The Concert of My Dreams – Part 1
By Anmol Singh
If God would say, ask for one boon. Some would ask for fame, some would like to be a billionaire, some would ask for power, but I will say give a few moments with Rafi Sahab. Perhaps a boon which even God cannot fulfill, “Kyon Ki Jaane Wale Kabhi Loat Kar Nahi Aate, Jaane Walon Kee Yaad Aati Hai“. This is what gives rise to fantasy or fiction and often makes us imagine something away from reality. I often dream of Rafi Sahab living beyond 1980. Based on my imagination I thought of writing a few words which has no reference to any incident in the past.
I am imagining Rafi Sahab living in the year 1982 where grand concert in conducted in his honor in the jam pack Shanmukhanand hall, Bombay. The stage has a 200 plus orchestra consisting the best musicians of that era.
The curtain goes up; the audience gives a huge round of applause, cheering the musicians. Amin Sayani walks on the stage and gives an opening speech talking about his long association with Rafi Sahab. He speaks about the concert to be conducted, which is different where most of the songs are sung as per the choice of the fans. But in this concert, the songs will be sung as per the actor’s choice for whom Rafi Sahab sang the greatest songs of all times.
Rafi Sahab walks on the stage dressed in a black suit and red tie. The crowd cheers Rafi Sahab with a huge of applause, whistling, clapping and shouting in joy. Rafi Sahab greets the crowd with both hands.
The show starts with the first song. 1982 was the year when Noor Jahan came to India, walks on the stage. She narrates after migrating to Pakistan; she never thought that she would ever come to India and sing with Rafi. We sang for the last time together in 1946, today we are meeting almost after 36 years. I am grateful to the Almighty for this reunion. Both sing the song “Yahan Badla Wafaa….” The crowd gives a standing ovation to Noor Jahan.
Then we see Dilip Kumar walking on the stage wearing black suit. He describes his long association with Rafi Sahab, who has sung incredible songs for him with such great feeling that it would release a lot of burden during the actual shoot of the song. The song which is his personal favorite “Aaj Purani Raho Se Koi mujhe Aawaaj Na De“. Rafi Sahab sings the Alap with “O..Ho..Ho…“, the crowd cheers with joy and delivers an incredible effortless performance.
After this we see Abrar Alvi walking on the stage. He speaks, that “I have come in place of by my dear friend Shri Guru Dutt”. He explains about Guru Dutt as a person who was very sensitive by nature and would often discuss the materialistic and selfish nature of the world arrow us. Perhaps this is what we have seen in his films. The song which he liked the most was “Dekhi Zamaane Ki Yaari“, which I request Rafi Sahab to sing. Rafi sings the song with the perfect emotions and there is pin drop select in the auditorium. The moment Rafi Sahab sings “Udjaa……Udjaa Pyaase Bhanware…..” the crowd claps and gives a standing ovation.
There after we see Rajinder Kumar on stage. He mentions people refer to him as jubilee star for his consistent success in Bollywood, which is owes to Rafi Sahab. He says, that someone asked me, “Aap Gaana Kyun Nahi Gaate“. I replied “Ganaa Mera Kaam Nahi, Jo Kaam Nahi Aata Wo Kyun Karna. Rafi Sahab mere liye kamaal ke geet gaayen hai. Ek esaa hee kamal kaa geet hai film Mere Mehboob se“. He requests Rafi to sing the title song of Mere Mehboob. As Rafi sings the song, the audiences tap their fingers and feet with rhythm of the song.
Next comes on stage the evergreen Dev Anand neatly dressed with shirt top button tied and a muffler round his neck. The talks about Rafi’s contribution to his character in most of the films. He also states that it is Rafi Sahab’s voice which has given him a lot of scope to perform some of the most complex characters. Every song sung by Rafi for him is a gem and there is one such song from the film “Teen Deviyaan“, “Kahin Bekhayal Ho Ke“. He requests to Rafi Sahab, “Aaj ki Sham, Yeh Ghazal Ho Jai“. As Rafi Sahab sings the humming Alaap of the song, the crowd claps in joy. As Rafi Sahab proceeds with the song, the entire atmosphere is filled with romance, bringing back the grace of Dev Anand from Black & White era.
Shammi Kapoor follows next. He states that he has been very demanding the way in which a song should be sung, considering the picturization on screen. Today he will not put forward any demand to Rafi and requests him to sing the song which he feels is the best he has ever sung and just walks away. Rafi Sahab calls on Manohari Singh and has a brief conversation. The song which Rafi Sahab selects is from “Kashmir Ki Kali“, “Yeh Duniya Usi Kee, Zamana Usi Kaa“. Manohari does the perfect synchronization with the Xexophone. The crowd is extremely thrilled.
There after we see Pradeep Kumar on stage, stating some of the best songs ever composed and picturzied on him are sung by Rafi Sahab. He talks about films like “Chitralekha“; “Taj Mahal“; “Aarti“; “Ustadon Ke Ustad“; etc. Through these evergreen songs, people recognize Pradeep Kumar. He requests Rafi Sahab to sing the song from “Bhegi Raat”, “Dil Jo Na Keh Sakaa” which is his personal favorite. Once again Rafi sings the song effortlessly and the crowd is thrilled with joy.
Biswajeet is the next who walks on the stage. He talks about that many people have a misconception that he is a North Indian because of his looks. He owes this misconception to Rafi Sahab’s voice. Perhaps the most fabulous song which Rafi has ever sung for him is from “Mere Sanam”, “Pukaar Ta Chalaa Hun Mein“. As the guitar is played, the audiences go nostalgic and start clapping in joy. Rafi gives a fabulous performance.
Sanjeev Kumar walks on stage, stating some of the most fabulous songs for him have been sung by Rafi Sahab. He talks about songs from “Khilona“, “Naunihal“, etc. But the song which has been his personal favorite is the one from “Daskat“, “Tum Se Kahon Ek Baat…..“. Rafi Sahab puts the perfect emotions to this seductive song. The crowd listen the song saliently feeling the sensuality of Rafi Sahab’s voice.
After this incredible performance a 30 minute break is taken.
Rafi Saab you are great.Late Sri Pran veteran actor had once said about Rafi sahab it is very difficult to say who is greater of the two singer or the human being.Rafi Saab I must say you and your voice were a Miracle and Miracle will not happen again and again .
It is probably the greatest tragedy of Life , That starts like Dev Anand says
Rafi Saab was a normal singer , whereas Kishore Kumar was a versatile singer
Dilip Kumar , How many memorable numbers like Nain Lad Jai Hai ,
Aaaj Purani , Madhubhan , you can go on & on & he has not even uttered
one word as to what Rafi Saab was to him. From the begining of 70’s
Lataji . Aashaaji , R.D.Burman & Kishore ji realising that they can never
reach any where near the 100 percent perfection of Rafi Saab ensured
with other music directors to put Rafi Saab in cold storage . Can there be greater
tragedy than humiliating , the greatest singer who was 100 percent more Indian
than any Indian , Whose humility & culture no human can ever achieve & whose
voice was specially created by Allah , Lord Ram , Lord Krishna & you name the God they were all there when Rafi Saab voice was created.
The voice right from Suno Suno Hai Dhuniya walo in 1948 to 1980 remained the same . Not even one soul today can sing Thumse Kahoon Ek Baath from Dastak . Thank God that he took away Rafi Saab early as such a puritan could not have faced more humility than what was faced in his last 10 years . Rafi Saab type of soul could never be even in .01 percent poisoned polluted
colluded industry . Rafi Saab was the greatest human being to walk in the
Indian Soil . We are grateful to God & music Technology for keeping
Rafi Saab close to our heart & ears
It is probably the greatest tragedy of Life , That starts like Dev Anand says
Rafi Saab was a normal singer , whereas Kishore Kumar was a versatile singer
Dilip Kumar , How many memorable numbers like Nain Lad Jai Hai ,
Aaaj Purani , Madhubhan , you can go on & on & he has not even uttered
one word as to what Rafi Saab was to him. From the begining of 70’s
Lataji . Aashaaji , R.D.Burman & Kishore ji realising that they can never
reach any where near the 100 percent perfection of Rafi Saab ensured
with other music directors to put Rafi Saab in cold storage . Can there be greater
tragedy than humiliating , the greatest singer who was 100 percent more Indian
than any Indian , Whose humility & culture no human can ever achieve & whose
voice was specially created by Allah , Lord Ram , Lord Krishna & you name the God they were all there when Rafi Saab voice was created.
The voice right from Suno Suno Hai Dhuniya walo in 1948 to 1980 remained the same . Not even one soul today can sing Thumse Kahoon Ek Baath from Dastak . Thank God that he took away Rafi Saab early as such a puritan could not have faced more humility than what was faced in his last 10 years . Rafi Saab type of soul could never be even in .01 percent poisoned polluted
colluded industry . Rafi Saab was the greatest human being to walk in the
Indian Soil . We are grateful to God & music Technology for keeping
Rafi Saab close to our heart & ears
Anmolji, what a delight it’s been to read both parts of your dreams and I have to say with so much doom and gloom in the world and in the news that you have lifted my mood and spirits considerably. I absolutely love the way you have written the article. so much so that not only can I picturise your dreams but I feel as if I’m sitting in the audience and been transprted to that moment in time.
I eagerly await more articles written by you, and thanks!
Shammi Ji,
Well it is materialistic world where people don’t talk openly. But if we go through Youtube videos almost every actor has given to great tribute to Rafi Sahab. There is a one hour episode narrated by Javed Akhtar, where he touches every possible aspect of Rafi’s singing.
Plus the Bollywood has a music mafia which influences all the award criteira.
There is an an incident where Pran Sahab refused to accept a filmfare award in protest of the best music award given to film “Beiman” instead of “Pakeeza” in 1972. Thereafter Pran doesn’t receive any filmfare nomination.
Similarly when Kishore Kumar was given the best singer’s award in 1980, he specifically sang a Rafi song giving an direct message, the award should have gone to Rafi, since there were 3 nominations compared to his 2.
Anmolji, What you say about Dev Anand’s biography doesn’t surprise me as Dev Anand was a close friend of Kishore Kumar due to his friendship with his brother Ashok Kumar who helped him in his earlier days. It’s a real shame because the songs that were picturised on Dev Anand and sung by Mohd Rafi were more popular than those sung by Kishore Kumar.
Unfortunately it looks like Dilip Kumar is too busy trying to please Lata and probably won’t give Mohd Rafi all the credit he deserves for the part he played in making his career the sucess it was.
I find this all very sad because if you take Mohd Rafi away from the equation both these mega stars would never achieved the sucess they did. That’s why I really admire Shammi Kapoor and Dharmendra who always when asked always spoke with so much admiration and respect about Mohd Rafi and the impact he had on their careers. Even Rajendra Kumar didn’t give Mohd Rafi the credit he should have because let’s face it he had so many hits and we all know that this would not have been possible without the great Mohd Rafi. In a era when the music of the films was so important, I think these stars forget who was the real backbone of their sucess was. I think Anmolji that is the one thing I would change in the dream that these stars all one by one give Mohd Rafi the recognition and respect that he deserves and then the concert would be spectacular(well I can dream, can’t I?).
Thanks for the compliment Shammi Ji,
I did had a glimpse on Dev Anand’s biography. Unfortunately didn’t see much coverage on Rafi Sahab. In fact I was expected a lot from Dev’s biography on the Rafi – S D Burman combo. On way S D Burman choose Rafi was his best tunes picturized in Dev Anand.
I hope Dilip Kumar gives due coverage to Rafi and Naushad’s contribution to his career.
ohh my god…you have stolen my dream…hahaha…however my dream isnt exactly the same…i dreamt to be reaching and meating with rafi saab during his concerts in 1979…can someone invent time machine…pls
Dear Anmolji,
I think your wish to see Rafisahab above many other desires in life is one that I share, and I can picture the concert in my mind with all the great actors of that time coming onto the stage one by one and making it a memorable event.
I just hope that Dilip Kumar whose biography is going to be unveiled in a big way by many stars doesn’t get carried away with Lata who will be singing at the event and gives credit to Mohd Rafi who was the real voice behind his sucess. Let’s face it he was known as the tragedy king and that title would not have been possible if he could bot convey the pain in his songs. I’ve not heard much from Dilip Kumar on his assoiation with Mohd Rafi but I think it’s time now especially in his biography to acknowlege the impact of Mohd Rafi in his career.
Shahbaz Sahab Salaam,
Thanks for the suggestion. To clarify the article is an imagination. It perhaps means the same thing when we write “God cannot” or “God will not”. There is minor difference when we read “God will not” it conveys rigidness in speech to the reader.
Dear Anmol singh Gee! I have read your article written on great Maestro Muhammad Rafi Sahib. I would like to draw your kind attention to the statement which you have given “Perhaps a boon which even God cannot fulfill, “Kyon Ki Jaane Wale Kabhi Loat Kar Nahi Aate, Jaane Walon Kee Yaad Aati Hai“. This statement totally wrong because you said that God cannot, nevertheless He can do anything. You should have said this ” God will not fulfill, instead of “God cannot fulfill.”
Kindly look at your sentence and revise your words in order to be perfect on your faith.
Dear Anmol-ji
Salaams. Thank you for your response. Yes, I do understand that it could never fit in one article. Like so many fans here, I am also looking forward to Part-2.
Kind Regards
Nasreen
sitting on my computer towards the evening in my office,to revive myself i often go to rafi songs on You tube and the journeytakes you back to the golden era of song writers,creative music directors of melody and the king Mohammad Rafi .what a breeze it is.We wish if rafi sahib lived more years.Can one imagine that a singer refuses to take royalty after accepting his dues to sing the song.It could be a purest soul and he was our Rafi Sahib.
Dear Anmol ji,
Great to see you after such a long time. You have enriched this forum with so many good articles. Just a minor correction: Kahin bekhayal hokar is from Teen Deviyan. According to our departed friend, Mr. Sandeep Nadkarni, who had played the violin in that song, Dev Anand had thrown a party at the Sun ‘n Sand after the recording and Rafi saab had raised a toast with a glass of water. What a song that was; the prelude (alaap) is out of this world!
Best regards,
P. Haldar
God made one sun and one mohd rafi for our earth…human mimd can’t think better voice than mohd rafi voice….when u walk on the earth u will back one same place again same as mohd rafi start of the singing world amd the end of singing world
very interesting. expect 2nd part soon.
with warm regards.
Janab Anmol Singh Sahab, Adab Araz Hai,
Ek arse ke baad aapke darshan hue. Is Bazm me aapki entry na khabile framoosh hai.
Bahut khoob.
Aapka tasawur haqheeqhat se bhar poor hai.
Wah Waah Kya kahne
Part two ka bechaini se intezar hai.
Salaam to all Rafi lovers.
A die hard fan of Rafi Sahab
Dr. Khaja Aliuddin
.
Can’t wait for Part 2. I wish the gaps between write-ups wouldn’t be so long. More power to Mohd Rafi Sahib, the Rafi Foundation and all Rafians.
To
Mr. Binu Nair Sahib and Mr. Ahmed Kutty Sahib
Dear Mr. Binu Nair Sahib,
I was lucky enough to be in Mumbai in October 2013 to attend a conference. Apart from the overwhelming hospitality that I will never forget, I will always cherish the stay at Sun ‘n’ Sand (Juhu Beach) where the joy of of Indian cinema, Joy Mukherjee Sahib pranced to “Baray Mian Deewane Aise Na Bano” from Shagird. Unfortunately, my busy schedule prevented me from getting in touch with you and a wrong turn prevented me from viewing the Rafi Mansion, but the kind driver from the hotel took me past the Santa Cruz cemetery. But being an inept user of the smartphone, I have lost both the stills and the video. So these are the only two regrets that I have brought back from Mumbai. But thanks to Rafi Sahib I often delve into the never to come again golden era, therefore my knowledge of Mumbai’s historical landmarks such as Pali Hill, Bandra, Marine Drive, the two Andheris, Ashirbaad, Bhindi Bazar, the chawls and all made me seem the most knowledgeable visitor of them all. It felt so good to be there and imagine that maybe Rafi Sahib or his contemporaries such as Shammi Kapoor Sahib, Rajendar Sahib, Dharmendar Sahib, Jeetander Sahib, Guru Dutt Sahib, Pardeep Sahib, Bharat Bhushan Sahib…oh lord, I don’t know how to stop. Dilip Kumar Sahib I was told kept a room at Sun ‘n’ Sand in his hey days. Could somebody please do a feature on Sun’n’Sand (Juhu Beach) and Rafi Sahib?
Dear Mr. Ahmed Kutty Sahib,
I found the people of Bangalore to be very sweet and warm. You must make the time to visit Tandoor, a restaurant on MG Road, near Justa Hotel. And why do I say this? Yes, the food was great, but only Rafi Sahib’s songs were played there. I hope this is a permanent feature. Please if this is the case then do highlight it in your write-ups or concerts. Please give them a shield or plaque for honouring the greatest singer’s memory.
And once again I wish to thank the people of Mumbai, Bangalore, and Mysore for making my trip a memorable one. God bless.
Hello Nasreen Ji,
Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor, Jeetendra & Raaj Kumar along some surprise elements will follow in the next part. When I started writing on this subject, it ran to several pages. Therefore decided to restrict it to maximum 2 pages, which portrays an unforgettable evening.
Excellent memory…i am one of the biggest fans of Rafi saab. There was no better male singer than rafi saab and there will not be in future on this planet. I wish if you had video of this event that you would put up Anmolji.
I pray to god that one of his grandsons may pick up singing and i am sure the great history will replay.
Deva, unke kisi ek bachche ko wohi aawaz de de!!!
For a moment I thought I was in the hall, among the audience and Rafi Saab was there – just in front of me..!!
Excellent imagination and it shows any subject
pertaining to Rafi Saab will be accepted by his
innumerable fans.The fans of other singers just
love their idols but we always keep Rafi Saab
in our mind.Thank you Javed Saab
We all weep and remember Rafi Sahib but nothing is done to pay tribute to his memories the way Indians love to remember Kishore Kumar or even Hemant Kumar. Rafi was the geatest of them all, the most versatile, the most talented and a noble human being. He deserves a lot more than what he gets. As a Pakistani fan I feel that the new generation of Indians just doesn’t know who Rafi was. Can you please stop being selective my friends and give Rafi his due.
The article by Anmol Singh is certainly a good effort – but we need to do a lot more.
singing miracle which will never happen in music wold again
great nostalgia
Bohut badhiya bohut khoob Annol Singhji
Absolutely thrilled to read this article…at the end, i wept.
Good Read . Nice to see you back. Long live the Emperor of Singing.
BINU NAIR
Rafi Foundation.
Bahut achcha laga Rafi sahab ki gayaki ki batein sun kar. Dhanyawad
Very nice, but what about Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor, Jeetendra, Raaj Kumar, Sanjay Khan, Feroz Khan, Johnny Walker, Mehmood? He sang very significant songs for these actors too.
How we wish your dream came true ! But why not use a photograph of the younger Biswajit, the yesteryear chocolate hero ?
Respected Anmol Singh Ji
Great Great Great. After a long time with a real n heartful experience of Rafi Sahab’s magic. He is the only universal voice of Indian Cinema.
with best regards
Biman Baruah