A Special Report on the occasion of Rafi Sahib’s 85th Birthday
The report of the annual Rafi Nite in Chandigarh is presented by
Mehtab-Ud-Din.
Mohd Rafi
The Songs of Rafi Sahib have eternalized me also : Shatrughan Sinha
The latecomer Shatrughan Sinha had to sit on floor of the Chandigarh’s Tagore Theatre, which was overcrowded only with more than 2,000 fans of Rafi Sahib
“The Songs of Rafi Sahib have eternalized me also. I like his song ‘Mujhko mere baad zamana dhoondega’ the most.” These sentiments were presented by the Bollywood Star and politician Shatrughan Sinha at the occasion of Rafi Memorial Nite.
Shatrughan Sinha
There was a very special occasion in Chandigarh on Sunday the 6th December, 2009 as Yaadgar-e-Rafi Society (Regd.) was holding a Rafi Memorial Nite. Shatrughan Sinha came late, as he used to, for an hour. The Tagore Theatre (Sector-18), having the seating capacity of 450, was over-crowded five times more only with the fans of the All Time Great-Mohd. Rafi.
Shatrughan Sinha saw the jam packed theatre and he preferred not to disturb the fans of Rafi sahib and preferred to sit on the floor of the theatre. Here, the photograph of Shatrughan Sinha is being published, while he was sitting on the floor during Rafi Memorial Nite. The organizers of the Rafi Nite had to work hard to bring the Chief Guest i.e. Shotgun from floor to the Chair. Shatrughan Sinha was very delighted to see the talented youth, singing the evergreen songs of Rafi Sahib. He encouraged the youth participants to sing like Rafi Sahib. He said in Hindi,”Vastav mein kuchh aisa kar ke dikhao ki aapko zamana usi tarah dhoondhe, jaise ab who Rafi Sahib ko dhoondh raha hai” (Actually you must sing like Rafi sahib, so that the people would eagerly seek you also). He remembered the songs from the films like Ek Nari Do Roop, Dost, Aadmi Sadak Ka, Sabak, Dostana of Rafi Sahib, which were picturised upon Shatru himself. He said, while holding the hands upon his heart, that “the songs of Rafi Sahib have immortalized me also.”
He paid rich tributes to the genius of Mohd. Rafi Sahib. He cited many memorable moments, spent with Rafi sahib. He advised the fellow politicians to follow the ethics practiced by Mohd. Rafi, who had worked for genuine producers without money. The audience (the children, women and men of all age groups) heavily clapped. More than 2,000 people, besides 450 seated, were standing in the small theatre to pay their tributes to their beloved singer the one and only Rafi Sahib.
The anchor of the show Mr. Vijay Vashisht (Mobile No. +91 – 98155-19693) is also a music loving fan of Rafi Sahib. Mr. Vashisht is a retired announcer of All India Radio Chandigarh. He presented the 40 participants of the age-groups from 13 yrs. to 65 yrs with a great enthusiasm. He told the audience about the brief background of every song, that was going to be presented before the audience by the participants. All were so mesmerized to see the soulful event of the Mohd. Rafi’s songs. Shatrughan Sinha lauded a young versatile singer Ankit Balhara, who stole the show along with another artist Ram Tirth. Shatru had to rose from his seat and he hugged Ankit in all admiration. On this occasion, a special prize and a cash award of Rs. 3,100 to Sheenu, a promising singer in memory of the late BM Kalia, the founder member and former Chairman of the Yaadgar-e-Rafi Society.
On the memorable occasion, Mr. Manpreet Singh Badal the Finance Minister Punjab, while presiding over the Annual Rafi Memorial Nite, said that Mohd. Rafi was an extremely humble and a distinctive person who had all qualities of head and heart. He told the audience about Music Director Roshan, initially known as Roshan Lal Nagrath, who had composed many memorable songs sung by Rafi Sahib like ‘Jo Vaada Kiya Who Nibhana Padega (Taj Mahal),’ ‘Hum Intezaar Karenge Tera Qyamat Tak (Bahu Begum)’, ‘Dil Jo Na Keh Saka (Bheegi Raat),’ ‘Zindagi Bhar Nahin Bhoolegi Who Barsaat Ki Raat (Barsaat Ki Raat)’, ‘Ab Kya Misaal Dun Mein Tumhare Shabab Ki (Aarti)’ etc.
The Annual Rafi Memorial Award 2009 was presented to Mr. BD Sharma for his outstanding contributions in keepking alive the memory of legendary singer Mohd. Rafi through music competitions for the last 24 years. The Award was instituted by Yaadgaar-e-Rafi Society, New Delhi in 1983 & was presented by its founder Chairman Amarjit Singh Kohli of New Delhi in the presence of Mr. Shatrughan Sinha. The Function was organized by a similar named Society “Yaadgar-e-Rafi Society” formed in Chandigarh in1985 by the award winner Mr. BD Sharma. Yaadgar-e-Rafi Society, New Delhi has been organizing music competitions in New Delhi since 1983 and many of its winners are today playback singers including Sonu Nigam.”
Participants on the occasion of Rafi Sahib's 85th Birthday
The young singers like Chander Kant, Balwinder Singh, Vinay Kumar, Priyanka Singh, Sukhna Singh, Suman Rani, Shakshar Sharma, Navjeet Singh, Harnoor Bhullar, Ankit, Yaur Kapur, Puneet Kaur, Asawari, Rishu Kapur and Deeksha Rathi were also honoured on this occasion. Mr. Manpreet Badal lit the lamp before the photograph of Mohd. Rafi alongwith Shatrughan Sinha. The function proved a true tribute to Rafi Sahib on his upcoming 85th Birthday.
About Yaadgar-e-Rafi Society (Regd.), Chandigarh
Some Music lovers of Chandigarh formed a society named Yaadgar-e-Rafi Society in 1985 to protect and preserve the finest quality of light music in this part of the region. The society has been organizing the function in a meticulous way on the days made sacred as the death and birth of the Evergreen and Legendary singer Mohd. Rafi. The society’s prime objective is to promote cultural activities and spot talent. The society is also very active to keep the memory of great singer Mohd. Rafi’s singing quality and the rich tradition of the golden period of Hindi film music. At present, Mr. BD Sharma (Mobile Phone : +91 – 98147-3112) is the president of Yaadgar-e-Rafi Society, Mr. RD Kailey (Mobile Phone : +91 – 98156-16020) is the General Secretary, Mr. Vinod Polka (Mobile Phone : +91 – 98151-51188) is the Organising Secretary. Moreover, Dr. BC Gupta IAS, Mr. GS Grewal IAS, Mr. JS Bir IAS & Mr. Rajiv Bali are the esteemed Patrons of the Society.
The Society organize each year the singing contest for best singer award for male and female (Junior and Senior categories) in the memory of great singer Mohd. Rafi. It may also be worth-mentioning here that the Yaadgar-e-Rafi Society has been graced over the years by the various film personalities such as Shahid Rafi (Son of Rafi sahib) 1989; Janab Hasrat Jaipuri (1992); Mrs. Bilquis Rafi (Wife of Mohd. Rafi) (1993); Jubilee Star Rajendera Kumar (1994); popular Music Director Ravi (1995); Biswajit (1996); Usha Khanna (1997); Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner Janab Majrooh Sultanpuri (1998); Music Director OP Nayyar (1999); Dada Sahib Phalke Award Winner and Music Director Janab Naushad (2000); popular Music Director Anandji (2001); Music Director Sh. Pyarelal (Laxmikant-Pyarelal duo) 2002; a popular heroine Asha Parekh (2003), A popular Music director Padmashri Ravi and Bollywod Playback singer Anwar (2004); a renowned heroine Mala Sinha (2005); A popular hero of 60s Biswajit (2006); Play Back Singer Suman Kalyanpur (2007); and moreover last year playback singer Ms. Mubarak Begum came in the City Beautiful i.e. Chandigarh for the annual function of the society as Chief Guest.
Mehtab-Ud-Din
The report of the annual Rafi Nite in Chandigarh is presented by
Mehtab-Ud-Din, Managing Editor Hamdard Weekly (Toronto, Canada).
He may be contacted at +91 – 98157-03226. He has the repute in Punjabi Journalism.
Ref: Post No: 4 – Binuji,
Everybody supported both the sites and going very good at this moment and both the sites are really fantastic. We are the rafian fans who have given more life to build up this sites rather than writing unwanted comments in this site. So, keep this sites very clean rather then having more controversies. I know the admin of the other site he is a gem and very good person. So, do not write anything against him in this site. He not done any wrong, but actually whenever we wanted something to rebuild it you had no time to give us the material or source for it. So, do not blame him for that purpose. The fact is the admin has given the authority to build up that site but you hadnt done anything and the other site has been doing by very good person and I will also help to rebuild it with this site.
So, I feel u need not point anything against this admin. We kept a watch when there is new thing will come up but you didnt worked at all so i knew it. Do not blame somebody for this thing and its not correct to write such comment in this site. Now, Please full stop for that comment permanently.
thanks
shashank
Once more: my brother and I ,we have writed in Dutch language on the melody of baharo phool barsawo,in 1973,when the Badsha of melody was in Holland for his show.It was for me a great experience to sit down with this human being,because I had the job to train him the Dutch language.His natural voice is more enjoyable,then wat you are heared from recording etc.I stayed already aproxmately 42 years in the Netherlands,and I have also study music,West and Indian,so I can tell you that I have never heard in the West a singer like Mohamed Rafi.That is why I give him the honour of the singing miracle from India, and the title: Badsha Mohd.Rafi Saab.
Rafi saab,was realy the singing miracle of the east.
aaj ke is pawan din par har rafi premi ko hardik shubhkaamnayein.
aaj ke din ek gayak ke roop me bhagwan ne avtar liya tha
thanks and congrats to all rafians including yaadgar-e-rafi.
gr88 effort people. 🙂
Today is the 85th Happy Birthday of late Mohd Rafi sahab.
I personally miss him very much as he was an unique singer as well as a noble human being. After hearing his songs I learnt what is music, what is melody and what is awaz ka jadoo.
We will miss him till the doomsday.
Dr. Maya
Kolkata
Today 24th of December, 2009 and it’s
Mohammed Rafi Saheb’s 85th birthday.
I wish Rafi Saheb
a very very HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Long live the master.
My Dear Rafi Sahab !
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.
On this auspicious occasion of your 85th birthday we all miss you a lot.
You are not there, but you are there…in our hearts, in our memories and you will be there till this time is there…and I know time never ends.
May your soul rest in peace !!!
Rajkumar Akela
HAPPY BIRTH DAY MOHD RAFI
AN URGENT MESSAGE FROM RJ ANMOL OF RADIO MIRCHI – MUMBAI….
ONCE AGAIN A REMINDER FOR ALL RAFI FANS – DONT MISS THE RAFI SPECIAL PROGRAMME ON 24TH EVENING AT 9.00 PM…on radio mirchi…
binu nair…..
I really want to thank Mr. Binu Nair, Dr. Satyavir Yadav, Mr. Gopinath Nambiar, Mr. Achal Rangaswamy, Mr. As Murty and Mr. Mohd. Parvez; who responded the above reporting positively. I want to clarify that in the above published report the Phone No. of Mr. BD Sharma has been wrongly published only due to the typing mistake. He may be contacted at his Mobile Phone : +91 – 98147-31112. He is really worthy of friendship. He is the pioneer flag bearer of the Rafi-way. The suggestion of Mr. Binu Nair is as precious as to be followed. Mr. Parvez is also going through Rafi-way splendidly. All these persons are appreciable. I salute them.
— MEHTAB, Mobile: (91) 98157-03226, E-Mail : mehtabmasih@gmail.com
Achal ji… Please contact mr.Zorawar or aashish kapoor of rafi foundation delhi. they always have programmes in dec and july…..
the no. of zorawar is : 9810224991….. and he is based in new delhi…
regards and best wishes to mohd rafi lovers…..
binu nair,mumbai
9833 250 701
Hearty thanks to Mr.Mehtab-Ud-Din for bringing out an excellent report of annual Rafi nite in Chandigarh..A truely soulful tribute to the legendary Rafi Sahib.
It was so soothing and pleasing to heart to see a Rafi Sahib’s era’s actor-legend “The Shotgun”paying his tribute to Rafi Ji by sitting on the floor and listening and memorizing the echos of stereophonic vocal cords of Rafi Sahib.I am sure Rafi Ji from the heavens must be very pleased and happy,showering HIS blessings on HIS fans esp.the another legend of HIS time-Shatrughan Sinha Ji.
Congratulations Mehtab-Ud-Din sahib for your wonderful report again….dr.satyavr yadav (bhiwani,,haryana)
I , aged 60yrs, a retired teacher , am thrilled that your organisation, Yaadgar-e – Rafi is doing such a wonderful job to keep alive the greatness of rafi which is unparalleled when considered fromhis emotional voice coupled with the MAN he was in his life. But why do you restrict yourself to Chandigarh? I feel you should come to Mumbai and organise many Rafi Nites. You will never go at a loss- in fact with Mumbai’s population you will earn good money. There are some groups here who value Rafi – Manoj Iyer & party is one such group. If you could liase with them and jointly present something ( if you have less artistes) .. Iyer will be pleased as, I think, his old group is breaking up.
friends,
work happens to be taking me to delhi on the 24th of December. i am really very keen to know if the Rafi Foundation Delhi is organizing anything that day. it would be really nice to catch up with all our Delhi-based friends that day.
kindly do let me know
regards
achal rangaswamy
achal.rangaswamy@gmail.com
a word of caution : for mohd rafi websites and mohd rafi lovers :
a virus is on the prowl rafi lovers. he is a website expert., runs many websites he had informed me. …… he befriended rafi lovers in mumbai thinking that “we” are “running the mohdrafi.com website”.
on our request, he started a website for rafi foundation and it was going on fairly well along with blessings of mohdrafi.com.
the moderator of this site was very supportive “as usual” and has supported every move of rafi foundation.
the success of rafi foundation website was not found to be palatable to this virus and this un-nerved him. hence he “blacked out the rafi foundation site ” one fine day.
then, he went around in delhi and was heard boasting to rafi followers about his grand deed. i have reports too that he told rafi lovers “not to join rafi foundation”.
for his acts, he was denied a membership of r.f. in delhi. he runs websites as a commerce he had told me. my best wishes to this scoundrel for his “commerce” but please keep ur tricks away from us, virus – ji. (sorry, i cant find another words for this guy)
i wish to say that he has not let down the r.f. alone thus. he has insulted mohd rafi saaheb by closing down the rafi foundation website. never the less, the foundation is growing as also this site mr. virus.
a suggestion :
dear scoundrel : if u want to popularise ur websites, dont go for shortcuts. it will not pay in the long run.
binu nair, rafi foundation, mumbai
GREAT JOB BY THE TEAM…… B.D. SHARMA IS A GREAT FAN AND A GOOD ORGANISER.
MY ONLY SUGGESTION TO MY PUNJABI FRIENDS IN PUNJAB IS :
WHEN THE PUNJAB GOVERNMENT IS PATRONISING UR CLUB, WHY CANT A SERIOUS EFFORT DONE IN CONVINCING THE PUNBAB GOVERNMENT TO INSTITUTE THE RAFI AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE ALONG HE LINES OF MADHYA PRADESH GOVERNMENT ………
mehtab ji pls take up the issue……
regards
binu nair, rafi foundation, mumbai….
cell : 9833 250 701
one of the pioneering organizations promoting the local talent and spreading the fragrance of Rafi Sahab, relentlessly for the last 24 years or so, the “yaadgar-e-rafi society, chandigarh’ is one of those groups of music lovers who let their actions speak for themselves. i was fortunate to have seen one such programme of theirs in july 2008 and was simply carried away by the sincerity of their organizing committee, in particular b.d. sharmaji (one of the most humble persons I have met) and the tremendous work that these music fans do year after year. i had also the opportunity to listen to ram tirth who is once again a big rafi bhakt and sings so perfectly well. he would always rever and pray at the large photograph of rafi sahab on the stage, before commencing his songs. mehtab ji you have done a very commendable deed by writing about this particular programme and also giving details of ‘yaadgar-e-rafi society, chandigarh”. shatrughan sinha is himself a very jovial and down to earth personality and his sitting on the steps in the auditorium speaks volumes of his sincerity. congratulations to b d sharmaji for getting the ‘The Annual Rafi Memorial Award 2009 ” from the delhi organization ‘yaadgar-e-rafi society, new delhi”. very well deserved award for all the devotion and hard work that you put in sharmaji and this award will give you all the more zest and strength to scale newer heights. some of us are truly inspired by your steadfastness.
a s murty
secretary
rafi foundation
hyderabad chapter
ASALAMU ALAIKUM MEHTAB-UD-DINSAAB AND OTHER ESTEEMED PATRONS OF YAADGAE-E-RAFI SOCIETY THANX FOR THIS NICE ARTICLE I WOULD LIKE TO INFORM EVERYBODY SHATRU JI HAS SANG DUET WITH RAFI SAAB AND LATA JI FOR THE FILM:DOST CAN SOMEBODY ASK SHATRUJI HOW WAS THE EXPERIANCE SINGING WITH RAFI SAAB AND LATAJI SONG IS KAISE JEETE HAI BALA HUM SE SEEKHO YEH ADA SHATRU JI IS SHOUTING FEW LINE IN BETWEEN THE SONG I WOUL KIKE TO INFORM EVERY BODY I HAVE CREATED A BLOG DEDICATED TO RAFI SAAB I HAVE POSTED RARE PICTURES AND ARICLES AND VIDEOS IN THIS BLOG TOTAL OVER 300 PAGES ARE THERE .TO GO TO NEXT PAGE KINDLY CLICK OLDER POSTS YOU WILL FIND BOTTOM OF EVERY PAGE KINDLY VISIT ALL THE PAGES KINDLY VISIT THIS LINK THANX IN ADVANCE TAKE CARE
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