The review of Nain Lad Jain Hei is written by Mr. M.V.Devraj

Mohd Rafi

It is universally accepted that the smell and scent of Mother Earth gives that soothing flavour and fragrance which is beyond conception, perception and imagination. Indian villages, the village people, the village dialects and generally village life have that earthly flavour which touches heart strings of every Indian.

Ganga Jamuna is a film created out and out with a village background. Dilip Kumar (Ganga), Vyjayanthimala (Dhanno) are seethed in village systems and practices. The dialogues are in rich Bhojpuri lingo and the music by Naushad and the lyrics by Shakeel are soaked, immersed and drenched in instruments and language used by village folks. (more…)

A review of “ye parbaton ke daayere…” by Gan Sharma

Gan Sharma is an ardent fan of Rafi saab and lives in Toronto, Canada. He has written other reviews for mohdrafi.com.

Mohd Rafi with Lata Mangeshkar

The usage of atmosphere in Hindi film music was not unique; many songs refer to the weather, the environment and the seasons as metaphors for the protagonist’s state of mind. Indeed, this technique allowed writers to express in poetry and song what mere conversation could never convey.

This is probably also why Indian films used so much music; a five-minute song, when well done, could replace hours of dialogue. So, while it is a habit amongst the intelligentsia to talk mockingly of the “time-wasting” tactics of moviemakers of “putting in” a large number of songs, it must be remembered that the song was a very efficient way of conveying feelings in an aesthetic way. (more…)

This information is shared by Mr. Zorawar Chhugani, General Secretary, Rafi Foundation Memorial Society, Delhi.

Shri Pawan Kumar Asija

Once again the time came for Rafi fans to get active all across for various activities associated with 31^st July. As every Rafi fan was doing it, Rafi Foundation Memorial Society, Delhi (Delhi Chapter of Rafi Foundation) also got into action for their 31^st July programme decided to be held at Gandhi Memorial Hall (Pearey Lal Bhawan, ITO, Delhi) with all its members doing their bit to make the programme a grand success and the feelings were that the programme should not go low anyways since Rafi Sahab’s name was attached to it. (more…)

This article is written by Mr. Anwar-ul-Haque

Mohd Rafi with Naushad Ali

Urdu literature, specially the Urdu poetry, is very deep and rich; in fact it is one of the richest literatures of our region. Considering that Urdu language is a fairly new comer in comparison of other languages, its richness is astonishing. Look at the other languages of our region: Persian, Sanskrit, Panjabi, Sindhi, Bengali etc. All these languages are very old as compared to Urdu; still Urdu literature is rich enough to compete with the literatures of these languages.

Actually the reason is quite simple; as Urdu is a combination of different languages, it acquired different qualities of these languages. For example, it obtained the deepness and philosophical touch from Persian and on the other hand, it received the sweetness and softness from Sanskrit. Likewise it obtained words from almost all the other languages of this region that too enhanced its depth and richness. (more…)

This article has been written by Mr. Ali Rashid

Mohd Rafi with Kishore Kumar and Kalyanji

Zindagi to bewafa hai
Ek din tukhrayegi
Maut mehbooba hai apne
Saath lekar jaayegi

How right Rafi-saab was, when giving a soul-stirring rendition to this Kalyanji-Anandji tuned composition from Muqqadar Ka Sikandar. Three years later, Khuda willed, and Mohammad Rafi breathed his last, bringing to a close an era of melody. Now, twenty-nine years after his death, his star shines brighter than ever, and his legacy continues to enthrall music lovers of all generations, across the globe. (more…)

This article is written by Mr. Achal Rangaswamy.

Mohd Rafi

With Navratri round the corner my mind went to the Nava Rasas, though I wonder if there is any connection at all…except that there was a Tamil film by the name Navaratri which had the famous actor Sivaji Ganesan doing nine roles. Each of the roles displayed one Rasa each as embodied in the Nava Rasas described in the Natya Sastra. The same film idea found its way into Bollywood with the great Sanjeev Kumar in Naya Din Nayi Raat, an easily forgettable film, but with a lovely song by Rafi Saab.

Rafi Saab sang “mere liye to har din naya din, har raat nayi raat”. While remembering this song the other day I thought to myself- why not look at Rafi Saab’s songs that clearly underlined each of the Rasas. (more…)

This song is reviewed by Mr. Shrirang Nawathe

Mohd Rafi

I have a very special song for you in the store. The song which describes the purest form of Love. The ultimate relationship between

Devotee and the Divine. It is as pure as Ganga’s waters, as deep as Ocean, and sky is the limit to measure its height…

Pure Love is selfless and has no demands. On the contrary, it asks for total surrender. Nature teaches us Giving or surrendering ..The  more you give the more you get…is the law of the nature…The God looks for total surrender in  his Devotee or Bhakt. (more…)

This song review is written by Ms. Utthara Kumari B

Mohd Rafi Sahab with Dev Anand

What a romantic song! Sigh! One of the greatest romantic duets to have ever been written, ever been composed, ever been sung and ever been enacted.. A dashing Dev Anand imploring a fragile beauty Sadhana not to leave him as his heart is not yet filled with joy. The song Abhi na jao chodkar has several layers. On the surface it seems like a soft romantic song. But look beyond, you will find it is like a precursor to the twists and turns that unfold in the story. No wonder the hero is apprehensive that if the heroine leaves him, then their paths may not meet again. As it happens, the two part, face many tribulations and meet in the end. (more…)

This article is contributed by Mr D.P.Bijoor

Mohd Rafi and Shamshad Begum

Shamshad Begum was born in Amritsar, Punjab on 14^th April 1919 and she was a very big fan of K L Saigal. Presently the singer is staying with her daughter Mrs Usha Ratra and her son-in-law in Powai, Mumbai ever since her husband Late Mr Ganpat Lal Batto died in the year 1955. She celebrated her 89^th birthday at her elder sister’s place.

Shamshad Begum made her debut on radio on the Peshawar radio in Lahore on 16^th December 1937, captivating the hearts of her listeners with the enchanting depth of her voice. In fact Shamshad was not so conscious of her not so beautiful face and she never posed for any pictures and not many people saw her pictures any where. (more…)

This song review is written by Mr. Shrirang Nawathe

Mohd Rafi with Laxmikant-Pyarelal

The journey of life through Rafi sahab’s songs is  a unique experience for all of us. It is the beauty of that saintly figure who had contributed  so much for us  that, one can have all sorts of experiences through his golden songs.

Music Director Vasant Desai believed that Rafi Sahab was “shaapit gandharva” whereas Naushad sb. Confirmed him “suron ka betaaj badshaah”. For few others he was versatile, matchless, ultimate and so on….. Above all, for a common man like us he was the nearest soul.. as he was there with us under all circumstances (more…)