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Tum Joh Mil Gaye Ho – The Path Breaker

This article is written by Mr. Nagesh Sidhanti, a member of Mohammed Rafi fan club Baar Baar Rafi.

Mohd Rafi and Madan Mohan

Mohd Rafi and Madan Mohan

An attempt to review ‘Tum Joh Mil Gaye Ho’ would be incomplete without actually ‘experiencing’ it, preferably on a rainy day over a long drive and you sure will be transported to a world of intense love and nostalgia.

From the movie ‘Hanste Zakhm’ (1973), this song is composed by the great Madan Mohan and lyrics penned by Kaifi Azmi. Very few songs in the 70s had such a balanced scope for Lyricist, Composer and Singer/s.

The beauty of Kaifi’s lyrics lies in its beguiling simplicity…whether it was ‘waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam‘ from Kagaz ke phool or ‘ kuch dil ne kaha’ from Anupama or ‘zara si aahat hoti hai‘ from Haqueeqat or the current song under discussion. Who can be unmoved when you hear Kaifi’s lines like ‘ zinda rehene ki mausam bahut hai magar, jaan dene ki rut roz aati nahin‘ in the song Kar chale hum fida from Haqueeqat?

Kaifi Azmi is known to bring out the best in both composer and singer/s, by his flair for imagery-evoking lyrics. ‘Tum joh mil gaye ho’ is sung in the context of ‘Somesh’ a rebellious rich boy, who in conflict with his father, ends up becoming a taxi driver ( Navin Nishchal) and a girl called ‘Chanda’ who is coerced into prostitution (Priya Rajvansh)

[audio:HansteZakhm_TumJoMilGayeHo.mp3]
Listen to Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho

‘Now that I have found you, it seems I have found the world’ is the conviction of the protagonist who falls deeply in love with this prostitute while taking her from one client to another. Kaifi adeptly envelops the sentiments of the man whose compulsive rebellious instincts draw him close to a girl, whose nature of trade matters nothing to him in the realm of pure love.

Check out these lines:

tum bhi the khoye khoye, main bhi bujaa bujaa
thaa ajanabee zamaanaa, apanaa koee na thaa
dil koh joh mil gayaa hai, teraa sahaaraa
yek naee zindagee kaa, nishaa mil gayaa

The song is picturised mostly with the protagonist driving the girl around Bombay. The girl shifts herself from back seat to the front seat in the second half of the song responding in affirmative to the lines ‘Baitho na door humse, dekho khafaa na ho‘. Kaifi Azmi yet again shows here his trademark compulsion to dovetail lyrics that are devoid of excessive sophistication on one hand and yet so profound on the other….and there is no better example than ‘tum joh mil gaye ho’.

Madan Mohan’s fondness of songs with haunting qualities is no secret and tum joh is right up there in this category. By early 70s, the film fraternity considered him as a composer with repertoire limited to his title of ‘ Ghazal King’ and he was accused of composing just to live up to his own reputation. Time had come for Madan Mohan to silence his critics with something difficult to emulate. He did it with ‘tum joh’ and how?

Still from the song Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho

Still from the song Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho

A path breaking song, which is a symphonic number comparable in its chord and rhythm changes, to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (which was released in 1975 though)…a unique first in the annals of Indian cinema…an orchestration style attempted two decades later by Oscar recipient, AR Rahman in the song ‘ Veerapaandi Kottayile‘ from the movie Thiruda Thiruda.

Madan’s profound understanding of the emotions the protagonist undergoes is reflected in the romantic cry taken in high pitch. The rhythm change between first part of the song and the second, symbolises the coming together of the two when all the socio-stigmatic barriers crumble. Sounds of rain, thunder and tidal waves kissing the shore, simply accentuate the sensuous concoction of intense love, nostalgic mood and soul cry.

One antara ‘Tum kya jaano tum kya ho‘ is designed differently adding surprise value to an already unique song. Madan Mohan thus tunes a song, which even 25 years later makes it to the top 10 list ever in Indian Cinema ( according to recent Frontline magazine public voting).

Mohammed Rafi saab needed no second invitation to grasp the context of the song, unleashing every word with unbridled joy, tugging at your heart’s strings. He translates Kaifi Azmi’s intent and Madan Mohan’s vision into one of the most soulfully intense romantic songs ever. The melody is even more unique because Rafi saab sings each syllable in his inimitable drawl and with stress on every nuance. He captures the essence in the very first line ‘Tum joh mil gaye ho‘ bringing forth an air of grievance for the delay in finding his soul mate. Rafi saab introduces a brief lull just after this opening line, as if he is coming out of a romantic trance.

Mohd Rafi with Madan Mohan

Mohd Rafi with Madan Mohan

Rafi saab with his unique technique, picks ‘mil gaya‘ as the key mood word and everytime he sings ‘ mil gaya‘ he somehow packs in the ambience of the entire song, a habit that comes to Rafi saab instinctually. You will actually experience the gleeful expression of the protagonist, when Rafi sings ‘ jaane na doonga‘ with a passionate conviction to embrace his love eternally. The rise and fall of the long notes symbolise the roller coaster ride the characters undergo owing to the unconventionality of their relationship.

In ‘Tum Joh’ I found a new definition for the much celebrated equation, E = MC2, where ‘E’ is Experience of music, ‘M’ is Melodious delight of Rafi Saab and ‘C’ is Convergence of three masters.

I haven’t had enough of ‘tum joh’ yet. What about you?

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97 Blog Comments to “Tum Joh Mil Gaye Ho – The Path Breaker”

  1. Sameer Wani says:

    Hey Siddhanti Ur Comments Are Very Perfect.U Have Done A Great Justice While analysing “The Song Of The Millenium – Tum Jo Mil Gaye HO”
    Past Manny years i hv been liking this Song.It Geared Up When Sonu Niigaam Sung this Masterpiece In London.Last Night I happened to record It In My Own Voice.Now Im Feeling in 7th World.Hats Off To Madan Mohan For Composing Such a Great Song.

  2. Siddik Juneja says:

    I simply love all the songs of Mohammed Rafi without exception. To describe in any other form his quality of rendering songs will be insufficient in whatever manner we try. I suffice to say that I simply love all the songs and i shall be indebted to receive all the updates from you.

  3. Priyanka says:

    Excellent review! Never have read such a review about a song. This is such a beautiful song one can’t get enough of it. And after reading this review I am going to appriciate it even more. Rafiji has poured his heart & soul while singing. And one can not forget few lines sung by Lataji also.

    Thank you

  4. Nagesh Sidhanti says:

    Sukhjit sab,

    Aadab rafi, many thanks for your appreciation.

    Kindly refere comment no. 49. I have already given the complete list.
    By the way, it is Outlook and not frontline as mentioned.

    I would be delighted to understand whether the top ten matches that of yours.

    with warm regards

    Nagesh Sidhanti

  5. myk says:

    Ramaswamy-ji,

    Thanks for mentioning the Ek Kali Muskayee gems, and Thanks Anil-ji for providing the links.

    “Zulf bikhrati chali aayi ho” is a rare gem by ‘Saatwan Sur’ Rafi-saab. In this composition MM employs a style of violins that Shankar and Chitragupta both used to use in choice compositions. Also check out the use of the saxophone, showing MM’s strengths with western instruments.

    There are songs that if sung by someone else would hardly have any melody, but the Rafi touch gave it so much melody. Rafi could sing any tune in any sur, such was his matchless talent.

  6. sukhjit singh makkar says:

    nagesh, a wonderful exposition of an equally wonderful composition.
    would be grateful if you could let us know the full list of the songs in FRONTLINE and the issue also , as rafi lovers.

  7. mohamed parvez says:

    dear friends i would like to mention about unique song from film:parwana song written by kaifi azmi saab music given by madan mohan ji and sang by rafisaab and kishoreda its sad version and happy version combined together

    here is the link for this song

    http://rafifanblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/yu-na-sharma-philade-parwana-kishoreda.html

  8. Nagesh Sidhanti says:

    aadab rafi

    Naveen zalpuri sab,

    thanks very much for your comments. in very few words your have said a lot about the review and i am honoured that it deserved multiple reads.

    Manishbhai, you have a good taste. I just saw the youtube link. song sounds
    just like the adjectives used by you.

    thanks

    Nagesh Sidhanti

  9. Anil Cherian says:

    Can’t thank you enough, Mykji for all the songs; in the process of listening to them, some are new to me.

  10. Anil Cherian says:

    Nageshji:
    The comparison is reproduced below. This was in response to some of the charges made by certain contributors to this site (implying that Rafisahab’s rendition of classical songs leaves some thing to be desired)

    “I would opine that Rafisahab’s base and his style (when it comes to classical music) is ‘different’. Let me explain with a cricketing example. I suppose you’ve watched (and followed) 2 of the greatest batsmen India has ever produced- Sunny Gavaskar and his Bro-in-law ‘Vishy’. As we know Gavaskar is the very epitome of technical perfection. Any coach would advise his ward to bat like Gavaskar. But what about Vishy? Was he not technically good? he was, but not in the same way as Gavaskar was.. he had a style, a technique, a flair which was Vishy-sque, not exactly conforming to Wisden’s coaching manual (and at the same not consistently defying it like Richards or Lara).
    Similarly Rafisahab’s rendition (of classical stuff) was very much ‘Rafian’, if analysed from a purely ‘traditional’ point of view, one may find shortcomings but again Indian classical music (just like batting) affords ample scope for its wards to experiment and improvise. Just as Dennis Lillie rated Vishy above
    Sunny, the greatest of the classical exponents would (and did) rate Rafisahab in a class of his own but the common followers of the form might find a thing or two lacking in Rafisahab’s rendition”.

    Vishy was indeed the ‘aapat bandhava’, no wonder there are scores of cricketers (legends themselves like Kapil, Srikkant, Sastri etc.) who call Vishy their “Cricketing God”.

  11. Anil Cherian says:

    Rama Swamyji:
    Here are the youtbe links to the two songs from ‘ek kali muskayee…’.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBunDmqXP28
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXR6Yvv-szA
    The audio quality is good and I believe the clips are downloadable.
    I especially like the title song of the movie. MM has utilised Rafisahab’s vocal range in the lower range superbly (something the MDs didn’t do much in the ’70s).
    You are right, ‘Teri ankhon ke siva…’ and others should rank right up there and I’m sure there more such gems from this fab pair.

  12. myk says:

    Anil-ji,

    Some Asha-Rafi duets under MM:

    Zameen se hamein aasman – Adalat
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKC9ia7Uvfg

    Jis din se maine tumko – Parwana
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClgkXaNDv5o

    Tere paas aake – Neela Akash
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW-jJKsFAoc&feature=related

    Aap ko pyar chupa ne – Neela Akash
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuCSbVNoGPo&feature=related

    Hum bhoolte hi rahe – Dekh Kabira Roya
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfm9kaoaW2k

    Kabhi tera daman – Neend Hamari Khwaab Tumhari
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbEhR40Xdu0

    Ab do dilon ke – Pooja Ke Phool
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4WCk3fyJHE

    Humsafar saath apna – Aakhri Dao
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1P1J44YoRqg

    Tum ho haseen kahan – Sharabi
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJ8Y2aaq1oo

    Kabhi itlake chalte ho – Aap Ki Parchhaiyan
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmi4rZ0R4Ic

    Ek sapna maine dekha hai – Sharafat Chhod Di Maine
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG9nZH4ASHg

    Tum samne aa kar – Khazanchi
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urmjJ-o6eNY

  13. naveen zalpuri says:

    Nageshji

    I read your writeup more than a couple of times. All I can say is that it is
    as beautiful as the song itself.

    Thanks
    Naveen

  14. n.g.ramaswamy says:

    Ref.post 74/75

    myk/anilji,

    You may include these gems also:

    1. Teri ankhon ke siva
    2. Lo Ek Kali muskayee – Title song
    3. Zulf bikhraati chali aayee ho – ek kali muskayee

    Who is the music composer for film Aabroo? Two rare gems of this film,
    “Aap se pyar hua” and “Har chehra yahaan chand” I have recorded in my old cassette but not available in any of Rafi saab’s cds. Anybody having pl. email it to me : ramaswamy_ng@yahoo.com. Also songs from ek kali muskayee & other rare gems of Rafi saab may please be forwarded to me if available.

    Thanks

  15. Manish Kumar says:

    he following is my favorite line from one of my favorite songs of all time.

    “Jo Tujhese Hui Ho Woh, Katta Saath Liye Jaii, Jo Tujhese Hui Ho Woh, Katta Saath Liye Jaii”

    There’s yearning, sadness, dignified love, resolve and hope all expressed at the same time in those two lines. I’ve probably heard that single line 200+ and every time I savor every single word because Rafi Sahab adds the right emotion to every word and sings straight from the heart. It is his God gifted talent and saintly personality that allows him to express many different emotions so eloquently at once. There are moments in this song where you actually have hope for the hero and think that not everything will end as sadly as they are now in the song.

    The other day thanks to a very kind person I heard for the first time the duet “Ek Sapna Meine Deka”. Excellent, lively, fluid composition from Madan Mohan that is executed to perfection by Rafi & Asha.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0bSJI4I7uk

  16. Nagesh Sidhanti says:

    Dear Anilbhai,

    Please post the rafi-vishy comparison made by you. I would love to
    read it and if possible show it to Vishy one of these days and then
    share with you his reaction.

    Indeed he was a master craftsman. Though his average does not demonstrate how great a batsman he was, just can’t forget the great
    innings he played for India earning him a title of ‘ aapat baandhava’
    meaning ‘saviour from defeat’ that he was.

    cheers

    Nagesh

  17. Anil Cherian says:

    Dear Nageshji:
    Great to know that you share good relationship with Vishy. The stylist from South India was my elder brother’s favorite cricket (Chandra being another) and naturally I also grew up to become a fan of his (though I haven’t been fortunate enough to watch those legendary late cuts and glances, live). Infact I had made this Rafi-Vishy comparison in a mail to Dhaniram sir, however my comparison was on technical side (especially about Rafisahab’s prowess as a classical singer), rather than personal side.
    And thanks for all the nice words…

  18. Anil Cherian says:

    You are right on the dot, Mykji… 10 is too little a number when it comes to listing Rafi-MM gems.
    Could you list out some of the Rafi-Asha duets of MM’s? I’m not too familiar with this combo…

  19. myk says:

    Anil-ji,

    Indeed there are many more fine MM-Rafi numbers, I think ten is too less a number to list.

    I believe “Likhar tera naam zamin par” was composed by Jaidev after MM passed away. Jaidev did well to compose the rest of the songs keeping in mind the theme of the film, and his compositions gelled well with what MM had already composed earlier.

    Jaidev, a great talent himself, had the privelage of assisting two of the finest composers to have ever lived, MM and SDB.

    What is interesting is that MM has few Lata-Rafi duets as opposed to other composers, when his favourite singers were Lata and Rafi. He seemed to have preferred Asha-Rafi to Lata-Rafi, but composed a Lata-Rafi duet at choice times. Same is the case with Roshan, and SDB, but SDB didn’t have one duet pair that stood out in terms of numbers, it was a variety of Lata-Rafi, Asha-Rafi, Geeta-Rafi, Asha-Kishore, Lata-Kishore etc. I guess the three-year rift between Lata and Rafi also did not allow these composers to compose more Lata-Rafi duets.

    The top seven composers for Lata-Rafi duets from a stats perspective are:

    L-P
    S-J
    K-A
    Naushad
    Chitragupta
    RDB (also taking into consideration what songs he may have contributed to when assisting his father)
    Husanlal-Bhagatram

  20. Nagesh Sidhanti says:

    Aadab Rafi Firoz Ahmed sir,

    I have no words to describe the joy of reading your comments sir. I consider your mail with the same delight as I would have, if Rafi sab khud were to comment.

    It could not have been said better sir. Indeed Madan Mohanji knew what he was talking, when he challenged other singers to sing ‘ tum joh’ half as good as Rafi sab, an opinion which would be endorsed by millions of us unequivocally sir.

    Sir, we all appreciate Himalayan mountain range. It has very interesting mountains but when it comes to the tallest and most fascinating one, there is no argument. Mt. Everest and Mohammed Rafi , stand tall and towering in their respective domains.

    I take this opportunity to convey warm greetings from baarbaar rafi, fan club from Bangalore and we still cherish your presence on 17th August 2008 when you graced our concert along with other family members. Kindly convey to the rest of the members our hearty greetings.

    Mujhko mere baad zamaana dhoondega…… How true rafi sab!!!!

    With melodious regards,

    Nagesh Sidhanti

  21. Nagesh Sidhanti says:

    Aadab Rafi one more time,

    Santosh bhai, It is heartening to know that Umesh Makhija ji, has shown the way to rest of us by creating a temple of sorts for the great virtuoso. Hats off to Makhija sab once again. Wow…… I am rubbing my hands imagining sleeping on a bed with Rafi songs written on it. Thanks for sharing the information.

    Bijoor sab, greetings from the land of Vishy, Pras and Chandra. I am one of those fortunate souls to have dined and wined with Vishy and having known him personally from the close quarters. Rafi and Vishy had many things in common. Just like Rafi sab, he too was an artist extraordinaire. Millions of people paid to watch him. He was simple, focused and let his bat talk. Both, such wonderful human beings.

    Thank you very much for those wonderful words Bijoor sab. I run a risk of repeating. 99% inspiration from endearing fans like you and 1% perspiration sir. In the end, it is Rafi sab all the way with his heart stopping melodies like the one under discussion, who makes the job a reviewer easy. Kindly read the comments of Mr. Firoz Ahmed, a member Of Rafi saab’s family, on Madan Mohan’s challenge that any other singer could come half as close as Rafi sab in this song.

    Narayanan sab is the torchbearer for us in Bangalore, but for whom we would have Never had a platform like the one we have currently sir.

    Hello Roopa, you are a singer par excellence and your observation about the sensitivity portrayed in the song is a very valid observation. I am simply being benefited from the borrowed emotions from one of rafi sab’s greatest songs. Thanks very much for sharing your views. Much appreciated.

    Binu Nair sab, sach much Oonche log, oonche vichaar. Indeed Rafi sab never left us but became ‘ Amar’ and must be blessing all of us with that smile on his face. Ahh…

    Souvik bhai, would love to read your article. Thanks for the kind words. You are spot on sir. Rafi – MM songs indeed had the kind of inescapable ghazal andaaz, the tunesmith never failed to celebrate.

    Anil Cherian sab, agree with you in Toto.

    P. Haldar sab, aadab Rafi. It could not have been said better. Indeed the jahaan in the world of music belongs to Rafi sab all the way. Madan Mohan played a perfect foil to bring forth the ‘navarasaas’ of singing our icon was blessed with. I just get lost when I hear ‘Sharaabi’ songs. Kabhi na kabhi………Thanks for the comments.

    Mohan bhai, thanks very much for comments. You have beautifully articulated the need to recognize the musicians behind every song. Generally speaking, I see a tendency among an average listener to place credit of the song almost entirely on the singer/s. Luckily forums like this are visited by highly discerning hindi retro fans like you Sir.

    Dear myk ji, You have given a fabulous account on madan mohan and rafi combo and the reasons why the madanji was the ‘harley davidson’ among composers. Each one hand crafted to perfection and they stay with you for life. You have snatched the MM-Rafi list right out of my hand sab. It simply resembles mine to the tee. Thanks for the appreciation.

    Anil cherian sab, it is wonderful to see passion for Madan- Rafi songs in this forum from learned members like you. Please keep your opinions flowing.

    Bahut Shukriya

    Nagesh Sidhanti

  22. binu nair says:

    tum jo mil gaye ho songs in 8.02 p.m. slow local – churchgate to borivli :

    this song was being played by the regular singing group in the local train along with the song “ghar tum bhula na dooge, sapne yeh sach hi honge ” and also “rang aur noor ki baarat kise pesh karun”.

    who cares whether tum jo was played in binaca geet mala fleetingly during the release of the song. the song has become immortal and is played in most of the music events. most of the songs played in the binacas remains buried – for they were all propped up by vested interests of the time.

    binus

  23. Anil Cherian says:

    Mykji:
    Let me try listing out my top 10 MM-Rafisahab songs (not in any particular order):
    Mein yeh sochkar
    Tum se kahoon ek baat
    Yeh duniya
    Meri duniya
    Ek haseen shaam ko
    Meri awaz suno
    Rang aur noor
    Kehna, ek deewana (Is it MM score or Jaidev’s?)
    Aapke pehloo mein aakar
    Tum jo mil gaye ho.
    Too bad I can’t include other gems like ‘hoke majboor…’, ‘tumhari zulf ke…..’, ‘barbaad-e-mohabbat…’ ‘kar chale hum…..’ and dozens of others.

  24. myk says:

    When Madan Mohan passed away in 1975, HFM lost one of its best and most classiest composers. In fact this year was a twin blow, with SDB also passing away. Jaikishan had departed four years earlier, Roshan a few years before that. There were only a few really great composers left in the 70’s, as others had either passed away or bowed down to the changing times.

    Madan Mohan’s tunes were like nothing heard before or after. They were so high in quality and melody that it was impossible for them to be sung by anyone else besides Rafi and Lata. This was the case with most great composers as well, you will find that their best, or their cream, was reserved for the King and Queen of singing. There are exceptions, like Asha for OPN, Talat for Anil Biswas and so forth, and even if others like Mukesh, Kishore, Geeta, Mahendra Kapoor, Manna Dey etc. got the best as well from various composers, this same group of composers (and others) usually “also” reserved their best for Rafi and Lata. For example, I mentioned OPN, and we all know how deadly a combo was OPN-Rafi.

    MM was not only a fine ghazal composer, he was versatile, and could compose in any genre. “Tum jo mil gaye ho” speaks volumes about his ability to compose in the western genre. This was not the first time he created a song in this genre, if one looks back, one will find MM also ventured into western territory in the 50’s and 60’s. Take other genres such as folk, qawwali, romantic, classical, devotional etc. and MM has great songs in all of them. Then there is the sentimental/pathos category where MM had few peers. Listen to any sentimental gem composed by MM, and you will enter another world. Most MM songs are high on lyrical quality, rendering, melody, arrangement and emotional depth. MM also changed with the times, which is why his music always sounded modern and fresh and never dated.

    Mr. P. Haldar is absolutely spot on when he mentions that many other MM-Rafi songs deserve special mention. Rafi sang a variety of absolutely amazing songs under MM. MM and Rafi shared an excellent ‘solo’ relationship. Here are ten of my favourite solo’s composed by MM and sung by Rafi. Songs like these come once in a lifetime (I will not mention “Tum jo mil gaye ho” which is one of my favourites as well, as it has already been wonderfully described by Mr. Nagesh Sidhanti):

    Tumhari zulf ke saaye – Naunihal
    Chirag dil ka jalao – Chirag
    Rang aur noor ki baarat – Ghazal
    Ek haseen shaam ko – Dulhan Ek Raat Ki
    Main nigahen tere chehre se – Aap Ki Parchhaiyan
    Mere pyar mein tujhe kya mila – Suhagan
    Barbaad-e-mohabbat – Laila Majnu
    Tumse kahoon ek baat – Dastak
    Aakhri geet mohabbat ka – Neela Akash
    Kabhi na kabhi – Sharabi

  25. Mohan says:

    Hello Nagesh,

    This is a wonderful review. I’d never paid too much attention to this song (yes, I have heard it, like countless others, countless times, and enjoyed it; but without a deep understanding of it) but now I will.

    Your examination of the song, both in its musical detail, and in its circumstantial context, makes wonderful reading. You obviously know your music in detail (in terms of music theory, I mean, and I don’t), but a mere description of musical excellence leaves a review incomplete without a description of the musicians behind the song. You do this very well: the song is the product of the genius of Kaifi Azmi and Madan Mohan as much as it is that of Rafi saab’s. Thank you!!

    Regards,

    Mohan

  26. P. Haldar says:

    if i am asked to pick one rafi song from the 70s, this is it. everything about this song is great — kaifi’s lyrics, madan mohan’s composition and rafi’s jadu. in rafi’s voice, the persian word “jahan” takes on additional significace. the way he stretches “j-a-h-a-a-a-a-n” reminds us that the jahan — yani the world of music — indeed belongs to him. myk had informed us once that the complex musical arrangements for this composition were handled by kersi lord, and rafi saab had personally complimented him for his brilliant arrangement.

    like this song, which nagesh ji has portrayed so vividly, many other mm-rafi songs deserve special mention, and I’d encourage the talented writers from the city of vishy, pras and chandra to write more. in my humble opinion, no one experimented with hindi film songs more than madan mohan and that is why you see so many of his songs exceed the 4 minute quota that is usually reserved for film songs. And that is why I had commented earlier that madan mohan and rafi should have cut a private album together, unrestricted by the parameters defined by hindi film music. Anyway, they have given us such a wealth of songs to treasure that we should not complain. I usually play mm’s songs after midnight: mujhe le chalo…

  27. Nagesh Sidhanti says:

    Aadab Rafi,

    Amolsab, you took me back the memory lane with your mail and all those wonderful radio programs you have mentioned. You can’t help but associate tum joh with a rainy laid back but romantic afternoon.

    Imran bhai, indeed an all time greatest song. Your words of encouragement are heart warming.

    Vinathaji, tum joh certainly is hatke and so was Madan mohan’s brand of music. Personally I have taken multiple listens of MM songs before they grew on me and once hooked on never goes out of your psyche. Thanks for the appreciation. Your comments have been answered. It rained in bangalore last couple of days. 🙂

    Sid bhai, filmfare jury is respected but not always the awards are based on meritocracy. So if you ask me, I would say it is who Filmfare did not get ‘Tum joh’

    Hi nanda, reading your mail I am reminded of ‘ aaj mere zameen par nahi hai kadam.’ Such a levitational experience 1111. Thanks for the good words.

    Hello unknow, exhaaaustive list there from you. I am impressed.

    Shukriya once again for your comments.

    Nagesh Sidhanti

  28. Anil Cherian says:

    Sid:
    I can’t answer why ‘tum jo…’ failed to pick up filmfare award but I think I can tell you something about Madanmohan’s music. His music was not meant to be hummed and sung by the movie/film song enthusiasts rather it was meant to be heard, enjoyed and cherished in the heart. The MM songs were so ‘fine-tuned’ that a less-than-great rendition can absolutely murder them, no wonder the maestro almost always stuck to his trusted weapons (Rafisahab and Lataji). Another great MD (personally speaking) in the same mould is SDB (especially the pre-70 one). You must have noticed that very few people try MM numbers (or the pre-70s SDB numbers) in musical competitions/shows.

  29. Firoz Ahmed says:

    Dear Mr. Nagesh,

    I must congratulate you for your wonderful and almost poetic analysis of a truly ‘path breaking’ song. Indeed a composition that can never be reconstructed. And Madanji had challenged any singer, then or ever, to sing this song even half as good as Rafi saab.
    I enjoyed your writing style.
    Thank you.
    regards on behalf of Rafi saabs family,
    Firoz Ahmed

  30. Great article, Nageshji,

    I have previously referred in my article on Rafi and Madanmohanji, that some of the songs of Rafi sung for Madanmohan, had ghazal andaz with the modernized orchestration.

    Tum jo mil gaye ho, is a rare masterpiece which remains a masterpiece even after 36 years of its creation.

    Souvik Chatterji.

  31. binu nair says:

    Santosh ji and all : great men (oonche log) never die. they become “amar”.
    like our mohd rafi saaheb on the day of July 31, 1980 at about 10.35 p.m.

    the music world in particular and common people celebrates rafi music not only on july 31 ( come rain or thunder ) but on all four weeks of the month. and rafi deewanes have musicals throughout the year.

    enjoy the amar music of rafi saaheb and all our legends. i bow to them.

    binus, rafi foundation, mumbai : binus2000@hotmail.com

  32. Roopa says:

    Perfectly said Nagesh! I totally agree with U that experiencing this song is very very important! The sensitivity here is so much needed that without it,we cannot bask in it completely! I very much appreciate ur genuine thoughts here..This particular song can make us so nostalgic!
    Nagesh, I know what u re very good at! Appreciating others so genuinely but U probably dont know that U need much more appreciation for the quality of ur articles!They sure can drive a lot of emotion into people w.r.t Mohd.Rafi!Wud love to read more of ur articles Nagesh! Cheers!

  33. unknow says:

    Sir sid
    Answer is so easy that why rafi saab didnt win filmfare for this song because Mohd Rafi got better award than film far award for this song by you and me but Question is why Madan Mohan never won film far award?why mohd rafi didn’t win film far award in 1980?
    As Naushand said for song ‘Madhuban Mein Radhika Nache’ there was misunderstand between him and film maker and Mohd rafi said to Film maker that I will sing this song for free and you will pay me only if the song became hit and amout as i want,as Naushand Film maker agreed after the song became super hit film maker asked Mohd rafi how mush should I pay you for this song the answer was that the people like this song and I don’t want money.

  34. Malavika says:

    Hello rafi Bhakts,

    Is there anybody who has the original 13 mins version of ‘tum joh’? If yes,
    pleeeeease let me know how to get hold of it.

    cheers
    Malavika

  35. I personally feel that the Bangalore Group has indeed taken-over the reins of this beautiful site ably started initially by Binajee & followed by Nageshjee which indeed is a most welcome gesture.
    Great & wonderful work by both of you – probably making the regular writers like us feel we should retire for good and just wait & watch for every Sunday to see more of the lively & beautiful articles from the members of the erstwhile Baar Baar Rafi Group.
    In fact it was my good friend Mr Narayanan who reminded me on 08/03/2009 to surf this site & read your fine article – however since I was very busy & pre-occupied with my own official schedule I was unable to grasp your lovely piece. Today I have had the opportunity.
    Dear Nagesh Sidhantijee after going through your beautiful thoughts I for a while I almost assumed as if Rafi Saab was just in front of me & performing “ Tum jo mil gaye Ho “ – with both the artists of the film in the back-drop enacting the number in the Chetan Anand lovely film Hansthe Zakhm. In fact your beautiful thoughts have further enhanced the beauty of this superb rendition from our beloved King of Melody Mohammed Rafi Saab.
    Bangalore Group please keep up the good show continuing – whereby we can retire in peace by humming — Hum laye hain toofan se kashtee nikal ke – ees desh ko rakhana mere bachho sambhalke !!!

  36. santosh says:

    Dear Rafi fans,

    Yesterday I met Mr.Narayanan at Umesh Makhija’s house in Ahmedabad.It was a great expereince to meet one of the pujari’s of rafi saab.His room in his house was dedicated to rafi saab.The bed was covered by blanket with names of songs.There were 2 pillows in which the date of birth and death of rafi saab was painted.In addition there were numerous photographs of rafi saab and collection of some of the rarest songs.It felt like entering a temple.MY salutes to Mr.Umesh Makhija for this and I am fortunate to be staying in Ahmedabad because I can have a darshan of rafi saab at his house whenever I want.

  37. unknow says:

    Actors who became unknow in 1970’s not using Mohd rafi voice(as I think)
    1.Biswijeet
    2.Joy mukerji
    3,dilip kumar
    4.Dev Anand
    5.Rajendra kumar

  38. unknow says:

    Sorry I forgot Manoj kumar
    1.ae watan ae watan
    2.bhari duniya mein
    3.door rahkar
    4.main kal phir milungi
    5.matlab nikal gaya hai to
    6.naseeb mein jike jo lika tha
    7.Patthar Ke Sanam
    8.Raha Gardishon Mein Hardam –
    9.Resham Ki Dori
    10.sajan sajan pukarun
    11.tu hai bhagat singh ki maa
    12.Tu Raat Khadi Thi Chhat Pe
    13.zulfon ko hatale chehre se

    If am not wrong in film Do Badan the song “Raha Gardishon Mein Hardam’ was sung by Mukesh before Mohd Rafi as said By Ravi the Film music director

  39. unknow says:

    TAARIF KARUN KYA USKI who gave us Mohd Rafi…
    If am not wrong all Mohd Rafi songs on actor Rajhesh khana are super hit and Rajhesh khana best romantic songs was sung by mohd Rafi,also Kk gave great songs to Rajhesh khana………

    List of songs by Mohd rafi to none mohd Rafi actors.
    1,aan milo sajna
    2.Baghon Main Bahar Hai
    3.Falak Se Tod Ke Dekho Sitare
    4.he tere hatroon
    5.Pasand Agai Hai
    6.Ye Reshmi Zulfein
    7.zamane ne maare jawan kaise kaise
    8.Akele Hain Chale Aao
    9.aur kuch der teher
    10.Chup Gaye Saare Naazare
    11.gulabhi aankhen jo teri dekhin.
    12.itna to yaad hai mujhe
    13.sajna saath nibana
    14.Yeh raat hai pyasi
    15.Danton tale
    16.Gunguna Rahe Hain Bhanvre
    17.naghma hamara gaayega
    18.ye jo chilman hai dushman
    19.yun hi tum mujh se baat karti ho

    To Mr Amitab Bachan
    1,are hasne walon.
    2.athra baras ki tu
    3.aye yaar sun.
    4.desh premiyon
    5.hay naam re
    6.husn hai ya koi qayamat hai
    7.john johny janardhan
    8.koi aur duniya mien
    9.mere dost kissa.
    10.mile jo kadi kadi
    11.o jamila chamak chalo
    12.oonchi oonchi baton se.
    13.patta patta
    14.rakkasa tera naam
    15.rang jama ke jayenge
    16.Teri Bindiya Re
    17.tumse door rehke.

    To Feroz Khan
    1.ankon pe palkon ke
    2.bohot haseen ho
    3.gusse main tum aur
    4.Hum Tumse Juda Hoke
    5.Jaag Dil-e-diwana Rut Jaagi
    6.kya dekhte ho.
    7.pyar ke daman se lipte
    8.Rut Hai Milan Ki
    9.shame bahar aur subhe chaman.mp3

    Raj Kapoor
    1.chale jaana re huzoor
    2.chale jana tum door bade
    3.duniya mein nahin koi yaar wafadar
    4.hum tum ye bahar
    5.main zindagi main hardam
    6.ramaya vastavaya
    7.sadqe heer tujh pe
    8.shama jali parwana aaya
    9.tera kaam hai jalna parwane

    Sanjeev kumar
    1.allah akbar
    2.allah tere saath
    3.aya re khilonewala
    4.chadi re chadi gale mein
    5.dheere chal zara
    6.haye tabassum tera
    7.idhar dondta hoon

    Kishore kumar
    1.ajab hai dastan teri
    2.man mora banwara
    3.o meri maina
    So what we can say about Mohd Rafi actors?!!!

  40. Nanda says:

    Hey Nagesh!

    Splendid write up on the song. Who can live down tum jo milgaye ho….. Many of us have felt the same within us magar wo “tum” maybe different at different times this could be an excellent material for admakers – wonder how they have ignored it all these days – all the sprite and such guys
    The lyrics are simply made for those times when you feel that your feet are a couple of inches above ground – in fact it keeps you there- just imagine that the song is for you and your feet goes up a couple inches more. Keep Rafi alive and exuberant – may your tribe increase!!

  41. sid says:

    someone P L E A S E tell me why rafi saab didnt win filmfare for this! Cmon.. i want the reason.

  42. vinatha says:

    Hi Nagesh,very nicely you written the romantic description of the song.I felt i was listening to the song.You have really rightfully said about the lyrics and the music direction by KaifiAzmi and Madan Mohan, which is so so hatke.The rain has been romanticised passionately,and all the nuances of the rain scene brought about in the rendering,and without any doubt no one but Rafi Saab could do justice.
    enjoyed every bit.

  43. Imran Rustam says:

    Dear Mr. Nagesh Sidhanti Jee,

    You have selected a great song which is very difficult to sing but Rafi SB sang it with ease. This is the great quality of him. Madan Mohan gave a great composition and Rafi Sb gave his divine voice to make it greatest hit of all the time. Good work Nagesh Sidhanti Jee. It is my all favorite Rafi Sb’s song and your write up is true description of this gem. Keep it up.

    Regards,
    -Imran-

  44. Nagesh Sidhanti says:

    Respected Sandeepji,

    I am on cloud nine to read your comments sir. I consider your words an honour.

    Kindly receive a big and loud NO from my side for your poser. Rafi sab was or should I say is (because he is till with us) simply peerless. The striking feature of his abilities was the way he balanced raag, shabhd and bhaav. The key ingredients for great music in my limited opinion sir.

    I read your anecdote with rapt attention. Its akin to running a long marathon in athletic terms to be able to stand and deliver a 13 minutes long song at this intensity and perfection. Sir, being a part of this song, you too must have had an experience of life time and am sure it goes to show your high standards of concentration, synchronization and team work, to be able to deliver a never before never after song in tum joh. Sir you are right. Mere meheboob, the heavenly rendition, too has similarities with tum joh in terms of length.

    Indirectly and now directly I have become your fan for your musical skills and your association with evergreen melodies and for having had professional association with the great man himself. I would really appreciate if you could kindly share with all of us, the list of some of the songs you had a role to play in.

    With kind regards

    Nagesh Sidhanti

  45. Anmol Singh says:

    Going Back in Time (Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho)

    This is one of the most special composition of Madan Mohan for Rafi Sahab. This song is from the early 70s. It was an era when radio was the only source of entertainment in most of the homes. This song was played very often either in Jai Mala; Bole Bhisre Geet or Bela Ke Phool; etc. As a kid I recall at least once in day this song could be heard on the radio. An if it was raining out side then there was a special feeling, which is very much active even today.

    Composers like Madan Mohan diversified their orchestra with time and modernized their compostions accordingly. Madan Mohan worked on few assignments in the 70s but all gems.

  46. Nagesh Sidhanti says:

    Aadaab Rafi once again,

    I continue to be indebted to all the Rafi fans that are taking time off to write comments For this post.

    Anil Cherianji, Thanks so much for the kind words. Your observation is perfect.
    In the song mentioned by you Kehena ek deewana from Laila Majnu, the antara really takes you to a contrasting weather of dessert and Arabic ambience, as opposed to tum joh, which is full of rain and thunder.

    Hello Unknow (or shall I say Anjaan or Anaamika) you are right. 70s too certainly had overlappings to the golden era till about 1974-75 I guess. Thanks for the comment.

    Kprem ji, you live up to your name with all the prem on Rafi sab. Great passion there. Thanks for the comment.

    Dilipsab, heartfelt thanks to you for dropping a comment and I feel an instant bonding whenever I come across another Rafi fan, the credit for which should go to the great man. Sure you don’t need a visiting card amongst fellow rafi fans, ‘cuz you are already known. Narayan sab has everlasting enthusiasm to promote Rafi sab and it is a huge advantage to have him around for all of us.

    Dr. Khaja Aliuddin sab, Masha allah with your blessings I will try to write more with all humility a Rafi fan must possess.

    Toufique bhai, already posted your request. Thanks.

    Alkha ji, yours words, your encouragement and support are what fuels people like me. Thanks very much for good words.

    Hello Radha ji, aadaab rafi to you too. Rafi to me personally is a god’s gift to mankind And it is clear that the almighty was residing on his throat, which gave us heavenly melodies. He is all time great singers number 1 to 5. We can talk about no. 6 later.

    Md. Irfan bhai , bahut shukriya badi meherbani for the kind words.

    Girishbhai, I am truly overwhelmed by your comments. To learn that you made time to post a comment, which is not your usual habit, is heart warming to say the least. Very grateful to you once again.

    Salim sab, Thank you very much for wonderful comments. Most of Rafi songs directly touch our heart center, which is why we all love him so much.

    Hello Vijay, very sweet of you to have dropped in your comments. Music does trigger myriad emotions in us and I am not surprised that a lively song such as ‘ aaj se pehle’ brought you so much delight.

    Ramaswamy sir, I am humbled by your comments. You have taken pains to write so elaborately. Yes sir, we all appreciate entire Himalayan range but have no doubts who is the king of the mountains. Mt. Everest and Mohd Rafi stand tallest in their respective areas.

    I am equally surprised about Javed Akhtarji’s indifference to Rafi sab’s work, not that it is important for Rafi sab to get his endorsement, but surely would have enhanced javed’s own image. I will have no hesitation to do as you suggest.

    Your list of songs are simply fabulous and most of them are my favorites too sir. I will surely consider them in future. Thanks very much once again.

    Rameshbhai, itna meethi baat mat boliye, ke humko diabetics’ aajaaye. You are sweet with your words and I too am proud to be friends with passionate rafi bhakts like you sir. Despite all the unrest around you in Colombo, you still have made it a point to drop a comment. That is special for me bhai.

    Saagarji, How true!!! Great men meet at metaphysical levels and are not bound by human trivialities. Great composers indeed converse through their works and thanks for your anecdote on MM- Roshan. It was heart rendering.

    Bahut bahut shukriya to all of you ,

    Nagesh Sidhanti

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