Rafi sings in ‘Navarasas’
By: H.A.K. Walijah
Mohd Rafi
John Keats once wrote: “A thing of beauty is a joy forever”, today I can pretty much say “A song of Rafi is a joy forever”. Even 30 years after his death – I am sure Rafi’s popularity did not go into oblivion. Millions of million Rafi lovers pay their respects and tributes everyday which alone is the strongest proof that Rafi still rules and his chair did not occupied yet, no replacement so far!!!. Could anybody ask for a grander memorial than that? Rafi Saab’s voice has given us a song for every emotion and mood. Rafi’s voice will always be with us, and considering how popular he still is. As for Rafi’s memorial being his voice, that was exactly why I thought versatility of character that makes him so special. Mohammad Rafi was a superb vocal actor and could bring a range of emotions into the limited time (usually about 3 minutes, back then) a song allowed him. From romantic to sensual, angry to soothing, loving to despairing, or outright joy and laughter, there isn’t a single emotion that his wonderfully fluid voice did not express, and express beautifully.
Classical performing arts in India are traditionally made up of the navrasa – 9 rasas or 9 major basic emotions/expressions. The idea of life without “emotions” is just inanimate. We often use words to express emotions. We paint words so beautifully, yet sometimes fail to express the right emotion. Art is a means of expressing emotions to the fullest. One element that is common among all performing arts is their ability to express the emotions which make up different slices of life. Emotions characterize life as well as art. Music is one such language of emotion. Music without emotions is lifeless and an emotion without music is inadequate. Emotions in music need not be associated with the phrases and the words that make up the song. Pure music i.e., music without words (instrumental, aalaapana or swara kalpana) can bring out emotions too. To site a good example, the tone of a person on the other end of the phone can make us get a feel of his/her mood. If Raga is the soul of music, rasa or bhava is its emotional quality. Good quality rendering can arise intense emotional feelings in both the person rendering the music and the person listening. Nine types of rasas (basic emotions) are identified predominantly in music or dance.
Navarasa means Nine Emotions in which Nava signifies nine and Rasa signifies Emotions. The nine emotions included in Navarasa are Shringara (love), Hasya(laughter), Karuna (kind-heartedness or compassion), Raudra (anger), Veera ( courage), Bhayanaka (terror), Bheebhatsya (disgust), Adbutha (surprise), and Shantha (peace or tranquility). These are the emotions that human shows according to the situations. Navarasa is mainly used in classical dance forms. Indian classical dance forms like Bharathanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri, Kudiyattam, Kathakali and others include Navarasa. Emotions can be called as the basic factor for all dance forms in India. Life is the true testing ground. Emotions are as large as life and twice as natural. Indian cinema, since it is based on nava rasas, has always something to offer the viewer. Although the concept of rasa is fundamental to many forms of Indian art including dance, music, musical theatre, cinema and literature. Now let us analyze how Rafi Saab did rendered his songs in various emotions and moods one by one.
1. Shringara Rasa
Love is an indispensable part of life. It encompasses every relationship and influences all actions.”Shringara rasa“ represents love and beauty; any element of beauty evokes love. This emotion can be used to paint love for any person, be it specifically sweetheart or anybody else. Rafi certainly was a master at expressing romance and the sheer number of his great romantic songs is a testament to that. Just listen to these haunting romantic numbers.
- Sau baar janam lenge (Ustadon Ke Ustad, 1963)
- Kaajal wale nain (Devar).
- Abhi Na Jao Chodke (Hum Dono)
- aap ke hasiin rukh pe aaj naya noor hai (Baharen phir bhi aayengi)
- aaj ki raat badi shokh badi natkhat hai (Nai Umar Ki Nai Fasal).
- Ek Haseen Shaam Ko Dil Mera Kho Gaya
- Mere Mehboob tujhe meri mohabbat (Mere Mehboob)
- Aaj ki raat yeh kaisi raat ke hum ko (Aman)
2. Hasya Rasa
The ability to express amusement or laughter is one thing that separates the human species from animals. Teasing and laughing with a friend is one face of “Hasya rasa”. Much has been said about Rafi and Johnny Walker and their superb comedic partnership. But Rafi did great comedy for others too like Mehmood and Om Prakash.
- Chhuri ban kaanta ban (Jaali Note, 1960)
- Tere poojan ko bhagwan (Shaadi 1962)
- Sar jo tera chakraye ya dil ( Pyasa )
- Ye Duniya gol hai (Chaudvin ka chand)
- Hamein kale hain to kya hua (Gumnaam)
- Membooba Mehbooba bana lo mujhe dulha (Mastana)
3. Roudhra Rasa
When love is not reciprocated, the definite feeling would be anger. This brings us to “Roudhra rasa“, anger, Rafi was especially adept at expressing anger, his voice could slip into the high notes and quick enunciation of the angry man, with extraordinary control and with such great effect. The songs depicting anger where Rafi excelled in this emotion.
- Ya meri manzil bata (Rakhi, 1962)
- O Duniya ke rakhwaale (Baiju Bawra)
- Mere dushman tu meri dosti ko tarse (Aye din bahar ke)
- Yeh mahalon yeh takthon yeh taajon ki duniya (Pyasa)
- Yeh Duniya ye mehfil mere kaam ki nahin (Heer Ranjha)
4. Karuna Rasa
The next essence is the feeling of compassion. The sympathy and fellow-feeling that sorrow generates is “Karuna rasa“. A compassionate understanding of human troubles coats Rafi’s voice as it once again effortlessly brings forth the emotions demanded of it.
- Kahan ja raha hai (Seema, 1955)
- Hume Bhi De Do Sahara (Seema, 1955)
- Chahunga main tujhe (Dosti)
- Na tu Zameen ke liye (Dastaan)
5. Bibhatsya Rasa
The fifth emotion is “ Bibhatsya rasa” Disgust. This emotion is evoked by anything that is a symbol of repugnance, nausea Rafi at its best to render this rasa more effective if one can listen to the song of Pyasa “ Yeh Duniya agar mil bhi jaye to kya ho” Let the song speak for itself, and for a poet’s disgust with a worthless materialistic world.
- Yeh Duniya agar mil bhi jaye to kya hai (Pyasa)
- Meri Dushman tu meri (Aaye din bahar ke).
- Kya miliye aise logon se (Izzat)
- Woh woh na rahe jin ke liye (Badaltey Rishtey)
6. Bhayanakam Rasa
The sixth emotion being the “ Bhayanakam rasa” horror/terror. Rafi Saab brings this rasa effortlessly in the following songs which shows sheer disgust and antipathy towards the atrocities of the society.
- Sab ke rehte lagta hai aise (Samjhota)
- Hum Bekhudi main tum ko (Dil Diya Dard Liya)
- Dono ne kiya tha pyar magar (Mahua)
- Mili khaak main mohabbat (Chaudvin ka Chand)
- Zamane ne mare jawan kaise kaise
- Guzre hain aaj ishq main us maqam se (Dil Diya Dard liya)
7. Veera Rasa
To fight disgust, one needs “ Veera rasa “ Valor. To /become a hero doesn’t need shining weapons. Heroism should be in body and soul. Any person who has courage to take a stand exhibits veera rasa. I love how Rafi’s voice quickens with the strength of his emotions and how heroic and sad the high notes sound in veer rasa.
- Kar chale hum fida jan-o-tan saathiyo (Haqeeqat)
- Apni Azaadi ko hum hargiz mita sakte nahin (Leader)
- Zindabad aye Mohabbat zindabad (Mughal-E-Azam)
- Mere desh premiyo aapas main prem karo (Desh Premi)
8. Adbhuta Rasa
As soon as a child is born, the awe that it feels while coming across every new act, every new incident is something that is felt for the first time and is a matter to wonder and ponder about. “Adbhutha rasa“ is the curiosity of man, the astonishment caused by something not imagined earlier or felt. While most if us are lost in the wonder of his voice, Rafi could be vocally lost in the wonder of discovery in other ways –
- Tumne mujhe dekha (Teesri Manzil, 1966)
- Nav Kalpana Nav roop se (Mrigtrishna)
- Chaudvin ka chand ho (Chaudvin ka chand)
- Maine poocha chand se (Abdullah)
- Wadiyan mera daaman, raaste meri bahaen (Abhilasha)
Rafi Sahab with Anand Bakshi
9. Shaanta Rasa
Beyond all these emotions lies the emotion of peace and serenity.“Shantha Rasa“ represents complete harmony among mind, body and the universe. This is a state where the mind is in rest, a state of tranquility. After struggling a lot, when there remains no hassels, calmness prevails.
- Basti basti parvat parvat (Railway Platform, 1955)
- Main Zindagi ka saath Nibhata (Hum Dono)
- Meri dosti mera pyar (Dosti)
In addition to the nine Rasas, two more appeared later:
- V?tsalya – Parental Love
- Bhakti – Spiritual Devotion
10. Vatsalya Rasa
Parental love is usually the province of women in Bollywood. So while you can find a ton of mother-child songs in Hindi films, coming up with one sung by the male of the species is rather rare. Naturally, rare or not, Rafi has his share of parental-love songs! The most famous is, of course, Babul ki duaayein leti ja – a quintessential bidai song.
- Babul ki duaayein leti ja (Neel Kamal)
- O Nanhe se farishtey (Ek Phool Do Maali)
11. Bhakti Rasa
As usual, there is a lot of material to choose from. Rafi has some superb bhajans, Like all classical-based songs, it starts out slow with a short alaap and a slow tempo that quickens pretty soon. The best part is, of course, Rafi’s voice.
- Duniya na bhaaye (Basant Bahar, 1956)
- Man tarpat hari darshan ko aaj (Baiju Bawra)
- Insaaf ka Mandir hai yeh (Amar)
I bet all have their own favorites to contribute to each of the eleven rasas – that’s the beauty of Rafi, there is so much to choose from! So, let us explore all great songs that I’ve missed or neglected to mention. When I was thinking up this write-up, I had initially toyed with the idea of doing a navrasas post, but gave it up – I just couldn’t figure out songs for each of the rasas which way to go, then again I tried it out because of my sheer enthusiasm and interest that I have on Rafi Saab. As I always want to write something different or atleast the unexplored facets of Rafi saab singing prowess. I do not know how far I am successful in my endeavour, it is upto the readers’ choice to evaluate my work and pass on the verdict.
the real Bharat Ranta,http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUV0zuqiWHI
Post No. 39 :
Lulluby songs of Rafi :
1. jab jab bahar aayi aur phool muskuraaye (Taqdeer)
2 Main gaaon tum so jaaoo (Brahmachari)
3. Kahaniya sunati hai pawan aati jaati (Rajput)
There are more. you may find them all on Youtube.
Regard.
post 47:
Abhishek ji,
I’m aware that our netas have received the award posthumously. What I wrote was:
“I had raised the issue of whether the Bharat Ratna would be awarded posthumously to an artist. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think any artist has received the award after he or she died.”
Post 46 – Haldar ji,
Following are the names of posthumous recepients of the award
Lal Bahadur shastri – 1966
K Kamaraj – 1976
Vinoba Bhave
M G Ramachandran
B R Ambedkar (1990)
Rajiv gandhi
Vallabhai patel (1991)
Abul kalam azad (1992)
Aruna Asaf ali
Jayaprakash Narayan (1999)
Gopinath Bordoloi (1999)
Vallabhai patel, Jayaprakash Narayan etc. got it after more than 30 years of their demise. So award has been awarded posthumously.
Due to the heavy competition whether it should be awarded to sachin, jyoti basu, Atal behari vajpayee, M Balamuralikrishna etc.etc. it is really a tough tough situation. Sachin seems to be the favourite, but some opposition is coming due to his young age. Nevertheless, I feel, if not now, sachin may get it definitely in future. By the way, I think Bharat ratna has not been declared this year, though there was big news that sachin is likely to get it. Even Balamuralikrishna of south, a contemporary to Bhimsen joshi ji, is also a good favourite for the award.
Dear friends,
I had raised the issue of whether the Bharat Ratna would be awarded posthumously to an artist. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think any artist has received the award after he or she died. Satyajit Ray was conferred the award just before he passed away. If anyone could break the jinx, it would be Rafi saab. But the question to ask is why he hasn’t been feted so far. Every Indian, including our friends from the companion site, would be happy and proud if the government honoured one of its most-deserving sons.
Friends, everything is maya. What happened in Salil’s den 50 years ago is replaying now. Yes, we are witnessing the golden anniversary of Rafi saab’s humiliation by Salil and his pet performer, a Bharat Ratna. A ratna who keeps canvassing for a cricketer but doesn’t even by mistake mention the name of someone with whom she played the longest innings of her life, for 33 long years. Out of the three singers in Maya, one is a Bharat Ratna and one was awarded the Padma Bhushan yesterday. And the third is a Padma Sri! If you are wondering who the second singer is, it is Dwijen Mukherjee (Hemanta-like voice) who got to deliver the beautiful “aye dil kahan teri manzil” composition after Salil’s fallout with Rafi:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0fP_BnnXj0&feature=related
I sometimes wish that Rafi saab were in the august company of Mukesh bhai, Hemant da and Kishore da, who didn’t receive any awards.
Friends, let us stop this campaign for Bharat Ratna. Here is a suggestion instead. Let’s start a letter-writing campaign to all the radio stations requesting them not to play a single Rafi song during Republic Day. That is the best message we can send to our third-rate and corrupt leaders.
Regards,
P. Haldar
Sir Man Mouji post 35,
who is lata ji to say sachin should get Bharat Ratna, Lata ji got Bharat Ranta but today no one asking about her today but do you know what she did in past with many music directors, film makers and co singers,
when some one makes records that not mean he or she should get Bharat Ratna,I can about Mohd rafi as sad by singer Talat ji “Mohd Rafi voice is God gift but Mohd Rafi gift it to God”and by Raj Kapoor “Mohd Rafi is king without crown”I think what said about mohd rafi from music directors,singers,actors,film makers and his fans not be replace with any award.
I remember there was a progarm on Kishore da on Zee Tv or Song Tv by his son Amit Kumar,when Amit Kumar tried to sing Mohd Rafi song but he was not able!!!
few month back on comedy show they did comedy on Lata ji that made me so upset and I sent they email….
I am a football fan but I see cricket only when Sachin is playing..
Why the trillion rafi lovers pukaar can not reach to the ears of all selffish politicians, whey can’t the honour Mohd. Rafi his due honour still keeping with them as jaagir.
Mohd. Rafi Sahab DESERVES BHARAT RATNA more than anybody?????
Long live Rafi Saab
Mohommed Rafi sang for 41 years. In this marathon span, his voice captured every human emotion, every note, every range and every mood. He was a man for all seasons. The mind boggling 25,000 songs of myriad hues that he song are an unimpeachable testimony to a career that will remain one-off in the history of playback singing. He lent his unique voice to the compositions of over 175 composers, brought out the sparkle in the lyrics of over 275 lyricists and sang for virtually every actor of the Indian cinema, spanning generations.
Mohammad Rafi is a jewel in India’s crown. His devotees have conferred their own Bharat Ratna on him. Still, it would be doing yeoman’s service to this shining light if the government gets its act together and confers this highest civilian award on him, although late in the day. Indeed, the title Bharat Ratna would feel honoured to be bestowed on this truly great son of the soil.
It is an acknowledge fact. In his lifetime, the greatest singer of this country became a legend by sheer dint of his virtuosity. A man singing a marathon 25,000 songs in a career that spanned for four relentlessly melodious decades is an example unheard of in the annals of any profession. No other personality has dominated any profession in this manner. He made this priceless contribution to art and music which perhaps no one can replicate. His peer, Lata Mangeshkar, who has similar achievements to her credit has already been conferred with the prestigious award. Most social, cultural and political organizations have conceded in black and white that Mohommed Rafi is undoubtedly among the greatest 100 Indians ever born. Now it is for the Indian Government to honour this people’s verdict and ser right a historic wrong.
Padma Awards, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri are given for exceptional and distinguished service in any field including service rendered by Government servants. The recommendations for Padma Awards are received from the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations, Central Ministries/Departments, Institutions of Excellence, etc. which are considered by an Awards Committee. On the basis of the recommendations of the Awards Committee, and after approval of the Home Minister, Prime Minister and President, the Padma Awards are announced on the eve of the Republic Day.
Whereas Bharat Ratna
India has produced a legacy of brave hearts since times immemorial. Probably there is not enough space to measure their sacrifices. However, we cannot close our eyes to those people who have made our country proud by excelling in their own fields and bringing us international recognition. Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian honour, given for exceptional service towards advancement of Art, Literature and Science, and in recognition of Public Service of the highest order.
The provision of Bharat Ratna was introduced in 1954. The first ever Indian to receive this award was the famous scientist, Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman. Since then, many dignitaries, each a whiz in varied aspects of their career has received this coveted award.
In fact, our former President, Shri A. P. J Abdul Kalam is also a recipient of this esteemed honour (1997). There is no written provision that Bharat Ratna should be awarded to Indian citizens only. The award has been awarded to a naturalized Indian citizen, Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, better known as Mother Teresa (1980) and to two non-Indians – Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and Nelson Mandela (1990). It is also not mandatory that Bharat Ratna be awarded every year. The last time this award was given was in 2008, to Pandit Bhimsen Gururaj Joshi.
Can anybody post the lullaby songs of Rafi Sahab I am pretty much anxious to listen the songs such type like Babul ki duayen leti jaa and O nanhe se fariste, I tried to find more such songs but could not get, can anybody help.
Prasad
What a fantastic numbers delivered by Rafi Saab, matchless compostions and the super best reditions of the legend
I am totally agree that no one like Rafi Saab, he is the one and only
I listened these numbers and feel too much comfort in my heart
** Tumne mujhe dekha
** Nav Kalpana Nav roop se
** Chaudvin ka chand ho
** Maine poocha chand se
** Wadiyan mera daaman,
regards to all rafi fans
Shabana
post 36 – Binu Nair Ji
Well said,
there is no respect for the civil awards now-a-days, might is right – jis ki laathi us ki bhains – it is total jungle law now. Better our Rafi saab has tremendous respect in the hearts of his fans, which is more than ratna award.
It is useless to concentrate on this award topic, let us enjoy the varius songs of this legend whose popularity and love from his fans will never never goes away.
Regards
Man Mouji
Awards :
If any of our stalwarts are remembered “profoundly” even after 30 years of their going away, the ‘awards’ must be given.
otherwise these sham awards awarded by mostly ‘corrupt’ politicians to their tails and chamchas for contigency reasons – must be stopped – forthwith.
how can the usha uthups, helens, kajols and law breaker Saif ali khan ever be ‘bracketed’ with emperor of singing – mohd rafi saaheb?
Lata ji views on Bharat Ratna for Tendulakar, the link is here to read the full article appeared in Times of India 23 Jan. 2011
Sachin is Sachin… he is the real Bharat Ratna: Lata Mangeshkar
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Sachin-is-Sachin-he-is-the-real-Bharat-Ratna-Lata-Mangeshkar/articleshow/7149944.cms
Sachin Tendulkar is the most respected and talented batsman of all time, he has led the country to victory more times than one can think of, he has been the role model/icon of all the youngsters in the nation and worldwide, he has been an ambassador of many good initiatives and most of all, he’s probably the most humble sportsman the world has ever seen and will see in the future. With the weight of so many achievements behind him and the hopes of an entire nation relying on him everytime he steps into the ground for an innings, Tendulkar has made the nation proud more than anyone else in any sport in the past few decades. There is probably no argument which can defeat the thought of awarding him the Bharat Ratna, except a few hardminded jury members who would hesitate to award the most prestigious award to a sportsman.
continued post 32
Sachin Tendulkar holds many records in the game of cricket and it is only obvious he also holds many individual batting records in World Cup competition. There is one record that has eluded him and that is the World Cup title. This most likely will be the Master Blaster’s last shot at the Cup that matters and unlike every previous editions, India enter this World Cup with a team full of match winners. The onus now is on them to do it for Sachin.
The 37-year old holds perhaps three of the most enviable batting records in world cup history:
Most 50s – 17
Most 100s – 4 (jointly held with 3 others)
Most runs – 1796
Most 50s in one edition – 7 in 2003
Most runs in one edition – 673 in 2003
post 31 – Mr. Ali
You are right, see how sachin tendulkar created records and he deserves the Bharat Ratna
Sachin Tendulkar played his 444th one-day international, reaching another milestone in a career where he holds nearly every major record with the bat.
Tendulkar, 37, equaled Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya for the number of ODI appearances. Tendulkar reached the mark in the second ODI against South Africa.
Tendulkar already holds records for the most test appearances (177), the most test centuries (51) and the most test runs.
In ODI cricket, Tendulkar has 17,000 runs _ over 4,000 more than Jayasuriya in second _ and has hit 17 more ODI centuries than his nearest rival, Ricky Ponting of Australia _ 46 vs. 29.
Tendulkar is also the only player to make 200 in a 50-over international.
Sir vikram I agree what ever you said in post 26 ,I am a big Sachin fan as mohd
Rafi.
Bharat ratna award should not be given to singers or actors or players it should be given to people of all our the world who did great works for human life and mohd rafi done many great works for others,many people they got this award but mohd rafi and sachin they should get this award before them, I remember maybe many of you also few years back most of us said sachin should not be part of Indian team so the same people want that he should get Bharat ratna!!? Award is jest a game…
Jest listen to mohd rafi all songs sang in 1970’s to compare with other singers songs but in media there was no mohd rafi name but look to the award of the God that mohd rafi who has been ignored by media again became top in media again but God said to us he is not for selfish world and no one going to replace his place…..
contd…Post 29..another line from the song says : “meheke sapne, sapne meheke, mere yaaaaar… beautiful words with lilting orchestration. a collectors item – for sure.
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Met Mr Omi recently of SONIK-OMI TEAM…
in dharma for the song : “Raaz ki baat keh du to” qawali by rafi-asha – movie buffs would go to the theater ‘after’ the Interval. when the song would come, coins would be hurled – on the screen like seen in the songs of bhagwan dadas albela.
dharma is the movie which rode to the box-office silver jubilee on the strength on just one song as mentioned now.
H.A.K. WALIJAH SAAB: MANY THANKS…
THE SONG POST 27… starts from:
dekho shaam suhani aayee re…. the play of words is just beautiful like, mehke kaliyan, kaliyan meheke – mere yaaaaar, dekho shaam suhani aayee re….
another pair of Uncrowned lyricists and composer – hardly heard of.
In 71 at age 15 I was a Kishore saab fan and quickly shifted to Rafi songs then.
thanks for the info. on another rafi saab gem.
can i have your numbers on my e.mail id pls.
the rafi foundation, cell : 9833 250 701 : e.mail : binus2000@hotmail.com
Another great article.
There is no match for the saint playbck singer that is our rafi saab.
well done,
Shabana
ref. post (25) Binu Ji
I appreciate your curiosity to know the song Shaam suhani ayee re mere yaar.
sung by Rafi Saab from which film and its composer. Here is the reply
Film: Pasand Apni Apni (1971)
Lyricist: Shivkumar Saroj
Music: Vishnu Khanna
I hope, I replied correctly.
There have been so many greats in the past who have brought laurels to the nation, but were never cosidered for this award. We are a cricket mad country and we all tend to forget that this sport does not represent our country in any form or shape, anywhere. So, I absolutely agree that Sachin- no matter how great a cricketer he is- does not qualify even to be considered for Bharat Ratna. In India awards are usually awarded at the whims of the politicians who are plotting against one another. Awarding sachin is nothing more than a game of one -upmanship.
Honestly, nobody really cares about the government awards. In fact, of late they have become synonymous with nepotism and corruption. Rafi saheb is above all awards. There are millions of people like me who worship Him. No award will match up to the respect that Rafi saheb enjoys all over the world. Let us not be bothered by this and keep cherising and enjoying the treasure trove of musical gems that Rafi saheb has left behind for us.
Moods… Bahut Khoob as always Walijah saab….
====================================================
Heard the song : on Rafi saab radio today.
shaam suhani aayee re…. like to know more about this adorable composition by ? composer….. the film etc.
kindly send if possible .
binu nair: the Rafi Foundation, Mumbai : binus2000@hotmail.com
ref. post (21) Dear Bhagchandani ji,
First of all I welcome back our dear friend J.K. Bhagchandani ji whose love towards Rafi Saab is unshakeable and strong as mountain . My friend where you have been since so long. Any way you come back, this is the happiest news for me. Many thanks for your appreciation.
ref. post. (20)
Ramesh ji: I can feel the pain today as I felt every year on pre republic day when our Rafi saab’s name was deliberately cut off from the award. As I told you in my earlier posts.
ref. post (22)
Haldar Sahab, your views are cent percent true.
ref. post (18)
Almas Sahab, very truly you put forth your heart burn, I fully support your views and ideology.
ref. post (19)
Man Mouji Sahab, you too deserve a lot of accolades for your unbiased views.
Best regards
H.A.K. Walijah
Post 5, sir I think nothing is wrong if some write on a topic and that wrote before, some time two people they think the same way so that not mean one copy other…
Mr. Almas and others,
You might be surprised to know who else is being considered for the highest civilian honour along with Sachin. It is comrade Jyoti Basu! What more can I say about these “jokers”? Whether he deserves the award or not, Sachin made us proud. And Jyoti Basu? He single-handedly destroyed a state, which once used to be the pride of India. And he and his party never did anything for the freedom of the country, but had the gumption to call Netaji a traitor!
Ramesh ji, as I had said before, I feel your pain. But there is more to it than meets the eye. I will talk about it later; for now, I will keep my fingers crossed.
Regards to all Rafi bhakts,
P. Haldar
Hello all Rafi lovers,
I had been away from the site for nearly 3 weeks. There was some problem in opening the site. Moderator of the site (contacted through e-mail) intimated that there is no problem and comments are being received. My mail was also marked to Shri A.S. Murtyji who advised me to browse through Google Chrome. That worked. So thanks a lot Shri Murty ji.
So many articles and comments, so much happening on site, great to discover. I am still catching up.
Coming to this article, it is simply wonderful. H.A.K. Walijah saab great effort, brilliantly written piece to highlight the versatility of Rafi saab. Please accept my congratulations and gratitude.
-J.K. Bhagchandani
post 18 – mr.a.almas,
i like your reasoning and a sense of true evaluation of how the highest civilain award is generally supposed to be conferred as per certain guide lines laid down by experts.
however, you and i are innocent bystanders – if we open our mouth – a bit to wide and loud – liable to be mauled in public and may even attract penalisation under some dubious laws.
kaliyuga – is there and we are helpless.
no doubt every one scores but rafi sahab is no where near even being considered for nominations posthomously.
ramesh narain kurpad
ref. post (18) Mr. Almas
I absolutely agreed with your view point, futher
The list of numerous accolades won by Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar might just swell up today with its most precious possession till date. According to reports, Sachin is almost certain to be honoured with India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna. If he wins, Sachin’s this feat, like his numerous other achievements, would be another first as no other sportsperson has ever won the Bharat Ratna.
Sachin’s name for the honor has also been recommended, reportedly, by the Government of India, which makes the possibility of his winning stronger than ever before this time around.
Talking to reporters, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said:
“It is my desire that Sachin gets Bharat Ratna.”
The demand to decorate the batting maestro with the Bharat Ratna was first made way back in the year 2003 by the Shiv Sena and seconded by the then Human Resource Development (HRD) minister Murli Manohar Joshi.
Voices in favour of Sachin have gained momentum after he became the first batsman in the history of one-day international cricket to score a double hundred. He achieved the feat in a game against South Africa at Gwalior in February 2010.
When asked about the demands to bestow him with the honour, Sachin reacted in his familiar modest style:
“It is a rare honour but I am focusing on cricket. If it has to happen, it will happen,” he had said.
The list of winners of the coveted award is expected to be made public today.
I don’t believe Sachin’s contributions are of that order, for him to be awarded Bharat Ratna. He is merely a sports person, agreed a great one. But his aspiration to become a sports person was personal, not from any desire to serve country (I don’t know, how being a sports person can be considered as a service to the country). Yes, he definitely did a great service to the game and he should be awarded whatever is highest award for that game. If he made some Indians (who follow cricket) proud, it just happened, not that he intended to do so. He just liked the game and he played and played it beautifully, but that is about it. And he is getting paid rather obscenely for this “contribution”.
There are other sport personalities as well, who have done great service to the game. It is just that, they failed on the “number_of_people_whose_emotions_they_evoked” criteria compared to Sachin, because their games were not as popular as Cricket. e.g. Vishwanathan Anand.
From Wikipedia:
Bharat Ratna (Hindi: ???? ????, translates to Jewel of India[1] or Gem of India[2] in English) is the Republic of India’s highest civilian award, awarded for the highest degrees of national service. This service includes artistic, literary, and scientific achievements, as well as “recognition of public service of the highest order.”
How does “national service” or “public service” apply to his contributions.I don’t believe his service to the game should anyway be misunderstood as the service to the nation.
Bharat Ratna is not a popular choice award that should be given, just because cricket fanatic people of this country really want it.
There are many many people, who are doing far better service to the nation, selflessly. They have given life for that service, without any monetary return or expectation of fame. And they have truly made difference to people’s life (not just limited to few minutes of euphoria after a win or a century).
There are people like Baba Amte, Prakash Amte, Abhay Bang and many many others like them, who haven’t yet got this one. Awarding Bharat Ratna to Sachin, and ignoring the contributions of these would seem terribly insensitive IMO and a height of brain-deadness.
I am looking for a song by Rafi Saheb which is “khud jiyo auron ko bhi jeene do”
it is in a geet/nazm form, we used to hear it in our school assembly. it was a regular school assembly song, during the 70’s/80′ I assume.
We need it for republic day celebration, on 26th. If anybody remembers it kindly post at least the lyrics , so kids can sing it. I have tried Youtube also but this one thing is not there.
through this forum i also wish to convey condolences to he bereaved family of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi.
Regards
one small correction on film declaration is on 2 HASYA RASA ITEM NO.6 FROM SADHU AUR SAITHAN.
Hi, this is a really informative article.
A wonderful article and all my goodwishes to you for keeping up the good work. I really survive on the immortal songs of rafi saab especially ‘zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya…..’ of the famous hum dono ..
I am rafi-fan ! Rafi Sahib’s voice is indeed ‘God’s gift’ to enjoy the melodies which were sung from his soul. No one in this world can replace his voice. You can see his pictures his simplicity such a loving human being. May God be praised. About Rafi sahab, I just want say one thing that no singer can compare with him in singing. and we cannot have another Rafi like him till the world last. A LEGEND AND a greate human being….. RAFI SAHAB
Dear Walijah Sir,
You have done a very good job. If we analyse the film music after mohamed rafi saab’s demise we will feel his real absence.90% of the preset songs we cannot hear for more than 5 times. rafi saab was not only singing the songs but acting with his voice for the actor as well as for the situation. this is a rare ability for any type of performance in the world. What a wonderful subject. We had all along listened to all the songs listed but had never compiled them so beautifully and never imagined that there are ndeed so many of such lovely songs of Rafi Sahab. Great work of compilation and it was enchanting reading the same.
Kind regards
Prasad
Hi Friends,
This is really a sad news that India’s legendary Hindustani vocalist Bhimsen Joshi is no more, who died in Pune hospital on Monday. He was conferred the country’s highest civilian award Bharat Ratna in 2008. His death at 88 truly marks an end of an era in Indian classical music. I pay my last respects to the maestro just standing one minute in silence. May his soul rest in peace.
With a salute to the Maestro Pt. Bhimsen Joshi
H.A.K. Walijah
Secrets of Rafi Sahab’s immortal voice coming out day by day and of course !!! Walijah Sahab , you are one of most important persons who played a important role to RE-EXPLORE Rafi Sahab’s soulfull voice in these materialistic and technological world . Rafi Sahab’s fans thanks you a lot to remind the varieties of Rafi Sahab’s NAVRASA .
A Almas said very well :
Kaise na tere awaz ki ziya bikhre jahan main
Sach hai ke chupaye nahin chupta koi suraj
SAYED ARIF
Walijah Sahab, great thoughts. A new sight angle by seeing Rafi’s musicology in Rasas.
It is beyond our understanding that if Rafi’s voice has judged very nicely with Naurasas, what is the RAS which is in his voice ? I think it is SOMRUS or AMRIT RAS.
dear mr h .a.k.walijha thanx for sharing great article with us, rafi saab had no problem singing in any emotion,he was complete singer, i would like to invite each and every body to visit our beloved rafi saab”s blog,total over 500 pages are there,to go to next page, kindly click older posts,you will find bottom of every page,please don”t miss any page,kindly visit this link,take care
http://www.rafifanblog.blogspot.com/
Post (5): Dear Man Mouji Sahab,
I did not know until I read your comment that a similar article has already been existing in Rafi Forum. After that I checked that article written by Achal Rangaswamy ji, whom I revered the great fan of rafi saab. I am sure, Achal ji’s article is far better than mine. If I would have known earlier this thing, believe me I would not have posted my article. Basically the theme was same but the matter elaboration was quite contrast in nature for both write ups. I think myself a small fan before the stalwarts like Khaja Aliuddin sahib, haldar Sahab, Achal Rangaswamy ji, ramesh narain Kurpad sahab , they all big and die hard fans of rafi saab and many other like them whom I forget to mention here, devoting their time and intelligence to write their timeless articles and precious comments on this forum.
I am obliged to the fans of rafi saab who regularly post their comments to my write up, I specially convey my thanks to them for their encouragement and appreciation like –
Almas Sahab
Y. Sharif Sahab
Kabeer Aman sahab
A S Murthy sahib
Ali Sahab
My best regards to all rafi fans.
H.A.K. Walijah
Janab Walijah Sahab,
Rafi Saab, the millenium singer have million trillion of lovers who love him and his songs above all, nothing has left this singer for others to create a new, he always tried on various genres came out victorious, his versatality was matchless and superb. He became the beacon light for other singers to follow his style and voice but none succeed. Rafi saab can not be copied, he remains the only original singer until now. This is the grace of Almighty on this great singer. You did put your tireless efforts to write one of the dry subject which is not easy for common folk to undertake.
Many thanks for your true and honest efforts to bring out this write up in a lively and most interesting manner.
Long live Rafi Saab.
Best regards
Kabeer Aman
Dear Walijah Sahab,
It is amazing that the nine rasas are only visible in dance what you have mentioned – Indian classical dance forms like Bharathanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri, Kudiyattam, Kathakali and others include Navarasa, but Rafi saab sang songs depend upon on these rasas really an amazing feat. You put a lot of efforts to compile such matter and bring into one article is always commendable. I simply appreciate your write up and the brilliance of writing skills.
Keep it up and keep going.. All the best for your further endeavors.
With cordial respects
Y. Sharif
Janab Walijah Sahab, ASA,
Three cheers to you. Bahoot Khub. Bakhoul Man mouji sahab, maan gaye aapko.
“is ghirate naheed ki har taan hai deepak
shola sa lapak jaye hai aawaz to dekho”
with regards to all Rafi lovers,
Dr. Khaja Aliuddin
Dear Walijah Sahab,
Very nice of you to post yet another pearl rolled out from your heart. I salute you for this.
I would like to remind you that there was similar article appeared on this forum in October 2009 by the name Navraatri, the Nava Rasas and Rafi Saab’s great compositions, written by one more revered rafi fan Achal Rangaswamy ji. But when I read both articles I found a lot of difference in the content than the subject. Moreover it is wonderful attempt, I think it is quite difficult subject specially selection of songs to fit in the respective category.
Anyway, bahoot khub, maan gaye aapko Walijah saab.
Thanks & best regards
Man Mouji
Great topic sir,that what said by many actors….
Very Nice and informative write up.
Thanks again for sharing this information with all rafi fans.
almas sahab, behad khoobsoorat aur vaajbi sher likha hai aapne.
Walijah Sahab, fantastic article on different shades of rafi sahab’s singing which has encompassed all the nine ragas. You have analysed the various ragas and inserted the songs as examples very nicely. Thanks for the listing and description of the ragas.
Your very attempt at writing on different aspects of Rafi Sahab is by itself commendable and successful. Please keep writing.
Dear Walijah Sahab, ASA
I am glad again to read one more gem article poured out from your pen “Rafi Saab singing in Navaras”, In fact it is a tough job to select songs in each rasa category, even I can not venture into this hard journey to segregate the songs, I leave it to my respected and well-versed rafi friends to do this valuable work. Even you very rightly expressed the idea “ Mohammad Rafi was a superb vocal actor and could bring a range of emotions into the limited time (usually about 3 minutes, back then) a song allowed him”
I would like to appreciate your love towards rafi saab and his songs. I count you one of the most revered rafi fans ever come into light especially in Rafi Forum. I do not know what else you have written and would come to light in due course.
I want to conclude with a small urdu couplet
Kaise na tere fan ki ziya bikhre jahan main
Sach hai ke chupaye nahin chupta koi suraj
Best regards
A. Almas