Rafi’s Lean Phase – Beginning and End
This article is written by Mr. Anmol Singh.
Introduction
For a singer like Rafi the so-called a lean phase can never happen but certainly it can be created. This was exactly what happened with Rafi Saab in 1970s where the entire media machinery including the film fare award nomination criteria appear to be working against him. We need to analyze where exactly things went wrong.
Last Phase of the Golden Era
1969 perhaps sees the success of Aradhana and Kishore Kumar for which R D Burman (Pancham) needs to be credited. It’s a known fact, initially Rafi was finalized for all the songs for Aradhana by Dada Burman. As Dada faces health problems during the production of ‘Aradhana’ after recording two duets for Rafi Saab, Pancham takes over the responsibility. Since Rafi Saab had been for Haj Pilgrimage Pancham takes the opportunity to train Kishore for rest of the songs. The success of ‘Aradhana’ establishes Kishore as full-fledged singer. Kishore gets awarded for “Roop Tera Mastanaâ€. Perhaps the media claims that the rise of Kishore was the end of Rafi. It was not so. Dada Burman did use Kishore after the success of ‘Aradhna’ more but did not avoid Rafi Saab completely. But Pancham was not same as Dada. He did try to promote Kishore at the cost Rafi Saab. The most classic example is the song “Tum Bin Jaanu Kaahan†from ‘Pyar Ka Mausam’. Rafi sings both the romantic and the sad version of the song for Shashi Kapoor, where as Kishore Kumar sings only the sad version for Bharat Bhushan. Prior to this Kishore never gave play back for Bharat Bhushan. It was mostly Rafi Saab. But the most surprising part is why the sad version of “Tum Bin Jaavun Kahan†sung by Rafi Saab was suppressed. Why did the filmmaker allow this to happen? Why the media talks only about the sad version sung by Kishore, why it doesn’t consider the sad version sung by Rafi Saab at all. There are questions to be answered. Rafi Saab indeed delivered many mind-blowing gems in 1969.
In 1970 Dada Burman uses Rafi Saab for films like “Taalash†and “Isk Per Zor Nahi†mainly for duets with Lata. Rafi Saab has delivered many great numbers in 1970. To name a few – Haye Re Haye, Dhal Gaya Din Hogayi Sham, Hamse Tho Aachi Teri Payal, Rang Rang Ke Phool Khile, Gulabi Ankhen , Ponch Kar Ashq, Jhilmil Sitaron Ka, Khush Rahe Tu Sada, Khilona Jaan Kar, Kaan Mein Jhumka Chaal Mein, Khuda Bhi Aasmaan Se, Yeh Mausam Bhiga Bhiga Hai, Mere Mituwa Mere Geet Re, Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil, Sukh Ke Sab Sathi, Tumse Kahoon Ek Baat, Yunhi Tum Mujh Se Baat, etc
Best Male Playback Singer – 1970
Mohammed Rafi – Khilona Jankar (Khilona)
Mukesh – Sabse Bada Nadan (Pehchan) Won
Mukesh – Bas Yehi Apradh (Pehchan)
Considering the number of hits delivered by Rafi Saab, there is no way the award could go to anyone else.
The Beginning of the Lean Phase
In 1971 also Rafi Saab delivers many hits but no nomination appears. From this point onwards Rafi Saab’s songs start disappearing from film fare nomination listing. Neither in 1971 nor in 1972 film fare nominations not a single Rafi song appears. But the fact remains Rafi Saab sang many superb some in 1971. To name a few – Mujeh Teri Mohobbat Ka, Aap Aaye Bhaar Ayee, Kitna Pyara Waada, Goriya Kahan Tera Des, Chalo Dildar Chalo, Dil Use Do Jo Jaan Dede, Rut Hai Milan Ki, Jab Bhi Yeh Dil Udaas, Kuch Keheta Hai Yeh Sawan, Mein Ek Raaja Hooni, Nafrat Ki Duniya, Yeh Jo Chilman Hai, Etanaa To Yaad Hai Mujhe, Yeh Raat Hai Pyaasi Pyaasi, Thoda Ruk Jaayegi Tho, etc.
Best Male Playback Singer – 1971
Kishore Kumar – Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana (Andaz)
Kishore Kumar – Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai (Kati Patang)
Manna Dey – Eh Bhai Zara (Mera Naam Joker) Won
The songs Yeh Jo Chilman Hai & Etanaa To Yaad Hai Mujhe are filmed on Rajesh Khanna. Apart from this the song Nafrat Ki Duniya from ‘Hathi Mere Saathi’ is also picturized on Rajesh Khanna. All these songs were beyond the capability of any singer to deliver. Therefore Rafi Saab gives play back for Rajesh Khanna through a master performance.
As we move in 1972 comparatively where Rafi Saab does deliver few hits compared to 1971. Na Tu Zameen Ke Liye, Nazar Aati Nahin Manzil, Patta Patta Buta Buta, Pyar Ka Sama Kam Hai Jahan, Voh Kya Hai..Ek Mandir Hai, Yeh Zulf Kaisi Hai, Bade Bewafa Hein Yeh Husn. Etc. But no nomination.
Best Male Playback Singer – 1972
Kishore Kumar – Chingari Koi Bhadke (Amar Prem)
Mukesh – Jai Bolo Be-Imaan Ki (Be-Imaan) Won
Mukesh – Ek Pyar Ka Nagma (Shor)
In 1972 Pancham uses Bhupinder along with Lata for the song ‘Beeti Na Bitaayee Raina‘ from ‘Parichay’. This is a classical based song for which Rafi Saab is the best suited. If not Rafi then Manna Dey could be the next in line. If Pancham can use Manna Dey to playback for Dharmendra in ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’ and Amitabh in ‘Sholay’ then why not for Sanjeev Kumar. Though Pancham had the ability to compose classical based songs but miss used both Manna Dey and Rafi Saab in the early 70s. He repeats the same thing later in the song ‘Naam Gum Jaye Gaa’. This time Bhupindar gives playback for Jitendra. Of course no intension to criticize Bhupindra here, he sang the numbers exceptionally well as per his standards. But by using Rafi Saab for these songs and one can imagine the outcome.
In 1973 again Rafi Saab delivered many mind-blowing numbers. To name a few – Aaj Mausam Bada, Badi Door Se Aayen Hein, Churaliya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko, Deewane Hein Deewane Ko, Dil Ka Suna Saaz, Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho, Mein Tumse Milne Aayi, Meri Hasaraton Ki Duniya, Teri Bindiya Re, Yaadon Ki Barat Nikhali, Etc.
Best Male Playback Singer – 1973
Kishore Kumar – Mere Dil Mein Aaj (Daag)
Manna Dey – Yari Hai Imaan Mera (Zanjeer)
Mohammed Rafi – Hum Ko Jaan Se Pyaari Hai (Naina)
Narendra Chanchal – Beshak Mandir Masjid (Bobby) Won
Shailendra Singh – Main Shayar To Nahin (Bobby)
After delivering so many hits in 1973 the song nominated for Rafi Saab composed by Shanker Jaikishen is nowhere near compared to the hits, which were delivered by Rafi. Dada Burman gets awarded for the film “Abhimaanâ€, which is remembered the song “Teri Bindya Re†is till date.
The fact remains that Rafi Saab was finalized to deliver all the songs for ‘Bobby’ to playback for Rishi Kapoor, but things changed at the last moment so Shaliendra Singh gave playback for all the songs including the duets with Lata. (Courtesy: Program on Doordarshan).
In 1974 also there are few hits compared to 1973. Aa Batadenge Tujeh Kaise, Apni Aankhon Mein Basakar, Ek Daal Par Toota Bole, Teri Galiyon Mein, Nazar Aati Nahin Manzil, Resham Ki Dori, Wada Karle Saajna, Koi Phool Na Khilta, Saj Rahi Gali Meri, Aa Raat Jaati Hai, etc.
Best Male Playback Singer – 1974
Kishore Kumar – Gaadi Bola Rahi Hai (Dost)
Kishore Kumar – Mera Jeevan Kora Kaagaz(Kora Kaagaz)
Mahendra Kapoor – Aur Nahin Bus (Roti Kapda Aur Makaan) Won
Mohammed Rafi – Accha Hi Hua Dil Toot (Maa, Bahen Aur Biwi)
Mukesh – Main Na Bhooloonga (Roti Kapda Aur Makaan)
In 1974 nomination for Rafi Saab was again a repetition of 1973. The song nominated for Rafi Saab composed by Shaarda is nowhere near compared to the above-mentioned songs sung by Rafi Saab.
This clearly indicates that Rafi Saab’s caliber was being under rated in the early 70s. In fact Dada Burman wanted to use Rafi for all the songs of “Sagina†to play back for Dilip Kumar. But surprisingly Kishore gave play back for Dilip Kumar. One should compliment Dada Burman that despite his falling health he tried to do full justice to Rafi Saab during the 70s.
As we enter 1975 the year where we see the sad dismiss of Madan Mohan. But before that he delivers two gems for Rafi Saab, ‘Mausam’ and ‘Laila Majnu’. Madan Mohan refused to give music if any singer other than Rafi Saab was used in ‘Laila Majnu, hats off to his confidence. The same year also saw the end of Dada Burman as well.
Again coming back to Pancham he uses Rafi Saab in “Aandhi†along with Amit Kumar for a qawaali, “Salaam Keejeeye†where Rafi Saab provides the classical touch. For the rest of duets with Lata, which are again classical based songs, he uses Kishore. Lata sings the classical part where as Kishore sings it straight, the songs appear to be very one sided. Again no intention to criticize Kishore here. Possibly by using Rafi or Manna Dey the classical jugalbandi (co-ordination) between two singers could have been perfect.
The Comeback
Finally the release of “Laila Majnu†in 1976 turns out to be instrumental in Rafi Saab’s come back in a new way. Rafi Saab delivers mind-blowing solos and duets with Lata. From there Rafi is the main voice for Rishi Kapoor. This is where the so-called lean phase of Rafi Saab finally comes to a finish.
Another most important factor that influenced the comeback of Rafi was the LP’s use of Kishore in the early to mid 70s. LP gave Kishore one of their best works during this phase, which literally out performed Pancham’s entire work with Kishore in the 70s. LP gave Kishore a totally different direction without completely avoiding Rafi Saab through the songs – Accha to hum chalte hai, Jawani o diwani tu zindabad, Khizaan ke phool, Mere diwanepan ki bhi dawa nahin, Sachaai chhup nahin sakti, Yeh jeevan hai, Dil ki baatein, Mere dil mein aaj kya hai, Haal kya hai dilon ka, Aap ke anurodh pe, Daakiya daak laaya, Na hansna mere gham pe, Chal dariya mein doob jaaye, Gadi bula rahi hai, Ruk jaana nahin, Mile kahin do ajnabi, Maine kuchh khoya hai, Yeh mausam aaya hai, etc. LP made Kishore sing Qawwalis, Ghazals and Semi classical songs for which even his mentor Dada Burman was reluctant to give. Dada always chose Rafi was such numbers. The result of this LP went far ahead of Pancham. Many Pancham loyalists switched over to LP. Once LP were on top, they brought back Rafi Saab.
Now analyzing the period between 1969 to 1976, which is considered as a Kishore era and a lean phase of Rafi Saab, is actually neither of the two. If we go by the statistics then Mukesh has won maximum awards 1970, 1972, 1976 in this period plus one National Award for the song “Kai Baar Yun Bhi Dekha Hai†for the film ‘Rajni Gandha’ in 1974. Kishore got awarded in 1969 & 1975. Rafi Saab got nominated just 4 times but provided several hits during this phase. So the question is, was Mukesh a better singer than Kishore & Rafi Saab during this phase. In fact Pancham’s patronage to Kishore at the cost of ignoring Rafi Saab acted as an advantage to Mukesh and his loyalists. Indeed Kishore sang the best songs of his career during this phase but some one else waked away with the rewards. So where did Pancham go wrong? Possibly he should have adopted his father’s strategy to use both Rafi Saab and Kishore effectively; things could have been totally different. Dada Burman knew which singer should be used where; no wonder he was one of the greatest composers of all times.
After the set back from LP, Pancham makes another comeback through the unforgettable score of ‘Hum Kissi Se Kam Nahi’ this time using Rafi Saab. There after the late 70s saw a complete dominance of Rafi Saab. Pancham along with Rafi Saab brought back the old charm of late 60s through the songs – Hai Agar Dushman, Dushman, Pal Do Pal Ka, Kya Hua Tere Wada, Chand Mera Dil Chandni Ho, Yeh Ladka Hai Ye, Pyar Hai Ek Nishaan Kadmon Ka, Maine Puchha Chand Se Ke, Mileh Jo Kadi Kadi, Yaa Ali…Naam Abdul Hai Mera, Yamma Yamma, Jaanu Meri Jaan, Pucho Na Yaar Kya Huaa, Ab Raat Ho Gayi Jawan, Ham Jab Ek Saath Hein, Paise Bin Kaise Ham, Bade Bade Logon Ke Yaar, Mohobbat Mein Aji Kya, Phool Sahara Mein Tho, Haiya Haiya Bolo Bolo Kuch, Ik Shok Haseena Se, Kaun Kisiko Band Saka, Mujeh Doston Tum Gale Se, Seedhi Raaste Chalogi Tho, etc. Statistics revel that Pancham used Rafi Saab the maximum between 1977 to 1980 than any other singer.
Industry forgets Rafi
The industry remembers Mukesh but forgets Rafi immediately. Mukesh passed away in 1976 but gets awarded for “Kabhi Kabhiâ€. Apart from this nominations for songs sung by Mukesh appear in 1977 and 1978 listing as well. Once Rafi passed away in 1980 his 3 nominations “Mere Dost Kissaâ€, “Dard-e-Dil†& “Maine Puchha Chand Se†are overruled by one duet sung by Kishore / Lata “Hazar Raahenâ€. This indeed is a great insult to Rafi Saab. It is a well-known fact that maximum songs appearing in the Binaca Geet Mala of the year 1980 were sung by Rafi Saab. Songs sung by Rafi Saab before his death got released later between 1981 to 1986, but there is no single nomination from 1981 onwards. Indeed the film industry has been very unfair to Rafi Saab towards the end. Certainly it does not deserve another Rafi.
It is a fact that the media can play a lot to make somebody
good or bad but at the same time it is a fact nobody can
replace Rafi Saab.The era of good music had gone with the
heavenly abode of the one and only great Rafi Saab and the
songs after him proved that.The only rival for Rafi Saab is
Lataji but if we see the same songs rendered by both, Rafi
Saab’s songs became super hit.
let the media ignore rafi. he remain in peoples Heart.
thats more important. he is a gem whose voice is cheished
by all music lovers
Main khud hairan hun ke media rafi sahib ko keun ignore kar raha hai unke jaisa koi nahin. Akhbar wale bhi unke bare men kush nahin likhte. Filmon ko Jo rafi sahib ne diya wo kisi actor director ne nahin diya.
rafi was great rafi is great and will always live great,woh sangeet ke badshah hain, no lata no asha no kishore(bore) can match him, aisa singer es yug mein paida nahi ho sakta.rafi sahib was a honest man unko rab yaad tha nahi tu doosre singers ne naam ke liye kya kya nahi kiya. jitni veriation rafi sahib ke geeton mein hai woh aur kisi bhi singer mein nahi hai , unke samne lata bhi kuch nahi hai kishore kis khet ki mooli hai,
let me make it very straight. Rafi sahab gets 101/100 for every song he sung for and KK gets 99/100 for he sung. Thats final verdict from me. I am a great great lover of Rafi sahab voice, but not KK, i dislike him, the sheer voice, what a man he was, a nautankibaaz, he should have been in politics with his antic way he behaves.
certainly, very true words. This industry does not deserve not only another Rafi but not Rafi at all. The man belongs to us kind of persons who knows his true worth, in our hearts. RD Burman himself died in penury in terms of work, noticed anyone. He used Shabbir Kumar in his later years in the first half of 80s but not kumar shanu type of singer. Any answer why. Let me relate, because you wil find something of a resemblence to Rafi sahab’s voice in Shabbir Kumar. I still consider Shabbir Kumar and Mohd. Aziz better singers than Kumar Shanu and Abhijeet and so
dear rafians,
i m too a great fan of rafi saab.i m just 20 yrs of age but listen only to rafi saab songs.i don’t like new songs at all,there r all tesing to ears. i hav seen ur article and it very good.
we don’t hav to prove that rafi saab is best,bcoz the song he had sung hadn’t suited any other singer.
4-5 yrs before i don’t like old songs,but when i saw a article in newspaper on 31st july of mohammad rafi,i brought the songs wich were mentioned there.it was really pleasing.From that time i m searching for all rafi songs,even if its very tough to get all of them.
His songs were full of emotions.he was able to sing all the songs of any types wheter its emotional or clasical or romantic.his voice was so sweet that we can feels the emotions of the person for whom rafi was singing.such beautiful were those songs.his voice touches the heart
today’s songs are very boring composed only for time pass,no emotions at all.
in the end i will say that rafi was,is and will remain the best singer and human being in the bollywood.
no doubt kishor kumar was a great singer.but just think taht can any singer else then rafi was abale to sing thats songssong o duniya ke rakhwale,nafrat ki duniya chodke,dono ne kiya tha pyar mager,gam uthane ke liye jiye jaunga .
i dont think that kisore or mukhes can singh like that way.
wadiyan mera damn this song is sange by rafi and other version by lata but when u listen the song u find that even lata sang very romanticly but his upper notes was not parfect compare to rafi.
so many thing are their which proved that md rafi was suprem and gretest.award is meningles for a singer like that.if lata is melody queen then rafi is aslo suron ka smrath.
singing ends after rafi sahab. he was last point of singing.film industry is a market where clever people live,rafi sahab was not so clever.there is no point in saying that kishore took over rafi saheb.,this kishore da also knew this fact.
Mohd Kiani,
variety is the spice of life, sometime more spice is bad of life also. All singers prosper with time and fortune, so where Rafi, Kishore, Mukesh, etc.
Well Kishore’s & Mukesh’s prospering should not result in a lean phase, the way it was projected by the media of that time, perhaps active even today.
I listened the 2 songs of 1973 & 1974 film fare nomination, one is “Hum Ko Jaan Se Pyaari Hai” composed by SJ, great song. The other one “Accha Hi Hua Dil Toot” is ok but very ordinary composition by singer Sharda, who was never a full fledged composer.
Between 1971 to 1976 if one makes a carefull observation, the 2 songs nominated for Rafi are composed by MDs of 60s. In other words the Anti-Rafi lobby was successfull in projecting to the world that Rafi is not capable to sing songs under next generation MDs. But the fact remains he sang several hits under all MDs of the early 70s.
variety is the spice of life. enjoy.
Best Regards Mohammed K Kiani
A very detailed analysis on the indian music/film industry and internal goings-on. I found your analysis very interesting, but samilar things can be said for Hollywood in America. You either love the voice of a singer, or you hate it. I love the vocals provided by Rafi, Kishore and Mukesh as they each provide a quality that is very different to the others. Rafi is supreme overall, but Kishore gives any song a care-free hard rock sound quality, and Mukesh provides the high pitched emotional turmoil needed for human suffering like the violin in an orchestra. In allowing Kishore to develop in the early 70’s, I think we were privilaged by having these three greats existing at the same time. Imagine how it would have been if we had no Kishore & Rafi duets or Rafi & Mukesh duets as in Saat ajube from Dharam Veer. Regards. Mohammed K Kiani (U.K.)
Hi Suraj,
Possibly it was a miscalculation on part of Raj Kapoor to select Shaliendra for Rishi in film “Bobby”. Surprising when Raj kapoor made “Prem Rog” we never selected Shaliendra again for Rishi, this time it was Suresh Wadkar.
In later years Rafi proved to be the true voice for Rishi. Films most of us are aware “Laila Majnu”, “Amar Akhbar Anthony”, “Hum Kisi Se Kam Nahi”, etc. The list is endless.
If you listen to Rafi while talking, at the age of 50 + his voice appears like a teenager’s voice. Perhaps the reason at that age also his voice suited majority youngsters of 70s and early 80s.
Hi Suraj,
Please refer to the following link.
http://inhome.rediff.com/movies/2000/oct/31burman.htm
CORRECTION: i meant rafi, not kishore…had ss failed the test – the songs would have gone to RAFI! thanks.
Anmol singh: Please verify these three points you’ve made.
“The fact remains that Rafi Saab was finalized to deliver all the songs for ‘Bobby’ to playback for Rishi Kapoor, but things changed at the last moment so Shaliendra Singh”
“It’s a known fact, initially Rafi was finalized for all the songs for Aradhana by Dada Burman. As Dada faces health problems during the production of ‘Aradhana’ after recording two duets for Rafi Saab, Pancham takes over the responsibility. Since Rafi Saab had been for Haj Pilgrimage Pancham takes the opportunity to train Kishore for rest of the songs.”
“In fact Dada Burman wanted to use Rafi for all the songs of “Sagina†to play back for Dilip Kumar.”
1. I’m under the impression that Raj Kapoor wanted a fresh new voice for Bobby. Shailendra Singh stated that if he failed the screen test the songs of Bobby would have gone to Kishore (this doesn’t bar the idea that LP reluctantly took SS in place of Rafi and would have insisted on Rafi even more had SS failed the test). Can you address this?
2. I’m told that Dada was active and personally recorded Mere sapno Ki Rani himself with Kishore. I wonder who Dada’s original choice for that song was? I didn’t sense much romance in Kishore’s rendition of Mere Sapano Ki Rani. It was rendered as a fun song by Kishore. Incidentally, I’d say the same exact for Koi Haseena Jab Rooth Jati Hai from Sholay (music from Sholay didn’t due as well as it should have). Dada was famous for being stubborn on picturisation. I think the picturisation is supposed to be more romantic than just plain fun. On that note, one could wager that Dada was not the MD else he wouldn’t fail to match his music to the scenery and get the right emotions from his singer. I tend to agree with you but we do have that question mark.
3. Is this true? What is your source?
in this world innerly every one is mixture of good,bad ugly but higher percentage inside him leads to give him personality in society and lable wether he is good or bad ,secondly without hurting any one no one reach to peak,and if all of sudden some one get fame , fan and money he cannot control himself or digest easily (Ex: Once upon a time so called super star Rajesh khanna who think he ruled the industry and ruined himself and presently shahrukh in same path declaring statement arogently) In this filmi world every where celebrity are behind power and want to rule over in theire respective field without giving chance to people to give him justification .
when this is the world we never heard any controversis due to Rafiji or any statement by him against any of his rival camp by him in his all career span for the sack of vesed intrest,and purely on his ability and merit and goodness he climbed to gaurishankar( highest peak) so my request to rafians dont lean down any of the singer by comparing him with rafiji.sun is sun and cannot be replaced by any high voltage light.
In his career span he himself didn’t find any compeiitator .
one song of his film “AKELA HOON MAIN HUMSAFAR DHHONTA HOON “as homage to god gifted voice
-Prakash shah >>>> 09426287666
There was never a lean phase in Rafi saabs career, Every song Rafi saab sang is a gem.
Read so many letters in this site. Really our Film Industry has forgotten Rafi Saab. Indian Film Industry is ungrateful from the beginning. There were few people of this so called Industry when Bhagwan Dada started his last journey.. the same with Bharat Bhushan..the same with Nirupa Roy and etc. etc. We all know Nirupa Roy was an all time mother of Big B’s films, but when she passed away her son (Amitabh Bachan) was nowhere in the funeral to give a company of two steps. How can this ungrateful Industry remember Rafi Saab ? Every body is busy in his own business. How many of them go to Rafi Saab’s grave on 31st July every year ? Well, there are millions of fans like us where Rafi Saab still reigns and will reign till the sun rises in the east.
Dear Pearl,
Please use refined language. And please learn to take criticism
in your stride as one has an inalienable right to one’s opinion
in MOHDRAFI.COM
binu nair
binus2000@hotmail.com
and Mr. Chote Thakur,
You don’t remember Dil hi dil mein, because the tune doesn’t have long
lasting capability. Abhijeet has nothing to with it, he has done a good job
Given it to Sonu, it would be in the same place as it is now.
I doubt if Sonu can make it as good as Abhijeet made it.
I just laugh when you appreciate him that way and you critise Kishore
Kumar. Oh, man. You really hate Kishore Kumar for some other reason
Not Music or his voice at least.
Grow up !
You are right Binus, I always appreciate when someone appreciates
Rafi and I love to read those articles too. But when some folks misused
their talent and write foolish things then what can I say ? They are no
more talented, they are actually foolish who by chance were recognized
as talented.
Chingari koi Bhadke is a great composition and I love the way Kishore
Kumar sang it. “Dil dhal jaaye” from Guide is a great tune and I love
the way Rafi sang it. You may not like what I said but no one deserves
to make a stupid statement and mess up the things.
To Chote Thakur,
There are some frustrated people who have so many wishes but are not
able to fullfil them. So there are two things.
1. The frustration comes because of name and fame of others
2. To relieve from this frustration(they think it will relieve), they choose
some great professionals and keep insulting them. What’s the reason
of their babbling ? They have no idea.
and see how stupid they are, they use some other great professionals
and show the respect for them to critise the ones they hate.
They think it as an added advantage and will support their foolish views.
There are some stupid frustrated people like this and I guess you are
one of them.
Dear Pearl,
I am with you and we should never use wrong or bad words for any artiste.
We may differ on the quality/inputs from an artiste but we never have any
right to use foul words.
Mohd.Rafi himself would have disapproved this…….
We have billions of people on this earth and we will never have similar opinions
and that every individual has a right to his/her opinion. So, a request is made –
to use nice words even when you have a different opinion.
I wish to state herein that a music lover once said: Shankar Jaikishans arrival
made the music scene bad. He is a Saighal, Pankaj Mallick, fan and he likes
the music of pre 1947 days….
Should we use abusive words for him since we do NOT agree with him that S.J.
combo spoilt the music scene…. Never as each one has his own liking and
dislikes…
This is a very popular site and let us enhance its image…… and discuss Rafi
saabs songs and his great values……
binu nair
binus2000@hotmail.com
and show off is your another nature. You know “Little knowledge is dangerous” ?
It’s very much applicable to you. Your little knowledge of piano has made you eligible
to insult other singers and MDs ? great man ! what’s your name and address tell me.
I would like to see how does a person like you look like.
You are fan of Nauhad, Mohd. Rafi and Shankar Jaikishen, did they every behave like the
way you do ? did they every comment like the way you do ? no and never. But you do,
That’s the difference between a wise person and a laymen. A wise person never babbles
like that but a laymen does.
So learn something from your favorite singer and MDs.
It’s good that you love music, you know how to play the piano. I appreciate and
keep learning the things but never ever show off.
Take Care
Your friend
Pearl
Mr. Chote Thakur,
That shows how poor you are. Someone who appreciates Sonu Nigam like he is a
great singer but calls Kishore Kumar “the old fart”. Shame on you, anyway you won’t
cause you ahve no sense other than babbling. After reading your post, if the Admin
and other members are silent then it proves it’s the business of this site to insult
Kishore Kumar and do all the mockery. However you can’t blame on me, cause
I never insuted any singer or MDs. Anyway, you are not mature to understand.
I feel bad for other members who are silent, so are they all the same ?
Ofcourse, Udit Narayan, Kailash Kher, Kay Kay are very talented singers. But Sonu ?
a million dollar question. I will repeat few things about him.
1. Can copy Mohd. Rafi, it’s a talent.
2. Lacks melody when he tries to sing in high pitch
3. He doesn’t sing, he moans especially when he sings sad songs
If you are fan of Sonu Nigam just because He can copy Rafi then this proves once again
that how immature and poor is your choice.
I am a big fan of Naushad because of his classical music and originality.
Don’t make fun of what I said. Don’t cover your faults by saying I have insulted
Naushad. I just said I prefer Shankar Jaikishen, Madan Mohan over Naushad
because they gave versatile tunes. If it’s an insult I don’t want talk about it.
and I am sorry, really sorry to have compared the MDs which I shouldn’t
But think of your nature, how easily you can insult singers and MDs.
You play piano, I liked that, I appreciate that. If you think you can be a very good
MD, then just send me one your own tune. I would like to listen, I am sure if you
have talent then you can achieve. But your once sentence that “you can be a very
good or great MD cause you play piano” which you used in regard to RBD
that shows you are comparing yourself with RDB, it’s again a kiddish thing
One more suggestion: Learn some manner other than Music, which I doubt you
have learnt or not though.
Admin and everyone out here as a responsible person should think whether someone in
this site can use such a sentence or not like you did.
It shows the double faced mind of everyone. I mean,
One way I appreciate other singers and MDs and other way I am silent when
someone uses such sentence about other singers. How hopeless it is.
Hi Pearl,
I am a lover of good music. A music lover can catche the tunes,
melody, rhythem, singing style faster than an non music lover.
I share the views of Anmol Singh that Rafi was under-utilised by
RDBurman and that effected his output and standing in the long
run in the competition with L.P.
Laxmi-Pyare used Rafi and Kishore judiciously and reaped the
harvest. R.D.B realised the folly and reverted to Rafi with great
results – but it was a tad too late. R.D. Burman fell in to a musical
groove resulting in failure of films and his music, while Laxmi-Pyare
and Kalyanji Anandji also were enjoying success.
I sometimes think how Rafi Saab would have sung Chintgari Koi
Badke…. Would the rendition be similar then like the Jewels he
sang for Guide….?
There are many many songs which Kishore Kumar has sung very
well but he had great limitations and therefore KK himself used
to recommend songs to Rafi saab. RDB did not recognise this
drawback in KKs voice with disastrous conseaquences.
I agree with Pearl and I commend RDB and other composers for
giving songs to new singers… Rafi saab also groomed many singers
and did not stand in their way, but encouraged them.
Music lovers -pl grow up and enjoy the songs and music of
our veterans without falling in to a particular groove.
I love all the great artists from K.L.Saigal onwards but my favourite
singer is MOHAMMAD RAFI – THE INCOMPARABLE.
Hello PEARL,
Came to know you are waiting for my reply then here I am with my answers to your so called queries.
1.) The new KK which I am talking abt is the guy who sang ” TADAP TADAP KE IS DIL SE AAH NIKAL GAAYI ” from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.
Check out the voice of KK ….. perfect classical training and a mind blowing mould of voice. The old FART is KK Kishore Kumar Ganguly who all his life did monkey business and spoiled the true indian musical base by rendering his voice to songs which his voice didn’t deserved at all.
Anmol Sir has truly recognized you that your knowledge is very poor.
Because when u say that Naushaad Sahab is not amongst top 5 MD’s its the biggest insult.
By beating drums, tables, whisky bottles and blowing balloons if a MD can create music and people like you term it as VERSATILE MUSIC then I am proud and will stick to the Indian Classical base which Naushaad Sahab did all his lifetime never did he compromized in his MUSIC because it was a RELIGION for him.
For people like RDB , BAPPI LAHIRI , RAM LAXMAN their music was like banging doorsand copying tunes from neigbouring countries and earning money in INDIA wat is their contribution to the MUSIC INDUSTRY.
Today even if we take names of MD’S like VASANT DESAI , DATTA DAVJEKAR , NAUSHAAD ALI , KHAYYAM , SUDHIR PHADKE in music world people just recollect their own original constribution to the MUSIC.
But when we remember RDB the 1st thing comes in mind is TIME PASS songs and Lack of Melody.If you think that banging TABLA and BLOWING MOUTH ORGAN can make anyone a MD then I can also be a MD because I can play good PIANO.
KUMAR SANU’s voice is sweet but what abt SUR TAAL ????
A.R.RAHMAN used Abhijeet in Dil Hi Dil Mein .. how many of us remember the songs ???? as we remember of his other Hits ????
Sonu Nigam is a excellent singer he has a proper base and recently he has announced retirement from Bollywood Singing as he will be learning more INDIAN CLASSICAL in deep. this proves that he is a true player and why not his IDOL is none other than ” MOHD.RAFI SAHAB “….
If Abhijeet lacks in Classical why doesnt he learn it ???? Its not abt shouting its not abt sweetness its abt theMELODY we bring in the songs…
Rafi Sahab did shouting but his style is at par and today if Abhijeet or Babul Supriyo shouts it feels as if someone is begging !!!!!!
HOW CAN ONE RULE OUT NOUSHAD FROM THE TOP FIVE ALL TIME GREAT HINDI MUSIC DIRECTORS CATEGORY, I HAVE NO CLUE. MR. PEARL SAYS THAT NOUSHAD’S SONGS WERE RAGA BASED. TO PROVIDE A RAGA BASED SONG, I THINK YOU GOT TO BE BRILLIANT ENOUGH. NOUSHAD’S BAIJU BAWRA IS ONE OF THE ALL TIME BLOCK BUSTER WORKS AND THE SONG “O DUNIYA KE RAKHWALEY…” BY RAFI IS UNDOUBTEDLY THE MOST DIFFICULT SONG IN INDIAN HISTORY, IF NOT IN THE HISTORY OF WORLD MUSIC, AND LET IT BE PRISELY, MICHAEL JACKSON, SP BALA, LATA, MANNA, ASHA, KISHORE, MUKESH, HEMANT, MARIAH CARREY, BEATTLES, BRYAN ADAMS, BON JOVI, DIANNA ROSS, STEVIE WONDER, NUSRAT FATEH ALI, GHULAM ALI, SONU NIGAM, UDIT, SANU, FRANK SINATRA, OR ANY OTHER GREAT SINGER AROUND THE PLANET, NO ONE CAN SING IT AS GOOD AS RAFI, LET ALONE BETTER THAN HIM.
YES RD BURMAN WAS A VERSATILE MD AND HE MANY TIMES NEEDED OTHER AREA’S OR OTHER COUNTRY’S SONGS TO COPY THEM. MAY BE HIS MIND AND BRAIN DIDN’T OPEN UNTILL HE HEARD OTHER SONGS. SO HE WAS NOT FULLY ORIGINAL.
AR RAHMAN DID USE ABHIJIT BUT HAVENT USED BABUL OR SANU YET. TO BE HONEST, ALL THESE THREE ARE LIMITED SINGERS. KISHORE HIMSELF WAS A LIMITED SINGER. SO THEY ARE BOUND TO BE SO, I GUESS. A CHILD SHOULD TRY TO BE A VERSATILE SINGER LIKE RAFI.
ISN’T IT FUNNY THAT WHENEVR YOU TALK WITH KISHORE FANS ABOUT SINGING, MOST OF THEM BRING HIS OTHER QUALITIES LIKE ACTING, DIRECTING, WRITING, ETC. COME ON GUYS, WE ARE TALKING ABOUT SINGING HERE! RAFI DIDN’T NEED OTHER WORKS. HIS SINGING WAS FAR BETTER THAN THE MULTI-KISHORE. AND IF YOU REALLY WANT TO TALK ABOUT OTHER QUALITIES, WHY NOT TALK ABOUT HUMANITY, BEHAVIOUR, CHARACTER. THESE ARE MORE IMPORTANT, I GUESS. EVERYONE KNOWS HOW RAFI WAS AND HE EVEN SAND WITHOUT MONEY, AND EVERY ONE KNOWS HOW KISHORE DEMANDED MONEY BEFORE MUSIC. YOU CAN’T COMPARE THE TWO EVEN IN THIS CASE! IF YOU DON’T WANT OT FOLLOW RAFI’S GREATNESS AS A SINGER, YOUR PROBLEM, BUT TRY TO FOLLOW HIS GREATNESS AS A HUMAN BEING.
Sir Pearl,
i am sure that u know more than me about Music?would u please answer me RD best film?how one can be great MD after giveing 23 flops?Thanks 2 Rd that Mohd Rafi got award because of him!!!!!!are u sure about that Mohd Rafi got award because RD?if we speak about best five MD I think RD is not with them,as I think the best is SJ after him we have Madan Mohan,Naushand,O P Nayar, SD Burman and many more(as I think)RD fans mostly said that he made KK but Naushand fans never say that he made Mohd Rafi,I agree with Sir PEARL that Mohd Rafi singed many great songs with RD but when u compare Mohd Rafi songs RD WTH SD or Mahan Mohan or Naushand or Ravi or O P nayar or LP or SJ you will see that they used mohd Rafi better than RD.Olso Sir don’t forget what said by MD about Mohd Rafi,when MD speak about KK they speak about jokes not about music but when they speake about Mohd Rafi they have no words.
Sir please be honest with u r self and compae Mohd Rafi 3 songs and KK one in 1980 which got flim far award?!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Pearl,
Your music knowledge of 50s and 60s is very poor. Bhupindar was given first break by Madan Mohan in the early 60s. When Pancham used him in the early 70s he was an established singer by then. Rafi, Mahendra K, Uma Devi, Talat Mahmood & Shamshad Begum where all given initial break by Naushad. Asha Bhosle was groomed by O P Nayyar. Lata got her major break in late 40s under SJ.
It is true Naushad was predictable because he was original, this is applicable to all music composers who do not copy tunes. Same applies to Madan Mohan, SJ and all the old composers. Infact Salil Chaudhary himself was also predicable not much difference. Like Naushad used Rafi for most of the songs, Salil used Mukesh. His used of musicial instruments and tune pattern was quiet similar. The success rate of music composers using original tunes is greater than the copied ones.
Infact there is one exception of copied tunes by Salil but Pancham, Rajesh R, Anu Malik, Bhappi Lahiri, Raam Laxman, Anand Milind & A R Rahman have copied(Inspired) several tunes.
Hindi Song: Itna Na Mujhse Tu Pyar Badha(Chhaya)
Music Director: Salil Chowdhury
Copied From: Symphony No. 40 (Mozart)
Like Salil there are 1 or 2 exceptions by SDB, LP & O P Nayyar also otherwise they were mostly original.
Any website misrepresenting information about any legend is a serious voilation of music athics. We have written to many such web sites go facts corrected.
Raju Bharatan is an ex editor of ‘The Illustrated Weekly’, plus also the one who has penned the biography of Lata Mangeshkar. In the field of jounalism he can be considered a legend.
BTW, I agree if instead of Bhupinder, RDB used Rafi/Manna then the songs would have
been much better. RDB knew this too but still he used and that’s good. Because he
gave chances to new singers. Rafi/Manna already estabished themselves and if RDB
gave chances to new and young singers then it’s very good, I appreciate that.
Did Madan Mohan, Naushad, Shankar Jaikishan try such thing ? no.
RDB dared to use new singers and help them establish themselves as singers and
that’s why you are unhappy. Am I right ?
First,
“Pancham fans do not believe in recognizing his success with Rafi Saab” ? Who are those
pancham fans ? this is a fact that pancham-rafi combo is one of the best of Indian music.
Each and every song of their combo is a masterpiece, who will not agree to it ?
Just because that site haven’t mentioned about rafi or so, don’t give judgement by using
pancham fans. are you not a fan of pancham ? In my case, I don’t use this term but
I like and respect their greatness. If “kya hua tera wada” reminds you of their calibre
then you must be fan of pancham too becase this is the only song that gave rafi the national
award and you are a fan of rafi.
Second,
You don’t use dirty language ? though you don’t use something directly but the posts are
very much readable and I can see. As Chote Thakur said “KK, the new singer and
not the old fart”, tell me who is this old fart ? if you understand and don’t say anything
means you are in the same group. Right now, I am waiting for him to come and reply
what did he mean by “KK, the old fart”. Whoever it is, this reflects that these posts and
posters are worthless.
Third,
Who is Raju Bharatan ? who is he man ? forget it, I don’t care. I seldom read these
sites and their so called analyses. Salil Chaudhury is one of the greatest musicians
of all times. he might have said something like that, but don’t misinterpret it.
He always appreciated and respected MDs of those times, he said what he felt just
like he commented about Kishore Kumar.
Naushad is a great musician but he was predictable. Most of his songs were raaga based
and have more or less similar patterns, isn’t it true ? be it baiju bawra or so.
Pakeeza was not his composition, ghulam mohammad was the MD, Naushad produced
the background music. For that matter I prefer Ghulam Mohammad over Naushad.
I don’t think he is among top 5 MDs in India. I would rate Shankar Jaikishan, SDB,
Madan Mohan, Salil Chaudhury, RDB over Naushad. Naushad will flollow in the next
list with LP, O.P Nayyar who were great as well.
Naushad’s music was original I agree, and RDB many a times was inspired by other tunes
but He is the most versatile MD, I don’t see any other MD of his genre who can produce
such a wide range of songs. But his blending diminished his image.
Fourth,
Why RDB was not given Sur-Singar’s award for the song of “chandan ka palna” ?
If it was a classic then he should have been. May be some of the jury members did
hate him or jealous of him, otherwise I don’t see any reason for not giving him the
award. This is Sur-Singar’s wrong decision. Moreover, at that time Naushad and
other senior MDs were there. They thought it would be a humiliation to other MDs
That’s it.
Fifth,
There’s no big differene between what I feel and what were the facts.
May be there are some differences between how you interpret and how it actually was.
Hi Pearl,
First of all we have never used dirty langauge against any singer or music composer. Plus what you feel and what are the actual facts there is big difference. We have pin pointed certain drawbacks of Pancham where he had a much wider scope of composition if Rafi / Manna Dey was used instead of Bhupindar in everly 70s. That is what majority music composers followed in the in 50s and 60s.
Pancham has missed many golden oppurtunities by under utilizing both Rafi & Manna Dey. I suggest you to please do research on Rafi & Manna Dey’s work for their classical songs sung in the 50s and 60s. Pancham was a high calibre music composer, but unfortnately he under utilized his abilities.
When Pancham made the proper utilization of Rafi’s voice in the late 70s, one can see the results. ‘Kya Hua Tera Vada’ is the only song in the history of film music to be awarded Film fare & National award simultaniously. This is Pancham’s one of the biggest achievements. But unfortunately official websites are suppressing it. You can check from the following link.
http://www.panchammagic.org/did-you-know.html
Pancham fans do not believe in recognizing his success with Rafi Saab.
Since you are very concern about the language we use, requesting you to go to Yahoo discussion Group. There is a blog called RAFI HATERS.
Plus also requesting you to go through the following link written by well known journalist Raju Bharatan
Lean years of Pancham – Downfall in the 80s
http://www.panchamonline.com/articles/trendset.htm
Some highlights from the above article
“RD, at one point, had overtaken the formidable team of LP. But he let himself be beaten back by vastly inferior talents in the 80s, while LP fought back like tigers. In retrospect, it can therefore be said that RD faltered at the crucial moment, LP didn’t. And this is an industry in which you are only as successful as your last film. A record of 23 flops took some living down. RD buckled under the pressure.â€
“All this cannot alter the fact that RD set a trend with Asha as he did with Kishore. NO OTHER COMPOSER WOULD HAVE DARED TO JETTISON RAFI THE WAY RD DID — EVEN DADA BURMAN WAS HESITANT IN MAKING A SWITCH HERE. But RD showed the way and others followed suit, courtesy Rajesh Khanna. Amitabh Bachchan, to beat Rajesh Khanna at his own game, had to take on his voice. Kishore thus became established as the Voice of Youth and it was RD who had set the course for this. RD’s hold on electronics, his insights into Western notation, gave him a rare edge. But, minus Kishore, RD found his keen edge blunted. There was a generation change due in our film music. RD failed to see this change coming in 1987 as he had one in 1971. The cross commercialism of the neo-film industry also undid him. When Bhappi Lahiri started quoting less at one point, RD should have stuck to his price. He caved in. And paid the price.â€
“RD’s mod image as a youth composer also became a bar to his inevitable growth as a composer. When ‘Shanarabharanam’ was to be remade in Hindi, the point about who should compose for the film was referred to me. I suggested the name of R.D. Burman and then rang to ask Pancham whether he was game. “I would love to do the theme, be sure I’ll surprise them with the purity of my classical score,’’ RD said.â€
WHEN RAFI SAAB WAS THERE IN THE EARLY 70s RD NEVER THOUGHT OF CLASSICAL SCORE AT ALL. IT IS INDEED VERY SURPRISING & VERY UNFORTUNATE.
“Yet his image was all wrong for the theme. There was no chance, I was told, of the distributors accepting the label, ‘Music R.D. Burman’, in a weighty remake of the scale of ‘Shankarabharanam’. The remake finally went to LP as ‘Sur Sangam’. The K. Vishwanath film flopped in the face of a thematic enough score by LP. What kind of a score would RD have created? The same kind as he would have evoked for Gulzar’s ‘Devdas’ vis-a-vs S.D. Burman. But the RD image just did not classically jell.â€
“It was this image that RD unsuccessfully fought in the later part of his career. As convener of the Sur-Singar Samsad Film Awards committee, i remember RD’s Lata classic from ‘Chandan Ka Palna’, O Ganga maiya paar laga de, coming up for live consideration. But it was finally rejected, not on its own merit, but on the grounds that Sur-Singar’s name would be in the mud if it presented a classical award to R.D. Burman.â€
“In the end, therefore, RD discovered that he was acceptable neither as a light composer nor as a serious one. Result: he got confussed about what to give. And once this confusion enters a composer’s mind, it is the end.â€
AT THIS JUNCTURE RAFI SAAB WAS NEEDED, PANCHAM COULD HAVE MADE A COMEBACK SUCCESSFULLY EVEN AFTER 23 FLOPS. THAT IS THE IMPACT OF RAFI THE GREAT.
Another point,
As somebody mentioned this song “TERA JAADU CHAL GAYA”, yes Sonu sung it
well. But listen to that little champ(if you get it) in Zee(that contestant), you would forget
Sonu Nigam.
You guys feel Sonu is a very good singer because of this song then after listening to this child,
you must say “This child is a great singer”
If Sanu was over hyped then so is Sonu.
Hi Anmol and Chote Thakur,
I am sorry if I have hurt you guys, there was no intention. I agree what you said.
But I feel there was no politics, we use politics for benefit, what would have been
their benefits if they had used only Rafi instead of other great singers ? moreover
as you think Rafi’s versions would have been much better then why did they use
others ? no politics man. Rafi was so gentle and humble, his relations with all
the singers like Manna Dey, Lata(there might have some bad phase between
these two), Kishore Kumar etc. They respected eachother including the MDs
Just that MDs tried with other singers, RDB, LP, SDB tried with Kishore Kumar,
Mukesh, Manna Dey and others that doesn’t mean they used dirty politics
I feel so ashamed of those people who insult the MDS and singers when they
hired somebody else instead of Rafi. This is a dirty feeling, no music lover
could ever think like that.
Please don’t make such statements. Just like you, I also love and respect Rafi
for his great singing capability and voice but it’s kiddish or filthy to think bad things
about others who made themselves great singer and MDs.
RDB gave classic tunes with Rafi, but when he teamed with Kishore, you say bad
about him. But they will be great, just by writing such articles you can’t diminish
their images.
Kumar Sanu is not a very good singer if you talk about singing capability
but he has sung wonderful melodies, there’s not a very big difference between
Sonu and Sanu. Sanu ruled in 90s and now Sonu. I think Udit Narayan, Sukhwinder,
KK, Abhijeet are far better. Sonu can’t sing in high scale, when he sings it seems
he’s finding it very difficult to reach that pitch, moreover ask him to sing a sad tune
he doesn’t sing, he moans. That reminds me of his song “ab mujhe raat din”.
He can copy Rafi, that’s it. BTW, Abhijeet sang for AR Rahman in Dil hi dil mein,
Nayak. But he doesn’t have classical training that’s why AR chooses Udit Nayaran
and SUkhwinder. But if you talk about voice, Sonu and Sanu are no match to these
singers. Abhijeet’s voice is very melodious too, not like Sonu’s feminine voice.
Chote Thakur,
One question: What do you mean by “KK(new singer and not the old fart)” ? please
let me know. I am waiting.
Nothing can ever fill the Void since Rafi saahabs sad demise. thats what makes a person unique right? we will keep regretting that some of the songs sung by mukesh, kishore, manna dey or just anybody should have been sung by Rafi saahab. they certainly would have sounded a Hundred times better, had He sung them. but there lies the distinction…
The fact will always remain that these people sang those songs, were good no doubt, but Rafi saahab would have enhanced the quality of those songs a hundred fold had He sung them.You have to listen to other singers first, to appreciate the true magic of Mohd. Rafi the Gifted.
Having said that, do you think Rafi Saahab really needs to be awarded a Film fare or any such lowly award? everybody knows these awards are bought or manipulated. so the Greats like Rafi Saahab and Dilip Kumar do not need to be categorised among the others vying for these awards. They are Institutions of Singing and Acting. You dole out awards in their names. Not give awards to them. The Sun does not bask in its own light. others shine using its light. Hence you have a Amitabh or a Shahrukh or for that matter even Dilip sahaabs cotemporaries who copied him, like Manoj kumar and Rajendra kumar…
In response to Unkown1’s query.
Mukesh, KK, Manna Dey, etc were all great singers in their era.
Analysing Mukesh, he was one of the all time favouriates of Salil Choudhary & Anil Biswas and to some extend KA. In Madhumati Mukesh gave play back for Dilip Kumar for all the songs. But for ‘Tute Hue Khabon Ne’ Salil chooses Rafi, for the simple reason of Rafi’s ability to operate on high scale with ease. Similarly in the song ‘Ramia Vasta Via’, the speed of the rythmn had to be lowered when Mukesh makes an entry, since Mukesh was not very comfortable in singing high speed songs. Again in ‘Mera Naam Joker’ where Rafi playbacks for Raj Kapoor, singing the Punjabi folk Heer. Surprising neither SJ nor Raj Kapoor feel the need for Manna Dey and Mukesh here. There is another song ‘Baazi Kissi Ne Pyar Ki’ sung by Rafi for Raj Kapoor composed by Ravi.
Analysing KK, who has been the main voice for Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh in the 70s. The strategy adopted by Pancham in the late 60s to bring KK into lime light was the compose songs specifically that could suit KK’s scale. His strategy was a great success in Aradhana which turned out to be intrumental in KK’s success in the early 70s. There are songs where Rafi has provided play back for Rajesh khanna, ‘Etna To Yaad Hai Mujhe’, ‘Ye Jo chilman Hai’, ‘Gulabi Aankhen Jo Tune’, ‘Nafrat Ke Duniya Ko’ and for Amitabh, ‘Teri Bindia Re’, ‘Mere Dust Kissa’, ‘John Jaani Jarnardhan’, etc. Quiet a few songs are classical based, some need switching from high to low / low to high scale in one instant for which Rafi was an expert. There are song which have to be sung on the higher scale or else they loose their appeal. For example KK sang a patriotic song for Rajesh Khanna in ‘Akraman’, ‘Dekho Veer Javan’ which is a song sung at a lower scale as per KK’s capability. If the same song was sung by Rafi or Mahendra K or Manna Dey then the situation could have been totally different. Again we don’t listen KK singing devotional songs except for ‘Jai Bole Nath’ from ‘Kuawara Baap’ & ‘Bole O Bole’ from Yaraana. Again singers like Rafi, Mukesh or Manna Dey or Mahendra K will do a better job here.
Analysing Manna Dey, perhaps in terms of singing capability both can be rated equal. But in terms of picturisation of songs in different situations Rafi is far ahead. Rafi’s voice can be picturized on characters of all ages and any situation. That is not the case in Manna Dey.
There are many films where the main lead singers have been Mukesh, Manna Dey, KK or Mahendra K where Rafi Saab has render one song in the film, because he was the most situable singer for that particular type song.
Dear fans,
if i am not wrong Mohd Rafi singed for more than 160 films from 1969 to 1976,Who can give me one song which singed by Mohd rafi for Rajesh Khanna it is not hit same to big B when he was at top?they tried in 1960’s to do the same but there was great people like Manny dey,Talat and Mukesh who said that Mohd Rafi is greater singer than them but in 1970’s kk didn’t.Why Shammi Kapoor all songs(99%) singed by Mohd Rafi and Rajesh Khanna songs and Mr Bachchan songs not singed by KK?
Look to the greatest of Mohd Rafi when RD , Dev anand and many more they back to Mohd Rafi and Mohd Rafi didn’t say that he will not going sing for them.as said by O P Nayar that Mohd Rafi was greater human than a singer.
If u know Naushand Ali ,O P Nayar,Madan Mohan,Ravi,SJ and many more please listen there music without Mohd Rafi and with Mohd Rafi and what said by them for Mohd Rafi…
who want to speak about award can he answer me who is best singer in Pakistan?or any other country,if he know the best singer go and compare him with Mohd Rafi u will going get one answer noway to compare Mohd Rafi with anyone,This is God award to Mohd Rafi still he at the top of the singers/
Surely, we do not deserve another Rafi Sahab again because Golden Words and Golden People are never repeated by Almighty God.
Lets come back to this Decade of 90 and after 2000…
1991 gave this Industry a Low Profile Lamer Singer named ” KUMAR SANU “… who still is in a false belief that he is the next KK !!!!
Anyways KUMAR SANU made grand entry after Ashique !!! he till now has sung over 8000 songs .. in 1996 he sang around 28 Songs in one single day.. He did gave some good songs with ” NIGHT TINGLING LATA ” and with ” ASHA ” too..
But just having a sweet voice doesnt help where is the base of music ???? emotions and voice quality … Since last 3 years Kumar Sanu has lacked in singing and hence is no where now, due to this he teamed with one more Lamer Female Singer Alka Yagnik and bought a Personal Non-Filmy Album !!!
Whats the use ??? like Kumar Sanu we also unfortunately had to hear Abhijeet / Babul Supriyo who falled in KK category ???? But where are they nowadays ???
They are not only thrown out of the singing world but never preferred by quality MD’s like A.R.RAHMAN / ILLAYA RAJA / KARTHIK RAJA / ISMAIL DARBAR.
But if we have a look at Sonu Nigams / KK ( new singer not the old fart ) / Sukhwinder Singh / Udit Narayan …we will come to know that they were highly influenced by Rafi Sahab.
If we take Sonu’s example no doubt he is a good singer but he has delievered some songs which deserved a quality voice of Rafi Sahab.
This month we had Mahashivratri and had a big function arranged at our place, some guest were invited for the function and among them was Ismail Darbar, I had a chance to meet this man had a brief chat for 15 mins or so.
I told him abt our website and our fan club abt Rafi Sahab, so just asked him tha few years ago he gave Music to a flop film ” TERA JAADU CHAL GAYA “… the title song composed was an extremely difficult one and Sonu really gave his best, on reply Ismail said that this song is one of his fav. compostion and he wished Rafi Sahab wud have delievered it better ….
Now this proves that Quality People will always prefer Rafi Sahab because they live real music.
I would like to mention few songs which I think Rafi Sahab would have don best :
1.) Sanjh Dhale Gagan Tale – Utsav
2.) Kuch Na Kaho – 1942 A Love Story
3.) Bharat Humo – Roja
4.) Roja Jaaneman – Roja
5.) Surmaayein Ankhiyon Mein – Sadma
6.) O Bhavre – Daud
7.) Ae Ajnabi – Dil Se
8.) Saathitya – Saathiya Title Song
9.) Seene se yeh dil gaya – Tera Jadu Chal Gaya
10.) Hum Hain ek Pal Yaha – Kisna
11.) Yeh Jo Des Hain Tera – Swades
12.) Yeh Taara Woh – Swades
13.) Yunhi Chala Chal – Swades