Rafi with Music Composers – Part 7
This article is by Mr. Anmol Singh.
Rafi with Small Time Music Composers
There were many music composers who never had the fortune to work with Rafi for a longer tenure like the well know personalities viz. Naushad, Dada Burman, Madan Mohan, Ravi, etc. Many were such who just composed one or two songs for Rafi Saab and faded forever. Many are not very well known like the famous ones, but they have few hits under their credit, which revived them from the golden era. But there were quiet a few famous composers who had their own set of singers and peer groups have also contributed to Rafi Saab’s success. It indeed is very difficult to talk of each an every such music composer, but one can certainly think for few such gems, which could possibly be unknown to the world of music.
Shyam Sundar is the composer through whom Rafi Saab started his long journey as a singer. “Ne Heeriye Teri Yaad Ne Saatya†from the Punjabi film ‘Gul Baloch’ is Rafi Saab’s first song. Firoz Nizami holds the credit for a remarkable composition of the duet, which Legendary Noor Jahan in ‘Jugnu’ in which Rafi Saab had also acted, “Yahan Badala Wafa Kaâ€. When it comes to the tribute to the Father Of The Nation – Mahatma Gandhi, no song better than “Bapu Ki Amar Kahani†can provide it. Husnlal Bhagatram will be remembered for this great composition after Mahatma Gandhi’s death in 1948 sung by Rafi Saab. There is another gem composed by Husnlal Bhagatram, it is a duet with the Legendary Actress & Singer Suraiya; “Yeh Raat Yeh Nazaarenâ€. Adi Narayan Rao will be remembered for one unforgettable classical number, “Kuhu Kuhu Bole Koyaliya†from the film ‘Suvarna Sundari’. Rafi and Lata sing with terrific power and great control providing superb twist and turns. The song is based on multiple Raags but starts with Raag Sohani. Hans Raj Bahal composes a romantic song picturized on the actor Prem Nath, “Mohabbat Zinda Rehtihai Haiâ€. In this song Rafi Saab sings “Chali Aa†with full power. Hans Raj holds the credit for another patriotic song from the film ‘Sikandar-e-Azam’, “Jahan Daal Daal Par Sone†based on Raag Shuddha Kalyan. No other song can define India so well, perhaps the reason it is played on every 15th August during Independence Day. Talking about patriotic number there is another masterpiece sung by Rafi Saab for Gulam Hyder, “Watan Ki Rah Meinâ€. During the Indo-Pak war, Rafi Saab when on the border and sang the song to motivate the Indian soldiers. There was a composer called Iqbal Qureshi who can be remembered for the songs, “Subah Na Aayeâ€, “Main Apne Aap Se Ghabraa†based on Raag Tilang, & “Phir Aane Laga Yaad Wahi†sung by Rafi Saab. Iqbal Quareshi has many more compositions under his credit. Music Composer Babul will be remembered for his unforgettable compositions of ‘Naqli Nawab’, “Cheda Jo Dil Ka Fasana“, “Ham Deewane Tere Dar Se“. Babul has composed some Non-filmi Ghazals as well. G S Kohli will be remembered for his compositions in films ‘Shikari’ & ‘Lambe Haath’ in the 60s. If we recall the film ‘Goonj Uthi Shehnaayi’ we have to remember Vasant Desai for this remarkable piece of work. He uses Rafi Saab for all the songs picturized on Rajendra Kumar. The songs “Jivan Mein Piya Tera Sath Rahe†a mind-blowing fun duet with Lata based on Raag Gara & a solo “Kehdo Koi Na Kare Yahaan Pyaar†based on Raag Jogiya are memorable till date. If it comes to the Ghazals written by Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last emporer of the Mughal regime, no voice other than Rafi can do such an honesty. The Ghazals from the film ‘Lal Quila’, “Lagata Nahin Hai Dil Mera†based on Raag Kalyan / Yaman & “Na Kisi Ki Aankh Ka Noor Hun†based on Raag Shivaranjani composed by S N Tripathi are masterpieces of all times. In the second Ghazal the pain that Rafi Saab puts is just unbelievable. Event a specialist Ghazal singer may not be in a position to go to such a depth of pain. There is another master piece duet sung by Rafi Saab with Lata for S N Tripathi from the film ‘Janam Janam Ke Phere’; “Zara Saame To Aavo Chaliye“. From the film ‘Rustom Sohrab’ the song “Phir Tumhari Yaad Aaye Ae Sanam†is superb. Music composer Sajjad Hussian will be remembered for that. Sardar Malik father for present day composer Anu Malik has done some great songs with Rafi Saab. But the romatic number “Mujeh Tum Se Mohabbat Hai†based on Raag Pahadi is one of the classic compositions. Rafi Saab as sung for the Sitar Mestro Pandit Ravi Shankar in the film ‘Godaan’, based on the novel written by legendary writer Munshi Premchand. Ustad Allah Rakha the tabla mestro who did filmy compositions as A R Qureshi also used Rafi Saab for many of his compositions in the 40s & 50s. A duet from ‘Razia Sultan’ sung by Rafi and Asha is unforgettable, “Dhalti Jaaye Raat Kehle Dil Baatâ€. Music composer Lachchhi Ram will be remembered for this classic composition. From the film ‘Ab Delhi Door Nahi’ there is a fun song sung by Rafi Saab for children, “Chun Chun Karti Aayi Chidiyaâ€. Dattaram who has composed many remarkable scores for other singers will be best remembered. For the BR films banner Mahendra Kapoor was always the most preferred singer, but for an all time classic “Tu Hindu Banega Na Musalmannâ€, Duttaram Naik more popularly known as N Dutta chooses Rafi Saab. N Dutta has also many great compositions under his credit. Another classic “Ponch Kar Ashq Apni Aankho Se†is equally marvelous. Such a song will provide a healing touch to a depressed mind. Another classic sung by Rafi Saab, “Maine Chand Aur Sitaaron Ki Tamanna Ki Thi†based on Raag Bhimpalasi composed by N Dutta has a very beautiful use of Sitar between the Sthayi and Antara of song. C Arjun will be remembered for the all time great Ghazal, “Paas Betho Tabiyat Machal Jayegiâ€. Rafi Saab sings for the comedian Jagdeep. Rafi Saab provides a master performence here. Another composer Ramlal will be best remembered for his composition for the V Shantram film ‘Sehra’. Two songs are remarkable a catchy duet with Lata, “Tumko Pyar Ho Sajani†based on Raag Maru Bihag and a sad solo, “Taqdeer Ka Fasaana†based on Raag Desh where the Shehnayi is used very effectively and beautifully. Sapan Jogmohan will be best remembered for a classic Ghazal from the film ‘Begaana’, “Phir Wo Bhulee See Yaadâ€.
So we move ahead in the 70s where the lean phase of Rafi Saab’s career begins. Here composers Shamji Ghamshamji deliver two beautifull songs out of which one is a duet with Krishan Kale. The songs “Mere Hasraton ki Duniya†& “Anpi Aankho Mein Basaakar†are remembered till date. From the film ‘Ek Naari Do Roop’ there is another classic sung by Rafi Saab “Dil Ka Suna Saazâ€, full credit goes to the Music Composer Ganesh. This song is part of almost every Rafi musical nite held in his memory. A well-known composer Ravindra Jain primarily associated with Rajshri Productions creates a classic duet with Lata, “Ek Daal Par Toota Bole†from the film ‘Chor Machaye Shor’. In the film ‘Do Jasoos’ Rafi Saab sings with Mukesh “Do Jasoos Karen Mehesoosâ€. There are two more duets with Mukesh from the same film. Full credit goes to Ravindra Jain. In the mid seventies from the film ‘Mrig Trishna’ a classical number “Nava Kalpana Nava Roopse†sung by Rafi is truly remarkable. The Dream Girl – Hema Malini a renowned classical dancer provides a super performance on screen, matches the each and every rhythm perfectly for each and every swar. The credit goes the composer Shambu Sen who has also written the song.
As we move towards the late 70s it sees the rise of many new music composers. Bappi Lahri is one them who has composed many remarkable scores for Kishore Kumar in late 70s and later through out the 80s. Bappi Lahri during the 26th death anniversary of Rafi Saab in one of the news channels declares ‘No one can sing like Rafi Saab’. He sings a song himself “Sathiya Gham Nahi Karna†originally sung by Rafi Saab, which is one of his personal favoraites. A music composer called Pandurang Dixit will be remembered for the song “Sainath Tere Hazaaron Hanth†from the devotional film ‘Shirdi Ke Sai Baba’; Rafi Saab delivers another unforgettable masterpiece. Ram Laxman is another composer who holds the credit for the devotional song, “Devaa O Devaa Ganpati Devaaâ€. This song is played every year in majority Ganpati Pandals during Ganesh Ustav in Mumbai. From a film ‘Junoon’ directed by Shyam Benegal there is one song, “Ishq Ne Todi Sar Pe†where it takes a very unusual sudden lift to a very high pitch. This song represents Rafi Saab’s ability of V-TOL technology (vertical take-off & landing) used in modern day high tech Harrier Jets. Only Rafi can sing such a tough tune composed by Vanraj Bhatia. There is another newcomer of 70s Anu Malik who uses Rafi for a classic composition in the film ‘Poonam’, “Mohabbat Rang Layegi Janab Ahista Ahistaâ€, where Rafi sings for another newcomer Raj Babber along with Chandrani Mukherjee. For the duet “Janam Janam Ka Saath Hai†a mind-blowing duet with Lata from ‘Bheegi Palken’, music composers Jugal Kishore-Tilak Raj hold the credit. Last but not the least Rafi Saab sang for his collegue ‘The All Rounder Legend Kishore Kumar’ along with Manna Dey a few months before his death. The song is “Band Muthi Lakh Ki†from the film ‘Chalti Ka Naam Zindagi’.
To conclude it is indeed very difficult to write on Rafi Saab’s work spanning across a career of almost four decades in just a few pages. It’s like finding a few drops of water in huge ocean of music. There could be many unlisted gems, which most Rafi fans may not be aware at all. Considering the songs, which have been recorded but not released so far. For example Madan Mohan’s unreleased tunes where recreated in the film ‘Veer Zaara’ by his son Sanjeev Kohli, appeared evergreen in the present times, although they were actually composed thirty years ago. Full credit goes to filmmakers like Yash Chopra who indeed play a vital role in promoting melody to the audience in present times. We hope many Rafi Saab’s unreleased gems are also made public via musical albums.
In the end I would be thankfull to all the Rafi Fans in particular Mohan Flora, Sagar Thakar, P Narayanan and many others for providing vital information of many songs sung by Rafi Saab. I would also be gratefull to the website MohdRafi.com and to the WebMaster Pradeep Prabhu for publishing this entire piece of work on the website. Above all I would like to thank all the readers and die heart Rafi Fans for the love & appreciation which they have shown in the blogs and via phones calls. Your appreciation gives us the encouragement to explore and write more about Rafi Saab.
Thanks once again.
Tribute from other Personalities
Anu Malik
“Mohammed Rafisaab remains my biggest source of motivation and inspiration. I recorded three songs with him for Poonam and one for a untitled film of Premnathsaab that never took off.’Laagi lag jaaye…’ from the former film was the last song that he recorded live – the recording was on 25th July. After that he did a song for L-P, but the track had been kept ready and it wasn’t a live ‘take’. I shall never forget what he told me: `Kamal ke phool ki tarah taharte rehna!’ He was simply the calmest, most serene and kindest human being I knew. He would insist on rehearsals but often refuse to accept money. Rafisaab was a very ‘giving’ person. He gave me vital tips on how to teach singers your song. I adore him, for he was music himself!”
Anup Jalota
“I recorded ‘live’ with him for my first film Shirdi Ka Sai Baba. The year was 1975 and the song was ‘Sai Baba bolo…’ He was truly a man of God, simple, devoted to his work, and devoid of any vices. He taught me so much on that single occasion, like what should be my posture in front of the microphone, and how I should throw my voice into it. He would tell Manoj (Kumar)ji, who was the lyricist as well as the man behind the film, “Dekho, Punjab se ek aur sher aaya hai!” I attended so many recordings just to observe him at work. I have always emulated his distinct way of enunciating each and every word with the clarity of a polished pearl. Earlier, singing his songs on shows was like a part of my training! “There was no dividing line between his singing and his persona, and that’s what makes an artiste immortal. We needed him to be around for many years. Today, singers who follow his style – Udit Narayan and Sonu Nigam – are at the top, proof that Rafi would have still been a topper if he was alive!”
Nitin Mukesh
“I was in awe of the man, and all the Mukesh-es, including my dad, my brother and I have always been huge fans of Rafisaab. To me personally, Rafisaab was the best thing that ever happened to Indian music, and in fact when Papa was alive I would sing his and Kishore-Uncle’s songs in Papa’s shows. Though Rafisaab was completely versatile, I always thought there was a strange pathos in his voice. And he must have been a great actor to make us feel that every hero he sang for was actually singing himself! Having met Rafisaab so often, I am still entranced by how such a shy, private person in real life would turn into a Shammi Kapoor, a Mehmood or a Jeetendra in front of the mike! “He was among the first to reach my side when Papa passed away, and I remember his exceptionally kindness each time we recorded songs together. Those who became so big, I firmly believe, are born with everything correct, but few have the heart of gold that Rafisaab had. Oh, I could go on and on about Rafisaab!”
Ravindra Jain
“I began my career on January 14th,1971 and it was Rafisaab who sang my first film song for N.N.Sippy’s Silsila Hai Pyar Ka, which never took off . From my first release Kaanch Aur Heera, it was his song ‘Nazar aati nahin manzil…’ that is still remembered. He never made me feel that I was new, and he put in the same dedication into my song that he would for, say, Naushadsaab’s song. Even today, the void that he has left is not filled. Time flies and it is shocking to realize that shahad ki duniya se juda hue 25 saal ho gaye hain. I would like to repeat the sher I had written to express my feelings when he passed away:
Peshaani pe shams ankh mein taaron ki ziya thi
Woh kaise bujha jis ko zamane ki dua thi
Nakhush hai Khuda apne farishton se
Nahin to dharti ke farishte ki zaroorat kya thi.”
Shabbir Kumar
“Rafisaab’s persona is best encapsulated by Majroohsaab’s mukhda in the Rafi song ‘Waadiyan mera daman, raaste meri baahen, jaao mere siva tum kahaan jaaoge.’ This craze for Rafi and his songs will never end . On my stage tours, I get requests to sing some of his rarest songs even in far-flung corners of the world. 25 years later, each and every Rafi song sounds as fresh as if it was recorded just 25 seconds earlier! I got to sing in two films in which he too had sung – Baghawat and Farz Ki Jung, because of which I feel blessed. “I had three meetings with him, one at a show in Ahmedabad where I just could not help weeping at his feet at the sheer ecstasy of meeting him in person, for as a stage singer I would always sing his songs. The second meeting was at his recording: I just made his sketch that I handed over to him, and he was very appreciative. And the third and tragic last ‘meeting’ was when, among a crowd of thousands, I got the momentary honour of lowering his body into the grave! I could touch that body when millions of others could not! And I thought,
Bataa ae zindagi yeh raaz kya hai
Yeh jeena ka naya andaz kya hai
Khamoshi maut hai agar aadmi ki
Rafi ki har taraf awaaz kya hai.”
Suresh Wadkar
“Apart from being his fan and sharing playback credit in some films, I had the privilege of singing with him in Anpadh, and believe me, it was sheer joy. The song was a qawwali by Ashaji, Rafisaab and me and frankly, I was more than a little nervous. He put me at ease completely. I think that no other singer could bring out the sweetness and masti of every word, incredibly fit his voice to every hero and yet be in such perfect sur that every note was well-rounded and a complete experience in itself.”
Usha Mangeshkar
“He was so simple, so pious and free of vices that he would not even have a supari, and a singer of no ordinary calibre. He would be especially caring and helpful with young artistes, which I remember right from our first recording for Kinare Kinare when I was a rank newcomer. I still remember that for our song ‘Sainath tere hazaaron haath…'(Shirdi Ke Sai Baba), I was faltering over a dozen times at my cue, but though his feet were swollen and it was painful to stand, he smilingly told me not to worry and keep trying, even though I suggested that my line should be done by the chorus. When one take was finally okay, he was even game for another, which was the norm then as a technical precaution.”
Please send me the songs at my main address kabdola_333@yahoo.co.in is “Isque mohhabat ki kuch hain ajeeb Rashmain” Film Name is Zum Ki Pukar
Thanks.
hi anmol singh,certainly u have done a labourious task by writing the name &work of these music directors. some time u might have forgotten to write a few more coposers. in my speedy reading i can’t find the names of naashad( filim pyar ka dastan).master nizar( song..chanda ka dil doot gaya),kamal rajastani (filim phir bahar aayi)hafiz khan,mohd shafi jamal singh( filim rangeela), jithin shyam(filim arab ka sona song utto hai muemino mahi ramzan aaya) and hement bhosley ,who is the son of ashaji .rafi sab and varsha bhosley had sung a beautiful song under the baton of hement bhosley in 1976.the list is incomplete.in my estimation ..ham tumse wafa karke … is the best work of hans raj behl a very fine duet of rafi with sureyya(filim shan) any one who had any doubt about this please visit hansraj behl blog “behle” page and write about it after hearing .
when one talks of Rafi singing for lesser known or commercially less successful mds, one can find a significant percentage of his quality songs have been composed by these talented musical souls. Most of these songs that comes to mind are musically rich, lyrically beautiful but most of all brilliantly sung by Rafisaab.
In “Ek dil ke tukde hazar hue†composed by -Husanlal Bhagatram in Pyar Ki jeet Rafisaab brings out the pain of a jilted lover literally standing in his shoes(that of the lover). His voice has the same effect in two thematically similar songs “Mohabbat ke dhoke mein†in Badi Bahen composed again by Husanlal Bhagatram and “Hum aapki mehfile mein bhools se†from Jabse Tumhe Dekha composed by Dattaram.
Sapan Jagmohan, the perennial dark horse has composed one of the most haunting songs sung by Rafisaab – “ Teri aawaz ki jadugari se na jaane kis jahan mein kho gaya hoon†in Teri Talash Mein which aptly summarizes the feelings of a listener when he/she is listening to songs of Rafisaab . While listening to this particular song, one can almost visualize the lover wandering through the mountains and deserts in search of his beloved.
Moving on to the next song “Bina tumhare mazaa kya hai†from the movie Street Singer composed by Suraj, it is hard to find a song similar to this that is full of romance and yet at the same time manages to evocatively bring out the pangs of separation of the lovers. There were rumours that music for this film was scored by SJ and since they did not want to be associated with a B category movie, they thought it fit to use the pseudonym – Suraj (name begins with S (Shankar) and ends with J (Jaikishan) ) . It maybe coincidental that that their superhit film “Suraj†was released in the same year as Street Singer (1966).
The next two songs are among the best romantic numbers sung by Rafisaab – “Main to tere haseen khayalon mein “ from Sangram composed by the trio Lala – Assad-Sattar and “ Maana mere haseen sanam†from The Adventures of Robin Hood composed by GS Kohli. If one goes on the list will probably run into pages.
Please send me the song
-Nava kalpana nava roop se- from movie “Mrigtrishnaâ€.
please send it to my email id
rdayal3@rediffmail.com
iam looking 4 a private song by rafi: karam nahia matatha
Please send me the song
-Nava kalpana nava roop se- from movie “Mrigtrishna”.
please send it to my email id
s.thangaraj@accenture.com
or
thangaraj74@rediffmail.com
Please send me the song of poonam film -mohobbat rang layegi
Thanks
RAKESH
my husband name is balvinder songh and he is very faan to modh rafi sahab and he have collect canseld racord sons and he is very crazy to rafis sons every old song
Of restraint & control by tavaishnav
Critics of master singer Mohammed Rafi most often harp on one thing – that Rafi was often very loud. I must say you can produce many songs as evidence that this was so. Many music directors, I guess, have composed songs based on a very high pitch and with loud accompaniment mainly to take advantage of Rafi’s ability to scale those high pitches. Mahendra Kapoor’s case is even more stark, and he has sung some mind-bogglingly high-pitched songs (na munh chhupaa ke jiyo, I am sure, has some ultrasonic frequency components).
Here I wish to point out that Mohammed Rafi was actually a master of the soft, restrained, controlled songs as well. I list below ten very restrained Rafi songs, executed with breathtaking control by him. Most of the songs remain in the lower sur’s throughout, and have a vilambit taal, as far as I can tell. Each one has been tuned by a different music director, and have been selected so as to note that this forte of Rafi was widely noticed and made use of. This is by no means an exhaustive list of such songs.
1. man re, tu kaahe na dheer dhare (music: Roshan, lyrics: Sahir, film: Chitralekha)
Hailed by Asha Bhosle as the best male playback song in Hindi ever composed, this has also been chosen as the best Hindi film song ever, period, by a panel of 20 judges from the film music industry in a recent poll by Outlook magazine. But regardless of these opinions, listening to this song, you get the idea of perfection in human effort. Lyrics, composition, singing come together brilliantly to convey the intensely philosophical mood of the song.
2. koi saaGar dil ko bahalata nahin (music: Naushad, lyrics: Shakeel, film: Dil Diya Dard Liya)
The Naushad-Rafi combination did not hold as much charm in its later years as in the late ’40s and early ’50s. This ghazal is an exception. The measured tones and Rafi’s great command over the drunken mood drive home the unremitting despondence in the words of the ghazal.
3. apani to har aah ik tuufaan hai (music: S. D. Burman, lyrics: Shailendra, film: Kala Bazaar)
This is one mischievous song. Picturised in a train (or, maybe, in a set of a train), it is apparently philosophical and addressed to God (uparwala), but is actually addressed to the lady in the upper berth. Here Rafi’s voice is extra-soft, making a plea, and makes the song thoroughly enjoyable.
4. koi sone ke dilwala, koi chaandi ke dilwala (music: Salil Chaudhary, lyrics: Majrooh, film: Maya)
This song makes you wish there were many more Salil-Rafi songs, but unfortunately, Salil Chaudhary himself did not share this enthusiasm. This piano song has a breezy pace and Rafi glides on a velvet carpet throughout. The easygoing pace of the song is a musical euphemism, since the words convey disillusionment (mehfil ye nahin teri, deewane kahin chal).
5. ik haseen shaam ko dil mera kho gaya (music: Madan Mohan, lyrics: Raja Mehdi Ali Khan, film: Dulhan ek Raat Ki)
This is Rafi at his utterly romantic best, starting from the humming in the prelude to the end. Rafi displayed a great felicity in enunciating certain words, such that those words seemed to acquire new meaning. The shaam in the mukhda is pronounced so beautifully here that it makes the environment of a romantic evening come alive.
6. huii shaam unka khayaal aa gaya (music: Laxmikant-Pyarelal, lyrics: Majrooh, film: Mere Humdum Mere Dost)
Laxmikant-Pyarelal had some wonderful tunes up their sleeves in the initial years of their career. In this reflective song of remembrance, notice that Rafi pronounces shaam more conventionally (with less improvisation) compared to the earlier song.
7. akele men vo ghabarate to honge (music: Khayyam, film: Shola aur Shabnam
This beautiful song is from the early days of Rafi and the very early days of Khayyam. The latter’s mastery over tunes and the slight classical tint that he gave to so many songs are both visible in this song.
8. ham aur tum aur ye samaa (music: Usha Khanna, lyrics: Majrooh, film: Dil Deke Dekho)
I can imagine how proud Usha Khanna must have felt on composing this fantastic song in her debut effort. Rafi used to make an extra effort for new and less renowned music directors, and he imbues this song in blissful romance.
9. jaag dil-e-deewana, rut jaagi vasl-e-yaar ki (music: Chitragupt, lyrics: Majrooh, film: Oonche Log)
Feroze Khan was immensely fortunate to have this longingly romantic song picturized on him. Chitragupt has tuned this exceptionally well, and Majrooh has written magnificently. Rafi does justice to both, conveying the pining of the hero in the slight vibrations in his voice while starting each stanza.
10. vo ham na the, vo tum na the (music: Iqbal Qureshi, lyrics: Neeraj, film: Cha Cha Cha)
What a superlative song this is! If you ever wanted to listen to the so-called silken voice of Rafi, listen to this song. Brilliantly written for a melancholy mood, this song is sung in an extremely cultured voice, reflecting the great amount of work singers used to expend in preparation for songs in those days. The other great Rafi solo from this film is more well-known – subah na aayee, shaam na aayee, and it reaches the high, high pitch that I started off referring to.
Dear Anmol and Sagar,
LATAJI DIDN’T LIKE ME PROMOTING NEW SINGERS,†says Ravindra Jain
Faridoon Shahryar, IndiaGlitz [Thursday, November 16, 2006]
“Lata ji didn’t like me promoting new singers,†says Ravindra Jain, the veteran music composer who made a comeback with Sooraj Barjatya’s ode to marriage ‘Vivah’ recently. Winner of the prestigious ‘Lata Mangeshkar Award’ conferred on him this year by the Maharashtra Government, Jain considers the rendition of ‘Ram Teri Ganga Maili’ by Lata as one of her best. “I introduced singers like Hemlata with ‘Ankhiyon Ke Jharoke Se’ as I wanted new talent to come forward, but somehow Lata ji didn’t like that,†he adds.
Known for soulful melodies, Ravindra Jain started his career with ‘Sunayna’ and earned fame with one of Amitabh Bachchan’s earlier films ‘Saudagar’. ‘Tera Mera Saath Rahe’ and ‘Sajna Hai Mujhe Sajna Ke Liye’ from that film are golden melodies that touch the soul even today. He went on to compose songs like ‘Gori Tera Gaon Bada’, ‘Jab Deep Jale Aana’, ‘Main Hoon Khushrang Henna’, ‘Le Jayenge Le Jayenge’, ‘Ghungroo Ki Tarah’ which still reverberate in the collective unconscious of the country. He also gave music for Ramanand Sagar’s television serial ‘Ramayan’.
His latest offering ‘Vivah’ is a mixed bag. ‘Mujhe Haq Hai’ attracts immediately while the rest of the song appeal in the context of the film. Ravindra Jain is a true gem of the soil who is an inspiration for all those who are handicapped and yet attained a lot in life. Being blind hasn’t deterred him from writing lyrics and composing for numerous films and private albums. IndiaGlitz salutes his giant achievements
Dear Mohan,
Unlike Music Composer Ramlal, Jaidev also had to live under similar circumstances.
http://www.downmelodylane.com/jaidev.html
It the above artcile which mentoins Jaidev winning 3 National Awards, still did not get his dew. The song “‘Kabhi khud pe kabhi halat pe rona aya” Sung by Rafi Saab represents Jaidev’s last years the best.
Dear Sagar,
Thanks for the information on Ravindra Jain’s latest composition sung by Udit Narayan. Certainly it would be interesting to listen. Rafi Saab’s loss to Ravindra Jain can be seen from the excellent tribute given by him.
Regarding Suresh Wadker he does not consider singers without classical knowledge. Since he is himself a classically trained singer certainly understands Rafi Saab the best.
Dear ATM Salim,
First of all thanks for the compliments. Secondly I am grate full to you for providing us detailed information on Rafi Saab’s contribution to Bengali Songs.
Rafi Saab’s voice suits every era of music whether Indian Classical or Western, etc. During his lean phase there are many hits which Rafi Saab has delivered both filmy and Non filmy.
WITH REFERENCE TO MY COMMENTS ON 01/11/06, MAY I REQUEST THE
ADMINISTRATOR TO UPDATE THE DATABASE OF RAFI SAHAB’S BENGALI SONGS – AS I HAVE OBSERVED THAT 16 SONGS ARE MENTIONED FOR BENGALI SONG LIST .
BUT AS FAR AS I KNOW , RAFI SAHAB HAS SUNG A TOTAL OF 23 BENGALI SONGS. THEY ARE AS FOLLOWS :
12 -FOR MODERN BENGALI SONGS ;
2 -FOR BENGALI FILM SONGS ( FILMS ARE :” AUJASHRO DHANYBAD” &
“PROHARI” )
9 -FOR NAZRUL GEETHI .
THIS IS FOR INFORMATION TO ALL RAFI FANS WHO LIKE TO LISTEN TO RAFI SAHAB’S BENGALI SONGS .
WITH REGARDS/ A.T.M. SALIM.
Dear Mohan Flora,
I was deeply touched by the article on Ramlal tragedy. If Rafi sab would have seen this he would have offered all the help needed to Ramlalji.
As for competition Rafi sab was above all and it would have been not a surprise that He would have ruled like an Emperor till now. Even after 26yrs he is the heart of all the masses who love melodious music.
Dear Harvinder,
All middleaged persons like me are not computer sauvy ofcourse with some exceptions. Infact being an ardent fan of Rafi sahab unfortunately i got associated with this excellent site this year only. I used to write to Screen and other newspapers in their letter to editor column highlighting Rafi Sahabs Bharat ratna and other memorials.
Infact I am happy that I could get in touch with very dedicated Rafians on mobile and partly email who are keen to bring Rafi Sahabs popularity to the TV media and develop program to honour him in this media.
Also this group exhanges songs amongst fans which is ably supported by the prominent persons in this web.
Also if god willing a doc film on Rafi Sab comprising of his career will be made and english biography with the able support of all Rafians.
P.Narayanan
Dear Anmol,
Thanx for your response to the Ramlal tragedy. I really feel sorry for such souls!
The indian film industry is most unpredictable and so are the people attending to it. Like they say” chaadte suraj ko salaam and doobte ko doobao”! Even though the end life experiences of some may have been due to the excesses of the earlier life-style, however, in majority of the cases it is not so. The system has become so competitive and rat-raced that latest trend and goat mentality of the audience bypasses good talent and many of the deserving are left wanting. I hope the industry-film and music -along with with the artistes make themselves disasterproof in the future and we fans are not left wondering about their fates! We should be left doing what we are best at doing-enjoying their music!
By the way, just listen to this last Rafi-Kishore duet and wonder what Rafi would have done to the competition were he still alive!
http://www.allindiansite.com/ads/p/s1.asp?qu=h/s/mohammed_rafi/salamat_rahe_dostana_hamara-ii.rm
http://www.india4world.com/indian-personality/index.shtml
said by the King of sad songs
“The voice was a gift from God to Rafi, but what Rafi made of it was a gift to God” – Talat Mehmood.
thanx again anmol bhai for these gr8 articals, thanx mohan for ur informations and songs that ur applying on ur posts and thanx all of u for making the old music imortal.
keep on going
Dear Mohan,
It is very sad to read about music composer Ramlal. Perhaps there could be many like Ramlal Choudhary. Our film industry completely ignores the contribution of the artists of yesterday once they are not in a position to perform. Their songs may be still heard in the AM / FM radios or any other farmish program, but they themselves may be in a bad state.
Dear unknown 1,
You are asolutely correct about the Rafi magic and your brother spoke the truth,thank God! Rafi,s voice is divine,sweet,gentle, peacefull, playfull and everything else-depends on your mood!
Rafi”s Magic
sir mohanflora I asked many people who don’t understant Indain when i was listening 2 Mohd Rafi with othe male singer I asked them who is the best offourse the answer was Mohd Rafi.My friend younger brother he is aroubd 19 years old he don’t listen 2 Mohd rafi songs he like new songs I asked him who is the best singer he said Kummar Suna and I asked him 2 answer me honestly who is voice is the best in all singers he said Mohd Rafi
VAGARIES OF LIFE: TAQDEER KA FASAANA!
Musician of yesteryears faces his own music
MUMBAI, Sept 7: When Ramlal Choudhary gave music to the Mohammed Rafi song ‘Takdeer Ka Phasana Gaakar Kisse Sunaaen’(to whom should I tell my sorrowful fate) four decades ago, little did he know that the words would one day come back to haunt him in real life.
Today, at the age of 81, the former Bollywood music director, who composed such hits as ‘Pankh Hoti To Udd Jaati Re Rasiya O Zaalima’, does not know when he would be able to eat his next meal.
Poverty has even forced his 65-year-old British-born wife to find work.
“I am not asking for much. If the Government cannot provide me two meals a day, I request it to provide at least one meal,” says a bitter Choudhary sitting in an old cot in a tiny room which is his house in Khetwadi area on the grant road.
Choudhary is angry that he is forgotten in the land to which he gave the best of his life. “They distribute awards every year and give financial help to artisans. Is my contribution to music any lesser than theirs or are they deaf that my music is not reaching their ears?” asks choudhary clad in a faded T-shirt and lungi.
He and his wife Rita lives on the Rs 700 he receives from the Maharashtra Government. Sometimes, royalty comes from overseas, but this happens only occassionaly and it is not sufficient to live comfortably. Rita was forced to work part-time in a charity organisation. But the amount she earns is meagre.
In his golden days, Chouhary used to smoke three packets of cigarettes. But, today, he has to think twice before even smoking a beedi. He lived in the posh Colaba in South Mumbai in his hey days.
Choudhary composed songs for superhit films like ‘Sehara’, ‘Husnbaano’,‘Geet Gaaya Pattharon Ne’,‘Navarang’,‘Nakaabposh’ and ‘Naaglok’.
He came to Mumbai in 1944 and got a job in Prithviraj Kapoor’s Prithivi Theatre Group as an assistant to music director Ram Ganguly. With Ganguly, he played the flute in ‘Dekh Chaand Ki Aor’ Sung by Shamshaad Begam and Shailesh ‘Jindaa Hoon is Tarah Ki Ghame Zindagi’ sung by Mukesh ‘Raat Ko Jo Chamake Taare’ sung by Shamshaad Begam and Mukesh and ‘Kaahe Koyaliyaa Shor Machaae Re’, sung by Shamshaad Begam.
As a full-fledged music director, he first landed with producer P L Santoshi’s Raj Kapoor-Vaijayantimala starrer ‘Tangaawalla’ in 1950. He recorded six songs for this film. Unfortunately, the movie was never released. In between, he played continued to play the flute and shehani in various films.
In 1952, he got a second chance as music director for the baal hardeep produced film, ‘Husnbaano’.It was a hit film and established Choudhary as a music director.
‘Yaa Nabeeb Salaam Lai Jaa’ and ‘Pyaar Karane Ka Ayaa Jamaana’ became hit songs.
Then came producer-director V Shantaram’s ‘Sehara’.It was a superhit film. ‘Pankh Hoti to Udd Jaati Re O Rasiya Jaalimaa’ sung by none other than Lata Mangeshkar, ‘Takdeer Ka Phasaana Jaakar Kise Sunaaen’ sung by Mohammad Rafi, ‘Tum To Pyaar Ho Sajana’ rendered by Mohammad Rafi and Lata and other songs brought Choudhary international fame.
One more feather was added to his cap with V Shantaram’s ‘Geet Gaaya Pattharon Ne’ released in 1965. Mr Choudhary recorded ‘Tere Khayalo Mein Hum’ sung by Asha Bhosale, ‘Saanson Ke Taar Par’ and ‘Dhadakan Ki Taal Par’ sung by Asha Bhosale and Mahendra Kapoor were all popular numbers of those days.
Thereafter, the singer of yesteryears says, he found himself out of the industry due to the machinations of some powerful music directors and renowned producers.
He, then, decided to produce his own film. With a partner, Charles, he started the film, ‘Tyagi’ under the banner, ‘Panna pictures.’ but after some time, the partner left him stranded. Choudhary lost about Rs 60,000 in the project and a whisper campaign started in the industry that as producer, Choudhary could not do justice to his films. He got no more films.
Choudhary has to his credit, playing Shehnai in ‘Aag’, ‘Mughal- e-Aajam’ and ‘Navrang’. In ‘Sehara’, Sandoor exponent Pandit Shivkumar Sharma and in ‘Geet Gaaya Pattharon Ne’- flute maestro Pandit Hariprasad Chourasiya worked under him. Laxmikant Pyarelal have worked with him as assistants in ‘Maaya Macchinder’. Kalyanji Ananadji also worked with him in ‘Naaglok’ under his direction.
Many prominent singers like Lata, Asha, Usha Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi, Suman Kalyanpur, Kishori Amonkar, S P Balsubrahmaniam, K J Yesudas and Hemant Kumar have sung under his direction.
Choudhary, who stopped getting work five years ago, is now left to humming his own tune, ‘Takdeer Ka Phasana Gaakar Kisse Sunaaen.’ (UNI)
Rafi’s magic!
While going thru the net, I found this recent Aug 2006 comment by a foreigner who does not understand indian languages and who has watched an indie film Ghostworld released 2000 featuring Jaan Pehchaan Ho from Gumnaam. It sort of sums up the effect he will have on us Indians!
“If you’ve seen Ghost World you’ll remember this song, it opens the film. An old film clip of Mohammed Rafi singing the song is shown while the star of the film dances like Annette Funicello at a beach party.
The song is amazing (to me at least, at first it made me laugh, but then it grew on me), sixties American beach pop as interpreted by East Indian musicians – from it’s jungle drums to the twangy Eddie Cochran guitar to the punchy brass section, and Rafi’s voice, I still don’t understand why I like it. I still don’t understand what he’s saying either, but nevertheless I sing along… annoyingly.
For a related article of Rafi with so-called lesser MD’s please visit
http://www.mohdrafi.com/1993/08/
DEAR ANMOL SINGHJI
IT’S A MARVELLOUS ARTICLE !
YOUR ARTICLE DEPICTS THE DIMENSION OF VOLCANIC TALENTS OF RAFI SAHAB !
FOR THIS ,THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH .IT HAS GIVEN ME (OR RATHER ALL RAFI FANS) -IMMENSE JOY AND PLEASURE .
IN THIS RESPECT ,I MUST SAY THAT I HAVE ENJOYED IN READING YOUR PART 7 PARTICULARLY .
AS YOU HAVE MENTIONED THE LEAN PHASE OF RAFI SAHAB –
IT IS DURING THIS PERIOD ,I THINK ALL RAFI FANS WERE DESPERATE FOR LISTENING ANY NEW SONGS OF RAFI-WHICH MAY BECOME ” HIT” AND RAFI SAHAB COMES BACK WITH A BANG !
BUT RAFI SAHAB DID COME BACK WITH A BIG BANG WITH HITS OF DHARAMVEER.CHACHA BHATIJA,LAILA MAJNU & HUM KISISE KUM NAHIN.
HIS COMEBACK WAS SO SUPERB THAT IT’S “JERK” WAS FELT IN KOLKATA ALSO IN 1978 WITH THE RELEASE OF 4 BENGALI MODERN SONGS BY INRECO COMPANY FOR DURGA PUJA -UNDER THE TITLE ” TOMADER ASIRBADE “.THE MUSIC OF THIS ALBUM WAS SCORED BY BASU MANOHARI (WHO WAS AN ASSISTANT TO R.D.BURMAN) . THIS ALBUM WAS A GREAT HIT IN THAT YEAR (1978) FOR BENGALI MODERN SONGS ARENA . DUE TO THIS IMPACT, RAFI WAS CALLED TO SING A BENGALI SONG IN A BENGALI FILM ” AJOSHRO DHANYOBAD ” ALONGWITH ASHA BHONSLE & SHAILENDRA SINGH. THIS SONG WAS ALSO BECAME A HIT.
THEN ANOTHER ALBUM FOLLOWED TITLED “AEBAR TAHOLE AMI JAYEE ” BY
MEGAPHONE COMPANY IN VIEW OF DURGA PUJA IN 1979 .THIS WAS ALSO A GREAT HIT!
THEN IN 1980 ,ANOTHER BENGALI ALBUM WAS ABOUT TO RELEASE FOR DURGA PUJA IN 1980. IT WAS FOR THIS ALBUM RAFI SAHAB WAS GETTING READY WHEN HE PASSED AWAY !
BUT TO KEEP THE SHOW RUNNING ,HMV ( NOW SAREGAMA CO.) QUICKLY
BROUGHT OUT A RE-RECORDED BENGALI SONGS WHICH WAS EARLIER RELEASED FOR THE FIRST TIME WHEN RAFI SANG THOSE (4) BENGALI MODERN SONGS.THE ALBUM WAS TITLED “O DOOR DIGANTHO PARE ” .
THEN IN 1980 MUSIC INDIA LTD ALSO BROUGHT AN ALBUM OF RAFI’S RENDERING NAZRUL GEETHI(BENGALI) TITLED ” AJO MADHURO BANSURI BAJE “.THE SONGS WERE RECORED EARLIER OF 1980 (PROBABLY 1979) THIS ALBUM WAS A TRMENDOUS HIT .EVERY BENGALI/NON-BENGALI PERSON ENJOYED THE ALBUM .(I DON’T KNOW WHETHER YOU PEOPLE HAVE LISTENED TO IT OR NOT)
ALSO ,IN 1979 , RAFI HAS SUNG ANOTHER BENGALI SONG (QAWWALI TYPE) IN ANOTHER BENGALI FILM NAMED ” PROHARI ” WITH ASHA BHONSLE UNDER SWAPAN JAGMOHAN’S MUSIC DIRECTION.
THUS RAFI SAHAB’S COMEBACK WAS AN EXTRA ORDINARY WAY!
DEAR ANMOLJI , YOUR ARTICLE ONLY PROVES -RAFI SAHAB IS THE ” BADSHAH ” OF ALL THE PLAYBACK SINGERS.
THANKING YOU ONCE AGAIN
BEST REGARDS/ A.T.M. SALIM.
Mr Binu Nair can be reached via e-mail also binus2000@hotmail.com
Dear Rafians,
Mr Binu Nair based in Mumbai is writing a biography on Rafi Saab. We should all help Mr. Nair in every possible way we can. Mr Nair can be contacted on the cell – 9833250701.
Dear Mohan Flora, Anmol, Harminder, Unknown and all the innumerable fans,
I personally feel that Rafi Sahab totally dominated the hindi film music form the 50s to 69 that even Lataji couldnt match which was amply proved during their royalty dispute. Hence when Rajesh Khanna wave started the sheer impact of Rafi Sahabs popularity did not diminish unlike some views but that period gave all fans like us some lovely songs till 76 and THE COME BACK FROM 77 DUE TO LP MANMOHAN DESAI NASIR HUSSAIN PERIOD WAS TERRIFIC THAT IT REMINDED US THE SHAMMI RAFI ERA WITH RAFI SAB SINGING FOR ALL THE TOP HEROS FROM RISHI TO AMITABH
P.Narayanan
who can gave……
dear fans,
As said by Media that KK was at top from 1969 to 1976 it is not true,How one can be the best only in gaving one hit film?!!!!!as said by Mr Bachchan that I am the same man but the media made me bad and good.
How can give few films which was hit because of KK singing not because of film maker or film actor?How can gave me jest one song singed by Mohd Rafi for Rajesh Khanna and that song is not hit?Media can make u at top it was with KK in 70”s,I don”t mean that KK was bad he was a good singer,
Media can make u for zero to herro
Harvinder bhai,
It is true that the media created a myth about the eclipse of Rafi in the early seventies. Even though the KK/RD/Rajesh wave was sweeping filmdom, Rafi kept going on even though at a reduced pace. Rafisaab would have been remembered on the basis of the early seventies songs alone, such were some of the selections. But he wanted to prove a point-no one can keep a good one down for long. In the annals of Hindi film history he did a dramatic comeback to the top- the likes of which had never been seen before! Such was the force of his comeback to the top again by the late seventies, that he was going through the busiest phase of his career at the the time of his passing away in 1980.All the MD’s ,including RD, who shunned him in the early 70,s were again “singing his tunes”. One of his songs which shows his versatility is from Gunga Jamuna-a Punjabi singing Bhojpuri! See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSi70Isxkow
Harvindar Ji,
Quality is always less. This world is full of blind followers. Very few can understand and feel melody. During Rafi’s lean phase there were prominent film makers like Nasir Hussian & Chetan Anand along with Music composers like Madan Mohan & LP who always banked for him. Hats off to their confidence in Rafi Saab when every one was running after KK.
Thanks Anmol/Mohan Flora,
It is wonderful to hear such lovely numbers which were sung during the so called lean patch of Mohd Rafi. I was once listning to many more songs of Rafi Saheb between 1970-1975. It realy surprises me that despite these many numbers, his critics wrote him off.
Knowing that Rafi Sahab could not have antagonised anybody even unwittingly, what is it that there are some people critical of this pious soul ?
Rgds,
Harvinder
**************** RAVINDRA JAIN SAHAB *************************
Friends, 26 years ago there was a film released ” KHWAAB ” produced by SHAKTI SAMANTA , featured Naseeruddin Shah , Mithun Chakravarty , Sujit Kumar etc.. MD was Ravindra Jain Sahab, this film had singers like RAFI SAHAB , SURESH WADKAR , YESUDAS …. There was this song in the film ” TU WOH HASEEN HAIN .. JISKI TASVEER MUDDAT SE .. ” sangy none other than or Rafi Sahab….
On 10th November 2006 RAJSHRI PRODUCTIONS PVT.LTD. are releasing a movie called ” VIVAH ” produced by Suraj Barjatya …. This film has been musically directed by RAVINDRA JAIN SAHAB… and Jain Sahab has composed a song for UDIT NARAYAN which is replica of ” TU HI WOH HASEEN HAIN ” just check out the same feel of the song which Rafi Sahab mastered 26 years ago…. UDIT NARAYAN has dicto copied the voice and high pitch notes of RAFI SAHAB…
The reason I have provided this info because still people like RAVINDRA JAIN SAHAB are in love with our RAFI SAHAB can’t forget him … may be he is looking for that same magic which he created in KHWAAB …a dream with RAFI SAHAB.
On Sunday 29th October 2006 I was watching a interview of SURESH DADA WADKAR on ETV , he also had an impact of RAFI SAHAB on him, although in his interview he clearly mentioned that if anyone thinks of singing there is no other way to know in and out of classical music because without its knowledge you never know what you are singing, it becomes baseless no matter how good is your voice but that voice doesnt have any ROUTE to travel…. so true his words are and I think RAFI SAHAB has clearly proved these words …..
Check out the music and this song by UDIT NARAYAN for film ” VIVAH ” do not buy the CD … just check on PROMOS which is now aired on TV in various channels….. I was surprised that JAIN SAHAB kept the theme of that song same and just replaced it by words …………..
Regards
Sagar
Rafisaab’s all time hit -apni ankhon mein basaakar- by a little known MD
Shamji Ghanshamji had us Rafi fans delirous with joy during the so-called lean phase! http://www.channeldosti.com/oldies/Muhammad%20Rafi/Apni%20Ankhon%20Mein%20Basakar.mp3
Dear Anmol,
There are many among us who talk more and work less. You are among the few who do the opposite and you have proven the adage-actions speak louder than words. Your dedication and writings to the cause of Rafisaab will encourage more people to come forward and enlighten us about Rafi’s music and humaneness. Thanks again for taking time out from work etc, to give us a collection of well written articles. You are right when you say that it is not possible to give a whole gamut of Rafisaab’s monumental works in a matter of a few pages but what you have given is, I hope, fodder enough for others to delve into research of Rafi. Or… why not entertain us with some more articles. I know many Rafians are clamouring for..GIVE ME MORE!
Thanks again Sir,
i remmber when Ram Laxman asked why he used Lata voice and he answered that he not use only Lata voice he used many other vioce and he gave the name of singers who singed for him but when he remmber that Mohd rafi singed for him he said that I never forget that Mohd rafi singed for him and spoke about greatness of mohd rafi.