Mohammad Rafi and Manoj Kumar had everlasting bond
By Dr. Souvik Chatterji
Mohd Rafi and Manoj Kumar
Bharat Kumar Manoj Kumar had great combination with Mukesh and Mahendra Kumar. The media did not highlight the great combination of Rafi Sahab with Manoj Kumar. Rafisahab was instrumental in shaping the career of the patriotic actor in the 1960s.
Manoj Kumar made his debut with the film Fashion in 1957. In the film Dr. Vidya, released in 1962, Rafisahab had a duet song with Lata Mangeshkar titled “mai kal phir miloongi”. The film Wo Kaun Thi in 1964, changed the career of Manoj Kumar. The super hit music of Madanmohan and great direction of Raj Khosla stormed Bollywood. Rafi sang a duet song “tiki riki tiki riki” for Manoj Kumar.
In the film Phoolon Ki Sej in 164, Rafi sang a duet song with Asha Bhosle titled “aaj ki raat muhobbat ka nasha”. Composer Prem Dhawan first time thought Rafi’s combination with Manoj Kumar would create havoc in the film Shahid. The film was released in 1965, and for the first time Manoj Kumar’s patriotic andaz was manifested. Rafi’s patriotic andaz in the songs “ay watan ay watan”, “pagadi sambhal jatta” and “watan pe marne wale” did stir up the audience. Rafi was at his best in all those songs.
Composer Shankar Jaikishan used Rafi for all the brilliant songs in the film Gumnaam in 1965. Gumnaam was probably one of the greatest hit films of the entire career of Manoj Kumar. Rafi’s songs “jaane chaman shola badan” with Sharda, and “ek ladki hai jisne jeena mushkil kar diya” stood out. At the same time Rafi’s song “hum kale hai to kya hua dilwale hai” for Mehmood and the first song in the film “jaan pehchaan ho” showed Rafi’s andaz in fast numbers. Although the songs were not picturized on Manoj Kumar they became bumper hit.
In the film Poonam Ki Raat in 1965, composer Salil Choudhury Rafi for Manoj Kumar’s song “dil tadpe tadpaye”. It was a beautiful song where Rafi mesmerized the audience amidst chorus effect. Rafi was phenomenal in Manoj Kumar’s film Do Badan in 1966. All the songs composed by Ravi Shankar Sharma were given to Mohammad Rafi. Rafi’s tragic andaz in most of the songs enchanted the audience. All the songs were masterpieces including “bhari duniya me aakhir dil”, “raha gurdishon me hardam”, “naseeb me jisko”, to name a few.
In 1966, Rafi created magic in Manoj Kumar’s film Sawan Ki Ghata. The Rafi OP Nayyar magic worked in the film. Rafi’s songs “zulfon ko hatale chehere se” became big hit. Laxmikant Pyarellel used Rafi in the song “saajan saajan pukarun galiyon me” and “resham ki dori”.
Rafi sang the title song “patthar ke sanam” very well in the film Patthar Ke Sanam. LP composed the music of the film. Rafi sang one of the songs in the film “gulabi raat gulaabi” in the film Upkar composed by Kalyanji Anandji. Although Rafi sang majority of songs in Manoj Kumar’s film Aadmi, all the songs composed by Naushad Ali were picturized on Dilip Kumar. The prominent songs included “na aadmika koi bharosa”, “aaj purani rahon se koi mujhe awaaz na den” and “mai tooti hui ek naiyya hoon”. All those songs were masterpieces. Shankar Jaikishan used Rafi in Manoj Kumar’s film Pehchaan in the song titled “paise ki pehchaan yahan”.
From the 1970s, Manoj Kumar did not concentrate much on acting, and devoted more time to production and direction of films. Although he received awards and critical acclaim for the films Roti Kapda Aur Makaan and Kranti, the great combination of Rafisahab with Manoj Kumar faded away in the mid-70s.
The musiclovers all across the world cherish the everlasting combination of Rafisahab with Manoj Kumar in the films of 1960s.
Good article
But a very fantastic film did not get a mention herein. It was ‘Naqli Nawab’ in which Rafi sahab sang a brilliant ghazal to go on Manoj Kumar –
“Tum poochhte ho ishq bala hai ki nahi hai
Kya jaane tumhen khauf e khuda hai ki nahi hai”
Actors for whom rafi saab gave his soul and went deep in the bargain all through the 60’s to benefit the actor whose lip movement made them stars overnght were :-
Bharat Bhushan ( average actor, but highly benefited just because of rafi saab)
Vijay Arora
Joy Mukherjee
Biswajit
Sunil Dutt
Rajendra Kumar
Jeetendra ( only exception in this list) as he continued to enjoy rafi saab’s combination even in the late 70’s for films like Asha, Nalayak, Madadgar, Arpan, DharamVeer and Sharda
You forgot to write about AMAANAT 1977
Door rehkar na karo baat
Teri Jawani Tapta Mahina
Matlab nikal gaya hai to pehchante nahin
Cycle pe haseeno ki toli dekhi to
Every song rafi sahab sang for manoj Kumar was super hit. But one song I would like to mention from sawan ki ghata, zulphon ko hatale chehre se. One cannot say whether the song was recorded before Manoj Kumar acted. He sang it so well that it seems rafi sahab knew every action of manoj kumar was going to do!!!!!
Souvik Ji
Nice article on great combinations.
Manoj Kumar was born as Harikishen Goswami in Abbottabad, currently in Pakistan. He decided to name himself as Manoj Kumar after seeing his idol Dilip Kumar’s character in SHABNAM (1949), who made his unnoticed film debut in FASHION (1957). He was established as an actor with Vijay Bhatt’s musical hit Hariyali Aur Raasta & Himalay Ki God Mein. In the film Himalay Ki God Mein, Rafi Saheb lent his voice for Manoj Kumar in a duet, “Tu Raat Khadi Thi Chhat Pe, Ni Main Samja Ki Chand Nikla” with Usha Timothy & Chorus in Punjabi style was so popular.
Manoj Kumar’s image as a patriotic hero was started with film SHAHEED, where Rafi Sahab sung three memorable patriotic songs for him composed Prem Dhawan. The success of Shaheed is a turning point in the career of Manoj Kumar which inspired him in later stag to act and direct the films like Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974) and Kranti (1981) with patriotic themes.
Manoj Kumar also associated with Rafi Sahab as producer-director and lyricist. Rafi Sahab sung duet “Gulabi Raat Gulabi” in UPKAR (1967) and multi-singer song “Chana Jor Garam Babu Mein Layee Mazedar” from KRANTI (1981). The two popular songs from the film SHIRDI KE SAI BABA(1977), “Sai Baba Bolo” and “Sainath Tere Hazaaron Haath” were sung by Mohammed Rafi under composition of Pandurang Dikshit written by Manoj Kumar. Rafi Sahab sung last two songs for the actor, “Matlab Nikal Gaya Hai To, Pehchan Te Nahin” and “Door Rahekar” in Ammanat (1977) composed by Ravi. After all, actor’s best romantic song sung by Rafi Sahab like Rajesh Khanna.
Though Manoj Kumar’s practical association was not enough with Rafi Saheb, he was a great admirer of Mohd. Rafi . Once, Manoj Kumar remarked “Mohammed Rafi is incomparable; no one can be better than him”.
Thanks & Regards to all Rafi Lovers
Biman Baruah
09920336509
+++++++++++
Dear Khajaji,
Greetings!
Thanks for the addition of the list relating to Rafisahab’s songs. You should write articles on Rafisahab’s combination with less hard composers and lyricists. The new generation should know about Rafisahab’s combination with Ghulam Mohammad, Vasant Desai, Iqbal Qureshi, Usha Khanna and many others. The media should also highlight the combination of Rafisahab with other actors like Sunil Dutt, Raj Kumar, Chandrasekhar, and others.
Warm regards,
Dr. Souvik Chatterji
Salam, Dear Souvik,
As usual very informative and fabulous narration. If you allow me, will add few more forgotten numbers of this Combo, Rafi and Manoj.
1) Ham to pahale hi nazar me , de chuke hain dil tumhe – Asad Bhopali, Ravi from the film Apna Banake Dekho.
2) Another beautiful song from Apna Banake Dekho – Raaz-e-dil unse chupaya na gaya.
3) Tum poochte ho ishq bala hai ki nahi
4) Cheda jo dil ka fasana Allah jane maula jane
Above mentioned mind blowing songs are from the movie ” Naqli Nawab “, lyrics by Kaifi Aazmi and music by Baabul
5) Patthar ke sanam tujhe hamne mohabbath ka khuda jaana – lyrics by Majrooh and music by L.P. from the movie Patythar ke sanam
6) Sharma ke yun na dekh ada ke muqham se _ penned by Sahir, music by Ravi and movie Neel Kamal
7) Saajan saajan pukaarun – lyrics by Anand Bakshi, music by L.P.
Souvik, you always writes to preserve Rafi Sahab’s treasure. Could you please give me some suggestions and ideas.
Shab Bakhair,
A die-hard fan of Rafi Sahab,
With regards to all Rafi lovers.
Dr. Khaja Aliuddin
Very Nice Article Souvik Chatarjee ji, I Enjoyed This Rafi Manoj Combo…
Good article.. Upkar had a rafi song ‘ yeh kaali raat kaali..’ Writer may kindly gift us another similar write up about’ Rafi Sahab and Rajendra Kumar’ – my favourite singer and actor respectively.
One more addition in rafi-manojkumar combination…film banarasi thug was released in 1963 in which vijaya chaudhary acted opp.manoj kumar…iqbal quereshi was the composer..the duet..aaj mausam ki masti me gaye pavan san sana san sanasan..was very popular and is rememberd today also
Rafisaheb the indian greatest singer’s voice is not for only manojkumar, his voice was fit for omprakash and johny walker also, nobody can sing as a johny walkers voice, but rafisaheb was one and only singer to him. this is only a single example.
In my article I forgot to give reference to Manoj Kumar’s film Bedaag. Roshanlal Nagrath composed the music of the film and it was released in 1965. Mohammad Rafi sang all the songs of the films, some as solo songs while the others as duets. Some of the melodious songs included “zindagi ke mor par”, “saanchi tumhari preet ho raam”. The duet song of Rafisahab with Suman Kalyanpur titled “maine aye janewafa tumse” was very impressive. Also Rafisahab’s duet song with Asha Bhosle titled “ankhon ankhon me na jaane” require special mention.
Dr. Souvik Chatterji
ShrDr.Shri Chatterjee..i agree with you..for manoj rafi.. mukesh ..mahendra sang nicely and their songs were equally popular..but the truth is ”lokpriya geet ldarjedaar hote hai aisa nahi hai vice versa darjedaar geet lokpriya hote hai aisa bhee nahi hai”..we must accept it..another fact is ,after “upkar..pehchaan ,sanyasi..”humne hamare kaan manoj kumar ke geetonke liye band kar diye the…rafi-manoj combination ke sabhee geet ”darjedar”is title me aate hai isme koi shaque nahi!
Friends,i would like to mention here the classical number”payal khul khul jaye ram”from film ‘Gruhasthi..1963..the song written by Shakel sahab, composed by Ravi was picturised on Manoj Kumar and Rajshree.
I would like to say that Manoj Kumar looked like a hero only when rafi sahab sang for him
As far as patriotic songs are concerned,there is no match for Rafi Saab;33 years
after he left us ,still there is no match to “kar chale hum fiza”,”sarfaroshi ki tammanna ab humare dil main hai”,”apni aazadi ko hum har “.
One thing I have always wondered is, if there was falling away between Manoj Kumar and Raffi saab. After Shahid, how can Manoj Kumar saab not take Raffi saab. Those are some of the best patriotic songs ever sung. Also majority of the nationalistic / patriotic songs by a male singer are sung by Raffi saab. So I do not understand why Manoj Kumar saab did not take Rafi saab as his singer.
Dear Souvikji,
You are absolutely right. Rafi Saab has contributed with his melodious songs to rise up many actors of our film industry and got them popularity. But it is very regret to say that some of these actors after getting their recognition in this film world, forgot their past and the persons who supported them to get fame in the film industry. Whatever it may be, we the rafians treat our beloved RAFI SAAB as a PRECIOUS GEM. RAFI SAAB will live in the hearts of all true music lovers of this world. We can’t never neglect or forget this legend singer.
Thanks for giving us valuable information about our RAFI SAAB. May God bless you to find out more unknown facts about RAFI SAAB and publish through this media.
the writer seems to have inadvertently left out the super hit melody DOOR RAH KAR NA KARO BAAT which mesmerises millions of hearts aflunder even today
In 1966 film Picnic was released,in which Manoj Kumar was associated with Kalpana and Shubha khote.The enchanting tunes of the film were composed by S.Mohinder saheb, the melodious duet ”Mausam lahara gaya nashasa chha gaya..lallaru laru laru..”was filmed on Manoj Kumar and Shubha khote.
Thanks, a great write up. The films like Do Badan were big hits. However, Monoj kumar often chose other singers to do the playback singing in his films this makes me think that there must be reasons which the public are unaware of and I would like to know. How could the great Mohd Rafi be sidelined for the less popular singers? If anyone knows the real reason, please let me know??????????????
Dear Balwant Saqiji,
Thanks a lot for the comments. Actually sometimes viewers of bollywood films and listeners of music have misconception in respect of use of Rafisahab by Shankar Jaikishan in respect of Manoj Kumar’s films. While SJ used Rafi Sahab in films like Gumnaam, SJ used Mukeshji in films like Hariyali Aur Raasta. Rafisahab’s songs were the major forces behind brilliant success of Manoj Kumar between 1960 to 1967.
Dr. Souvik Chatterji
Dear Sauvik,
the way Rafi sahab sang for rajesh khanna , same way rafi sahab did for manoj ji also. but one thing is common for both, that on initial stage voice of rafi sahab supported them.
i may invite your attention on the following:
A song tu raat khadi thi chat pe himalya ki god mein music by kalyan ji anandji is one of the best bhangra song by rafi sahab.
film amanat lyrics by sahir sahab and music by ravi ji all song by rafi sahab and lastly film neelkamal rafi sahab’s song was picturised on balraj sahni ji or background.
with regards
vinod
09768245368
Good write up and songs mentioned are fantastic. Yes, Rafi Saab made many actors look good and films become hit, MK is one of them. As far as my knowledge goes wherever MK had a say (like producer) he was NOT considered Rafi Saab due to some ulterior motive. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.
Dear Souvik ji, good write up. Rafi saab was the great of the greatest and made many of bollywood starts great.
Regards,
Birnedra Singh Bisht
Mohd. Rafi is the greatest singer of Indian film industry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nq_e7_PpIHA
Desr Souvik Chatterji. Aapne jo itni achchi jankari Manoj ji aur Rafi sahab ke geeton ke bare hum sab Rafi Bhagton ke sath share ki bahut maza aaya. bahut bahut dhanyawad.Balwant Saqi.
Rafi Manoj combination good write up! I just remembered ” Dur rahakar na karo baat and matalab nikal gaya hai to from film Amanat. Shirdiwale saibaba
also had Rafi songs picturised on co artists, particularly Madan puri did fine with his few lines by giving best lip movement.
Sharad Desai,
Mob. No. 9765402385
sharaddesai2003@yahoo.co.in
Rafi Saab was the driving force for so many Actors of Bollywood. He was the main source of success of the Actors. More than that Rafi Saab never preferred money to Co-operation. The music directors who even were unable to pay Rafi Saab for his songs our beloved Rafi Saab never minded, he rather encouraged the Music Directors by singing their songs freely.
Rafi Saab was always sympathetic to the persons of any stature who needed help. It is very difficult to find persons of Rafi Saab’s stature. He was an angel.
Hats off to Rafi Saab.
In respect of Manoj Kumar, Mohammad Rafi Sahab, Mukeshji and Mahendra Kapoorji had sung brilliant songs. As far as rafisahab and Manoj Kumar Sahab’s combination is concerned not much had been said. The combination deserved more appreciation and publicity.