Mere Meheboob Tujeh … A Soulful Melody
By: H.A.K. Walijah
Mohd Rafi
“Mere Mehboob Tujhe Meri Mohabbat Ki Kasam” is a famous and romantic poem of Shakeel Badayuni sung by Rafi Sahab while legendary music director Naushad Saab composed this song based upon Raag Jhinjhoti for the movie “Mere Mehboob” (1963) – a muslim social in the backdrop of nawabi culture. The effect of such slow and romantic song is amazing; magic is in the lyrics plus melody. It was amazing to watch it yet again and enjoy the velvety voice of Mohd. Rafi Sahab. It is one of the most romantic, melodious and all-time-favorite title songs of Mere Mehboob. Rafi Sahab has poured his soul in this amazing extra long six stanza song which has no break at all in the middle and considered till today the best soft romantic songs for the range of voice and its melody of lyrics with music. Almost all music directors used Rafi’s voice to give life and a magical quality to their tunes. Rafi Saab used to build concept about the actors for whom the songs were recorded and went to great lengths to change his style to suit the actor and the scene. This song is an ode of love: emotional, soulful and unequivocal in its nature. The mysticism of poetry is best appreciated and understood when under the influence of the beloved; poetry & music like this confirm that there is beauty and it’s worth living for. This song unlocks the doors behind which the years gone by are preserved, all with their specific feelings and thoughts. It has not aged a single day and shine like new through the cloud that is formed as we journey through life. I really like this song where the actor stands on stage with microphone and sings in front of the audience, it just feels like everyone is there for only one purpose and that is to listen to the song. Naushad Saab once revealed in an interview on All India Radio in late seventies where he admitted that for this particular song he arranged with only five musicians.
The 1960 decade saw many films based on serious romances as well as light hearted romances, in other words we can say this was the Mt. Everest of ‘golden period’ of Hindi Cinema especially in the career of Rafi Sahab who delivered chartbuster songs one after another. The popular songs of Rafi Sahab belongs to this decade where actors like Rajendra Kumar encashed enormous credits by celebrating jubilee after jubilee predominantly on the voice of Mohammad Rafi Sahab played biggest role in it. That doesn’t take away the fact that he was a very good actor. But the songs of his film in Mohammed Rafi’s voice used to become mega hits giving movies a fine opening, and there was a time when every film starring him was a silver jubilee hit. He was considered a golden boy for the movie producers in the sense that he was the actor who could recover the producers’ money in a matter of few weeks. Nothing surprising about them since Rafi Sahab and Rajendra Kumar were inseparable. When Rafi Sahab and Rajendra Kumar combination had such beautiful melodies how come one could forget the song like “Mere Mehboob tujhe meri mohabbat ki kasam”. As a matter of fact this song was nominated for Rafi Sahab as Filmfare Best Male Playback singer award in 1963.
Rajendra Kumar and Mohd Rafi
Mere Mehboob – (1963) starring Rajendra Kumar, Sadhana became a “blockbuster” and took the number one position at the box office in 1963. This was another movie with such amazing songs. I know “Mere mehboob tujhe meri mohabbat ki kasam” is more popular but also the other melodies were breathtaking like – “Tumse izhaar-e-haal kar baithe”, “Ae husn zara jaag tujhe ishq jagaye” and “Yaad main teri jaag jaag ke hum” sounds melodious too. Sadhana looks drop-dead gorgeous…no wonder Rajendra Kumar keeps singing one lovely song after another for her! All these songs are so full of emotions which one can feel as well as see. The success of Mere Mehboob, thanks to Naushad’s innumerable love songs including this hit title song Mere mehboob tujhe meri mohabbat ki kasam and Mere mehboob mein kya nahin, remains unique to the genre. The film immortalized Sadhana’s beauty and grace, elevating her to the status of a minor icon for a while. During the same decade Guru Dutt also attempted a similar Muslim love triangle Chaudhvin Ka Chand with considerable success
Rajendra Kumar was successful to portray the poetic community of Aligarh, Lucknow In the film Mere Mehboob where he formed a new romantic pair with Sadhana and the songs in the film “mere mehboob tujhe meri mohabbat ki kasam” reached the Urdu speaking audience beyond India and far away countries. He did not show any mannerism and sung the song with a microphone at the university hall. In this one, you can see the acting of the actors is so powerful. The expressions on their faces and the emotions their eyes convey are beautiful. Specially instances where Sadhana turns and bows her head during the “maine ek baar teri ek jhalak…” or the tears in both of their eyes at the time of “teri furqat ne pareshaan kiya hai mujhko…” and then later Sadhana wiping her tears. And the pin-drop silence in this big hall full of audience just adds to the seriousness of the romantic song. You will see surely touch a chord with the tunes of soft romantic numbers.
It was the brilliance of H.S.Rawail, the director of this film who created the situation for this immortal song is very much commendable. Anwar, the hero, collides with a burkha-clad girl, Husna, in the college precincts and is instantly smitten though he just sees her eyes (and so is she). To find the girl, he is advised to compose a song to her and sing in the annual college competition. And think this is the outcome of a brief encounter in which they only gaze into each other’s eyes. Actor Danny Denzongpa once described the visage of Sadhana in a burkha with just her eyes visible in Mere Mehboob as “unforgettable.” Sadhana remains the inspiration for most of the bollywood lyricists – as the burkha-clad beauty Husna in Mere Mehboob, she inspired Shakeel Badayuni to compose Mere mehboob tujhe meri mohabbat ki kasam / Phir mujhe nargisi aankhon ka sahara de de. Hasrat Jaipuri showered epithets like Nargis-e-mastaana and Phoolon ki rani, baharon ki malika on her in Arzoo. She became a huge star with the success of Mere Mehboob. I think it was her first Technicolor film where she looked gorgeous and is said to have some of her most beautiful close-ups. It was the worst of times in her life that a lingering thyroid problem aggravated, even affected, those much-admired eyes. At that time she commented, “ I want my fans to remember me as the Sadhana of Love In Simla, Mere Mehboob, Woh Kaun Thi and Arzoo.” when many producers/directors ignored and sidelined her.
Sadhana
While watching this movie “Mere Mahboob” one could very well experience the richness and multi-layered nuances of Lucknowi Urdu and its power to encapsulate a range of emotions through the songs composed by Naushad Saab who was also a man of great technical knowledge and capable of much innovation. He was the first to introduce sound mixing and the separate recording of voice and music tracks in playback singing, to record separately on a different track and having the music on another track. Naushad was also the first to combine the flute and the clarinet, the sitar and mandolin. He also introduced the accordion to Hindi film music and was among the first to concentrate on background music to extend characters’ moods and dialogues through music. But perhaps Naushad’s greatest contribution was to bring Indian classical music into the film medium and what’s more make them extremely accessible to the layman in films like Baiju Bawra (1952) and Mughal-e-Azam (1960).
Naushad Sahab and Rafi Sahab
The Rafi-Naushad combination clicked in the 1946 hits, Anmol Ghadi and Jugnu where his duet with Noor Jehan, Yahan badla wafa ka… became the rage. It was Naushad Saab who discovered the singer’s potential for higher notes. Early in his career, in films such as Dillagi, Mela and Anmol Ghadi, Rafi handled a number of popular songs in lower notes. Recollects Naushad, “Rafi saab had tremendous potential for the higher notes too and I used this talent of his in films like Deedar, Amar, Uran Khatola and most important, Baiju Bawara.”
This beautiful Nazm (poem) –“Mere Mehboob Tujhe Meri Mohabbat ki Kasam” enthralled the audience in olden days, it is purely a literary piece delicately chiseled Taj Mahal of enchanting words. It is one of Shakeel Badayuni’s masterpiece poems among hundreds of memorable ghazals & songs. As such one needs to study it and enjoy the beauty of words and feelings. Just close the eyes and listen this song in privacy, I hope, all of you would surely appreciate it.
Sadhana and Rajendra Kumar in Mere Meheboob
Have a look at the full version of Nazm (poem/song) in roman Urdu:
Mere mehboob tujhe meri mohabbat ki kasam
Phir mujhe nargisi ankhon ka sahara dede
Mera khoya hua rangeen nazara dede
Mere mehboob tujhe
Ae mere khwab ki taabir meri jaan-e-ghazal
Zindagi meri tujhe yaad kiye jaati hai
Raat din mujhko satata hai tasavvur tera
Dil ki dhadkan tujhe awaaz diye jaati hai
Aa mujhe apni sadaon ka sahara dede
Mera khoya hua rangeen nazzara dede
Mere mehboob tujhe
Bhool sakti nahin ankhen woh suhana manzar
Jab tera husn mere ishq se takraya tha
Aur phir raha mein bikhre the hazaron naghme
Main woh naghme teri awaaz ko de aaya tha
Saaz-e-dil ko unhi geeton ka sahara dede
Mera khoya hua rangeen nazara dede
Mere mehboob tujhe
Yaad hai mujhko meri umr ki pehli woh gadi
Teri ankhon se koi jaam piya tha maine
Mere rug rug mein koi barq si lehrai thi
Jab tere marmari haathon ko chua tha maine
Aa mujhe phir unhi haathon ka sahara dede
Mera khoya hua rangeen nazara dede
Mere mehboob tujhe
Maine ik baar teri ek jhalak dekhi hai
Meri hasrat hai ke mein phir tera deedar karoon
Tere saaye ko samajh kar mein haseen Taj Mahal
Chandni raat me nazaronse tujhe pyar karoon
Apni mehki hui zulfon ka sahara dede
Mera khoya hua rangeen nazara dede
Mere mehboob tujhe
Dhoond tha hoon tujhe har raah mei har mehfil mein
Thak gaye hai meri majboor tamanna ke kadam
Aaj ka din meri umeed ka hai aakhri din
Kal na jaane main kahan aur kahan tu ho sanam
Do ghadi apni nigahon ka sahara dede
Mera khoya hua rangeen nazara dede
Mere mehboob tujhe
Saamne aa ke zara parda utha de rukh se
Ik yahi mera ilaaj-e-ghum-e-tanhai hai
Teri furqat ne pareshaan kiya hai mujhko
Ab to milja ke meri jaan pe ban aayi hai
Dil ko bhooli hui yaadon ka sahara dede
Mera khoya hua rangeen nazara dede
Mere mehboob tujhe
Meri mohabbat ki kasam
Phir mujhe nargisi ankhon ka sahara dede
Mera khoya hua rangeen nazara dede
Mere mehboob tujhe meri mohabbat ki kasam
Mere mehboob tujhe
As I noticed, in the first stanza there are no flashback visuals, but whereas in the second stanza the flashback visuals had been shown as how Anwar collided with Husna and head over heels in love with her by just gazing her eyes under the veil. The rest of stanzas are forwarding steps in emotional sequences. When we come to the final stanza where Husna (Sadhana) turns and bows her head during “maine ek baar teri ek jhalak…” or the tears in both of their eyes at the time of “teri furqat ne pareshaan kiya hai mujhko…” and then later Sadhana wiping her tears is the pinnacle of emotive visuals kept the spectators in spellbound. Mere mehboob tujhe meri mohabbat ki kasam was and still is a more popular track due to its sheer poetical backdrop and Rafi Sahab matchless rendition. The onscreen pair truly lajawaab and the voice very intoxicating. There is no surprise if someone adore Sadhna’s eyes and overall in all her songs. Rajendra Kumar-Sadhna pairing is one of my favourites, especially in Mere Mehboob and Arzoo. Aap Aaye Bahaar Aaye. But I can watch these movies again and again just for the songs in which Rafi Sahab vividly perceptible as musical performer.
Rafi Saab was the voice of film’s story, script and characters. He modulated his voice as per emotion that the song was expected to present in character, story and situation. It was said in the world of Bombay’s film industry that no one had ever heard of a music director saying that a particular song was not Rafi’s type. From classical tunes, gazals, quawalis to the wild ‘yaahoo’ style songs, Rafi’s range was fantastic. Mohammad Rafi, or Rafi sahib as he is always addressed with respect, was not only a great singer, but also a great human being. His versatility was unmatched. He was a master in all types of songs -right from patriotic songs to songs with the sweetness of romance, from songs of utter despair or melancholy to light hearted comedy songs, bhajans, ghazals, qawwalis etc….the list is endless. Can anyone imagine the rendering “Mere Mehboob Tujhe Meri Mohabbat Ki Qasam” or “Ek Hasin Shaam Ko Dil Mera” or “Khoya, Khoya Chaand”? This was Rafi’s range and versatility.
To say something about Rafi’s versatility is just like showing a lamp to the Sun. Who can believe that the man who had sung “Ye mehlon ye takhton ye tajon ki duniya” for the intense Guru Dutt had also sung “Main Jat yamla pagla diwana” for the macho Dharmendra or the man who sang “O duniya ke rakhwale ” for a sober Bharat Bhushan also sang “ Chahe mujhe koi jungle kahe” for the energetic Shammi Kapoor. Teaching a child “ Tu hindu banega na musalman banega, insaan ki aulad hai insaan banega” was as easy for him as romancing a lady with “Teri ankhon ke Siva duniya mein rakha kya hia”. With intensity he hits out at the society with “Jinhe naaz hai Hind par who kahan hai” for the protagonist Guru Dutt in Pyasa and sings a light-hearted “ Sar jo tera chakraye ya dil duba jaye ” for the comedian Johnny Walker in the same film.
For millions of music lovers, the day is not complete without listening to Rafi Sahab songs. During happy moments or sad moments, his voice is always there to give comfort even if we have forgotten him. Any number of adjectives to describe Rafi Saab’s innumerable qualities of head, heart and soul will remain poor and lacking in any writer’s effort. But remembering Rafi Saab in itself is a journey, a never-ending discovery of his rich repertoire. The exercise can be taken up at any time, any number of times.
The very best review of an immortal song of Rafi Sahab. Music, melody, lyrics and a voice like Rafi Sahab is ” sone pe suhaga”. Janab Walijah Sahab, you very neatly summarized this song. It is very rare to find a review forsuch song now-a-days.
Thank you very much for writing a thorough and captivating write up for rafi fans.
Wassalam
Hashmat Alvi
Jhinjhoti is a raga that immediately conveys a simple and pure joy, happiness, and effusiveness. It is a late evening and night raga (9 – 12 pm) that is performed often among contemporary performers and is widely appreciated by audiences.
Jhinjhoti belongs to Khamaj Thaat. It is a sampurna raga with all shuddha swaras except for komal Nishad. The aroha and avaroha are as follows: S R G M P D N (komal). However, in practice we rarely hear the gandhar being sung in a straight arohi pattern. Similarly, we do not normally hear komal nishad being used in arohi phrases as well. Some of the most defining phrases of Jhinjhoti are: D S R M G, S R N D P D S; M P D N D S. Gandhar is a focal note in development, serving as a point that is frequently visited during development.
In the film music repertoire, there is “Mere Maheboob Tujhe Meri Muhabbat Ki Qasam” from the film “Mere Meboob: and sung by Mohammed Rafi.
It is important to note that though this and other film songs resemble Jhinjhoti strongly, they do not follow the raga structure in the strict sense. It bares the outline of Jhinjhoti.
“Tum mjuhe yun bhula na paoge” from “Pagal Kahin Ka,” sung by Mohammed Rafi, is another that evokes the spirit of Jhinjhoti
post:45 Zaheen Jee
Really a worth pondering post. you are right today we are living in troubled times and everyday when we listen or watch the news channel we see everywhere bloodshed, violence and human killing. If we place nazuk mizaj poets in “UNO” we may expect the violent happenings may normally be reduced. Like what Raja told I hope so… I too thinks in the same way.
The songs of Mere Mehboob is worth listening and keep in one’s own collection, specially the three solo songs of Rafi Sahab are marvelous and worth more than crore each song.
Excellent write-up on an excellent song sung by the Divine Maestro Mohd.rafi saab. I am at loss of words as lot of knowledgeable people have written echoing my thoughts. It surely was a golden era of Hindi film music.
Zaheen Danish Jee, (post 45)
very nice and thought provoking post! And also very minutely observed scene in Mere Mehboob. I believe, yes if the world follows that advice peace will prevail……. I hope so!!!!
Although Mere Mehboob is a romantic film depicting beautiful poetry, music, great art direction and heart touching dialogues but at one scene it was politically motivated, if we follow today that advice. I like to draw in one scene where Johnny Walker posing as poet Binda din Ghayal, president of poets’ club gives an eye-opening lecture, maybe at that time people took it as comedy, but in today’s time if think over that, we will know how much relevance it has got for today’s times, and having the worth of thinking it over and over again.
When Johnny Walker gathered so many poets in his house and spending his father’s wealth by giving them food and drink, which his father reject and destroy the food and drinks and want to kick them out all from his house; at that time Johnny walker gives the lecture: “poets are very much delicate, their heart, their feelings and thoughts almost everything is delicate and they will not like to fight and create problems”. Wherever they are, peace will prevail and love will flourish. He pinpoints if all poets sits in UNO and control it there will be no fighting or chaos in the world. When we look around today, everywhere we find chaos, violence, death, killing, suicide bombing. How good it is if we follow Binda din ghayal advice and ask the poets of the world to sit in UNO and control the world with love and peace and spread the message of Mere Mehboob comedian (Johnny Walker).
Today’s time need more love, poetry, songs of Rafi Sahab to assure peace for the humanity!!!!!
Just a flash of thought!
I am glued to mohdrafi.com to listen rafi sahab songs eveyday many hours.
Thanks to the admin. of this website.
Raja
To Post: 38 – Arshad Hussain Sahab,
You are correct in your post, thank you for correcting me. Yes it was indeed Feroze Nizami Sahab who was the music director of Jugnu (1947).
Feroze Nizami’s highly effective composition is fraught with pain and pathos like a haunting melody, which flows and ripples from a flute.‘Yahan badla wafa ka bay wafai kay siwa kiya hai’, the film ‘Jugnu,’ duet, Rafi – Noor Jehan.
Feroze Nizami composed songs with plenty of zest for the 1947 super hit film ‘Jugnu’, director, Shaukat Husain Rizvi. It was released under the banner of Shaukat Art Productions. Songwriters, Adeeb Saharan puri – Nakhshab Jaar Choi – Faiz Ahmed Faiz – Hafeez. Dilip Kumar and Noor Jehan appeared together for the first and last time in ‘Jugnu’ in lead roles.
To Post : 31 Shyam Chirravoori sahib,
Arshad Sahab enlightened me in post 38 and I replied above with thanks. I am also grateful to you for turning my attention to the important point.
I thank you both of you for correcting me.
Thanks and best regards
H.A.K. Walijah
Dear Rafi fans,
I thank each one of you who has taken the time to read this review and post their comment. I sincerely want to thank you for the generous praise that you continue to shower on me.
Besides ( ‘ chaudvin ka chand ho …’ ) , (Mere Mehboob tujeh……..) is also one of the greatest romantic songs of rafi sahab and happens to be in my most favourite songs list too !
I want to thank each one of you personally, who has taken the time to write in this forum.
I specially thankful to veteran rafi fans like Dr. Khaja Aliudeen sahib, ramesh Kurpad ji, Nagesh ji, Binu Ji , Vithal Ji, Utthara ji, Ali Ji, Jayant Sanyal Ji, Rajesh K Ranga Ji, Mirza irfan Baig Sahab, for their gracious comments.
I also want to convey my salams and thanks to my beloved rafi fans: A. almas ji, Zaheen Danish ji, Shabana ji, Y. Sharif ji, Kabeer Aman ji, Prasad ji, Narendra yadav ji, raja ji, prem kumar ji, Anees ji, Lucky ji, Syed Zameer ji, muveen ji and others.
My very special thanks to Man Mouji Sahab for the beautiful translation of Mere Mehboob poem.
My hearty thanks to all rafi fans.
H.A.K. Walijah
Walijah Sahib,
A fantastic write-up! You have really brought up every aspect of this beautiful poem (nazm) in a very comprehensive manner. I recall the time when I watched mere mehboob with my family the year it was released . Being an Urdu speaking family and knowing some people who had similar background as that depicted in the movie we identified with it quite a bit. The songs on the screen were mesmerizing and their simplicity was just plain awesome. Years later in 1970 I arranged for this movie to be played at our hostel’s annual dinner. By that time the music taste of the masses was changing and rd, lp and ka had become popular music directors. I recall one of the guests from another hall commenting that “for today’s music directors the music of this movie should be a required reading as MUSIC-101. Without completing this they should not be allowed to compose any music”. Congratulations on writing such a nice article on this song.
Congratulations are also due to Mr. Man Mouji (Post 16) for translating the poem so elegantly. You seem to have a wonderful understanding of both Urdu and English languages. I lament the fact that Urdu has been systematically eradicated from India. It is wonderful to find somebody who still understands this beautiful language. I salute you for understanding the nuances of the poem (nazm) and translating it into the English language as close to the poet’s thoughts as it is possible. It is not easy to translate the Urdu poems, with its rich phrases, idioms, and metaphors, accurately into another language but you have come very close to doing it. Thank you.
Walijah Saab, your articles can be called as “info-tainment write-ups” information + entertainment + minutes details, with so many intricacies (barikiyan). Your hold of good grip on the subject engulfing with much interesting information makes the write up more mazedaar (spicy). I like all of your write-ups appeared in Rafi Forum. Please do not stop this chain of articles, we rafi fans need your write ups very often.
Thank you again… and thanks to the administrator of this beautiful site for selecting and publishing very nice write ups in the fond memory of Rafi Sahab, our beloved (mehboob) singer.
A. Almas
Dear walijah sab,
Each of reviews getting better than the other.
I just admire the depth of your detailing.
Man Mouji sab (post 16) too has complimented
your efforts brilliantly with his transliteration.
Congratulations once more!
Nagesh
good article on a great song by rafisaab…just want to make one clarification…the music director of jugnu was not naushad..but feroze nizami who later migrated to pakistan in the fifties..
walijah sahab,
bas aisey hee likhtey rahiye – bahot khoob – ramesh.
Sadhana ji was the motive and object of this song for whom Rajendra Kumar sings in the open auditorium to find out her on the advise of Johnny Walker. As this song was the only link between the characters who does not know each other as such Sadhana ji saw Rajendra Kumar and the irony is that Rajendra Kumar does not know for whom he was singing this song mere mehboob tujeh meri mohabbat ki kasam. Even when they met later in the movie with the wooden screen veil between them, they don’t know each other but when each one of them mention the poem mere mehboob they attract towards each other and started telling lies. it is same like love triangle movie Chaudvin ka chand.
Most beautiful movie with must listen fabulous songs. A rafi fan must keep this song and other two solo songs in his/her collection to listen it whenever feels loveless in this world.
interesting article,
padhte padhte kahan kho gaye aur article kab poora ho gaya pata hee nahin chala, kash kuchh aur der tak chalta,
rafi version mein jo softness hai wo lata version mein nahin hai
rafi saab version baarish kee nanhi boondon mein bheega huva gulab lagta hai
Muveen
Delhi
9971748099
post 32: Man Mouji Saab,
The song Mere Mehboob tujhe sung by Rafi Sahab and Lata Ji, whereas Rafi Sahab version is longer and Lata Ji sings a shorter version. But comparatively both are equivalently melodious. Rafi Sahab version seems a bit attractive since its emotions are male oriented and quite natural. This is just my observation. otherwise I accept your view point as well as Ahamad Kutty saab.
Post: 9 –Ahamed Kutty Saab,
If you somehow block the memory of the male versions and listen to the female versions of the above songs, they are technically sound and quite melodious. Then why even Lata versions pale in comparison to their male counterparts seems inexplicable. Perhaps it has to do with something abstract in the way our senses respond to when the same song is sung by a male and a female singer, and we always seem to be favouring the male singer.
***Zindagi bhar nahi bhulegi wo barsaat ki raat Rafi Barsaat Ki Raat (1960) Roshan
***Ehsan tera hoga mujh par Rafi Junglee (1962) Shankar Jaikishan
***Taqdeer ka fasana Rafi Sehra (1963) Ramlal
***Mere mehboob tujhe Rafi Mere Mehboob (1963) Naushad
***Aaj kal mein dhal gaya Rafi Beti Bete (1964) Shankar Jaikishan
***Dil jo na kah sakaa Rafi Bhigi Raat (1965) Roshan
***Pardesiyon se na ankhiyan milana Rafi Jab Jab Phool Khile (1965) Kalyanji Anandji
***Jab jab bahaar ayee Rafi Taqdeer (1967) Laxmikant Pyarelal
***Teri ankhon ke siwa duniya mein rakha kya hai Rafi Chirag (1969) Madan Mohan
***Tum mujhe yun bhula na paoge Rafi Pagla Kahin Ka (1970) Shankar Jaikishan
***mere shahekhuban Rafi Love In Tokyo (1966) Shankar Jaikishan
Your viewpoint is almost acceptable. Rafi Sahab versions are far melodious and having the magnetic attraction to the ears.
ONE of the greatest poetic love songs….recorded by Naushad-Shakeel-Mohd Rafi winning team of the Golden Era of songs.
Such songs will never be made again – seeing the trends walijah saheb.
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on this sunday 29th there is the Shaam E Rafi Event at mumbais dinanath hall at vile parle and some of the songs of Naushad saheb, Shakeel and Majrooh saheb will be taken.
Mr Javed Shakeel and Mr.Andaleeb Sultanpuri has agreed to attend and some Rafi saab beauties from Kavi Neeraj would also be presented.
Singers are : Anil Bajpai, Sowmya Varma, Ankur Grover, c S PANT AND OTHERS.
Music Arranger : Mr Nandu Kerkar…who has workd with mohd rafi saaheb.
Walijah ji,
Good read.But one expects rare pearls (of information) from you.Also please check if the following sentance is correct, especially the Jugnu part.
‘The Rafi-Naushad combination clicked in the 1946 hits, Anmol Ghadi and Jugnu where his duet with Noor Jehan, Yahan badla wafa ka… became the rage’
Dear Walijah ji,
A beautiful article sir, Mere mehboob – one of my favourite songs of the great rafi ji, – a composition par excellence by naushad saab and a wonderful combination of both. The slow and balanced rendering of the song makes it a soothing song – the rendition makes clear that rafi alone in hindi industry could have created such effect.
Very clear and good Photo of Naushad Sahab and Rafi Sahab, thanks. Please deliver more rare photos of Rafi Sahab.
I re-read your write up at night time in complete silence then I listen this song, I really love it and appreciated it much better. Each and every line of this write-up is carefully written with feelings. I can say once again thanks a lot for your efforts. Even I have a happy feeling that I watched this movie “mere Mehboob” after 35 years and I really enjoy it mostly Rafi Sahab songs.
manmouji saab thanks a bunch for the translation.I could understand bits and pieces of it never realizing the true beauty of the lyrics.Just beautiful1
Walijah sahab,
if Mere mehboob, tujhe is a lyrical ode to romance, your article is a glowing tribute to Rafi saab, the lyrics, the song, the scene, the actors and the movie. Imbued with mood and soul, your writeup makes a compelling reading. The high point of the film is the understated elegance of the lead players, as you have pointed out. The film hooks you with its sheer atmospherics.
Thank you for using a wide canvas to capture cinematic glory and Rafi saab’s unparalleled musical magic.
regards
Utthara
is anyone around classically trained musician who can shed some light on Raaga jhinjhoti as has been informed this song based upon that raaga. I want to know what is so special about this raaga so that the song is so melodious. If someone come forward and enlighten rafi fans. I am just anxious to know the nuances of this raaga, if someone please…………….
Thanks
Hi Raja,
Blessed are the souls whose ears listen this saint like singer voice only once in a life time.
Rafi Sahab “aap amar ho” yakeen se……..
I listened this song 25 times since yesterday.
Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant!
Rafi sahab tussi wakae great Ho……………
Dear Walijahjee,
Let me congratualte you on a stupendous article that reminds us of the power of the lyrics and melody to create gems like this one. And… to top it all when we have Mohd. Rafi Sahab to do justice to a song of such magnitude, of such depth, then the joy of creation knows no bounds. The lyricists and the music directors of that “golden era” were blessed to have had access to such “divine” voice that made their creations timeless.
Thank you! and we look forward to hearing from you again!
Jayant Sanyal
New Delhi
Rafi Sahab gave his melodious voice to hit and flop films, famous and ordinary music directors, best and worst actors. But he sang with the same gusto for all of them and it was no surprise that less talented actors like Joy Mukherjee and Biswajeet enjoyed an occasional hit film because of Rafi Sahab songs.
THE PAIR OF RAJENDRA KUMAR AND SADHNA REMAIN FRESH ALWAYS IN THE HEARTS OF VIEWERS IN THE SAME WAY AS MOHD RAFI’S VOICE..MOHD RAFI’S RENDERING THIS SONG FLAWLESSLY AND WITH DEEPEST OF EMOTIONS MAKE THIS SONG AN ALLTIME FAVOURITE..
I am much grateful to our dear Walijah Sahab for his wonderful articles. I would like to collect all of his articles keep in book form as well the songs listed in those write ups, it could help me like reading an encyclopedia on Rafi Sahab.
I want to appreciate once again and be a rafi fan as always and listen his songs until the eternity. I am over emotional a bit… Thanks to all
post : 16, Man Mouji Saab,
Thanks a lot for your translation of the great song of rafi sahab. I think I am blessed now to listen and understand it properly the heart touching poetry of Shakeel Badayuni sahab. The immortal musical creation of Naushad Saab and above all Rafi Sahab mesmerizing classic rendition.
This song is a classic, writing is classic, music is classic….. every thing from head to toe is totally classic!!!!
Thank you indeed for once again.
Prasad
Dear Mr. Walijah – I once again drowned in the singing ocean of rafi sahab after listening this goden hit song after reading your brilliant review, I think, most of the people have forgotten it almost! It is lucky that you revived the song so accurately and your write up gives us pleasure of reading it.
I would like to thank also Mr. Man Mouji ji for a beautiful translation of the song in post (16).
Thanks again for your beautiful effort to bring back the blurred memories and giving rafi fans a chance to bless our ears with this immortal song.. Mere Meheboob .
– Narendra
Post: 7 – Prasad Ji
I roughly translated the song for your easy comprehension, so here is the translation of the song…… enjoy while reading and listening in both ways.
My beloved, I beseech you in the name of my love for you
Once again, give me the support of these Iris like eyes
Bring back to me the beautiful outlook that was lost
My beloved ..
You who are the realization of my dreams, the soul of my poetry
My existence (life) keeps remembering you
Day and night I am tormented by the thought of you
My heartbeat keeps calling out to you
Come strengthen me with your voice calling out to me
Bring back to me the beautiful outlook that was lost
My beloved ..
My eyes cannot forget that lovely sight
When your loveliness met with my adoration
Around us swelled thousands of melodies
I had bestowed those melodies of mine to your voice
Play those songs on the lyre of my heart
Bring back to me the beautiful outlook that was lost
My beloved ..
I remember the very first moment of my life
When I drank deep of thine eyes
Lightening struck through every part of my being
When I hesitantly touched your fair hands
Give me once again the support of those fair hands
Bring back to me the beautiful outlook that was lost
My beloved ..
Once I saw you for a brief moment
I long to see you once again in front of my eyes
Your shadow I will treat as the Beautiful Taj
And in moonlit night I will love you with my eyes
Give me the gift of your fragrant tresses
Bring back to me the beautiful outlook that was lost
My beloved ..
I seek you in every path, in every gathering
Weary now is my helpless unfulfilled desire
Today is the last day of my hopes
Tomorrow who knows where I will be and where you, my love
For a brief moment support me with your gaze
Bring back to me the beautiful outlook that was lost
My beloved ..
Appear in front of me and unveil yourself
Only this way can I be rid of this loneliness
Your separation torments me constantly
Oh come to me for this is now my life and death issue
Shore up my heart with the forgotten memories
Bring back to me the beautiful outlook that was lost
My beloved ..
My beloved, I beseech you in the name of my love for you
Once again, give me the support of these Iris like eyes
Bring back to me the beautiful outlook that was lost
My beloved ..
It is utterly injustice once after reading this article one should not leave a commendable note to the writer. I would like to thank Walijah Sahab for his commendable job that he revived one of the most popular song of Rafi Sahab that none has lift the pen for so long.
It has been a nice review of the golden song of the golden period of hindi cinema. As such Walijah Sahab has recap all of the nuances of the song. So I can say this much, thank you walijah sahab for your write up.
Thanks to all rafi fans and thanks to the moderator ji for selection and publication of this beautiful write up of our beloved raf fan.
Lucky
Walijah sahab, Bahut khoob, Waah Waah, ek aur “Dhamaka”.
Nothing to say. You are a true fan of Rafi sahab.
Dr. Khaja Aliuddin
There is music in the air, music all around us, the world is full of it and you simply take as much as you require. Can you imagine a world without music? It implies that music is a human requirement, as much as the air that we breathe or the food we eat: without it we might die, or at least go mad.
Music is said to be the speech of angels: in fact, nothing among the utterances allowed to man is felt to be so divine. It brings us near to the infinite.
Thomas Carlyle (1795–1881)
Music is the best means we have of digesting time.
W.H. Auden (1907–73)
Music is the universal language of makind.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–82)
Music is the only sensual pleasure without vice.
Dr. Samuel Johnson (1790–84)
Music is the art of thinking with sounds.
Jules Combarieu (1859–1916)
Music is the eye of the ear.
Thomas Draxe (d. 1618)
If we club all the above definitions quoted by the famous peopleinto one, then the outcome is Rafi Sahab’s mellifluous voice and never ending charm and graceful renditions. My special mention to Mere Mehboob tujhe, what a rendition and a what a song. Superb, matchless………..
Walijah Sahab you once again created the magic of your simple craft (telling the worthy in simple prose). Hats off to you sir.
My regards to all rafi fans.
Raja
Excellent write up. Walijah Sahab congratulation for your brilliant masterpiece on all time great rafi sahab song. Since your write up is complete i.e. A-Z encompassing from all corners, leaves a little space for the rafi fans to say something.
This song is considered milestone song of rafi sahab in his carrer. The things you explained are almost true.
Please accept my best wishes for your further endeavours.
– Prem Kumar
Mohd rafi is gift of god to us as said by singer Talat ji “mohd rafi voice is god gift but mohd rafi gift it to god” singer Mukesh ji said to his son “if you want to be a singer sing mohd rafi songs”.
I think what ever we say about mohd rafi still we missing many things……….
“Mere mehboob tujhe meri mohabbat ki qasam” is till today the most soft expression for addressing one’s beloved.
Truly unforgettable, Rafi.
Genius, like none before or after.
Fanstastic write up, Walijah Sahab. behad khubsoorat ..
Keep it up..
respected walijah saab,
this song is one of the examples of rafi saab’s superiority
over lataji since compared to lataji’s version of this song
rafi saab’s version beacme super hit. i will not forget this
song since i had sung this song in my college for a function.
it is just like a wind blowing or a flow of water in a river.we
are not feeling the length of this song and we do not want
to have an end for it.
thank you for the nice article.
It is an honor that one writer’s three articles visible in front page at a time on this website. This is the respect from the website and rafi fans love that gives you immense honor for your honest efforts to depict the truth in your articles. I read your three articles namely – the uncrowned kings; chaudvin ka chand and now mere mehboob tujeh, all are well researched articles. it is worth to read and enjoy at the same time.
Walijah saab you almost caught the true spirit of rafi lover in your articles. With regard to the song – no one deny, it is the wonderful song and cherish in our memories many more years to come. The combo – Rafi-Naushad-Shakeel is unforgettable.
Please keep up the good work and keep going.
Syed Zameer
I once again happy to read Shri Walijah ji article that to one of the famous songs of Rafi Sahab ” Mere Mehboob ” as such it is in chaste urdu, it is difficult for me to understand, i find there are no english translation for this song, if some one do a favour kindly translate the lyrics in english, that will be much appreciated. But as for as the melody is concerned, that is universal. no one match the trio of Rafi-Naushad-Shakeel and their creations of treasure of songs. It brings pure joy to head and soul.
I simply salute you Walijah Saab for giving rafi fans this wonderful review on immortal song of Rafi Sahab. Please accept my best wishes for your efforts.
I can call your article ” complete one” because it all encompassing.
Thanks & regards
Prasad
Walijah Sahab, Thank you again for your wonderful article on my favourite songs. this song is Love + Music + Poetry + feelings + and above all Rafi Sahab voice in sweetness. I want to quote one of the famous quotations:
If music be the food of love, play on
– Shakespeare
You eat food to stay healthy and become stronger, etc. etc.
So if music is to love as food is to the body, music makes love grow stronger. Or it makes your heart more open to love.
So instructing the musician to play on, means the speaker desires that increase in love or merriment.
It means that music nourishes love like food nourishes the body. Food is fuel, like Music is fuel for Love.
It makes sense in my head.
This is the best described article on the song and its nuances.
Thank you Walijah Sahab for presenting this article to rafi forum for rafi fans.
Today is Sunday, as usual I impatiently waiting to read the new articles on rafi forum, to my surpirise it is again Walijah Sahab article that to on one of my favourite songs. first of all i want to thank Walijah sahab for writing such a powerful and brilliant write up. You truly paid your tribute to again Rafi Sahab, Naushad saab, Shakeel Sahab. Volumes have been written about this combo but still we feel thristy of something and it will be quenched with some article wirtten by some rafi fan.
a significant time has gone by but the luster of this song is intact, this is what the enduring efforts of the masters who created and gone and we are now enjoying the legacy of great songs.
Walijah Sahab, I read all of your articles, every article you write with more enthusiasm and good spirits. Please keep the good spirit going on.. We rafi fans love to read your beautiful articles.
God bless you Walijah Sahab….
Regards
Y. Sharif
Walijah Sahab,
Thanks a lot for this wonderful and beautiful write up. I love to read and listen this song.
Your writing is simple but effective and fulfils the requirement and adequate to convey what you want to say. Many thanks again for your true effort to bring this song memories in the best possible way you did.
I once again salute you.
Truly a rafi fan
Zaheen Danish
As for as I remember anybody write on mere mehboob song, I am not sure, but however somebody has written and to the best way possible that is Walijah Sahab, hats off to you once again for this brilliant write up.
This is the soft romantic song of rafi sahab with slow rythm and music as said by Walijah sahab minimum musicians, but the effect was breathtaking and wonderful. The more noteworthy part is the poem of Shakeel Badayuni Sahab who wrote beautifully in the best of his efforts. Naushad Sahab music beyond praise and he was truly a genius in Bollywood. Much has been said about Naushad Saab and technical prowess as music director.
The final thing is Rafi Sahab rendition, it is the best soft romantic song of rafi sahab, an everlasting and eternal melody.
Thanks again Walijah Sahab for your beautiful write up, wishing you good luck for your next ventures.
Warm regards all rafi fans
Anees
What can I say about this article, I can say only “excellent”, fabulous, breathtaking, wonderful, mindblowing and above all very much lovable. The description is the best and the song itself is one of the most adorable and popular melody of Rafi Sahab.
Walijah Sahab, I do not want to say the best for this article, because I do not know how many best you have with you. But to console myself I say this is the best write up on the song we all loved and cherished in our memory. Whatever you have described about this song is one hundred percent true. We all rafi fans love this song like other romantic songs of Rafi sahab.
Wish you all the best for your great efforts to bring this lovely song to the froefront of rafi forum.
Long live Rafi Sahab
A. Almas