Mohammed Rafi and Rajesh Khanna
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.
Another Rafi-Lata duet from the film “Sochta Hoo Ke Tumhe Maine Kahi Dekha Hai Yaad Karta Hoo Magar Yaad Aata Nahin Hai” was also picturised on them. The music of the film was penned by Kalyanji-Anandji and lyrics of the song by Shamim Jaipuri. Thus, Rajesh Khanna started his career with the golden voice of Mohd. Rafi like Manoj Kumar (Shaheed, Do Badan) and Feroz Khan(Oonche Log, Ek Sapera Ek Lootera), though later on Kishore Kumar was recognised the voice of Rajesh Khanna and Mukesh Saheb was recognised the voice of Manoj Kumar and Feroz Khan.
Jatin Khanna joined Hindi Film Industry with screen name Rajesh Khanna in 1966 after winning an All India Talent Contest jointly organized by United Producers and Filmfare under selection by Panel of Judges: Bimal Roy, Chetan Anand, G.P.Sippy, Shakti Samanta and B.R.Chopra. His first film appearance in Chetan Anand’s “Aakhri Khat” (1966) was unnoticed. In next two years he appeared in few films but did not get any recognition. In 1969, Shakti Samanta produced Aradhana with Rajesh Khanna where he played double role of father and son, both as Air Force pilots. The film became a golden jubilee hit, which made Rajesh Khanna a star. Kishore Kumar’s songs for Rajesh in the film, “Mere Sapnon Ki Rani Kab Ayegi Tu“, “Roop Tera Mastana Pyar Mera Diwana” and “Kora Kagaz Tha Yeh Man Mera” proved super duper hits overriding the Rafi numbers “Gun Guna Rahe Hain Bhawarein” and “Baaghon Mein Bahar Hai” which also made Kishore Kumar the top playback singer of Hindi Cinema keeping Rafi Sahab in second row. Kishore Kumar was also recognised as the voice of romantic icon Rajesh Khanna after debonair Dev Anand. Thus Rajesh Khanna’s superstardom meant a curtailment of work for Mohammed Rafi to some extent after Aradhana due to Kishore Kumar’s fascination.
Rafi-Rajesh Khanna and composer Kalyanji-Anandji:-
Kalyanji-Anandji composed music for Rajesh’s debut film RAAZ and SACHAA JHUTHA (1970). The music of RAAZ was penned by Kalyanji-Anandji and lyrics by Raja Mehdi Ali Khan, Qumar Jalalabadi, Gulshan Bawara, Shamim Jaipuri, Akhtar Romani & Noor Dewasi. In addition to the hunting Rafi number “Akele Hai Chali Aao Jaha Ho“, the other popular track from the film: “Sochta Hoo Ke Tumhe Maine Kahi Dekha Hai Yaad Karta Hoo Magar Yaad Aata Nahin Hai” by Rafi-Lata, “Dil Sambhale Sambhalta Nahin Aaj Tu Paas Aane Ki Dedo Izazat Hamein” by Mukesh-Lata was picturised on Rajesh Khanna and Babita.
The Rafi-Lata duet from Sachaa Jhutha “Yunhi Tum Mujhse Baat Karti Ho Ya Koi Pyar Ka Irada Hai” was picturised on Rajesh Khanna & Mumtaz. The other popular track of the film “Dil Ko Dekho Chehra Na Dekho, Chehere Ne Lakho Ko Luta“, “Meri Pyari Bahenian Banegee Dulhaniya” was sung by Kishore Kumar. Rajesh played dual role in Sachaa Jhutha under direction of Monmohan Desai for which he got his first Filmfare Best Actor Award in 1971 and the film was reprise in early 1990s as AFLATOON under direction of Gudu Dhanoa with his real life son-in-law Akshay Kumar.
Rafi-Rajesh Khanna and composer Laxmikant-Pyarelal:-
Laxmikant-Pyarelal had composed music in the lyric of Anand Bakshi for this combination in the films: DO RAASTE (1969), AAN MILO SAJANA (1970), MEHBOOB KI MEHNDI (1971) and HAATHI MERE SAATHI (1971). Raj Khosla’s golden jubilee hit Do Raaste was a great musical of HFM, which was released in December 1969 and run in theatres with Aradhana simultaneously. The songs of the film “Yeh Reshmi Zulfen Yeh Sharbati Aakhen” by Rafi, “Dil Ne Dil Ko Pukara Mulakath Ho Gayee” by Rafi-Lata was so popular which were picturised on Rajesh Khanna & Mumtaz, one of the best popular pair of Hindi Cinema.
Laxmikant, Pyarelal
The title song of film Aan Milo Sajana, “Rang Rang Ke Phool Khile Mauhe Bhai Mere Angana, Aab Aan Milo Sajana” by Rafi-Lata was picturised on Rajesh Khanna and Asha Parekh and the solo by Rafi “Koi Nazrana Lekar Aaye Hoon Main Deewana Tere Liye” is one the best and deliberate party song of Hindi Film Music. The other popular track of the film, “Achha Tu Hum Chalte Hain” and “Jawani O Diwani Tu Zindabad” was sung by Lata-Kishore & Kishore Kumar respectively.
The songs of Mehboob Ki Mehndi, “Yeh Jo Chilman Hai Dushman Hamari, Kitni Sharmilee Dulhan Hamari“, “Pasand Aa Gayee Hai Ek Kafir Hasia Umar Uski Soolah Baras Aur Say Mahina” solos by Rafi and “Itna To Yaad Hai Mujhe Ki Yunse Mulakat Huee” a duet by Rafi-Lata was also popular which were picturised on a rare pair of Hindi Cinema, Rajesh Khanna and Leena Chandravarkar, again they will set to pair up in a TV serial “Bhabhima”. The other popular track of the film “Mere Diwanepan Ki Bhi Dawa Nahin” and “Jane Kyon Log Mohabbat Kiya Karte Hain” was sung by Kishore Kumar & Lata Mangeshkar respectively.
Above all the stand out high pitch song “NAFRAT KI DUNIYA KO CHOD KAR PYAR KI DUNIYA MEIN KHUSH REHNA MERE YAAR” from Haathi Mere Saathi which totally supersedes all lovely Kishore numbers from the film with emotional singing by our all time great Mohammed Rafi Sahab. It was one of the best background songs of HFM in the climax of the film which was picturised on superstar Rajesh Khanna after killing of his elephant by villains which was the central character of the film.
Rafi-Rajesh Khanna and composer S.D.Burman:-
Dada Burman had composed music for this combination in only one film that is Rajesh’s first hit “ARADHANA” which made him a star. After recordings of two duets, S.D. Burman became ill and his real life son and assistant, R.D. Burman took over the charge of recordings who hired his friend Kishore Kumar to sing the two solos “Mere Sapnon Ki Rani Kab Aayegee Tu” and “Roop Tera Mastana Pyar Mera Deewana” which led to Kishore’s credentials. The two popular Rafi-Lata duets from the film, “Gun Guna Rahe Hain Bhawarein” and “Baaghon Mein Bahar Hai” were picturised on Rajesh Khanna & Sharmila Tagore & Rajesh Khanna & Farida Jalal respectively. The theme song of the film, “Sapna Hogi Teri Aradhana” was sung by S.D. Burman himself which was in background.
Mohd Rafi with S.D.Burman, Hasrat and Vijay Anand
Rafi-Rajesh Khanna and composer R.D.Burman
R. D. Burman had composed music for this combination in the films: BAHARON KE SAPNE (1967), THE TRAIN (1970), SHEHZADA (1972), HUMSHAKAL (1974), BANDALBAAZ (1977), and PHIR WOHI RAAT (1980).
The theme song “Zamane Ne Mare Jawan Kaise Kaise” from Baharon Ke Sapne is the beginning of Rafi-Rajesh-R.D.Burman combination which ends with the song “Aa Gaye Yaro Jeene Ke Din, Khele Khane Pene Ke Din” from Phir Wahi Raat.
Rose Movies’s The Train is the best film of this combination and romantic number “Gulabi Ankhen Jo Teri Dekha Sharabi Yeh Dil Ho Gaya” by Rafi & “Mujhse Bhala Yeh Kajal Tera Nain Base Din Rain” by Rafi-Lata was so popular, which were picturised on one time pair Rajesh Khanna and Nanda.
The Rafi-Lata duet “Kahe Ko Bulaya Mujhe Balama Pyar Mein Naam Se” from Humshakal was superb. Rafi Saheb was also the voice of Rajesh Khanna in the duet with Lata “Naghma Hamara” from the film Bundalbaaz, the only other film directed by Rebel Star Shammi Kapoor after Manoranjan.
Rafi-Rajesh Khanna and composer Ravi:-
Ravi composed music for Bahar Film Combined’s DOLI (1969) starring Rajesh Khanna and Babita in the lyrics of Rajinder Krishan. The Rafi-Asha Bhosle duet “Sajna Saath Nibhana” was picturised on Rajesh Khanna, Babita & Prem Chopra and solo by Rafi “Danton Tale Dabakar Hooth Aakhen Karke Bari Bari Kha Jayeegi Mujko Aise Dekh Rahi Hai Khadi Khadi” was picturised on Rajesh & Babita. Mahendra Kapoor sang the title song of the film “Doli Chadh Ke Dulhan Sasural Chali” and “Aaj Pila De Saqi“.
Mohd Rafi with Shakeel and Ravi
Rafi-Rajesh Khanna and composer Naushad :-
Naushad used the voice of Rafi to playback for Rajesh Khanna in Sultan Ahmed’s multicast film DHARAM KANTA (1981) starring Raaj Kumar, Waheeda Rahman, Rajesh Khanna, Reena Roy, Jeetendra, Sulachana Pandit and Amjad Khan in dual role. The songs from the film: “Yeh Gotey Dar Lahenga Nikele Jaab Chaal Se” by Rafi-Asha was picturised on Rajesh Khanna & Reena Roy in a train and “Duniya Chhoote Yaar Na Chhote Dil Ki Dharam Kante Par Dekha Pyar Ka Palla Bhari Hai” by Mohd. Rafi & Bhupinder was picturised on Rajesh Khanna & Jeetendra riding horse. Another Rafi-Asha duet from the film “Tera Naam Liya Dil Tham Liya” was picturised on Jeetendra & Sulachana Pandit. The lyric of the songs was penned by all time favourite lyricists Majrooh Sultanpuri. It was the last notable film of the composer Naushad and Naushad-Rafi matchless combination which was started with film the Pehle Aap (1944) and perhaps of the Rafi-Rajesh combination.
Rafi-Rajesh Khanna and composer Bappi Lahiri:-
Bappi Lahiri had also used the golden voice of Rafi Sahab for Rajesh Khanna in a qawwali in the film Suraag (1980).
An account of popular Rafi gems from different films picturised on Rajesh Khanna: –
| SL No. | Year | Film | Song | Music | Lyrics |
| 1 | 1967 | Raaz | Akele Hain Chale Aao | Kalyanji Anandji | Shamim Jaipuri |
| 2 | 1969 | Do Raaste | Yeh Reshmi Zulfen | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Anand Bakshi |
| 3 | 1969 | Doli | Danton Tale Dabakar Hooth | Ravi | Rajinder Krishan |
| 4 | 1969 | Aradhana | Gunguna Rahi Hain Bhanvre | S.D. Burman | Anand Bakshi |
| 5 | 1970 | Sachaa Jhutha | Yunhi Tum Mujhse Baat Karti Ho | Kalyanji Anandji | Indeevar |
| 6 | 1970 | The Train | Gulabi Ankhen Jo Teri Dekha | R.D. Burman | Anand Bakshi |
| 7 | 1970 | Aan Milo Sajna | Koye Nazrana Lekar Aaya Hoon Main Deewana Tere Liye | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Anand Bakshi |
| 8 | 1971 | Mehboob Ki Mehndi | Yeh Jo Chilman Hai | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Anand Bakshi |
| 9 | 1974 | Humshakal | Kahe Ko Bulaya | R.D. Burman | Anand Bakshi |
| 10 | 1982 | Dharam Kanta | Yeh Gotey Dar Lahenga | Naushad | Majrooh Sultanpuri |
Mohammed Rafi and Rajesh Khanna both were the ICONS of Hindi Cinema born in Punjab, former one was the first recognised playback singer of Hindi Cinema who dominated HFM from 1949 to 1969 and then to 1980 in second rank after popularity and emerging of Kishore Kumar in early 1970s and later one was the first officially declared superstar of Hindi Cinema who had 15 consecutive hit films in 5 years from 1969 to 1973. Recently, Rajesh Khanna got the “Phalke Legend Actor Award” on 139th birth Anniversary of Dhundi Raj Govind Phalke, the father of Indian Cinema, popularly known as Dada Saheb Phalke. Rafi Sahab playback for Rajesh Khanna in countable songs with limited films: Raaz, Baharon Ke Sapne, Do Raaste, Doli, Aradhana, Sachaa Jhutha, The Train, Aan Milo Sajna, Mehboob Ki Mehndi, Shehzada, Humshakal, Bandalbaaz, Phir Wohi Raat, Suraag and Dharam Kanta. Though Rafi-Rajesh Khanna permutation is very little but too rich and wealthy in regards to piece of music and the work of composers like Kalyanji-Anandji, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, S.D.Burman, R.D.Burman, Ravi, Bappi Lahiri and Naushad are everlasting.
Rajesh Khanna
Even though several of the popular songs picturized on Rajesh Khanna were sung by Kishore Kumar, the songs like “Yeh Reshmi Zulfe Yeh Sharbati Aakhen” from DO RAASTE, “Gulabi Aakhen Jo Teri Dekha Sharabi Yeh Dil Ho Gaya” from THE TRAIN, “Koyi Nazrana Lekar Aaya Dewana Tere Liye” from AAN MILO SAJNA and “Yeh Jo Chilman Hai” from MEHBOOB KI MEHNDI sung by Rafi Saheb for romantic icon Rajesh Khanna are real diamonds with ceremonial melody and which are still popular and long lasting.
The last popular song of the Naushad-Rafi matchless combination from Dharam Kanta which was picturised on Rajesh Khanna and Reena Roy: –
Asha:Â Yeh Gotey Dar Lahenga Niklu Jaab Daal Ke 3
Churiya Chal Jayee Meri Matwali Chaal Pe 2
Rafi:Â Â Jalwaee Phir Dekh Gori Meri Bhi Chaal Ke 2
Sunri Baan Jayee Teri Mere Rumal Se 2
Asha: Deerdar Deerdar……………
Ek Tu Babu Shishe Jaise Chikni Meri Jawani, Dooji Umar Mastani 2
Ho…. Meri Badan Par Aise Phisle Teri Nazar Deewani, Jaise Jhalakta
Pani Pani
Aankhiya Milana Humse, Chalia Sambhal Ke 2
Churiya Chal Jayee Meri Matwali Chal Pe
Rafi:Â Chunri Baan Jayee Teri Mere Rumal Se
Rafi:Â Aaj Hamari Ek Nazar Ne Kiya Aafat Kar Dali Dekh Zara Matwali 2
Kaha Kaha Se Masti Teri Kurti Reshamwali, Jhalake Badan Ki Lali Lali
Tu Bhi Kamal Ki Hai Hum Bhi Kamal Ke 2
Chunri Ban Jayee Teri Mere Roomal Se
Asha: Churiya Chal Jayee Meri Matwali Chaal Pe
Asha: Dirdar Dirdar ………………….
Maan Ke Chor Nahin Chal Ne Du, Aaj Tuhmari Chori, Main Albeli Chodi 2
Rafi: Main Tu Udanlu Aankhon Se Kajal, Kahe Khuli Ho Gori, Dono Aankhiyan Tori 2
Asha: Aise Ko Rakhti Hoon Main Shishoo Mein Daal Ke 2
Churiya Chal Jayee Meri Matwali Chaal Pe
Rafi:Â Chunri Baan Jayee Teri Mere Rumal Se……………….
Nice article, found a few gems here! A correction. ‘Sochta Hoon Ke Tumhe’ is written by Akhtar Romani and not Shamim Jaipuri. Also, no point in mentioning the Rafisaab song from ‘Phir Wohi Raat’ as it was not filmed on Rajesh Khanna.
Rajesh Khanna – Kishore Kumar was the best combination ever . Kishore the most versatile genius singer ever
“An inborn mix-up of glamour and simplicity– – Super Star Rajesh Khanna
“An inborn mix-up of glamour and simplicity. We started watching movies with Aradhana, Haathi Mere Saathi, etc. since our school days and still feel that the natural instinct of class touch of Rajesh Khanna’s honest performance still ruled our mind and heart simultaneously. Nobody can live the characters in such high extent like him. So this Lovemark to the real and genuine super talent, who in spite of his aloofness from us lives in our heart forever.”
I read thru the above lines and completely agree to the feelings. My experience has been the same too. Rather, our three gen’s [my mother, myself & now my daughter also] have been fans of the true & first ever superstar. Hats off!
Now, my daughter besides me, are quite eager to meet him in person. Could this message reach him and we get an appointment?
Dear,sir.i m searching 4 ur institute.nd i m not.getting proper address.so plz may reply me on my emai-id.i want 2 join u.
Everyone forgort the lovely song: ZAMANE NE MARE JAWAN KAISE KAISE.. zameen kha gayee aasman kaise kaise” from a Rajesh-Asha Parekh starrer picrturized on Rajesh though as a background number. Only a singer of Rafi’s stature could do justice to this song and there has only been one RAFI sb.
your forgot another film Aina starring Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz which had music by Naushad. Rafi Sb had sung a duet Jane Kya Ho Jaye, jab dil se dil takraye
An inborn mix-up of glamour and simplicity – Super Star Rajesh Khanna
An inborn mix-up of glamour and simplicity. We started watching movies with Aradhana, Haathi Mere Saathi, etc. since our school days and still feel that the natural instinct of class touch of Rajesh Khanna’s honest performance still ruled our mind and heart simultaneously. Nobody can live the characters in such high extent like him. So this Lovemark to the real and genuine super talent, who in spite of his aloofness from us lives in our heart forever.
mohd rafi the worlds greatest singer in the world the best voice i ever heard the king of melody king of our hearts there is only few people came in the world mohd rafi sahib as a great singer dilip kumar like a actor lata mangeshkar as a female singer madhu bala as a actress naushad as a music director this peoples is a institute for us if we want to learn jab tak suraj chand rahega mohd rafi sahib ap ka naam rahega hum sub ke dilon mein
mohd rafi sahib is a one and only the best singer in the centurys his golden voice is amazing his range i dont find any good words to say since i was kid thats only his voice is in my heart and my ears allah jannat nasib kare rafi sahib ko till this world alive mohd rafi sahib in our hearts
Sir binu nair
Mohd Rafi is not an ocean but he is more than that and will be……..
Jest listen to Mohd Rafi songs for none Mohd Rafi actors i mean none Mohd Rafi actors who used KK or Mukesh mostly for there songs and also listen other singers who sang for Mohd Rafi actors.
If I am not wrong Mohd rafi sang 20 songs Rajesh Khanna,16 songs for BIG B,If am not wrong the best romantic songs for none Mohd Rafi singers was sang by our Mohd Rafi.
Dilip Kummar and few more who switch to KK in 1970’s but they lost there place….
Quality wise, Rafi Saheb sang better songs for Rajesh Khanna. Even at the downfall of Rajesh Khanna, Kishore Kumar’s songs did not help the super star. He came down with a thud. Rafi Saheb is the best singer world has ever produced. India should feel proud of Mohammed Rafi Saheb.
Thanx .Plz keep me posted
Rafiji sang some of best songs picturised on Rajesh Khanna,
songs like :-
Yeh Jo Chilman Hai,
Yeh Reshmi Zulfen
Yunhi Tum Mujhse Baat Karti Ho.
These songs were busting out with energy. Could kk ever had manage to sing these songs? ( I think not ) .
It sad to think songs like
“Mere Sapnon Ki Rani Kab Ayegi Tu“,
“Roop Tera Mastana Pyar Mera Diwanaâ€
were considerd to be better than the song sang by Rafi for Rajesh Khanna.
If these 2 songs were responsible for KK popularity. I didn’t think they were any good When I heard them first time around and 25 years later nobody has convinced me that these songs or any other songs sang by kk are any good.
Kk is only singer of that era whose singing style I hated because his voice didn’t convey the feeling expressed in lyrics and for that reason I have avoided watching any movies in which KK was the lead singer.
It was very annoying that in the early 70’s very few songs were given to Rafi , Mukesh Manney dey or Mahendra kapoor to sing.
It appeared that kk was singing all the songs whether the song were suitable for him to sing or not.
Sadly Mukesh died in 1974 Rafi died in 1979, the two golden voices of Indian film industry were lost forever giving KK even freer rein to churn out more songs void of feeling and setting the standard for new generation of singers to follow.
That’s is why we have so many crappy singers today who grew up listening to KK songs thinking they too could make it by adopting KK style.
Unknow Post 25 : Mohd Rafi is an ocean and the priceless jewel on the earth. unko aapke chota sa “khayal” mein nahi baandho ; is liye ke woh hum sab ka ek anmol ratna hai.
================================================
aur yaad dilaye ke aap singed na use kare; sang word use kara kyon ke yeh duroost word hai.
thanks.
The old chestnut of how Kishore Kumar and Aradhana toppled the dominance of Rafi Sahib is getting to be very boring. The truth of the matter is that the Filmfare awards in the 1970’s became as predictable as the rest of Bollywood is today. The only reason Roop Tera Mastana, granted it was an okay song but nothing more, won the award has more to do with Sharmila Tagore’s wet-look clinging Sari in the video and therefore the “mindset” of the judges than the songs actual merits. It was an insult to Kishoreda who has sung songs that are many times better than this tripe and not even been nominated. In fact, “Kora Khagaz tha” from the same movie was infinitely better in all aspects than “Roop tera mastana”. The latter was not particularly remarkable for its lyrics, music or expanding the boundaries of singing. Compare this to the nominated song at the same awards “Khilona Jaan kar” sung by Rafi Sahib. If only the song had been picturised on Mumtaz shashaying around in a bikini in the rain whilst Sanjeev Kumar sang in the background. The Filmfare judges would have been drooling away whilst their senses left the judging of the song aside and they voted with their real “brains”.
The other issue is that Rafi Sahib stopped singing after advice whilst at Hajj and left the door way open for Kishore da in the early 1970’s. We all know what happened when he returned to reclaim his crown! So come on folks, please accept that the 1970’s was an aberration caused by Rafi Sahib’s absence and a fall in standards at Filmfare which has only got worse!
Dearest Quadratullah Afghan.
Mohd rafi was not best Muslim singer in India but he was greatest singer ever born in Indian,Mohd Rafi is the best human who born in bollywood as said by many who knew him,In music world there is one King and he is Mohd Rafi,jest listen to songs in film Dhool Ki Phool you will understnat him how great human he was,
the article says “made kishore kumar the top play back singer
of hindi cinema keeping rafi saab in second row”.it is shame to
depend on the second row singer for various types of songs
as the top singer cannot sing it.atleast the top singer could have
sung two types of songs.but it is rediculous to say top singer who
had only limited capacities.rafi saab who sings songs like “oh duniya
ke rakwale”,”zindabad zindabad”also sings songs like “hame kaale
hai to ” and in between so many types of songs was not a human
being as ghe gives the voice matching for the hero,expreassions
to match the situation,giving sweetness for the lines,high pitch,low
pitch,even the pronounciation of some of the words…….it is
something beyond the ability of a man.if rafi saab sings seven types
of songs kishore kumar can sing only two types of songs.that is the
difference.
One can’t be too critical of Rajesh Khanna if he thought he wanted a ‘different’ image (from the greats of the ’50s and ’60s). KK was part of the package that was instrumental in creating that desired ‘difference’.
As pointed out in post# 22, Rafisahab had some fine songs lyp-synched by Khanna on screen and indeed, whenever he was called upon to sing for Khanna, Rafisahab did a fine job, adding something special for the romantic star (as the baadshah did for all the actors). Personally speaking,Rajesh Khanna could have fallen back more up on Rafisahab when he found his real rival on screen and hit back with good musicals rather than persisting with the same team (RDB-KK) who were getting more and more predictable and monotonous (even as the script of his movies were getting monotonous).
Dear Rafians,
There is no point in looking at what the critics have to say about whether Rajesh Khanna ‘s success was majorly due to Kishore Kumar and not our beloved Mohd Rafi. it is there is the history of the golden era of film music that Rajesh Khanna’s popularity scaled new heights with Rafi Sahab singing fior him. Yes Kishore Kumar did sing some great songs for him, but rafi Sahab was reserved for some of the finest compositions picturised on Rajesh Khanna, which only goes to show the tremendous amount of confidence and belief that the music directors especially Usha Khanaji, Laxmikant Pyarelal and Kalyanji Anandji had on Rafi for Rajesh Khanna. Hear the songs of Mehboob ki Mehandi where Kishore Kumar had one song while Rafi Sahab had all others as it was only he who could have done jsutice to the mood of the songs and the theme and ciscumstances of the movie. Again, the songs of Haathi Mere Saathi, Aan Milo Sajna, Do Raaste, the super hit song from Sachcha Jhootha-“Yuhi Tim Mujhse Baat karti ho”, Songs of the movie train, where RD Burman who is considered to be favouring Kishore Kumar over rafi Sahab, made sure that the classic “Gulabi aankhen” was sung by Rafi Sahab.
So, as one would say in Hindi ” Haath Kangan ko Aarsi Kya, Pade likhe ko faarsi Kya”. People can say anything that they want, but the fact remains that it was rafi Sahab whose voice madde sure that Rajesh Khanna’s stardom as the first superstar of Hindi Cinema was sustained for a long period of time. This I say with due respects to Kishore Kumarji, who undenyling did a great job for Rajesh Khanna. However, I think that if Kishore Kumarji was alive today, he would have been the first one to admit that it was Rafi Sahab who sang the choicest songs for Rajesh Khanna, while he sang the routine stuff.
So my dear Rafians, Don’t worry be happy!
Itna toh Yaad hai Mujeh ke unse mulaakaat hui
Baad mein jaane kya hua, Na Jaane kya baat hui
Enjoy!
Hi Dear
In the first I would like to say I love Haji Mohammed Rafi. There was no mistake in his article. He was the best Indian Muslim singer.
I can’t choose only his one song because all his songs are the best. There is no error in his songs.
I want to pray for him all the time.
I must say that even though I feel hurt by his actions to down ride Rafi I enjoy this guy(Rajesh Khanna) giving lippings to the songs whether it is Rafi or Kishore or anybody else.What a lucky man!!. he got 75% of Kishore’s hits to ‘sing’.( Rafi’s 20 odd songs picturised on Rajesh all were hits as well)
Can anybody tell the no of songs of KK picturised on Rajesh?.
Friends we are yet to have a writings on Rafi-Shashi Kapoor or Rafi-jeetendra and Rafi-Sunil DUtt.
Rafi Saheb sang memorable songs for Rajesh Khanna. One of them being my all time favourite is “yeh jo chilman hai…†from the film “Mehboob Ki Mehndiâ€. KK songs never helped Rajesh Khanna to remain on top position.
Dear fans,
Rajesh Khanna had started his career with Rafi sahab,s voice but due to circumstances like our legend had to go to Haj, some elements tried to take advantage…
But the greatest thing as that Rafi sahab made a comback after 3-4 years and stole the lead from his competitor and the elements… till the 80s. Even after he passed away the songs recorded by him were the majority hits in 81…
Mr.Binu,
Re p no. 12:
I would like to add one more name— Madan Mohan— the person who did wonders with rafi and lata(even in 70s), churned out best songs(quality wise) in early 70s and he was most instrumental in Rafi-ji’s comeback–IMO
Happy Birthday to Shammi Kapoor ji
at KK site I saw something really it is wrong The great Manoj Kumar got KK award of 2008,real it is so bad a big name like Manoj Kumar got a small award like this!!!!!!!!!!!!???I think in 2009 they will give this award to Mr Bachchan or to Mohd Rafi!!!!!
I don’t know if Manoj Kumar singed KK songs please help me to find KK songs on Manoj Kumar…
I think this is bigest joke of 2008 in India
Rajesh Khanna did change a few things. I am not surprised that he insisted on KK over Rafi. There was Dev saheb also who did not like Rafi stealing the show from him, but Dev saheb was more polished than Khanna. RK had clicked well with KK and did not want Rafi to overtake his style of acting, since he wanted to be diffrent. Khanna was also instruemental in having single hero image. No parrallel story or side hero so that all the focus as far as male hero was concerned stayed on him. Mehmood etc suffered. He also had so much of air about himself that he deliberately came late for shootings till producers could no longer tolerate him and he had his downfall. No other superstar has had such a free fall as Khanna.
Being an orphaned child (No knowledge of his parentage, unless someone can tell) and adopted by a wealthy punjabi buisnessman, he always had that extra craving and pain in him. He did express it well on screen though.
Even his speeches during his brief political tenure, he was a poor speaker and often contradicted himself during the same 10 minute speech. Call it his stars, timming or the rise of KK and RDB, he did achieve super stardom and the intensity was unmatched between 1970-1973.
Hi m.a.piroe we MohdRafi fans should not be like others,
Rajesh Khanna was great actor,if you go 4 Rajesh Khanna best romantic songs you will find singed by Mohd rafi,our Mohd Rafi great he singed for all, do u know Dilip Kummar and many more they went to KK in 1970’s but KK was not able to give them hit as did by Mohd Rafi the only actor was with Mohd Rafi his birthday is today he Shammi Kapoor
i will not post any comments on this article as mohd rafi was ignored by a clique consisting of the brigade r.d.burman + some actors who switched their loyalties to another singer, overnight, yes overnight + the sisters + the binaca geet mala compere (everyone knows) + the music companies who are reaping the mohd rafi royalties even today along with rajesh khanna.
My salutations to usha khanna, laxmikant & pyarelal, the b grade composers who stood by rafi all along and the crores of mohd rafi fans everywhere who made mohd rafi saaheb the no. one singer of hindi film music industry from 1977 onwards. and this rise is unprecedented in the history of indian playback singing history.
binu nair, mumbai
Hi Dear!
I would like to correct one error in the article. The error is that The which was sung by Muhammad Rafi and Asha Bhosle (Gun Guna Rahe hein Bhanware) was described as a duet by Lata Rafi. So, please make this correction.
Rafi Sahab sang a fabulous number for Rajesh Khanna in the 1972 film Shehzada, penned by rajinder kishen and composed by rahul dev burman. The words are as follows: ‘tere attaroo chun lavan mein, tere hontanu hans jaavan mein..’. Since the first two lines were in Punjabi, rbd called upon rafi Sahab (who hails from Punjab) to do justice to the pronunciation.
It is believed that Rajesh Khanna commented that Anwar sings better than Rafi. Referring to the following songs from Janta Hawaldaar
– Humse Kaa Bhool Hui Jo Ye Sazaa
– Teri Aankhon Ki Chaahat Mein
Was Rajesh Khanna a Rafi haiter?
I’m flabbergasted, how can Rafi lovers put an article on R.Khanna on this site? unbelievable …how is this possible.
What is happening on this site of my beloved Rafi Saheb?
This man refused to act Moh.Rafi songs and had chosen the other singer. He had dumped Rafi saheb… His picture should not be seen in this Mohammad Rafi site……. Shame…shame…shame….
What I also can’t understand how people react so badly on Sonu Nigaam ji.
Please Remove the picture from the Mohd.Rafi site,……
I’m very angry now…..
Regards
A.Piroe
Mohammad Rafi sahab was diminated from 1949-1980 till his demise……and the period between 1970-1975 was not a kishore dominated era…..Rafi got quality songs if not in quantity.
I think the bigtest losser in Bollywood was Rajesh Khanna to replace Mohd Rafi to KK(as I think)once I read i don’t thing that can said by Rajesh Khanna that when singer Answer singed for him in film Babu he said the way singed by Anwer if there was Mohd Rafi he will not be able to sing it as singed by Anwer!!!!!!!!!!???
Raj Kapoor and Manoj Kummar they used Mukesh mostly that they said the best singer is Mohd Rafi.
KK was not able to give Rajesh Khanna what he need because that we will see that Rajesh Khann used Mukesk and Mohd Rafi and many other singer not like Shammi Kapoor who used only mohd Rafi only one song singed by Manney Day but that song is so easy for Mohd Rafi to it..
In film HAATHI MERE SAATHI Rajesh Khanna wanted KK to sing all songs but KK was not able to sing that songs as LP and also LP said that they are not going to change the song..KK himself said that I will not sing this song.
!970’s KK was not at the top these all story from media yes that s true that Mohd Rafi songs was less than before but that not mean that who singed more he is at the top……..
Kk is great singer but I feel that Mohd rafi voice is better fit to Rajesh Khanna
Dear Auther
Rajesh Khanna just like RDB is not popuaar with Rafians.Reason?.Well every one knows Rasjesh’s voice was KK.It was due to his insistance a lot of songs that would have gone to Rafi went to KK.Best example ‘Mere naina sawan'(According to RDB interview).’Wada tera wada’ Even great KK wanted Rafi to sing it but Rajesh wanted to scrap this song if KK did n’t sing it.KK is great,but the pressure of Rajesh to go for KK was highly objectionable and it hearts many Rafians including me.
Please note that Rafi was not in No2 from 1969 .Even in 1970 and 1971 It was Rafi who had more no of songs and more hits.From 1972 onwards onl KK’s reign started.Please be true to the facts.
Dear Rafi Fans and lovers, Hi ,
The song of movie “Aakhri Khat” that has not been mentioned is “Aur khuch der thehar, Aur khuch der na ja”. this is another true gem of rafi saa’b.
ashish kapoor, (vice president) rafi foundation memorial society, delhi. ashkpr@hotmail.com
OBJECTIONS TO THE ARTICLES RAFI SAAB WAS SECOND BUT NUMBER ONE THROUGH OUT HIS LIFE AND THE FIRST SUPERSTAR WHO GAVE 21 JUBILEE HITS IN A ROW WAS RAJENDRA KUMAR -POPULARLY KNOWN AS JUBILEE KUMAR.
THE MODERATOR SHOULD VERIFY THE FACTS BEFORE THE ARTICLES ARE POSTED.
Well researched article and I like your honest, candid views. Thanks for sharing! Will respond more soon!
You have given the complete picture of the mr-rk combination Baruah Sir and have covered almost all the songs. Good article. the song “koi nazrana lekar aaya hun mein diwana tere liye” remains my top favourite although the songs ‘yeh reshmi zulfen yeh sharbati ankhen”, “nafrat ki duniya ko chhod kar khush rahna mere yaar”, “gulabi ankhen jo teri dekhee” etc. too are all very beautiful and popular songs.