “god gift term anavasyamaa romba common aa ippo use aardu”.. but idu Rafi kee thaan 100% porundu”. This person could sing “as intricately as a lady without sounding thin”, “cover any mood”, “versatility odey perfect example Rafi”. Yesu said most important is the comfort level over ranges which makes you feel God has been partial to Rafi. (But Of course in Rafi’s early career (1950’s) the voice was relatively feeble).

To people exposed to Rafi’s talent, these or any amount of praise can only seem less. I just wish he was alive and you people could get a live chance to hear him. Probably you can get hold of the DD album for the Geet Gaata Chal series where the first four episodes were dedicated to Rafi. Rafi is on camera singing “O Duniya Ke Rakwaaley” and many other songs. If you see and hear the last part you will realize why SPB said “impossible”. I think particularly those people who have talked about scales w.r.t Rafi should see this album. Its a known fact in industry that Rafi ruled high pitch and there is no male singer better in switching notes so easily. There are artists who can go beyond but then they sound strained or they don’t have pleasant voices when they venture into those territories.

Many singers of today are his compulsive followers. But they end up inheriting only part of his quality. Md. Aziz ended up with a sad voice. Mahendra Kapoor with a thick nasal voice. Anwar with a nasal voice. Sonu Nigam with a feminine voice. Rafi neither had a soft voice nor a heavy (bass) voice he had a good voice. Importantly did not strain at high notes, and voice if at all only became better at higher notes. If you see him singing it will remind you of Janaki. However diff the song is or the note is he will be smiling and singing. It is unthinkable that he cannot sing something.

There seems to be lot of talk about “Shankara Bharanamo” song. SPB has sung many a great numbers and things being said about this song in this forum are rather amusing, particularly b’cos 3 out of 4 people who can be called as singers will be able sing it and at least one out of 10 will sing it with the same effect. There are lot of other songs of SPB where this great singer has played with songs in total control. You will find most south Indian singers who have had a good exposure say that it is beneficial to learn Hindustani as it gives better breath control and improves expression.

Rafi was not only able to glide over a song, the important thing was that he could express each word/sound when singing. It is one thing to hold your breath, start and reach a crescendo (high note), as like in “Shankara”, “Anbey (Yennai kaan villaye)” it is different ballgame if you have to do it from low notes or suddenly switch notes. With practice the former can be done, latter requires a special gift. Rafi had a natural ability to do the latter. In “Tum joh mil gaye ho” there is such a transition in the “karwaan mil gaya” part. I have never seen anyone do justice to most of his songs in my life time. In “parda hai parda” quawaali the similar part is “kar doon to, Akbar mera naam”. In fact most of his songs will have these specialty as it was his natural ability to sing freely in a wide range at the same time giving that extra expression.

Whereas SPB takes us to heavens with “Idu oru pon maali”,”Ilaya nila” “bisiladarenu”(kannada), when he sings Rafi’s song it lacks the punch or expression, though it has the bass. But at least most agree that SPB does some justice to original, whereas most others murder the original.

One trivial point I would like to add is that singing in Hindi is harder. There are more “JHA”,”CHA”,”HA”,”THA”, “KHA”,”JA”,”FA”. These take away the breath faster. The more expressive you are the more air you are using up. Just singing from Nabhi will not help, your throat also needs to do a lot, for singing in Hindi, Bengali etc. SPB makes you fall in love with his south Indian songs but same cannot be said about his Hindi songs. If you just glide through words having these sounds, you will never be expressive. Doing this as well as reaching high notes is not easy. Rafi had this gift and that’s why it is difficult to imagine anyone else in his shoes. Song “Chalkaaye jaam” has so much expression that it is unthinkable how anyone can sing it. When Rafi switches to a high note with “Mitwaa” in the song “Chaahunga mein tughey” you cannot replicate it with bass. Most others will sound as if they are shouting in such cases. That man’s throat had the ability to freely sing at such levels.

Versatility is not just the ability to sing in various styles, more important is how good you are singing in those styles. You have lot of Ghazal singers today but when Rafi sings a Ghazal you will sit up and take notice. You don’t have to be part of the Ghazal listeners crowd. This is one important aspect. Whatever style you sing you should be able to pull the common man to listen and not just a particular crowd. Pick “parda hai parda” or any qawalli and it will stand tall among other qawalli’s.

Variety is amazing :

songs of Guru Dutt’s Khagaz key phool or songs like abhi naa jao chod key, Aaja teri yaad aayi, Aaj kal mein dhal gaya, Aaj kal terey merey pyaar, Aasmaan sey aaya farishta, Dil ney pyaar kiya hai, Deewana mujh saa nahi, Din dhal jaaye, Duniya paagal hai, Jaane walon jara, Dil joh na kaha saka, Dil key jharokon mein, Dil kaa bhavar, Chalkey teri aakkhon sey, Kar chaley hum fida, khilona jaan kar tum, Woh jab yaad aay, Woh hain jara khafa, Vaadian mera daaman, Pathar key sanam, Chaand mera dil, Main zindagi kaa saath, Mainey poocha chaand sey, sun sun jaalima, Koi jab raah na paay, hum to chaley pardes, badan pey sitaarey, laal chadi maidaan, Tum jo mil gaye, O meri shaahey, Sau baar janam lengey, Tum mujhey yoon bhula, Tumney mujhey dekha, Terey merey sapney, Tumny pukaara hum chaley aay

Name a situation/mood and Rafi’s song will be there on the top.

Swami

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3,776 Blog Comments to “True Voice – Mohd Rafi”

  1. Messi says:

    Ashwani,
    Please don’t write such words. What do you want to prove ? If you love hindi music at least
    do you think you should have such mentality ? I don’t know if those facts are correct but
    It doesn’t sound good they way you said them. As I respect Kishore as much as I do Rafi,
    I hate to hear against Rafi as much as I do to hear aganst Kishore. At least do not write
    negative comments on this site no matter they are true or not. Hope you don’t mind,
    Thank you

    Unknown1,
    No Kishore songs on radio ? might be, because Kishore sung very few(I don’t know if it is
    zero) patriotic songs, it doesn’t prove anything that Kishore is not a person who we
    should admire. Even Asha Bhonsle has very few patriotic songs, but she is a living legend
    and everybody admires her. Forget about these Legends, you will even feel very good
    when you listen to “Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab humaare dil mein hai” by Suresh Wadekar
    and also “Vijayi Vishwa tiranga pyara, jhanda uchaa rahe humara” by Abhijeet. So, it’s not
    a point whether you heard any Kishore song on 15th august or not.
    Again, as you mentioned the song “Mere naina saawan bhado” which I mentioned in the
    previous post. I said because it’s based on raag Sivaranjani , the song “Jaane Kahaan,
    gaye vo din” by Mukesh is also based on the same raag. That’s why I told it’s classical
    and not for any other reason. Regarding comparison, I don’t compare anybody of those
    times singing classical songs like Manna Dey did. He was better in classical. So I obviously
    don’t compare Kishore classical songs with Rafi and Manna Dey songs.

    Who are talking about ? who became famous because of Kishore ? Anyway does it prove
    anything negative if somebody became popular because of Kishore ?

  2. unknow1 says:

    dear ashwani ,
    I hope that u r Indain,yesterday was 15 aug i hope u listened to Radio there was no any KK songs for this day,
    Yes KK can sing when he was eating,
    Dear ashwani,O P nayar said that If there was no Mohd Rafi there was no O P Nayar
    The song“Mere Naina Saawan bhado”, Do u think that is a classically song????? Do want 2 compare this song with Mohd Rafi or Manny Dey classically numbers???!!!!
    I want jest one name WHO SAID THAT HE BECAME GREAT OR FAMOUS BECAUSE OF KK???
    The people who speak about honest ,D0 they know what honest mean?

  3. ashwani says:

    Dear Roger,
    Kishore is greatest among all. It has been proven many times.
    One suggestion for you Rafians, Pls. write abt only Rafi, don’t compare him with KISHORE. Because Kishore is uncomaprable.

    I agree that Rafi maintained discipline in his singing career but he has not done anything special as Kishore did.
    I admire Kishore becauase he always tried to do something different from others and he always succeded in that.

    There are few Rafians who dounbt on his capability but we have proved its many times that there is no match for him.

    I have read the article sent by sjh on O P Nayyar interview.
    It has been made very clear that Nayaar asked Rafi to sing Kishore’s song becasue he wanted to teach him lesson. he did not doubt Kishore’s skill.
    If Rafi was so great then why he went to Nayyar and cried like baby. Dear Rafians, you may come up with some positive things which will console urself but i am sure that Rafi clearlly knew he would have missed a lot if he doesn’t work with Nayyar.
    dear Admin, Pls. check Saagar blog. He should be thrown out of this site.

  4. Messi says:

    Dear Roger,

    That’s halting situation and quite confusing at the same time. You have said it or you have
    asked it ? Anyway here is what I think:

    Versatile Singer: Mohd. Rafi, he sings romantic songs, he sings sad songs. Ghazals,
    Qawaalis, Bhajans with same level of perfection and also a little more semi classical level
    The range is very high even many classicaly trained singer can’t take it to that level.
    To praise him, it’s sufficient to say remarks of Great MDs Naushad, SDB, RDB on him
    And what Great Singer “Hemant Kumar” said ? he would give 1 to 10 points to Rafi, rest will
    have 11, 12, 13 and so on”. That says it all. Rafi is the best

    A Versatile Genious: Kishore Kumar. Nobody finds a great singer and also a fantastic actor,
    Music Director, Lyricist and many Talents in one person but only in Kishore Kumar and
    even when he had no formal training in any of the fileds. MDs didn’t take him in classical
    songs because they bothered his depth in classical but when he was asked to sing the
    raag based song “Mere Naina Saawan bhado”, he sung with such a perfection that even
    a classically trained singer Lata Mangeshkar couldn’t make it that great. That’s the
    difference. Kishore is unique

    regards

  5. Roger says:

    Even Kishore is very good. But Reafi is best. But also Kishore is the best. BUT HOW? Both are best. Yeah? No! How can both be best? Best is a superlative degree use not according to shakespearn ENGLISH. According to oxford dictionary best is only one. But here it is also true that there are two best. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. RIGHT? RIGHT! bUT WHY CAN’T shakessearn english be used in this age . I don’t know?

  6. Roger says:

    I love Rafi. He is the best.

  7. Pearl says:

    Hi Sagar, why are u angry ? don’t get angry man. I am sorry, I didn’t say Rafi Ji’s voice is
    feminine. By saying that, I meant sometimes back I thought that. When Sonu tries to sing
    Rafi songs, he slightly matches Rafi no doubt he can’t give that justice but at least he tries
    them with dedication right ? so his voice does match with Rafi’s voice. I did comment that
    because I read the author’s comment on sonu so this made me think like that, even after
    saying all these, I said Rafi ji has so much melody in his voice when he sings romantic songs
    and again so much pain when he sings sad songs. Don’t you understand that ?
    I need not be a KK fan to do so, I just told what I felt. Being a Rafi fan also I can think of
    Rafi’s strong points and limitations if he has and being a KK fan, doesn’t mean I ignore his
    limitations and strong points if he has.
    That’s very simple and I don’t see any rude or show off nature.

    I don’t feel bad about what you said, may be your love for mohd Rafi is so high that you can’t
    tolerate any such posts but when you accept others to be honest then you must try yourself
    to be honest. At least I think this way. You carry on your way, I will praise when you
    deserve and I will scold when you deserve.

    Admins, I am sorry. I hope, I didn’t make any negative remark. But I don’t understand why
    people get so aggresive and so easily ? Do they ever try to realize the truth ?
    This is a site dedicated to mohd Rafi and I want it to be beautiful, that’s it.

    I have no objections. You do whatever you feel is proper, I will accept it.
    Thank you

  8. admin says:

    Sagar, pls. mind the language you use on this site. You were requested earlier also to refrain from using such cheap words on this site. Please consider this a final request. In future if I see find such words, I’ll have to put your posts into moderation.

  9. Sagar says:

    Dear PEARL,

    First of all who the hell are you ? And I dont think I asked you to correct my Hindi , and you got what I wanted to say so why correcting it.

    And PEARL , you are saying RAFI SAHAB’S voice sounds feminine ???? I think you should be the first person to be BANNED from this site.

    Atleast AVI,SHANKAR and KK fans never made such comments.

    PEARL if you are not * then why are you angry ??? and who gave you the right to say I am not RAFI FAN ?????

    People like you listen to few songs of RAFI SAHAB and come her * like * … before passing any comments go through all previous POSTS … and even if you go through it You have no right to point on me .

    Because neither of those comments were for you ?? and if you are one of them get the hell out of this site . This is not a KK site , we dont need JACKS like you …get out…….

    And no need to reply for this post ..MEINE TUMHARI NAADANI MAAF KAR DI HAIN …. *….

    Rafians doesnt need your extra comments on RAFI SAHAB we are sufficient to do so.

    Regards

    Sagar

  10. Pearl says:

    He is very true about Sonu Nigam, rather a feminine voice. Sometimes I think, Rafi too had a
    feminine voice, but he had so much melody and pain that Sonu can’t reach the level when he sings Rafi songs. Can anybody give me such live shows as a tribute to Rafi and Artists are
    singing his songs ? help me please.

    Regards

  11. Pearl says:

    Wonderful, just wonderful. Really, Those song are too difficult to sing. I have listened to
    “Chahoonga main tujhe”, “Duniya ke rakhwale”. How great these 2 are. Hat off to that
    78 year old man who had written that note. Thank you Man.

    Dear Sagar & Pravin
    Who the hell are you two ? Seriosly the words that you have used in 2 of the above posts
    doesn’t seem that you people are true Rafi lovers. Don’t write those irritating hindi words,
    * ? what rubbish. And as you are saying teaching him about language
    and if you think your hindi is good, let me tell you: It’s not Chutkara, it’s chhutkara. Better
    try to write good and correct hindi next time. Which place are from ?
    After all those anoying words you write “regards” ? what kind of regards it is ?

    I wonder how can the Admins allow you two to write such things, it’s a shame.
    Who the hell you people are to talk like this ? Learn manner or else don’t call yourself a
    Rafian. Mind you.

    Pearl

  12. sjh says:

    Suhail Bhai

    Rafisaab was a pioneer in voice modulation, an art that is unique only to the master himself. This took his veratility to a level that no one could or will ever match. He could modulate for any actor without compomising the melody of the song, which is simply remarkable.

    This was another feature of his singing that seperated the men from the boys…..

    He could also modulate at any range which is again something that will never ever be matched.

    A classic ‘Man Mora Bawra’ picturised on KK, hear and watch the song carefully on the screen, he has also modulated his voice to match the expressions of KK on the screen.

    Simply the very best.

  13. sjh says:

    Pravin

    These comments are taken not only from websites but also from news papers, audio and video inteviews and magazines.

    Here are a few links anyway.

    http://www.mohdrafi.com/meri-awaaz-suno/what-is-it-that-rafi-has-that-make-people-want-him-more.html

    And a great interview with OP Nayar is here:

    Q. From the slow and sad Aasman songs like Is Bewafa Jahan Mein tothe sizzling entertainers like Babuji Dheere Chalna of Aar Paar it was a quantum leap in just three movies. How did this all happen?

    “You see, I am a very sentimental man. In my first three movies, Itried to make such music. None of it worked. Everybody rejected it. Iwas dejected and depressed. I was even thinking of quitting it all. I
    was then told by my well-wishers that fast music sells and I switchedmy style just to survive. One thing I would tell you about my tunes. Icreated tunes according to situations in the films. Beauty often nspired me to make music since I am also a romantic man. Rest just happened. It was as if God was giving me the helping hand.”

    Q. What was the role of Guru Dutt in this transformation?

    “I personally never felt Guru Dutt knew a great deal about music. Istill remember his initial reaction to Babuji Dheere Chalna. He toldme, “The mukhda (the opening) is excellent but the antara (stanza)
    lacks something.” I asked, “What exactly is that something’?” Hesaid, “I don’t know just do something with it.” I just waited fortwo weeks, I didn’t change a single note but after that, Guru accepted
    the same tune on my assurance that I have done something’!

    All say Pyaasa is a masterpiece but take away Sahir’s poetry andS.D.Burman’s music and what is left? The way S.D. composed for JinheinNaaz Hain Hind Par is pure genius. Just listen to the lines- Kahan
    Hain, Kahan Hain, Kahan Hain every line is differently embellished.

    After Mr.and Mrs.55′, I parted ways with Guru Dutt. We both were toogoistic to be compatible. But after many years, for Baharein PhirBhi Aayengi’, he literally pleaded me to do the music.

    Q. And what about Geeta Dutt as a singer? I feel, percentage-wise,Geeta sang more hits for you, even compared to Asha.

    (O.P. dramatically stands up, removes his hat and bows to the interviewer.)

    “What an observation! You are absolutely right. Geeta Dutt had themost original voice in film music. She was the one who introduced meto Guru Dutt. She sang so many hit songs of mine in films like Aar
    Paar, Mr. and Mrs.55, Musafirkhana and Miss Coca Cola. Later as Istarted using Asha’s voice more and more, Geeta was neglected and Ifeel sorry for that. I would even go to the extent of saying that
    later she was literally blocked from singing in my music by my then premier singer!

    Q. How did you transform Asha Bhosle into such a versatile singer?Wasn’t she heavily influenced by Geeta Dutt in her early career?

    “Hundred percent right! Asha was introduced to me by lyricistP.L.Santoshi at the time of Chham Chhama Chaam my second movie. Atthat time, she was not only influenced by Geeta, but she was also
    under heavy (inferiority) complex of Lata. As if she was torn betweentheir styles. What I did was to give her confidence and to help hercome out of that complex. This process started from the time of Naya
    Daur. To Asha’s credit, it must be said that she never shied away frompractice. In fact, she would be the one who would ask me for morerehearsals even if I felt she was singing the song well. I can proudly
    claim that more than S.D. Burman, more than R.D.Burman, more thananybody else, it is O.P.Nayyar who has really moulded her voice.Unfortunately today she refuses to acknowledge that fact!”

    Q. Is it true that Kishore Kumar covered up for Asha’s mistake in PiyaPiya Piya Mera Jiya Pukare in Baap Re Baap?

    That’s hogwash! I don’t know why Asha said so in her interview. Idistinctly remember her making that mistake of singing out of turn, asI was going to cut it for retake, Kardar the film’s director told me to let it remain. It was he who said I will manage it while filming’.He made Kishore cover the heroine Sheela Ramani’s face when that wrongline starts! Kishore was just an actor in that movie, how he could decide about such a thing?

    Q. Now – the eternal question. Why didn’t you ever use Lata’s voice inyour music? Wasn’t she supposed to have come for the Aasman song thatwas finally sung by Raj Kumari? In Harish Bhimani’s book on Lata, she claims to have been held up by rain and being not able to come for therecording.

    ” It’s all humbug! I never ever summoned her for any of my songs. Ineeded a powerful, full- throated, sensuous voice and she had thisthin, thread-like voice, which was not at all suitable for my music.Another thing is about my inspiration coming from beauty. Lata with her plain, ordinary looks never could inspire me as a composer!

    At the same time, let me say this once and for all and remember I amswearing this on my food– even though I never ever worked with Lata, Istill consider her as the Number 1 singer in India. Asha tried hard totake her place but could never achieve that. Lata was just supreme, aGod given voice! Her work with almost any composer be it MadanMohan, Roshan, S.D. Burman or Shankar- Jaikishan was exemplary. Just imagine Madan Mohan’s ghazals being sung by Shamshad or anyone else.They wouldn’t have reached the same artistic height as they did with Lata’s voice.

    We had cordial relations but still I remained suspicious about her. Iremember, once she called me for lunch and I was first watching whatshe was eating and then eating the same thing after her!

    Once she said to me, “These film- songs are becoming so predictable.Just by listening to the Mukhda, you can predict the Antara.” I said,”Lata bai, you may say this about other composers but this O.P. Nayyar challenges you now to predict his song’s Antara after listening to its Mukhda.” After that challenge, she simply vanished from there!”

    Q. You also rejected Madhya Pradesh Government’s Lata Mangeshkar Award.

    “You see Beta, that award was worth cash 1 lac rupees, all tax-free and remember- I was in dire straits those days, having been separatedfrom my family. Still I rejected that award on three counts – one, it
    was a crooner’s award given to a composer; two- I had never workedwith Lata and three- I don’t believe in instituting awards in living person’s name! I stood up for my principles- that’s all!”

    Q. In spite of your long-standing partnership with Mohammed Rafi, howcome you two separated in the late sixties?

    Throughout my career, I have been famous for my punctuality. Rafi had given me a time for recording a song from Saawan Ki Ghata. Themusicians were all set. Rafi came late for that recording and said, “Sorry, I was stuck up in Shankar- Jaikishan’s recording.” I said,”You had given me the time by your choice. So I gather, you have timefor Shankar- Jaikishan and not for O.P. Nayyar. Now onwards,O.P.Nayyar will not have time for Rafi.” I cancelled the recording infront of shell shocked musicians and told the accountant to charge the expenses for the cancelled session to my account!

    After three years, Rafi came to my house crying like a baby. I also broke down. Both of us touched each other’s feet. I said, “Rafi, bycoming here today you proved that you are much greater than O.P. You could overcome your ego. I could not!”

    He often used to sing Yuun To Humne Laakh Sangeetkaar Dekhe Hai,O.P.Nayyar Sa Nahi Dekha! (I have seen many a composer but never onelike O.P.Nayyar!) He also used to tell me, “Aapke music se hijda bhi jawan mard ban jaayega!”(“Your music could turn a eunuch into ahe-man!”)

    Q. What about Mahendra Kapoor?

    “I used him as replacement for Rafi. I used to call him Charan Das forhe used to touch feet of practically any Tom, Dick and Harry. I found this extra- humility phony. He might have sung quite a few good songs
    for me but just listen to Do Ustaad title track to know how off-key he c uld be! Purposely I kept that Besuraa singing so that one day, I could show him how bad he could be!”

    Q. You Used Manna Dey with Rafi for Tu Hai Mera Prem Devta.

    “Well, Rafi was far too superior to Manna Dey there! Manna Dey would take around four- five takes to get it right.”

    Q. You practically had a spat with everybody in the film industry.

    “You said it! In one of the filmi parties, I heard song-writer Sahir Ludhiyanvi telling somebody that he had made S.D.Burman. He had saidt he same about Khayyam also. I got very angry. If this man could say such a thing for a great composer like S.D.Burman, then what was there to prevent him from saying the same about me? I just cut off relationswith that man.But it was tue that Sahir helped Khayyan get films!

    Once, Dev Anand took my 9 a.m. appointment. Film director ShaktiSamanta had recommended my name to him. I waited till 9.05 a.m. andt hen walked off to my recording studio. Dev arrived at my place exactly two minutes later and was extremely annoyed to find me gone.Needless to say, he never used my music in his films!

    Raj Kapoor once tried to pressurize me into taking Mukesh instead of Rafi for songs of Do Ustaad. He tried to do it cleverly. He came to my office, listened to my tunes- dancing all the time while listening and
    then quietly he popped up the question, “Just tell how these tunes would sound in Mukesh’s voice?” Mincing no words, I said, “They would sound shit.”

    Q. You even once made Kishore sing in Rafi’s voice.

    “Yes, in Raagini for the classical song Man Mora Baawra, I made Rafigive playback for Kishore Kumar. I was annoyed with Kishore’s tomfoolery during the recordings and wanted to teach him a lesson.
    Kishore who was the hero of the film, then went and complained tohis brother Ashok Kumar – who was also the producer but Ashok refused to interfere with my decision.

    Ashok Kumar later acknowledged publicly that as a producer, it was mymusic that really helped him sell Kalpana and Raagini.”

    Q. Tell us about your style of working.

    “As I told you before, tunes came to me naturally. I have never hadany formal musical training. I don’t know anything about Raagas andother intricacies of music. Yet I could compose classical songs like
    Dekho Bijali Dole and Chhotasa Baalma. Master classical singer AmirKhan -saab once told me, “What are you talking about not knowingraagas? I counted no fewer than 16 different raagas in your Sambandh
    tune- Akeli Hoon Main Piya Aa!”

    Q. Main Pyar Ka Raahi Hoon, Balma Khuli Hawa Mein, Chain Se Humko
    Kabhie—so many of your hit songs never made it to the screen. How
    did that happen?

    “It was just fate. At the time of editing, they felt that the song wasnot fitting into the film and they cut it. Invariably this wouldhappen with some beautiful tune. Such was the case with another
    beautiful song – Humne To Dilko Aap ke Kadmon pe rakh Diya. JaataKahan Hai lost out because of censors. But who can change destiny? That’s life

    More to follow…..

  14. bk1 says:

    dear asswni please join yoodleeyoo .com]

  15. suhail9869 says:

    Yes dear Sagar I have listen the song, “Tuhi woh hasi hai, jiski tasveer …..”. One thing I must say about this song is that this songs clearly reflect how Rafi Saheb was moulding his voice according to the new generation choice and liking. Look the variation in his voice in this song. It has many up and down, from high pitches to low but Rafi Saheb was in full control. I have mentioned earlier also had Rafi Saheb been alive for more two years Kk would have been eliminated entirely.

    Apart from this song there is one more songs, “Aa jara mere humnasi mujhe tham le mujhe tham le, zindagi se bhaag kar aya hu mai mujhe tham le”. This is also a song belonging to Rafi Saheb late 70’s songs.

    And there are many more new songs, which proved that he was totally fit for the today’s songs; but unfortunately he parted away from us. The songs like, “Yaliiiiiiiiiiii Ate jate huwe mai sab pe nazar rakta hu naam Abdul hai mera sab pe nazar rakta hu”, & “John, Jany, Janardhan tarrarum pum pum pum” emphasize his versatality and ability to sing each and every kind of songs with incredible ease.

    Suhail

  16. unknow1 says:

    Sir Nair,
    as u said that I have only seen such shruthi control in SPB and Yesudas other than in Rafi, i think u r right it why Yesudas and SPB they love Mohd Rafi and also they said many times that Mohd rafi is the best singer.
    L from LP said that Mohd Rafi singed 6 songs a day it mean around 25 songs today(as L said)and said that only singer can sing it in indai he is SPB.

  17. Nair says:

    Dear Sagar,

    Really beautiful song! Your musical taste is wonderful. In fact, I had made an earlier comment about this song and sought the opinions of connoisseurs in the “Saga” forum; but it was caught in the maelstrom of fans’ debates that it went unnoticed. I am writing it once again.

    I have heard this Rafi song “Tu hi who haseen hai” from Khwaab (1980) composed by Ravindra Jain. This is the most tuneful song I have ever heard. It goes to many pitches [swaras]……..but the listener can feel the ease with which Rafi sings (and the smile on his face) even when the song floats in the highest pitch. It’s not the question of climbing the pitches. There is a point when he sings “sangemarmar ki moorat ho” after the orchestra; Rafi Sahab skillfully starts with a high pitch and makes a beautiful descention to “mein ne dekha tujhe to mera dil yehi kehna laga”. All the time, his voice remains in proper control, not even a mild variation in shruthi. I have only seen such shruthi control in SPB and Yesudas other than in Rafi. I have heard that this is one among the last songs sung by Rafi Sahab. Right?

    Could someone tell me the raga of this composition? Please! I am unable to understand the pakkad/Bandishi from the tune, for I am a learner.

    Sagar, what about the song “Jis Raat Ke Khwaab Ayee”? Another beautiful one in Rafi Sahab’s divine voice.

    Regards
    Nair

  18. Sagar says:

    DEAR RAFIANS,

    TILL ASHWANI AND HIS/HER BRIGADE PACK THEIR BAGS AND MOVE TO KK FORUM LETS ENJOY A RAFI SAHAB TRUE GOLDEN SONG ……

    *************************************************************
    FILM : KHWAAB
    YEAR : 1980
    MUSIC: RAVINDRA JAIN SAHAB
    LYRICS: RAVINDRA JAIN SAHAB
    SINGER : OUR VERY OWN RAFI SAHAB

    SONG GOES LIKE THIS :

    Tu Hi woh haseen hain ……
    Jiski Tasveer Khayalon mein muddat se bani hain…..
    Tu Hi woh haseen hain ……
    Jiski Tasveer Khayalon mein muddat se bani hain…..
    Rukh Ae Roshan Pe Zulfein Bikhrayein Hue..
    Jaise Chandaa Pe Badal Ho Chaayein Hue…
    Meine Dekha Tujhe To Mera Dil Mujhe Yehi Kehne Laga..
    Meine Dekha Tujhe To Mera Dil Mujhe Yehi Kehne Laga..
    Dhoonde Nazarein Jise Din Raat Koi Aur Nahi Hain….
    Tu Hi woh haseen hain ……
    Meri Awaara Tabiyat Ko Ek Rahe Mustakil Mil Gayi…
    Ab Naa Tarsunga Mein Rahat Ko Un Khwabonki Manzil Mil Gayi…
    Sange – MarMar ki Murat Hain Tarashi Ho Meri Aankhon Ko Barson mein Tasalli Hui…
    Meine Dekha Tujhe To Mera Dil Mujhe Yehi Kehne Laga.. Aisi Hi Kisi Murat Ki Mere Mandir Mein Kami Hain…
    Tu Hi woh haseen hain Jiski Tasveer Khayalon mein muddat se bani hain…..
    *************************************************************

    IF YOU ALL HAVE LISTENED THIS SONG OR READ THIS SONG HERE PLEASE GIVE ME YOUR FEEDBACK ABOUT THIS SONG AND I REQUEST YOU TO POST A SONG JUST NEXT TO THIS POST.

    REGARDS

    SAGAR

  19. Sagar says:

    DEAR ASHWANI,

    KYA AAP HUMSE TANG AA GAYE HAIN ? KYA AAP MUJHSE CHUTKARA PAANA CHAHTE HAIN ? KYA AAPKO KK ACHCHA LAGTA HAIN …. KYA AAPKO KHUJLI WAALE KUTTE NE KATA HAIN ??? KYA AAPKA ANGREZI KHARAB HAIN ????

    MERE PAAS EK HI ZAALIM UPAY HAIN …… ” JOIN KK FORUM ”

    KK FORUM MEIN AAP KO MEIN NAHI MILUNGA .. AUR AAP APNE SAATH AAPKE BHAI , BAHEN .. AVI , SHANKAR , SWAMI DADA SABKO LE JAA SAKTE HO……………..

    MEINE SOCHA AAPKO ITNE DINO SE ENGLISH SAMAJH MEIN NAHI AYA .. TOH HINDI MEIN AAPKE KAAN SAAF KARU …. TOH SOCHIYE MAT

    JOIN KK FORUM BILKUL MUFAT HAIN FREE ..FREE..FREEE…. YAHA APNA KIMTI SAMAY MAT GAVAIYE .. AUR TURANT KK FORUM MEIN SHAMIL HO JAAYEIN…

    RAFI KE FANS KO AB AARAM CHAHIYE… JINKO KO KK KI TARAH KOI KAAM , DHANDA NAHI HAIN TURANT KK FORUM JOIN KI JIYE NAHI TOH ” KHANDWA ” CHALEIN JAAYE …….

    ASHWANI HOPE THIS MAKES U UNDERSTAND WE DONT NEED YOU AND YOUR SPLIT PERSONALITIES HER ” AVI, SHANKAR ETC…. ”

    SO HOPE YOU DONT TURN UP AND DIRECTLY JOIN KKKKKKKKKKKKK.

    REGARDS

    SAGAR

  20. Pravin says:

    Swami,

    What are you trying to prove by yelling like a smitten DONKEY?

    You think there is a shortage of Bad Words, NO.

    But we follow the saint singer and he makes us humble, and we would not appreciate bad words on this forum dedicated to “THE GREATEST”

    SO MIND YOUR TOUNGE.

  21. Pravin says:

    sjh

    I appreciate your comments.

    Can you please send in some links with comments/articles on “THE GREATEST” Rafi?

    Cheers!!

    Pravin.

  22. sjh says:

    (I realised that I made some spelling mistakes in my earlier post. I like to think of myself as a perfectionist, hence I have corrected the spelling mistakes. Can I ask the admin to delete my previous post. Thanks.)

    I thought the self appointed crusaders have taken my advice I made a while back in the other thread which is now subsequently rightly closed by the admin.

    I see that the self appointed crusaders are here too with statements that are not only incorrect but silly at best. More than often I choose not to respond to such an illogical dialogue as it is shear waste of time but having done most of my work and now listening to the songs of Rafisaab, I am taking some time out to reply to a few preposterous comments and I hope this time these self appointed messengers of KK either update their lack of knowledge about Rafisaab or leave this site with dignity so that we can use the space for a rational and factual discussions.

    I was reading an interview of our beloved Mana Da, a Rafian to the core who all his life has devoted himself to praise Rafisaab with all his heart. Just like many other great artistes like Naushad Saab, Ravi, Mahendra Kapoor, Laxmikant Pyarelal, Lataji, Chitraguta, OP Nayar, Kishore Kumar and the pioneer of playback singing, Saigal Saab who predicted even before Rafisaab even sang his first recorded song about the greatness of Rafisaab. All these legends (and many more) have said on many occasions that about the unmatched greatness of Rafisaab as a playback singer.

    It is not surprising that they should say so as they understand the art better than most of us. The unmatched greatness of Rafisaab is now considered as obvious as the directions of the rising and setting of the sun. Obviously there may be few who would disagree to the directions of the rising and setting of the sun. They surely can choose to but they would only end up in being described as ignorant or, duds or simply fools. The same applies to those who doubt and refuse to accept that Rafisaab is the benchmark of singing, the very best that we have ever seen.

    What I see here is a breed of misguided people who sadly seem to represent Kishore Kumar when the fine singer and person himself admitted with grace about him being a Rafian.

    “Whenever I get the time, I listen to Naushad’s songs sung by Mohammed Rafi. Over and over again. Every time I get the same feeling. The joy of realizing that this is what is perhaps called the perfect jugalbandi, something that cannot be surpassed. In our country, the ideal male voice for touching your heart was Rafi.” – the latest comment by Mana dey. Anyone who has being to a decent English school can understand the meaning of this.

    “No artiste like you has come before and no one will ever come. Your voice is a mercy for this tension ridden world” – Naushad

    “It was an honor for me that Rafisaab sang so many songs for me” – Naushad

    “He was the only singer whose voice could be molded to meet any situation, mood or actor”- Naushad

    His range was second to none and his ability to sing at any pitch was something only Lata bai could match – Naushad

    These are just a few statements from the guru of music directors. One who has read enough or cared to read enough about Naushad knows that he held Rafi in the greatest position, position of the number 1 singer of all times. There is no room for any misinterpretation. Hence if anyone still chooses to deny the facts either can’t understand English or are just being mischievous for reasons best known to them. I think they consider it a stigma, a humiliation if Rafisaab is considered the best ever, a humiliation that is self imposed as they have taken the personal burden of crusading for their favorite singer, in this case KK.

    I have met Mana da and he said that the media from time to time try to misinterpret his remarks. He said he believed it from day 1 that Rafi was better than him and he maintains it to date. When he was asked whether Rafisaab was the best ever, his answer was very simple , yes. Rafi fans must not believe anything else besides this if they read in any media that contradicts this view.

    Lataji probably the only one that comes close to Rafisaab’s class says that he was the one that filled the empty space left by the passing of Saigal and that the space left by the passing off Rafisaab is still empty. Simple English, anyone that has a basic understanding can fathom the meaning of these statements.

    At a Saigal concert in Lahore, the power failed and Rafi Sahab, then 17, was roped in to sing a couple of songs to keep the restive audience quiet. Not only he achieved in keeping them quiet but also delighting them as Saigal Sahab looked on amazed only to comment later that Rafi Sahab was destined to achieve lofty heights in singing and how true he was. Music director Shyam Sunder, who was in the audience, was so extremely impressed and later worked with Rafi Sahab on melodies that remain fresh to date.

    Rafi Sahab infact got his first break in Hindi films in a Shyam Sunder film and his dream of working with Saigal was realised when Naushad gave him two lines to sing in the Saigal film, Shahjahan.

    This marked the beginning of the greatest and purest journey of HFM, it marked the beginning of an unmatched tradition of singing that would become a benchmark for all singers forever.

    Rafisaab was destined to be the greatest force in singing and with the passing of time this hard fact becomes larger in magnitude. More and more people are realising and making the most of the greatest voice of HFM and it is lovely to see youngsters getting to know more and listen to the master. His fan base keeps increasing by the minute.

    In an informal Chat with Hemant da’s son Jayanto, I was surprised when he said Rafi was the best. One would have thought he would say his father was the best. I have great admiration and respect for such open minded people.
    Jayanto later went on record saying in an interview:
    “Rafi saab could sing any song, Rafi saab … is like ….. (a pause) No 1 to 10″.

    I could go on and on about the unmatched greatness of Rafisaab but then I would only be stating the obvious things that most are aware off anyway.
    I believe ignorance is not bliss but a curse and mischief is a sign of weakness. If these crusaders even have one sensible bone in their body then I hope they can realize that they are the odd ones out who are looked upon with disgust or simply ignored. You have a choice to make here.

    A request to all, do not use slur on this website and if you are not happy about what’s happening here then leave this site with peace and dignity rather then make a complete mockery of yourself and in the process insult the legend you seem to crusade for.

    Kishore Kumar was a fine artiste and a fine person so do not bring any disregard and disrespect for him as he had enormous respect for Rafisaab whom he considered as an idol and a brother.

  23. sjh says:

    I thought the self appointed crusaders have taken my advice I made a while back in the other thread which is now subsequently rightly closed by the admin.
    I see that the self appointed crusaders are here too with statements that are not only incorrect but silly at best. More than often I choose not to respond to such an illogical dialogue as it is shear waste of time but having done most of my work and now listening to the songs of Rafisaab, I am taking some time out to reply to a few preposterous comments and I hope this time these self appointed messengers of KK either update their lack of knowledge about Rafisaab or leave this site with dignity so that we can use the space for a rational and factual discussions.
    I was reading an interview of our beloved Mana Da, a Rafian to the core who all his life has devoted himself to praise Rafisaab with all his heart. Just like many other great artistes like Naushad Saab, Ravi, Mahendra Kapoor, Laxmikant Pyarelal, Lataji, Chitraguta, OP Nayar, Kishore Kumar and the pioneer of playback singing, Saigal Saab who predicted even before Rafisaab even sang his first recorded song about the greatness of Rafisaab. All these legends (and many more) have said on many occasions that about the unmatched greatness of Rafisaab as a playback singer.
    It is not surprising that they should say so as they understand the art better than most of us. The unmatched greatness of Rafisaab is now considered as obvious as the directions of the rising and setting of the sun. Obviously there may be few who would disagree to the directions of the rising and setting of the sun. They surely can choose to but they would only end up in being described as ignorant or, duds or simply fools. The same applies to those who doubt and refuse to accept that Rafisaab is the benchmark of singing, the very best that we have ever seen.
    What I see here is a breed of misguided people who sadly seem to represent Kishore Kumar when the fine singer and person himself admitted with grace about him being a Rafian.
    “Whenever I get the time, I listen to Naushad’s songs sung by Mohammed Rafi. Over and over again. Every time I get the same feeling. The joy of realizing that this is what is perhaps called the perfect jugalbandi, something that cannot be surpassed. In our country, the ideal male voice for touching your heart was Rafi.” – the latest comment by Mana dey. Anyone who has being to a decent English school can understand the meaning of this.
    “No artiste like you has come before and no one will ever come. Your voice is a mercy for this tension ridden world” – Naushad
    “It was an honor for me that Rafisaab sang so many songs for me” – Naushad
    “He was the only singer whose voice could be molded to meet any situation, mood or actor”- Naushad
    His range was second to none and his ability to sing at any pitch was something only Lata bai could match – Naushad
    These are just a few statements from the guru of music directors. One who has read enough or cared to read enough about Naushad knows that he held Rafi in the greatest position, position of the number 1 singer of all times. There is no room for any misinterpretation. Hence if anyone still chooses to deny the facts either can’t understand English or are just being mischievous for reasons best known to them. I think they consider it a stigma, a humiliation if Rafisaab is considered the best ever, a humiliation that is self imposed as they have taken the personal burden of crusading for their favorite singer, in this case KK.
    I have met Mana da and he said that the media from time to time try to misinterpret his remarks. He said he believed it from day 1 that Rafi was better than him and he maintains it to date. When he was asked whether Rafisaab was the best ever, his answer was very simple , yes. Rafi fans must not believe anything else besides this if they read in any media that contradicts this view.
    Lataji probably the only one that comes close to Rafisaab’s class says that he was the one that filled the empty space left by the passing of Saigal and that the space left by the passing off Rafisaab is still empty. Simple English, anyone that has a basic understanding can fathom the meaning of these statements.
    At a Saigal concert in Lahore, the power failed and Rafi Sahab, then 17, was roped in to sing a couple of songs to keep the restive audience quiet. Not only he achieved in keeping them quiet but also delighting them as Saigal Sahab looked on amazed only to comment later that Rafi Sahab was destined to achieve lofty heights in singing and how true he was. Music director Shyam Sunder, who was in the audience, was so extremely impressed and later worked with Rafi Sahab on melodies that remain fresh to date.
    Rafi Sahab infact got his first break in Hindi films in a Shyam Sunder film and his dream of working with Saigal was realised when Naushad gave him two lines to sing in the Saigal film, Shahjahan.
    This marked the beginning of the greatest and purest journey of HFM, it marked the beginning of an unmatched tradition of singing that would become a benchmark for all singers forever.
    Rafisaab was destined to be the greatest force in singing and with the passing of time this hard fact becomes larger in magnitude. More and more people are realising and making the most of the greatest voice of HFM and it is lovely to see youngsters getting to know more and listen to the master. His fan base keeps increasing by the minute. In an informal Chat with Hemant da’s son Jayanto, I was surprised when he said Rafi was the best. One would have thought he would say his father was the best. I have great admiration and respect for such open minded people.
    Jayanto later went on record saying in an interview:
    “Rafi saab could sing any song, Rafi saab … is like ….. (a pause) No 1 to 10″.
    I could go on and on about the unmatched greatness of Rafisaab but then I would only be stating the obvious things that most are aware off anyway.
    I believe ignorance is not bliss but a curse and mischief is a sign of weakness. If these crusaders even have one sensible bone in their body then I hope they can realize that they are the odd ones out who are looked upon with disgust or simply ignored. You have a choice to make here.
    A request to all, do not use slur on this website and if you are not happy about what’s happening here then leave this site with peace and dignity rather then make a complete mockery of yourself and in the process insult the legend you seem to crusade for.
    Kishore Kumar was a fine artiste and a fine person so do not bring any disregard and disrespect for him as he had enormous respect for Rafisaab whom he considered as an idol and a brother.

    Please treat this as my last post for this discussion. Anyone here who wishes to know more about our beloved Rafi then please feel free to ask, i would be more than happy to assist.

    42sjh Says:

    August 11th, 2006 at 4:07 pm
    I thought the self appointed crusaders have taken my advice I made a while back in the other thread which is now subsequently rightly closed by the admin.

    I see that the self appointed crusaders are here too with statements that are not only incorrect but silly at best. More than often I choose not to respond to such an illogical dialogue as it is shear waste of time but having done most of my work and now listening to the songs of Rafisaab, I am taking some time out to reply to a few pre-poserous comments and I hope this time these self appointed messangers of KK either update their lack of knowledge about Rafisaab or leave this site with dignity so that we can use the space for a rational and factual discussions.

    I was reading an interview of our beloved Mana Da, a Rafian to the core who all his life has devoted himself to praise Rafisaab with all his heart. Just like many other great artistes like Naushad Saab, Ravi, Mahendra Kapoor, Laxmikant Pyarelal, Lataji, Chitraguta, OP Nayar, Kishore Kumar and the pioneer of playback singing, Saigal Saab who predicted even before Rafisaab even sang his first recored song about the greatness of Rafisaab. All these legends (and many more) have said on many occassions that about the unmatched greayness of Rafisaab as a playback singer.

    It is not surprsing that they should say so as they understand the art better than most of us. The unmatched greatness of Rafisaab is now considered as obvious as the directions of the rising and setting of the sun. Obviously there may be few who would disagree to the directions of the rising and seting of the sun. They surely can choose to but they would only end up in being described as ingorant or, duds or simply fools. The same applies to those who doubt and refuse to accept that Rafisaab is the benchmark of singing, the very best that we have haver seen.

    What I see here is a breed of misguided people who sadly seem to represent Kishore Kumar when the fine singer and person himself admitted with grace about him being a Rafian.

    “Whenever I get the time, I listen to Naushad’s songs sung by Mohammed Rafi. Over and over again. Everytime I get the same feeling. The joy of realising that this is what is perhaps called the perfect jugalbandi, something that cannot be surpassed.In our country, the ideal male voice for touching your heart was Rafi.” – the lastest comment by Mana dey. Anyone who has being to a decent english school can understand the meaning of this.

    “No artiste like you has come before and no one will ever come. Your voice is a mercy for this tension ridden world” – Naushad

    “It was an honor for me that Rafisaab sang so many songs for me” – Naushad

    “He was the only singer whose voice could be moulded to meet any situation, mood or actor”- Naushad

    His range was second to none and his ability to sing at any pitch was something only Lata bai could match – Naushad

    These are just a few statements from the guru of music directors. One who has read enogh or cared to read enough about Naushad knows that he held Rafi in the greatest position, position of the number 1 siinger of all times. There is no room for any misinterpretation. Hence if anyone still chooses to deny the facts either cant understand english or are just being mischievous for reasons best known to them. I think they consider it a stigma, a humiliation if Rafisaab is considered the best ever, a humiliation that is self imposed as they have taken the personal burden of crusading for their favorite singer, in this case KK.

    I have met Mana da and he said that the media from time to time try to misiterpret his remarks. He said he belived it from day 1 that Rafi was better than him and he maintains it to date. When he was asked whether Rafisaab was the best ever, his answer was very simple , yes. Rafi fans must not belive anything else besided this if they read in any media that contradicts this view.

    Lataji probably the only one that comes close to Rafisaabs class says that he was the one that filled the empty space left by the passing of Saigal and that the space left by the passing off Rafisaab is still empty. Simple english, anyone that has a basic understanding can fathom the meaning of these statements.

    At a Saigal concert in Lahore, the power failed and Rafi Sahab, then 17, was roped in to sing a couple of songs to keep the restive audience quiet. Not only he achieved in keeping them quiet but also delighting them as Saigal Sahab looked on amazed only to comment later that Rafi Sahab was destined to achieve lofty heights in singing and how true he was. Music director Shyam Sunder, who was in the audience, was so extremely impressed and later worked with Rafi Sahab on melodies that remain fresh to date.
    Rafi Sahab infact got his first break in Hindi films in a Shyam Sunder film and his dream of working with Saigal was realised when Naushad gave him two lines to sing in the Saigal film, Shahjahan.
    This marked the beginning of the greatest and purest journey of HFM, it marked the beginning of an unmatched tradition of singing that would become a benchmark for all singers forever.

    Rafisaab was destined to be the greatest force in singing and with the passing of time this hard fact becomes larger in magnitude. More and more people are realising and making the most of the geatest voice of HFM and it is lovely to see youngsters getting to know more and listen to the master. His fan base keeps increasing by the minute. In an informal Chat with Hemant da’s son Jayanto, I was surprised when he said Rafi was the best. One would have thought he would say his father was the best. I have great admiration and respect for such open minded people.
    Jayanto later went on record saying in an inteview:

    “Rafi saab could sing any song, Rafi saab … is like ….. (a pause) No 1 to 10″.

    I could go on and on about the unmatched greatness of Rafisaab but then i would only be stating the obvious things that most are aware off anyway.

    I believe ignorance is not bliss but a curse and mischief is a sign of weakness. If these crusaders even have one sensible bone in their body then I hope they can realise that ther are the odd ones out who are looked upon with digust or simply ignored. You have a choice to make here.

    A request to all, do not use slur on this website and if you are not happy about whats happening here then leave this site with peace and dignity rather then make a complete mockery of yourself and in the process insult the legend you seem to crusade for.

    Kishore Kumar was a fine artiste and a fine person so do not bring any disregard and disrespect for him as he had enormous respect for Rafisaab whom he consdired as an idol and a brother.

    Please treat this as my last mail regarding this discussion. If anyone here iwshes to know anything more about our beloved Rafisaab then please feel free to ask.

  24. Pravin says:

    Ashwani

    How thick skinned can you be? You even beat the rhino.

    How well do you know me or Sagar or BK1, to compare us??

    You don’t mind be being here? I don’t need your permission, and I have a valid reason to be hear, unlike jackasses like you, who has come to sell second hand stuff, who follow the original.

    Covey your words?? ya you are right, you convey words, but not the meaning of it.

    And how is Mrs DEY relevant here? Or is she one of the many KK crushes ??

    I can safely assume from your comments, you suffer from verbal diarrhea

    Get a life…

    Mohan, can you please send in some links with comments on “THE GREATEST” Rafi?

    Cheers!!

    Pravin.

  25. ashwani says:

    My dear Pravin,

    You seem to be another Saagar and bk1.

    Anyway i don’t mind to have you here. First of all, I believe you understood what i wrote so i am quite successful to convey my words to people like you..(SHOBHA DEY).

    Please write if u don’t understand.

  26. Pravin says:

    Ashwani,

    True to your reputation, you have started running your mouth.

    Please understand, there is a difference between “rubbish” and the truth and if you cant handle the truth, piss off.

    You talked about changes, here is one you could make-
    *********************************************************
    ashwani Says:

    August 9th, 2006 at 10:06 am
    My dear friend Mohan Flora,

    I am totally agree with you (what grammar is this, and the “am” in this sentence should not have been there)
    “His voice brought fantasy to life, and he continues to inspire succeeding generations”

    Rafi along with KISHORE, ASHA, LATA and they forget to mention MUKESH, inspire the new generation.
    *******************************************************

    Obviously, you are so oblivious of your flaws mate, you think what ever you blabber is correct, the fact is you are just spiting at the sky.

    You know about “THE GREATEST” Rafi??? what a joke, you are still in elementary school, listing to KK, if you ever grow up, then try graduating from the Rafi University.

    Mohan, thanks for the links each comment on that web site was a slap to the faces of the ungrateful.

    LONG LIVE THE KING.

    Cheers!!

    Pravin.

  27. ashwani says:

    Thanx Pravin,

    Thanx for ur observation.
    But it would be appreciated if you suggest few valid chnages.

    But my dear friend, Are you free to talk rubbish against Kishore?

    Pravin, I don’t require any proof abt Rafi’s songs. I have enough info and i have vast collection of Rafi’s songs.

  28. Hi, I am an old wine in a new bottle. Guess who?

  29. Pravin says:

    Ashwani,

    Before even continuing this discussion, please get your English sorted.

    Your phrases are as shabbily framed as the songs KK sang.

    And be careful of what you say, cause when you talk of “THE GREATEST” Rafi, you are supposed to be only humbled and on holy ground.

    Manoj, why are you even providing this guy any proofs? no matter how much one tries, a blind man will never see light.

    Cheers!!

    Pravin.

  30. ashwani says:

    My dear friend Roger,

    Don’t give credit to AVI. It is me who wrote this.

    I always write the truth. But you people only accept Rafi.

    If you had read my comments then you would have realized that i added MUKESH also.

    Roger, Don’t shy to appraise others.
    U r appraising AVI is same as you are blindly appraining RAFI.


    I understood what you wanted to convery from this blog.

    I don’t mind if you identify me as AVI/SHANKAR

  31. Roger says:

    Avi, nice to see you speak some encouraging words at last about Rafi. Keep it up!

  32. ashwani says:

    My dear driend Mohan FLora,

    I am totally agree with you
    “His voice brought fantasy to life, and he continues to inspire succeeding generations ”

    Rafi along with KISHORE, ASHA, LATA and they forget to mention MUKESH, inspire the new generation.

  33. mohanflora says:

    In their forward to his being the best selling indian singer online, amazon .com says this about rafisaab and other singers:

    Over the years, Bollywood’s dream-weavers have adopted many faces and many voices. Since the late 1940s, people have known, or suspected, that the face in close-up on the screen is probably lip-synching to a ‘playback singer’, and in the annals of Bollywood, Mohd. Rafi’s star shines bright. Decades after his death in July 1980 (at the age of 56), he remains one of the four most influential playback singers ever, alongside Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar. His voice brought fantasy to life, and he continues to inspire succeeding generations

  34. mohanflora says:

    Taken from the Siliconeer, California(USA).

    Culture:

    Remembering Rafi
    A Performer’s Tribute – By Vishwesh Ranganathan

    Evergreen playback singer Mohammed Rafi has been Bay Area performer Rakesh Kumar’s long-time idol. He will pay a musical tribute to Rafi in a performance in September, writes Vishwesh Ranganathan.

    Way back when he was 18, when Rakesh Kumar decided to begin to take lessons in light classical music at the Bharatiya Sangeet Kala Bhavan in Amritsar, his inspiration was one of the great titans of Bollywood music — the evergreen Mohammed Rafi. After over 1,000 live concerts in India, England and the U.S. including performing at London’s Wembley Stadium and an album with Kavitha Krishnamurthy, his love for Mohd. Rafi is undiminished.

    So come Sept. 15, Kumar will perform evergreen hits of Mohd. Rafi at a concert at Chandni Restaurant in Newark, Calif. He will perform with several other singers, both male and female. A seven-member orchestra will accompany the performance. Slides of films will create the mood for Rafi film songs that he will present, Kumar says.

    “Mohammed Rafi was not only a singer of great versatility, but he sang songs long ago which are still popular today with millions of people” Kumar says. “Which is remarkable, when you consider, say the last 10 years. So many songs have come and gone, how many do we remember?”

    After a three-year stint at Chandigarh, Kumar moved to Delhi where he continued taking lessons in music. He also started performing at live shows with a band of his own, and became so successful that at one point he was doing at least a show every day, he says.

    Kumar moved to Mumbai to try his luck at playback singing, and also continued his musical training under Sulakshana Pandit He also spent a year in England, performing frequently in live shows for Punjabi audiences.

    In the Bay Area, Kumar has a band, Anmol, with whom he presents live shows. His Antakshari show at the Fremont Hilton a few years back has been one of his most successful in the Bay Area. In addition Kumar has also extensively presented Mata Ki Jagriti at various temples to large audiences. Mata Ki Jagriti events are devotional sessions paying obeisance to Vaishno Devi.

    – Vishwesh Ranganathan is a freelance writer
    who lives in Livermore, Calif.

    |TOP|

  35. ashwani says:

    Saagar,
    Tu sudhrega nahi, Teri Haalat Kutte ki tarah hai jiski DUM kitni bhi sidhi karo sidhi nahi hoti. Waisi hi teri haalat hai.
    Aur ab bk1 urf Monu bhi teri category me aa gaya hai..

    Accha Laga jaankar ki tum jaisi bhi Log hai jo apn eaapko ko Rafi ke fan kahte hai.

    Rafi tum jaise logon ki baate sunkar or padhakr neer baha rahe honge.

    Enjoy …

  36. Roger says:

    I Roger Federer, Admin ko support karega. This is unfair play from the Rafians side. I do my best.
    I will take on the likes of Sagar& Monu myself.
    K.K cassetes are available in shops. O.K. So,why criticise that? O.K whether you call him bandar or else you have admited that KK is more sought after which for your kind imformation is wrong.
    By using abusive language Sagar is ony prooving his weaknees for fair argument.
    REMEMBER: You cannot defend Rafi’s fort by bringing down Kishore by fantacy.

  37. bk1 says:

    sagar teri meri jamegi , bina ashwani ke kisore ko support kaun karegi /karega, mana ke banda tha kisore bekar aur rafi tha mahan , par bakri (kishore) ko sher (rafi) se mahan sirf ashwani hi kahegi ……………… index:-
    ashwni _avi_shanker …………………………………………………… bye bhai

  38. Sagar says:

    MERE RAFI BHAIYO AUR BEHANO…..

    SUNO SUNO … AVI = SHANKAR = ASHWANI…. YEH TEENO NAMUNE EK HI HAIN DAAL KE PAANCHI HAIN..

    3 ALAGH INSAAN NAHI BALKI EK HI INSAAN HAIN JO NAAM BADALKE AATA HAIN………..

    KK KA EK GAANA THA ” BACH KE RAHNE RE BABA …. ”

    IN KK KE TEEN BANDARONSE BACH KE RAHNA

  39. Sagar says:

    ASHWANI,
    HOW DARE YOU ENTER THIS WEBSITE AGAIN ???

    WELL LET ME EXPLAIN WHY YOU FIND KK CD MORE IN MUSIC SHOP … THE THING IS THAT ” BANDAR KYA JAANE ADRAK KA SWAAD “….

    THE FACT IS THAT VERY FEW CLASSY PEOPLE LIKE RAFIANS ARE FOND OF RAFI SAHAB , NOT EVERYONE ARE ALLOWED TO BE ONE OF THEM ….. SO PEOPLE LIKE YOUR CATEGORY FOLLOW KK AND BARK ABOUT HIM EVERYWHERE IRRESPECTIVE OF THE TOPIC.

    THATS WHY YOU FIND YOUNG GENERATION KNOWING ABT KK BECAUSE THEY DON’T WANT TO KNOW ABOUT MUSIC THEY JUST WANT TO KNOW ABOUT BARKING AND SHOUTING AS KK DID . BUT THOSE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR SOULFUL MUSIC AND VOICE THEY AUTOMATICALLY COME UNDER RAFI SAHAB’S SHADOW NO NEED FOR ANY MUSIC SHOP OR CENTRE TO HAVE HIS CD’S , ETC….

    AND ONE MORE THING RAFI SAHAB’S SONGS ARE NOT FOR SALE ….. KK IS CHEAP SO HE IS SOLD EVERYWHERE……….

    ” RAFI SAHAB ANMOL HAIN, RAHENGE OR RAH RAHEIN HAIN …. ”

    KK KA KUCH AISA ” NACH NA AANGAN THEDA “……. NA IDHAR KA RAHAN NA UDHAR KA ……….

    REGARDS

    SAGAR

  40. sungma says:

    Dear mohanflora,

    Thanks for the above link. It should open the eyes of the likes of Ashwini, the globe-trotter. While going around the world listening to KK songs he must have met young, technocrats and other hi-fliers for whom it was”In alien land, indian music(read.mohd. rafi) is at home”. Please read the following about young and modern indians and how Rafisaab has influenced them(no mention of KK!):

    http://www.sureelesapne.com/press.html

  41. mohanflora says:

    For an update on the latest view out of the industry on the best please click on this link:
    http://www.bangalorebest.com/Article/bollywood.asp

    and the rest is self-explanatory!

  42. mohanflora says:

    Dear Aswani,
    Your argument to Sungma’s statement seems hollow!

  43. ashwani says:

    My dear friend Sugma,

    I know many people who travel many time with me and many who already there in USA, UK and Japan. Since we all carry Laptop and in the evening in Hotel, People just listen Kishore more campare to rafi.

    I have visited shop also there but to be very frank, Kishore’s songs sale are always more.

    I have seen this in India also. Please go to any Music Shop, you can find 4 Kishore CDs/DVDs and 2 rafi’s. This is my experience.

    Mere Pyare Dost Suhail,
    Mujhe Rafi se koi nafrat nahi hai. Mujhe unse bahut pyar hai par jab aap log Kishore ke prati Bewakufi jatate hai to mujhe sachhai batani ke liye kuchh aisi baatein likhni padti hai jo sachhai hai par aap logon ke liye KADAWI hai.

  44. sungma says:

    Dear Ashwani,
    Thanks for snooping around the laptops of guys in Japan,US and UK airports to hear what other people are listening. I hope you went to the shops of UK and US, too!

  45. suhail ahmed ansari says:

    chalta rahega caravan tere yaadon ka yunhi
    roke nahi rukega tere chahane walon ka sailaab kabhi
    na jaane kyon kuch logo ko nafrat hai
    na jaane kyon kuch log suraj ko chirag dikhate hain

  46. ashwani says:

    My dear friend Suhail,

    100 times i will ask you question, Why should we leave?
    if you don’t like you can leave, who is going to stop you.

    And one more thing.
    I am Ashwani, If you are happy to imagine me as AVI/SHANKAR/BANDITA etc. then fine. It is ur wish. God bless u.

  47. suhail ahmed ansari says:

    hay Ashwini alias Avi & Shankar we know that you are one and only one person but appearing one by one by changing your name. I think you have increase your fooly by three times by assuming false name like Ashwini & Shankar. Do you think Sagar, Mannu & Manoj are fools no you are only a big fool on this universe. This site is meant for Rafi Saheb fans and as a fans we have right to ask you to leave this site. O.K. don’t aks this question again.

  48. ashwani says:

    Suhail,

    I am ASHWANI, not AVI or SHANKAR. Why should i increase the population. We, Kishore fans, are huge in numbers.
    I read one funny comment from AVI that He is not AVI, may be he wanted to write “I am NOT ASHWANI” 🙂

    Are you owner of this site 🙂 NOOOOOOOOOO.
    How dare you to talk like this…

    Sungma,
    I am not anti Rafi but i am agianst few people who write some stupid thing abt KISHORE. He has proven himself and left the world. People still following his footprint but people like MANU, SAAAGE, MANOj n many don’t give respect to this legend. I came from USA 2 months back and i go to USA, UK and JAPAN very often. I have found few Rafi fans especially in older age but KISHORE popularity is huge in young. You can check laptop of every indivisual at Airport, you can found Kishore’s popularity is tremendous.

    Thanx

  49. suhail ahmed ansari says:

    I think Ashwini & Avi are one and only one person. I think Shankar is also Avi. He has disguise himself in three self so as to increase the population of anti Rafian in this very site which is meant only for Rafi Saheb fans. Throw away Avi from this site.

  50. sungma says:

    Dear Ashwani.
    If you express your thoughts in the same manner as you have given above then discussions on this page will be enjoyable. A give and take policy helps but not a stubborn attitude.
    Yes, I would also like to add that regarding sale of songs, as pointed out by Harvinder, Rafi’s songs are much more sought after here in UK and the USA too. My friend owns a branch of the India Spice and Sweets shop in LA and he says that Rafi is a craze among the diaspora. Perhaps Rafi’s songs had a more indian and earthy touch and when desis come abroad they feel homesick/nostalgic and find solace in Rafi’s voice.

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