This tribute is written by Mr. Binu Nair, Rafi Foundation, Mumbai. Cell: 9833 250 701

Ashkon mein jo paya hai, woh geeton mein deeya hai,
is par bhi suna hai ke zamane ko gila hai !

Abdul Hayee,( Sahir Ludhianvi – born March 8, 1922 in Ludhiana ).

Sahir Ludhianvi

The eventual date was 25 october, 1980 and he was 58 years old.  Sahir Ludhianvi went to his best friend Dr.R.P.Kapoor in a taxi. He asked the driver to wait. He would come back fast. He never came back. Sahir Saaheb had a massive heart attack and died in Dr.Kapoor’s arms. Music lover Ali Peter John a famous writer from the film magazine Screen says, “They don’t make men like Sahir Ludhianvi anymore. Do I hear anyone asking Sahir who??. I will not be surprised if I do in these senseless, ruthless, heartless times.” (more…)

This article is written by Mr. Souvik Chatterji.

Kaljanji-Anandji

In the Golden age of Indian film music, many composers have enriched the firmament of music with their innovative compositions, yet they did not get the recognition they deserved. Kalyanji Virji Shah (born in 1928) and Anandji Virji Shah, (born in 1933) better known as Kalyanji and Anandji, started their journey with the film Samrat Chandragupta, in 1958. (more…)

Rafi sang for Romantic Icon Rajesh Khanna … Akele Hai Chali Aao Jaha Hoo…………..
Kaha Aawaz De Tumko Kaha Hoo……….

This article is compiled by Mr. Biman Baruah, Finance & Accounts Officer, ONGC Ltd., Sivasagar.

Rajesh Khanna

Rafi Sahab was the voice of first Indian superstar Rajesh Khanna in this mind-boggling hunting song from G.P.Sippy’s suspense thriller RAAZ (1967) was directed by Ravindra Dave, which may also be considered the first notable film of the superstar. The young Rajesh Khanna was looking very smart, handsome and charming in the song with the magic voice of Mohd. Rafi. The song was two times in the film: first time in female voice by Lata Mangeshkar and second time in male voice by Mohammed Rafi that was picturised on Babita Shivadasani and Rajesh Khanna respectively. (more…)

This article is written by Mr. Biman Baruah, Sivasagar, Assam.

(A homage to Legendary Singer Mahendra Kapoor )

Mahendra Kapoor

Legendary singer of Hindi cinema, Mahendra Kapoor passed away at 74, on Saturday evening (27^th September, 2008) at his residence, Bandra in Mumbai due to cardiac failure. He was a heart patient and suffering from heart and kidney related ailment for long time. He is survived by three daughters and actor son Rohan Kapoor. His funeral took place on Sunday ( 28^th September, 2008 ) at the Santacruz crematorium where Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed grief over death of veteran playback singer. In a condolence message, President Pratibha Patil said Kapoor delighted millions of Indians by his voice. Maharastha Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh expressed “Kapoor as a great and versatile singer”. (more…)

This article is written by Mr. H.V.Guru Murthy

Kalyanji and Anandji were two Music Directors who were fairly popular in the sixties and seventies. Though not in the same league as Naushad, SDB, OPN, MM, SJ, etc., they had their own place and loyal followers like Manoj Kumar, Prakash Mehra, Ramanand Sagar, etc. (more…)

This article is written by Mr. Souvik Chatterji.

If any composer had utilised the ghazal andaz of Mohammad Rafi to the best of his potentiality it is Madanmohan whose name appears in the minds of the lovers of music across the nation. Madanmohan’s father Rai Bahadur chunnilal send his son to Dehradun to join the army. Instead he left the army and joined All India Radio in Lucknow. He came in contact with Ustad Faizz Khan, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and carried on their legacy in the compositions he made for 30 years which can be classified as masterpieces. (more…)

This article is written by Mr. Souvik Chatterji.

Rafi had a very sweet relationship with Shankar Jaikishan but unfortunately their relationship had not been glorified in bollywood history. Whenever contribution of composers relating to classic creations involving Rafi are highlighted the name of Naushad, Roshan, Madanmohan, OP Nayyar are glorified and the contribution of Shankar Jaikishan is ignored. (more…)

This article is written by Mr. K.S.Ramachandran

The power of evergreen Hindi film hits of yesteryears is even sung and enjoyed today, by one and all. It is surprising to realize that the younger generation has taken a special interest in its music and rhythm. What could be the reason behind it? (more…)