Mohammed Rafi and Amitabh Bachchan
Rafi Saheb sang for the “Superstar of the Millenniumâ€.
The article is compiled by Mr. Biman Baruah, M.Com from Gauhati University, Guwahati and MBA (Finance) from IGNOU, New Delhi working as a AF&AO in ONGC, Sivasagar, Assam.
Mere Desh Premiyo ……………
Apas Mein Prem Karo Desh Premiyo………
Nafarat Ki Lathi Tadoo
Lalas Ki Khanjar Phakoo
Zidd Ke Pechee Mat Dauroo
Tum Prem Ke Panchi Hoo
Mohammed Rafi Saheb sang the above thoughtful song for Amitabh Bachchan in the film Desh Premee, was directed by Monmohan Desai, who was one of the great humanists of Hindi Cinema. The song has a message of social hope, peace and communal harmony.
In early1970s, with the emergence and popularity of Kishore Kumar, Rafi Saheb’s career suffered a major setback. At that time, renowned producer and director Monmohan Desai, a great fan of Rafi Saheb, patronize Rafi and used his golden voice for his films to playback for Amitabh Bachchan (Suhag, Naseeb, Desh Premee), Biswajeet (Shararat), Dharmendra (Chacha Bhatija, Dharam Veer), Shatrughan Singha (Raampur Ka Lakshman), Vinod Khanna (Parvarish) and Rishi Kapoor (Amar Akbar Anthony, Naseeb) under musical score by Laxmikant-Pyarelal for all these films. Desai had used the voice of Rafi to playback for Biswajeet in the song “Dil Ne Pyar Kiya Hai Ek Bewaafa Se†from Shararat (1972), Shatrughan Singha in the song “Pyar Ka Samay Kaam Hai Jaha†by Rafi-Kishore-Lata from Raampur Ka Lakshman (1972), Vinod Khanna for the song “Ham Premi Prem Karna Jaane†by Rafi-Kishore-Shailendra from Parvarish (1977), Dharmendra for the song “Koi Mane Ya Na Mane†by Rafi-Shailendra from Chacha Bhatija (1977), “O Mere Mehbooba Mehbooba Mehbooba Tujhe Jana Hai To Ja Tere Marzi Mera Kyaâ€, “Aray Maine Tujhko Chaha Ye Meri Meherbani Main Galiyon Ka Raja Tu Mehlon Ki Rani†and “Saat Ajube Iss Duniya Mein Athuien Apni Jodi†by Rafi-Mukesh from Dharam Veer (1977), Rishi Kapoor for the song “Pardah Hai Pardahâ€, “Shirdiwale Saibaba†and “Humko Ho Gaya Hai Pyar†(by Rafi-Mukesh-Kishor-Lata) from Amar Akbar Anthony(1977), “Chal Mere Bhai†by Rafi-Amitabh-Rishi from Naseeb(1981). Out of which, “Pardah Hai Pardah†was a super hit qawwali sung by Rafi Saheb, which was nominated for Filmfare Award in 1977. Desai has also used the voice of Rafi in his initial films: Bluff Master (1963) and Budtameez (1966) to playback for Shammi Kapoor under musical score by Kalyanji-Anandji and Shankar-Jaikishan respectively. Mohammed Rafi gave his voice mainly for Shammi Kapoor in Hindi films. There is a single example of Rafi singing for another artist in a Shammi Kapoor song. In the song “Hum Premee Prem Karna Jaane†from Parvarish (1977), voice of Shailendra Singh used to playback for Shammi Kapoor, Rafi for Vinod Khanna and Kishore for Amitabh Bachachan under musical score by Laxmikant-Pyarelal and lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri. Monmohan Desai was working on four multi-starred films simultaneously and managed to make box office successes all of them (Amar Akbar Anthony, Parvarish, Dharam Veer and Chacha Bhatija all in 1977). He had a unique working relationship with Amitabh Bachchan like Prakash Mehra, Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Yash Chopra. Late Monmohan Desai did nine films with Amitabh: Amar Akbar Anthony, Parvarish, Suhaag, Naseeb, Desh Premee, Coolie, Mard, Ganga Jamuna Saraswati and Toofan (directed by his son Ketan Desai).
In 1970s, Kishore Kumar was recognized as the voice of aggressive angry young man Amitabh Bachachan after lovable romantic icon Rajesh Khanna and debonair Dev Anand. However, the versatile voice of Rafi has also been perfectly matched to playback for Amitabh. There are a small number of Rafi songs picturised on superstar Amitabh Bachchan, but the songs are very delightful and memorable. Amitabh made his film debut in 1969 in K A Abbas’s Saat Hindustani in a small role followed by Anand (1970). He played the first lead role in Pyar Ki Kahani (1971) and followed by many unsuccessful films such as Parwaana, Sanjog, and Reshma Aur Shera (all in1971). In 1972 he had a semi-hit with Mehboob Production’s Bombay to Goa directed by S.Ramanathan. In 1973 director Prakash Mehra cast him in his film Zanjeer as a strict police officer, after refusal by actors like Dev Anand, Dharmendra and Raaj Kumar. It was his 13th film, which made history at box office making Amitabh a star with a popular title of “angry young man†after Sunil Dutt. The unforgettable romantic Rafi-Lata duet from the film: “Dewanee Hai Dewanoo Ko Na Ghar Sahiyee Mohabbat Bhari Ek Nazar Sahiyee†was picturised on unknown artists.
Modan Mohan first used the voice of Rafi to playback for romantic villain Amitabh in the film Parwaana in the song “Yu Na Sharma Are Hansnewale†in sad version. Kishore sang the happy version of the song for hero Navin Nischal.
S.D.Burman used the Rafi’s voice to playback for Amitabh in the popular romantic duet “Teri Bindiya Re†with Lata in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Abhimaan (1973). Kishore Kumar sang the other songs of the film for Amitabh.
Rafi with Amitabh, Lakshmikant and Anand Bakshi
Laxmikant-Pyarelal has composed maximum Rafi songs for superstar Amitabh Bachchan. They composed the wonderful Rafi-Lata duet “Patta Patta Buta Buta Haal Hamara Jane Hai†for B.R. Ishara’s Ek-Nazar (1972). The song was picturised on Amitabh and Jaya Bhaduri and on the sets of the film their real life romance also started and they married soon. Monmohan Desai’s Suhaag was a cache of Rafi songs musical score by Laxmikant-Pyarelal and lyrics by Anand Bakshi. The songs from the film were: “Atthara Baras Ki Tu Hone Ko Aayee Re Kaun Poochega Saajan Kuch Karle††by Rafi-Lata, “O Sheronwali†by Rafi-Asha, “Teri Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi†and “Ae Yaar Sun Yaari Teri Mujhe Zindegi Se Pyari Hai†by Rafi-Asha & Shailendra Singh. Rafi Saheb has sang “Mere Dost Kissa Ye Kya Ho Gaya Suna Hai Ki Tu Bewafa Hoo Gaya†so expressively for Amitabh in Yash Johar’s Dostana and it was nominated for Filmfare in 1980. Another Rafi-Kishore duet “Bane Chahe Dushman Zamana Hamara Salamat Rahe Dostana Hamara†from the film is also emotional. Laxmikant–Pyarelal has also used matured voice of Rafi to playback for Amitabh in Desai’s Naseeb and Desh Premee. The song from Naseeb, “Jhon Jani Nanardan Tara Ram Pam Pam†was so popular and Monmohan Desai had set a gathering of number of artists from Raj Kapoor to Dharmendra and Randhir Kapoor in the second stanza of the song “Yeh Filmoo Ke Sitaree Nikle Samak Ke Tare Yeh Sabka Dil Behlaye Mein Inka Dil Behlaooâ€. In the similar fashion, recently director Farah Khan also made a team up of 31 artists in the song “Deewangi Deewangi†in Shahrukh Khan’s home production Om Shanti Om. Farah Khan was keen about presence of evergreen Dev Anand in the song, but ungrateful Dev refused her stating that he never done any special appearance. Rafi Saheb was very happy in singing with Amitabh in Nasseb in the song “Chal Mere Bhai Tera Haath Jorta Hoon†and song was picturised on Amitabh and Rishi Kapoor,which is still unforgettable. Another song from film Nasseb was “Rang Jamake Jayenge†by Rafi-Kishore-Asha-Usha-Shailendra. The last Rafi song “Mere Desh Premiyo Apas Mein Prem Karoo†picturised on Amitabh from his dual role film Desh Premee, which is very thoughtful.
Kalyanji-Anandji has composed polite romantic number “Tumse Door Rahke Humne Maana Pyar Kiya Hai Dil Ne Jana Yaar Kiya Hai†by Rafi-Lata in Narendra Bedi’s Adalat (1976), where Amitabh played his second double role after Bandhe Haath (1973). The song was picturised on Amitabh and Neetu Singh. Mukesh and Yesudas sang the other songs of the film. K-A has also composed the song “Dekho Sapne Sajee Taan Jhoomee Re Jhoomee Maan Gayee Re Gayee†by Rafi, Arti Mukherji & Amit Kumar for Sultan Ahmed’s Ganga Ki Saugandh and the song was picturised on Amitabh and Rehka.
Rajesh Roshan has composed the Rafi-Usha duet “Oonchi Oonchi Baaton Se Kisika Pet Bharta Nahin Ram Ka Bharosa Jeenhe Kabhi Bhuka Marta Nahin†for Rakesh Kumar’s Mr. Natwarlal and the song was picturised on Amitabh and Rekha. The other song from the film sung by Rafi, Anuradha & Chorus was “Quyamat Haiâ€. In the film, Roshan used the voice of Amitabh for first time to playback for himself in the song “Mere Pass Aayoo Mere Dostoo Ek Kissa Sunooâ€. Amitabh’s other notable singing assignments were in Laawaries, Pukar, Silsila, Maahan, Toofan, Jadugaar and Khuda Gawah. Roshan has also composed the Rafi’s “Are Re Aisa Tarana Jhoom Ke Gaon Sang Sang Duniya Jhoome†picturised on Amjad Khan for Amitabh starred Yaarana (1981), which absolutely surpassed “Sara Zamanaâ€, “Chhoo Kar Mere Maan Koâ€, “Bhole O Bhole†by Kishore Kumar for Amitabh and from Yaarana Amitabh was recognized as dancing hero.
Amitabh Bachchan
R.D.Burman has composed “Mile Jo Kadi Kadi Ek Zanjeer Bani Pyar Ki Rang Bhari Zinda Tasveer Bani†by Rafi, Kishore & Asha in Rose Movie’s Kasme Vaade. The other songs from the film “Aati Rhengi Baharenâ€, “Kasme Vaade Nibhayenge Hum†sung by Kishore and “Kal Kya Hoga†by panchamji himself. In G.P.Sippy’s Shaan, R.D. Burman has composed “Janu Meri Jaan†by Rafi-Kishore-Asha-Usha and “Yamma Yamma†by Rafi & R D. Another popular Rafi song from the film “Naam Abdul Hai Mera Sabki Khabar Rakhta Hoon†was picturised on Mahzar Khan (Late husband of Zeenat Aman). R.D. Burman has also composed touching Rafi song “Kaun Kisiko Bandh Saka Hai Chaiya Bhi Tu Ek Diwana Hai Tode Ke Pinjira Ek Na Ek Din Panchi Koo Udjana Hai†for Amitabh starred Tinu Anand’s Kaalia(1982), which was picturised on a least known comedian.
Amitabh had a guest appearance in Sunny Deol-Sanjay Dutt starred Krodh (1990) as a singer in the song “Na Fankaar Tujh Sa Tere Baad Aaya, Mohd Rafi Tu Bahut Yaad Aaya†dedicated to Rafi Saheb. He is the only actor who accomplished at least one hit every year for 15 consecutive years from 1972 (Bombay to Goa ) to 1986 ( Aakhree Raasta ). He acted in more than 150 films with double role in 14 films and triple role in Mahaan. In 1999, he was named the “Superstar of the Millennium†in a BBC online poll. Amitabh plays the role Preity Zinta’s father in “Har Pall†directed by internationally acclaimed filmmaker Jahnu Barua hails from Sivasagar, Assam. The shooting of the film is going on in Mumbai, Kolkata and Shillong.
The following are the ten popular Rafi songs picturized on Amitabh Bachchan :-
| No | Song | Year | Film | Music | Lyric |
| 1 | Patta Patta Buta Buta Haal Hamara | 1972 | Ek Nazar | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Majrooh Sultapuri |
| 2 | Teri Bindiya Re | 1973 | Abhimaan | S.D.Burman | Majrooh Sultapuri |
| 3 | Tumse Door Rahke | 1976 | Adalat | Kalyanji Anandji | Gulshan Bawra |
| 4 | Mile Jo Kadi Kadi Ek Zanjeer Bani | 1978 | Kasme Vaade | R.D.Burman | Gulshan Bawra |
| 5 | Dekho Sapne Sajee | 1978 | Ganga Ki Saugandh | Kalyanji Anandji | Anjaan |
| 6 | Oonchi Oonchi Baaton Se | 1979 | Mr. Natwarlal | Rajesh Roshan | Anand Bakshi |
| 7 | Atthara Baras Ki Tu Hone Ko Aayee Re Kaun Poochega | 1979 | Suhaag | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Anand Bakshi |
| 8 | Mere Dost Kissa Ye Kya Ho Gaya | 1980 | Dostana | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Anand Bakshi |
| 9 | John Jani Janardan Tara Ram Pam Pam | 1981 | Naseeb | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Anand Bakshi |
| 10 | Mere Desh Premiyo Apas Mein Prem Karoo | 1982 | Desh Premee | Laxmikant Pyarelal | Anand Bakshi |
If Rafi Saheb had survived for a longer period of time, composers like Kalyanji Anandji, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, R.D.Burman and Rajesh Roshon would have got more opportunities to use his versatile voice for Mega Star Amitabh Bachchan. Monmohan Desai had also patronized him more.
The following is the most popular Rafi-Asha duet picturised on Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha playing “Dandia†from the film Suhag which is being heard regularly in all corners of the country during the festive seasons like Navaratri, Durga Puja, Kali Puja, etc and the pair (Amitabh and Rekha) is one of the most recognized successful pair of Indian Silver Screen, who paired in more than half dozen films together ( Do Anjanee, Mr. Natwarlal, Moqadaar Ka Sikandar, Suhag, Ganga Ki Saugandh, Kasme Wade and Sisila ).
Kaal Ke Panjee Se Maata Bachaoo Jai Maa Ash Bhawani……………..
Hai Naam Re Sabse Bara Tera Naam O Sheronwali Onchee Sheronwali
Bigree Banadee Mere Kaam, Naam Re……………………………………..
Mr. Biman Baruah, the author of this article
Really when someone doesn’t understand afterԝard its up
to other users that they will assist, so here іt happens.
Sunita ji, I share your sentiments completely and God bless Monmohan Desai who himself was one of the biggest Mohd Rafi fans. He had stated that when the great Mohd Rafi passed away it was him who felt the biggest loss. He always ensured where ever possible Mohd Rafi sang in his films, even if it meant actors like Amithab Bachan who was usually linked to the voice of Kishore Kumar used Mohd Rafi’s voice. The outcome of this was that nearly all the films were loved by the audience and went on to become blockbusters. I personally thought Mohd Rafi’s voice suited Amithab Bachans voice more than Kishore Kumar. Rafi will ALWAYS remain No1 and my idol and as far as me and millions of fans are concerned no one even comes close.
I m oblidhed to shree Amitab Bachan who describes Rafi Saheb ji in precious words
I m so much thankful to Shree Amitabh Bachan n to all entire team who described my Rafi Saheb ji in anmol words
Thanku so much Mr Binu Nair n all members who truely loves Rafi Saheb ji
Heartly regards to all my Rafians
SHREE MOHAMMAD RAFI SAHEB JI IS ONLY INE IN THIS UNIVERSE IN THIS WORLD NO ONE CAN COME AGAIN
NO ONE CAN TAKE PLACE OF RAFI SAHEB JI
THIS PLACE WILL B ALWAYS EMPTY UNLESS RAFI SAHEB JI TAKES ANOTHER BIRTH N
JAI RAFI SAHEB JI
I LOVE U DEEPLY MY RAFI SAHEB JI BUT NOT LIKE ALL THESE MEMBERS
Early seventies Rafi Career doesnt suffer much as claimed in the article. Rafi Manmohan combo start mid seventies till late eighties. Correction! Some articles here as if Rafi has got no jobs at all in the 70’s.
Lovely songs
A post-script to the comment I have posted below : Though a true music lover might be just overwhelmed by the divine singing quality and mesmerizing melodious timbre of Md Rafi sahab, there is no room for denying the fact that Kishore Kumar also was a great singer, with his vibrating pathoes and buzz in voice and tweaking yoddling. And he was deliberately under-sung in the 1950s ( though he was bit busy with his own acting in the 50s, and rendering voice only for Devanand till 1957) and was absolutely sidelined outside the singing locale throughout the 1960s, when he was hardly busy with his own acting, barring 2 or 3 film in the early 60s. By and large, injuustice was also made to him for being totally ignored by one and every music directors of those days barring SD Burman, who called him back once again in Teen Deviyan and for just a duet in famous film ‘Guide’. That was ethically was injustice too. But we perhaphs willy-nilly accepted the ignorance mainly because of unfathomabe divine touch in his timbre in which the emperor of modern play-back singing had mesmerized the musical world. But there must have been some important people in the film industry, who did look upon his all pervading superiority with envy and uncomfortability. Therefore, their displeasure and dislike must have must have constituted a driving force, which became instrumental in their effort to dim the diamond and displace the great singer Md Rafi from his locus of popularity and glory. Thax
We all music lovers all know that Md Rafi sahab was displaced from his No. 1 position mainly from 1972 to 1976 ( and please remember not from 1971, since in my opinion till 1971 Md Rafi sahab was on top as the main male play back singer of Bollywood and in 1971 also he recorded more number of songs than Kishore Kumar. And we also know Md Rafi sahab could stage a grand come back in 1976 and 77 with the release of Heer-Ranjha and Hum kisise kam naheen. But KK was never outsted they both remain on top till the great singer most sadly breathed his last in 1980. Significantly, in 1980 Binaca Geetmala Md Rafi number of songs had outnumbered no. of KK songs. But why Md Rafi sahab was dislodged from position no. 1 from 1972? Without dwelling longer into the subject, in brief it must be stated that RD preferred KK to Md Rafi openly from 1971 and the RD-KK-Rajesh Khanna troika truimph in Bollywood since RD could make Rajesh feel convined from the success of the film ‘Aradhana’ that KK had become luckier and fortune-maker for him than the great singer Md Rafi sahab. But it should be borne in mind that, barring ‘Bhoot Bangla in 1965 and ‘Parosan’ in 1968, right from the start of RD Burman’s career in Chote Nabawab (1961) Md Rafi had always been his principle male singer till 1970. But his elder-brotherly friend KK’s image as a great singer and who according to RD’s notion ‘remained so under-utilised
from 150 to 1970’ was so deeply rooted in his mind, that he waited for the right opportunity to foreground the singer (Kishoreji) he was enamoured with. And that time did crop up after Aradhana ( Released in December 9, 1969). Before that, it was not possible to convince either the producers or the heroes ( like Dilip Kumar, Bharat Bhusan, Pradeep kumar, Guru Dutt,Sanjeev kmr, Dharmendra Jeetendra, Feroz Khan, Feeroz Khan Sashi kapoor, or Shammi
Kapoor, Biswajeet, or Joy Mukherjee) to sing for KK and not Md Rafi sahab. But notwithstanding the fact that Rajesh Khanna had Md Rafi to sing for him in 4 or 5 films before ‘Aradahana’, it was easier to convince a fresher like him ( who had also become a superstar since 1970s for 2 or 3 years ) that KK would augur better for him than the great Md Rafi. And RD Burman sahab just accommplish the manouvering very intelligently in post-Aradhana phase. Meanwhile, great composers like Naushad, Roshan and OP Nayaer had lost their splendid touch in compositions, Jaikishan had sadly passed away, also disastrous was the demise of great Madanmohan, and unfortunately, terrific commposer SD Burman, who started totally favouring Md Rafi more than KK since 1957 to 1970 ( Aradhana was an exceptional case in point, which cannot be dealt with here at length) suddenly having found his son(RDB) and KK duo riding the fulcrum of success, did not want to break success-trajectory of his son by bringing back his favourite Md Rafi to break the rhythm. So, KK was reighning at top as a singer in Bollywood when great Amitabh Bachhan started becoming a superstar since the film ‘Zanzeer’ and gradully replaced Rajesh khanna from his unchallanged space. But KK having become the singer most in demand since 1972, and RD Burman ruling the roost, and Kalyanji -Anandji being swayed away by their penchant to follow the status-quo, Kishore Kumar automatically had become the singing voice of Amitabh Bacchan from 1973. 2ndly, Amitabh Bacchan was a kind of star and great actor like great Dilip Kumarjee, who could make a film blockbuster without it being a musical film. So, composition and singing ability was not always the main factor behind success of “Bacchan films”. And finally, 3rdly, RD Burman had brought about such a Rock-melody-folk-western composition of songs, where straight singing without the classical-touch and subtle nuances in the structure of composition, as was the vogue of 1950s and 60s, where he must have thought KK’s voice can do the needful and acieve success in Box-office, without the help of great Md Rafi sahab. Take for instance the case of another nice singer Mukesh, who, let us admit, all would agree was much lesser as a singer in terms of mesmerizing melody, classical singing ability and Rock-and-roll singing to Md Rafi sahab. But Raj Kapoorji firmly thought, he (Mukesh ) suits his voice better, or Mukesh might be even a better singer than even great Md Rafi. But no no other heroe or musician saw eye to eye with him, or reconcile with their idea. But fortunately, there were good many heroes and MDs in particular had a deep understanding and sense of music and voice quality. But in the post 1971 era in Bollywood, with preponderence of action films, spcial demand of Salim-javed’s catchy script-writing, the musical quality had dropped a few notches below if compared to 1960s. And with the shift of this perspective, there was none to protest, or stand against the wave that the best male playback singer of India is being deliberately sidelined. Though LP stood his ground for Md Rafi and made him sing several hits in Pratigya or Naseen or Amar Akbar …’, but except ‘ Amar-Akbar …’ he failed to reveal any gem in his composition with Md Rafi ( as they did in the 1960s ) that posterity will remember. Yes Madanmohan stood his ground for the great singer, but he left us in the mid 70s. Surprisingly, it was RD Burman’s Hum kisise kam naheen songs which helped him to stage a come back, and almost sharing equally the same status ( in terms of popularity ) along with KK. Now with the adven of youtube era it is increasingly becoming clear to the newer generation as well as the older, as a singer he was not only notch or two above Kishoreji, but far ahead of Kishore Kumar.
We do realize now without a speck of doubt, that 1970s musical circle of Bollywood did a great injustice to Indian modern music by almost banishing the greatest singer of India from singing regularly from 1972 to 1977.
I thought Mohd Rafi’s voice was a perfect match for Amithab Bachan and would have liked to see it being utilised a lot more with Amithab but unfortunately it looks like he replaced Rajesh Khanna in more ways than one and also took on the same person for his playback singing. I suppose the angry young man he portrayed may not have suited a beautiful melodious voice such as Mohd Rafi’s. Besides he was more known for his films because of the action, etc and not for the songs such a pity because the films could have made even more impact on the audience if the songs and playback singing was not that of Kishore Kumar!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wonderful article.
I personally like the way kishore sung,like with open heart n wide sound quality, but if we come to comparison between Kishore and Rafi sab,then i guess it would be fair. There is no comparison popssible at all. Rafi sab’s melodious n mellow voice has no match. No comparison!!! He was a king n used to sing as if water is moving calmly.One thing i would like to share here. One of my friend met with amit kumar,kishore’s son. My friend doesnt like rafi sab so he said something which showed that he is trying to disgrace rafi sab.the host secretly grabbed my friend’s arm n said in his ear that dont say these words again infront of amit as Amit call Rafi sa as Chahcha(uncle) n he like his father kishore give respect To Rafi sab. I think this is tha best example to show what gratitude was being given tonthe legend like Rafi sab. Thismalso shows the greatness of Kishore n his family that inspite of being competetors, used be friends n respect eachother.
amitab bachan and youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu, done a great work like amitab in films and you in writing tkis articals ok naaa really its very good ok keep it uuppppppppppppp,, by
fan ASHOK SINGH
Good article & so are above comments thought provoking. I think after 1977’s hit song “Kia hua tera wada” RD Burman & Kishore’s honemoon period just ended. Rd Burman returned back to Rafi ,like many other composers, & used his magic voice till Rafi’s death 31th july 1980. It is fact that Rafi gave mega hit songs during his last three years & he was the first choice of music directors including RD Burman. ok
dear mr biman baruah ji thanx for this nice article i would like to mention about film:pyar ki kahani released in early 70s rafi saabs had 2 songs in this film both song picturised on amitabh ji song written by anand bakhshi music by pancham i would like to share this song with every body kindly visit this links to watch this songs
http://rafifanblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/ek-pathe-ki-baat-pyar-ki-kahani.html
http://rafifanblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/koi-aur-duniya-mein-tumsa-haseen-hai.html
hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
AMITAV special
i would like to post rare song picturisation party song from naseeb
john jani janardhan from naseeb amithji singing rafisaabs song legends
rajkapoorji rajesh khanna ji dharmendra shammida around 20 film stars dancing
in this song please watch this song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJjMtDxGPMo
i would like to post song from dostana -mere dost kissa ye kya hogaya
rafisaab singing for amithji exellent song please watch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agMB2FJyKc8
Rafi’s voice have dignity to stars and AB was no exception. With all due respects with KK’s voice AB appeared like a Budtameez.
plz i request laawaries songs………..
RAFI COULD EASILY SING ANY SONGS MUCH BETTER.
Ref posts 17 and 18:
Nice to find someone who shares my views. IMO, there’s yet another reason (apart from those you were pointinting out) which makes Rafi sahab a singer for all actors- the sheer nature of his voice. His voice had a strong (or deep) base topped by a smooth polish. With this combo, he could try out different things. The voice which gelled perfectly with the macho man Dharam could go beautifully with the boyishly handsome Rishi. That’s why I’m said I’m confident that given enough opportunities, Rafi sahab could easily have become AB’s voice too.
The sterling fact, the uncontrovertible truth is that Rafi Sahaab’s voice is the voice for ALL REASONS, ALL SEASONS, and a versatility that fitted the actors like a glove, especially because there was an actor in him and he translated the acting scene of the actor into his voice emoting all the shades of the lyrics, the setting, the theme, the expression, the melody, the requirement of the scene, holding on to the words where required, and finally when adjusting to the real life when requested.
Nasir.
Anil,
You’ve hit the nail right on the head by your observation that you feel rather odd when these people sing in KKs voice.
The above fact can be more understood by millions of persons, like me, who lived through those decades. As we all know, just hearing Rafi Sahaab’s voice we could make out who the actor would be – of course unless the person was a rank newcomer, say Sushil Kumar in Dosti.
Personally, I used to find it incredulous and feel uncomfortable when Dharmendra or Shashi or others lip-synching KK’s voice. This is not to insinuate that KK voice is not good, but merely to indicate that the actor and the singer looked and sounded different entities. This may not be too evident to the younger generation.
ReF. post 15.
Thanx for the compliments, Manish bhai. RDB was succesful in fixating KK’s voice to a lot of Rafi-actors (like Dharam, Jeetu and Sashi) during his reign. Personally I feel it rather odd when these ppl. sing in KK’s voice, at the same time it doesn’t feel too odd when Rafi Sahab sings for say Rajesh or AB.
Anil Cherian,
Mohd Rafi was THE VOICE in the 70s (not just the 60s) with maximum songs for Dharmendra, Jeetendra, Rishi Kapoor, Vinod Khanna, Vinod Mehra, and probably Shashi Kapoor / Navin Nischol. Dharmendra was a great action hero! But you are right – he was not the voice for Amitabh (the biggest of that era although not necessarily the single best IMO) and Rajesh Khanna (overrated star whose movies today aren’t rated so highly). You do have a point. And good observation about speaking voices. RDB was commercially prominent till 1976 and so he kept Rafi out of the scene in an effort to promote his friend Kishore Kumar – which is perfectly fine.
Mohd. Rafi is undoubtedly the best so far. sony channel has started a program called “k for kishore”. everyone one is trying to lift kishore. and they are ignoring the real great. why not start a program for rafi fans? then today’s youth will learn more on rafi-the best.
Dear biman,
thanks for nice article, manmohan desai was fan of rafi saab & hang his photo in his drawing room, After cold war with KK of amitabh, amitabh said to media about his respect to rafi saab, the revenge to kk by amitabh is reflect in song picturised on amitabh ” na phankar koi tere baad aaya” (by Mohd. Aziz)……………….but beore this Amitabh attend Rafi Saab funeral is most important & he believe that Rafi saab was good human being.
Amitabh, Amjad khan, yash Chopra, rajesh roshan (compare more work with kk) were attend Rafi saab funeral…….that’s the RAFI SAAB PERSONALITY.
Anand bakshi was lyricsit for Parvarish & not Majrooh, RD burman was MD of rampur ka laxman not LP, Janjeer song picturised on Gulshan Bawara.
In my opinion, the most beatuiful song of Rafi-Amitabh ” tere bindiya re” (Abhimaan), SD burman gave three duets in this film Lata with Rafi Saab, KK & Manhar Udhas……& no doubt Rafi-Lata Song super.
Infact every one is right like Anmol Singh ,xxx ,Azam Khan & ect, In 1970’s & 1980’s
Mohd Rafi saab given play back to New comers eg to Raj kiran In Kaaran
in 1980,Mithun chakravrti in many movies ,Prdeep sood in shaan,Raaj deer in 1980’s Sister and many more.
The unforgettable romantic Rafi-Lata duet from the film ZANJEER: “Dewanee Hai Dewanoo Ko Na Ghar Sahiyee Mohabbat Bhari Ek Nazar Sahiyee†was picturised on GULSAN BAWARA. I THINK THE LYRIC BY GULSAN BAWARA.
Bimanji, thanks for the nice article. What amazes me about Rafi sahab’s voice is the fact that no matter who he sings for, his voice seems like the voice of the actor on screen. Whether it is Rajesh Khanna or Amitabh or Mahmood or Johny Walker. He can easily accomodate anyone and everyone. Such was the gifted voice of the legend!
Let alone the known and famous heroes and actors, many unknown actors beniftied by Rafi sahab’s voice too. “Admi Musafir Hai”, “Saj rahi galie teri amma”, “ramayaa vasta vayya”, “mile na phool”, and many many many songs were picturized on side characters and yet, the magic of Rafi sahab’s voice effected everyone who heard the song.
ya its a nice article….
infact rafi sahab was only singer who used to sing for every one..
also rafi sahab never bounded himself into particular bandish, means we cant say dat rafi sahab sang dis song better dan dat song,, whether it was rock n roll or bhajan ,, he sang every kind of song wd equal heart, dats where his greatness lies… he was true artist who used to get into the soul of every song whether its western tunes of rdb & sj or classic tunes of naushad,madan mohan, roshan or folk tunes of dada burman…
even d same siger did playback for two artists shammi & dilip who were opposite to each odr & did playback for them in unique & unparalled way..
rafi sahab’s silken voice, his good deeds, his humainity & his art of getting into d soul of d song puts rafi sahab miles away from his contemporaries..
if someone were to pinpoint any weakness of rafisahab as a playback singer, it would be that he couldn’t become the voice of the superstars of 70s. it was more of a case of he wasn’t allowed to become their voices. frankly speaking rajesh khanna’s speaking voice was more similar to rafisahab than kk (infact Rajesh’s voice was most similar to talat saab’s in my opinion) and whenever rafisahab got a chance to sing for Rajesh, he did a fine job. when it comes to the bigb, obviously kk’s voice suited his voice as well as the image. however i honestly believe rafisahab could have added another dimension to his voice/singing (like he did for Shammi Kapoor when he emerged, Dharmendra later on and finally for Rishi Kapoor) if given enough opportunities and could have become the voice of Amitabh too.
if we speak about flim Abhimaan”Teri Bindiya Re” the best song was singed by Mohd Rafi and Lata ji as I think,Why SD didn’t use Mohd rafi to sing more songs in Abhimaan the answer it so easy and answer in the song “Teri Bindiya Re” as the the story in the flim female singer is better singer than male singer but if sd used Mohd Rafi to sing for Amitahb in Abhimaan do u think it will work with flim story?
Manoj K,Raj k and Amitahb was less used Mohd rafi but what they said abount Mohd rafi they never said to the singer who gave them playback as Manoj K said no one can be better than Mohd Rafi,Raj k said Mohd Rafi is the King without crown……………………….
Great Write up!!
Perhaps Rafi Saab can sing for any one. Amithab is no expection.
Mohd Rafi singed only 16 songs for Amitabh from Unknow Amitabh to superstar Amitabh but when we listen to Mohd Rafi songs singed for unknow Amitabh we will see that songs was more better than singed for superstart Amitabh as I think.
Monmohan Desai was Amitabh fan and Mohd Rafi he was sure that Amitabh can’t made a flim hit as music boz of that in Amar Akbar Anthony he used Mohd Rafi to make flim music hit as I think Amar Akbar Anthony and Naseeb are only Amitabh flims in which music is hit not because of Amitabh.mostly a hit flim make music hit as flim Sholay and Don .Dilip Kumar,Raj Kapoor and Amitabh they never been hit because of music hit music in there flims as I think but mostly they made music hit……………..
Great article !
There are two songs that were not mentioned, and those are the first two songs ever lip-synched by Amitabh, which were sung by Rafi and composed by RD Burman. They are “Koi aur duniya mein” and “ek pate ki baat” from Pyar Ki Kahani (1971). Rafi sang many lovelies for Amitabh, and proved that he was indeed everyone’s voice. The same can’t be said about other singers including Kishore who never or hardly sang for many of Rafi’s heroes.
Another song not mentioned is “Aa raat jaati hai” a beautiful Rafi-Asha duet composed by RD Burman filmed on Amitabh and Helen in Benaam (1974), this is a waltz-type composition. There is also “Raqqasa Mera Naam” from The Great Gambler (1979) filmed on Amitabh and Zeenat Aman sung by RAfi and Asha composed by RD Burman.
“Patta Patta Boota Boota” is probably the best duet ever filmed on Amitabh, and this happened to be one of Laxmikant’s most favourite compositions as well.
Thank you mr. Biman for yor nice article. Mr. Hussein, it’s true what you have said about the excitement of Rafi Saheb for the song Chal chal mere bhai. I have heard in a interview that the son of Rafi Saheb said that his father was in a very glad mood when he came at home after recording this song. My father was so glad as a child, said his son. I have heard also that Amitabh Bachan had joined the Janaza (funeral prayers) of Mahroom Rafi Saheb. Amjad Khan did learn Amitabh Bachan how to say this prayer.
Bimanji, nice to read the article. once in an interview, Amitabh had said that he was very much excited to sing with Rafi Saheb after the recording of “Chal chal mere bhai…” from “Naseeb”. Amitabh has great respect for Rafi Saheb. The more you write on Rafi Saheb, the more we are excited to read articles on the legend. In short – “RAFI SAHEB JAISA KOI NAHEEN”.
rafi_magic@yahoo.com
Bimal da ,
very nice article
Infact Amitabhji was also very much excIted to sing with Rafi saab in the film Naseeb AND vice versa.
Amitabh as an icon loved Rafi sahab as a great singing Icon and he has told in a Sony Max interview that Rafi sahab was not only dedicated to Dilip saab or Shammiji or Rajendra kumarji or Johnny walker sab but also to all the artistes who known or unknown are blessed by the AWAAZ KA JADUGAAR THAT IS RAFI SAHAB