Rare Anecdotes about Mohd Rafi
In this article I want to share few rare facts about RAFI SAHEB with all the readers of this site – Sanjeev Kumar Dixit
Mohd Rafi with his father
Even though Rafi Sahab’s father was against Rafi taking up music and singing as his career, he gave some teaching to him at the time when he was leaving home:
a) Beta aadmi chahe jitna hi ooncha kyon na ud le use apne paaon (feet) zameen pe hi rakhne padte hain, isliye kabhi ghamand(proud) mat karna, kisi gareeb ka dil na dukhana aur ho sake to koshish karna dusron ka sahara banne ki…
b) Tumhari nazren(sight) hamesha jhuki rahen, kisi ke saamne uthen nahi…
c) Aur beta sab se zaroori hai CHARITRA (character), is par kabhi koi aanch na aane dena…
And Rafi saheb followed these teachings of his father all through his life; he never hurt anybody, never taken bad wishes from anybody and never became obstinate for money & accepted happily whatever he got.
During the initial days of his career, Rafi Sahab used to walk-up to the studio and there were times wherein he had to spend time at the railway station, in case the recording got cancelled.
Mohd Rafi with Naushad
Once Naushad Sahib due to some reasons cancelled the recording of his song in which Rafi Saheb was a chorus singer. All the other artists left the studio one by one but Rafi Saheb was still standing there silently by holding his hands together. Seeing Rafi, Naushad Saheb asked him- “Aap abhi tak yahan kyon khade hain?” Then Rafi Saheb saw here & there and replied with lots of hesitation- “Janab mere paas keval ek hi rupiya tha jisse main yahan taka a to gaya, lekin wapas jaane ke liye mere paas kuchh bhi nahi..” On hearing this, Naushad Saheb gave him a rupee for returning, but Rafi Saheb did not spend that rupee and returned again on his feet.
After few years when Mohd Rafi became “thee Mohd Rafi” he kept that rupee in a golden frame in his drawing room. Thus, he never forgot his past.
Naushad Speaks on Depart of Rafi Saheb –
Hindustan to kya puri dunia ke karoron logon ke liye Rafi Saheb ki Aawaz unki zindagi ka ek hissa ban gayi thi. Unki aawaz se hi logon ka din shuru hota tha aur unki aawaz par raat dhalti thi. Aaj unka hamare beech na hona hamare, aapke aur sab ke liye ek na-kabile-talafi nuksaan hai, aur mai samajhta hoon ki unki jagah hamesha khali rahegi….
“Tujhe nagmo ki jaan ahle-nazar yun hi nahi kahte,
Tere geeton ko dil ka humsafar yun hi nahi kahte.
Dukhi the laakh phir bhi, mutmain the dard ke maare,
Teri aawaz ki shabnam se dhul jaate the gam saare.
Teri taanon me husn-e-zindagi leta tha angdai,
Tujhe allah ne baksha tha andaze masihaai.
Tu hi tha pyaar ka ek saaz is nafrat ki dunia me,
Are ganimat thi teri aawaz is nafrat ki dunia me…”
How true was Naushad Saheb! Really The golden voice of Rafi saheb is a gift of GOD for us. Rafi Saheb is not only known for his song but also for his great character & humility.
Rafi Saheb was a great human being and a great singer. He believed in donations & charity. He was a very soft hearted person. Once, while he was returning from his regular morning walk with his friend, a strange person came to him and asked for some money. Rafi sahib inserted his hand in his pocket & gave him some rupees without counting and went forward. Seeing this, his friend asked- “Kya aap yun kisi ko bhi bina gine hi rupaye de dete hain?” The reply of Rafi Saheb was dignified which only he could give – he said with innocence – “Jab khuda mujhe bina gine rupaye de raha hai to main uske kuchh zaruratmand bandon ko bhala gin kar rupaye kyon doon?” This was the greatness of Rafi Saheb.
He has also said in his songs-
a) Gareebon ki suno wo tumhari sunega, Tum ek paisa doge wo das laakh dega….
b) Kar de madad gareeb ki tera sukhi rahe sansaar, Bacchon ki kilkari se gunje sara ghar baar….
c) Insan bano kar lo bhalai ka koi kaam insan bano… dunia se chale jaaoge rah jaaega bas naam insaan bano……
During the seven day celebration of first Republic day, Rafi Saheb was also invited. But, he was listed for the last day of the programme. When Pandit
Mohd Rafi with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
Jawaharlal Nehru saw Rafi Sahab, he announced – “Mohd. Rafi ko bulwaiye, unka bhi gana sunenge.” Rafi was happy – “Chalo Pandit ji ke saamne gaane ka mauka to mila”. Since all the programmes were already set, the organizers could only squeeze 5 minutes for Rafi Sahab. Once after he took up the microphone, due to heavy audience requests he was there for 30 minutes.
Since food can influence the quality of voice and tone, Rafi Sahab was apprehensive about his intakes. During one occasion when Rafi Sahab was invited by Pandit Nehru, he offered him Chat (Pani Puri wala chat). Rafi Sahab refused very softly – “Maaf kijiyega main ye nahi le sakta.” Pandit ji in return said, “Are main aap ko kuchh khilaunga nahin, le lijiye.” Then Rafi Saheb said- “Pandit ji agar meri aawaz sirf meri hoti to main zaroor kha leta lekin ab meri aawz sirf meri nahi rah gayi hai, ab ye pure Hindustan ki ho gayi hai, jiska khyal mujhe rakhna hi padta hai.” On hearing this, Nehru patted him on back and hugged him very affectionately.
Mohd Rafi with his children
Mohd. Rafi Saheb loved children very much. He sent few gifts for them daily in his locality and also played with them whenever he could. At the time of singing a children song he also looked like a child. The song “choon-2 karti aayi chidia, daal ka dana laayi chidia…” Of the film “Ab dilli door nahi” is the live example of the same.
Rafi Sahib’s daily routine was clear and simple. In spite of his great stature, he would ensure his time for his family. He would wake up early and go for a morning walk, after which he would play badminton and then proceed for recordings. He used always dedicate minimum of 4 hours for his daily riyaaz.
Color white was Rafi Sahab’s favourite color and in perfumes he would prefer Yardley. Khemchand, Naushad, C. Ramchand, Jaya Dutt and O.P.Nayyar were few of his favourite MDs.
Rafi Sahab’s own favourite songs were:
a) Suhani raat dhal chuki from Dulari
b) O Dunia ke rakhwale from Baiju Bawra
c) Man re tu kahe na dheer dhare from Chitralekha
d) Madhuban me radhika nache re from Kohinoor
Mohd Rafi with Kishore Da
Mohd Rafi Sahab & Kishore Da were very dear and close friends. Inspite of being a great singer, Kishore da was also an ardent fan of Rafi Saheb. There was only a single picture in Kishore da’s drawing room and that was of Mohd. Rafi Saheb. According to Manna Dey – “Dono ek dusre ke dil me rahte hain“.
These were few rare Anecdotes of Rafi Sahab that I wanted to write about. I would also like to introduce myself to you all and the works that I have been doing for the love of Rafi Saheb.
I am Sanjeev Kumar Dixit from lucknow. I am 37 years old. I teach Maths in “Lucknow Public School” since 1997. I’m a die hard fan of Rafi Saheb since 1988.
Rafi Saheb is not only known for his songs but also for his great character & humility. His golden voice is a gift of GOD for us.
Unki aawaz ka koi sani nahi. wo insan ke roop me ek FARISTA the aur un jaise insaan roz-roz nahi aate, kabhi sadiyon me janm lete hain. unki aawaz khuda ki kisi NEMAT se kam nahi.
“Sabhi se zuda jiska andaaz hai,
Zami-Ta-Falak jiski parwaaz hai.
Wohi jis per sangeet ko naaz hai,
Mohd. Rafi saheb ki wo aawaz hai.”
With great inspiration from Mr.A.S.Murty (Secretary), Mr.N.R.Padmnabhan (President) – Rafi foundation, Hyderabad, Mr. Binu Nair (Founder) Rafi foundation, Mumbai and Mr Narayanan from Bangalore, I have also started a Rafi foundation group in Lucknow. Rafi foundation Lucknow had its first meeting on 29th November 2009. Many songs of Rafi Saheb and other singers were sung by its members.
At present the following are the members of Rafi foundation Lucknow.
| Name | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Sanjeev Kumar Dixit (Founder) | 09450092822 | sanjeev_dixit11@yahoo.co.in |
| Ajay Kapoor (Secretary) | 09305078798 | |
| Beg Islam (President) | 09235540608 | begislam@rediffmail.com |
| Shashi Dixit | 09450491681 | |
| Dr. Siraj Ahmad | 09450026909 | |
| Javed Akhtar | 09307812493 | zindadil2009@gmail.com |
| Gurbeer Singh(Director) | 09451658658 | mycvid@yahoo.co.in |
| Ehtisham Mirjabeg | 09616264231 | |
| Sanjeev Sharma | 09935363729 | sharma_35363729@hotmail.com |
| Himanshu Bajpai | 09721905572 |
The next meeting of Rafi Foundation Lucknow will be on the birthday of Rafi Sahab – 24th December 2009. Any one who is interested to join this group, you can contact me on my cell phone 09450092822 between 4PM to 10PM or email me at sanjeev_dixit11@yahoo.co.in.
The first and the second page of survey register
I would like you all to know about the survey that I have been conducting since 1991 to find which singer is at the top. I have segregated my survey into – new singers and veteran singers. The participants mostly were the music-shop wallas that I cross across whenever I travel. At times, I’ve been laughed upon, but it never bothered me. I have met approximately 608 participants during this survey.
The Rules:
- Only one section should be chosen.
- The age of the participant should be above 15 years.
- The participant should sign.
- Only blue ink was allowed.
The Result:
- Mohd Rafi – 215
- Mukesh – 126
- Kishore Kumar – 93
- Lata Mangeshkar – 62
- Others – 28
- New singers – 84
My survey is still on and I’ll keep all of you updated time to time.
Article collection on Rafi Sahab
My Passion for Rafi Saheb is growing ten folds. I have a collection of more than 1000 songs of Rafi Saheb. I have approximately 30 articles about to Rafi Saheb from different sources, which I’m collecting since 1989. I have been collecting pictures and photos of Rafi Saheb. I have a big framed poster of Rafi Saheb in my room.
From the day I have my mobile; I have set a folder for Rafi Saheb with approximately 90 pictures and also created many ringtones of Rafi Saheb.
Indeed Rafi Saheb was a great personality; he will always remain in our hearts and his songs will always show us the righteous path and light to all who are amidst darkness.
According to Naushad Saheb again-
“Mahfilon ke daamno me sahilon ke aas- paas, Sadiyon tak ye sada goonjegi dilon ke aas- paas .. MOHAMMED RAFI .. MOHAMMED RAFI .. MOHAMMED RAFI “
Me at the feet of Rafi Saheb
Dear Sanjeev Kumar Dixit Jee,
Very nice write up on our maestro. Really very heart touching sentiments expressed by Sanjeeve Jee.
Rafi Sb had very humble personality and this quality was obvious in his sweet voice.
Regards,
-Imran-
Sanjeev Dixit Ji,
Namaskar,
Your writing and findings are great. Please keep up the good work.
Rafi Sahab as a person had a nature of an innocent child which existed in his attitude as long as he lived. Most saints have such a nature.
He had a special blessings of the Almigthy, as a result he was never a victum of this unforgiving materialistic world.
It is impossible for a common man to be so good and kind hearted. Only saints can be good to every one, so was Rafi.
Anwar-ul-Haque jee- Thanks for for apreciation for my survey.These are the true results in which Rafi sahab is at the top will always till the end of the universe.Thanks again..
Gopal jee – Very-2 thanks for your great words in the form of poetry.
Santosh jee- Thanks for your reply.Really some incidents related to RAFI SAHAB are too emotional..
Shama Beti- Thanks for your kind words. As Mr. AS Murty jee is saying in post-44 that there are many communities on orkut & you can join those.
Vinod jee – ofcourse i am totally agree with you.Thanks for your kind words.
shrirang nawathe jee- Thanks for apreciating my survey & giving best wishes for Rafi Foundation Lucknow.
shabir rana jee- V nice story, thanks for sharing it with us.
Dr Khaja Aliuddin jee- Thanks a lot for your kind words. I will try to do my best for RAFI SAHAB.
ghulam mujtaba jee- Thanks for apreciating for my work.The song ” O dunia ke rakhwale…” sung by rafi sahab on stage is really so nice. “Mahal udas aur galia sooni… ” was sung by him in different moods & RAAAG.Rafi Sahab was only can do this……………
Thanks for your kind remark
Thanks again to all for reading this article and leaving reply to me.
Regards,
-Sanjeev Kumar Dixit
Dear Sanjeevbhai,
Unique presentation of a legendary personality, Please accept our hearitiest Salaam for the sharing of great informations, you have proven that you are die hard fan of Rafiji, please send more articles where Rafi Sahib were associated with music directors because the great m.d. Syed Naushad Sahib, Shanker Jaikishan, , Modan mohan, Lakshmi Kant Piarey Lal says that their identity purely based on Rafiji’s God gifted voice talent in delivery of words no one can follow the range of his voice, existing surs are 7 but Rafi Sahib reached on 8th sur during his live programme in u.k. “Mehal udas aur galian sooooni” without any hesil at last stage his voice was extra ordinary cleaned and melodious. Some cases Rafi Sahib songs extra ordinary on highest pitch but could not picturized upto that level like “Jab bhi yeh dil uddas hotta hey” Film “Seema” Rafi ji were fully classical trained singer with God gifted voice” Allah Tallah un ko humash Janatul firdus mein rakhey ”Aamin”. We all lovers will request you for next article like this unique article.
With best wishes.
Ghulam Mujtaba / Old home town of Rafi Sahib/ Lahore Chapter.
shabir rana sahab ( post 43 ),
i would like to add hear that during their life times, every great play back singer of the era during rafi and after rafi, had repeatedly emphasised on the fact that rafi sahab was simply a phenomenon and that all of them had learnt from just listening to him and keenly observing him.
the story of manna da – with regard to madan mohan works and rafi sahab’s renditions are folk lore.
your last para – sums it all – manna daa is crying over madanjee being neglected by the industry – look at his concern about others – he himself was neglected.
it is true that the magnanimity of rafi sahab’s presence in those days was in many ways good as well as a stopper to others.
though the other singing legends were in their own rights – fantastic, they still felt they were inadequate or not that upto the mark – when they looked upto the works of rafi sahab.
there are innumerable such incidents where in the greats of yester year have expressed in this fashion – and they have always had to associate these thoughts along with our dear rafi sahab.
there was no light – without rafi sahab.
ramesh narain kurpad
rameshkurpad@gmail.com
Janab Sajeeve Kumar Dixit Saheb, Adab Araz hai,
Congratulations for this great job. You proved to be the true bhakt of Rafi Sahab. Thanks for sharing the anecdotes about our legend. I really admire you. Please keep up the good work and hope more articles from you.
With regards to all Rafi lovers,
Dr. Khaja Aliuddin,
Chicago
shama parveen sahiba, ref your post 40. i am glad that we have just discovered another bhakt of rafi sahab. on orkut there are several communities of rafi sahab, including one of rafi foundation (http://www.orkut.co.in/Main#Community?cmm=48115888).
you can join any of these. as far as we at hyderabad are concerned, do get in touch with rafi foundation, hyderabad chapter by sending an email if you choose to do so at rafimurty@gmail.com or simply call me at 93912 67272. we organize musical sessions for our members, most of whom attend with their families, who sing the songs of rafi sahab twice a month on sundays and i will be glad to give you all the other details.
a s murty
secretary,
rafi foundation,
hyderabad chapter.
A little story by Manna Dey
Legendary playback singer
During those days, all playback artistes had their distinctive styles of singing. Madanji’s composition style was suited more to the singing style of Mohammed Rafi than me. Rafi in turn, rendered many of his numbers beautifully and immortalized them. I have always cried whenever I hear that song Ye Duniya Ye Mahfil Mere Kaam Ke Naheen from the film Heer Ranjha (1970). How could there be a better rendition than what Rafi did? The way Madanji used to make Rafi sing, no other singer could.
When Madanji called me to sing Har Taraf Ab Yahee Afsaane Hai for Hindustan Ki Kasam (1973), I felt he was committing a mistake. I told him that the song was more suited to Rafi’s voice. So why not call him to sing it? Madanji said he needed a different kind of rendition for the song
i did another memorable song with Madanji Dil Ki Rahen (1973). It was Zindagee Ke Gham Bhulaane Ke Liye, Sharaab Kaa Sahaaraa Maine Le Liyaa. The lyrics written were very close to his heart. It was like describing one’s own story. This song was also more suited to Rafi’s style of singing. So again I asked him the same question. “Why did you call me instead of calling Rafi?” Here he said: “Manna, when I heard you singing Ae Mere Pyaare Watan in Kabuliwala (1961) I thought of making a song on a similar line in future. Today I have the opportunity. The song situation in the film demands that kind of singing. So I called you and I want you to sing it the way you had sung Ae Mere Pyaare Watan”. He had composed it soulfully and it really inspired me to give my best to the song
Madanji always composed good songs. I never found any of his songs mediocre or below par. How could our industry ignore a person of his stature? He was a great composer and I am very much influenced by his music. Many a times, I cry when I think of him – how he has been neglected by our industry people without reason. His untimely death has caused a great loss to all of us. Now, we are deprived of the great compositions which only he was capable of creating. I really miss him and mohd rafi ji
sanjeevji,
CONGRATULATIONS for taking full initiative to start Rafi foundation in Lucknow. Your survey is very interesting and touching too. I am really glad to see that Rafi sahab topped the list(ofcourse he shd be the obvious choice). Excellent efforts by you for the writeup and overall work. Great going…please write more articles…awaiting…
regards;
shrirang nawathe
muscat
Dear Rafi Sahab was true Indian. Always helpful to poors. Never engaged in any contraversy and loved by all the communities.
He has contributed for the whole world. Even youngers can learn very good hindi from his songs. His song delivery was quite clear and producing very good sound and understandable by all the persons.
I can copy his number of songs. I treat him as true Guru.
Respected Sir ,
I wasn’t knowing that you are such a great great fan of Mohd. Rafi saheb
but after reading this wonderful , excellent article i have no words to describe how nice this article is I am spellbound with such a great article of yours .
I would like to request you to make one community on orkut by the name of MOHD RAFI SAHEB i would surely join that community and i would ask all my friends to join that community too
Yours obediently,
Shama Parveen
Student of LPS sec -D
Great Article right from the heart.I had tears in my eyes reading this article.The photograph of you sitting below rafi saab picture was really moving.Keep up the great work.My best wishes to you
Rameshbhai, are you saying “Utthara ka jawab nahin!”. That I am the answer to all questions? I have no `utthara’ to this kind of high praise. Ha! Ha!
I humbly say that I am no encyclopaedia.
regards and thanks
Utthara behen
sanjeev jee,
aaplee rafi bhakti sach much qaabil-e-taareef hai.
us ibaadat pe hain magroor bahut mere gunaah,
wo ibaadat, jo tere naam se aage na baDh.ee.
aapakaa yah junoon aur parwaan chaDh.e,khudaa kare!
hudod-e-saiy-e-talab se guzar gayaa hoon mein,
wo mil gaye hain magar,unko DhoonDhataa hoon mein.
rafi foundation,lucknow rafi ke chaahane waalon ke liye teerth-sthal bane,yahee vinamr duaa hai meree.
Dear Sanjiv Kumar Dixit ji,
Many many congratulations to your devotional article. Your true love for Rafi Sahab is perfectly shown by this write-up. All anecdotes are just great and treat to read.
The most amazing thing is the survey which you have started. A very brilliant and unique idea for judging actual popularity of a singer. And I am amazed by looking at the results. I did not think that Rafi Sahab would be the number one, I thought for Lata ji or Kishore Kumar (due to more projection of them in media). But despite the biased media, Rafi Sahab is the number one singer by miles in any aspect of singing. The second rating of Mukesh ji is astonishing as well. Many thanks for sharing this unique survey and please keep update us on it in future also.
Many thanks and best regards.
Anwar-ul-Haque
anwarhq25@yahoo.com
Shamshad jee- Thanks for your wishes…
Mohamed Ouisellat jee- Thanks for sharing your true words with us that how you become a fan of Rafi saab.
Thanks for your reply
manoj bhanshali jee- Thanks for reply & we will try to search a group of fans of rafi saab in calcutta.
Chandra Shekhar jee- Yes Shekhar jee there are millions fans of RAFI SAAB all around the world.Thanks for reply.
Narayan jee- Thanks for your kind words and wishes for me and for my small work. We will try to do our best for RAFI SAAB.
BINU JEE- Thanks for your warm wishes for RAFI FOUNDATION , LUCKNOW.
M V Krishnan JEE- tHANKS A LOT FOR SHARING A VERY RARE ANECDOTE OF RAFI SAAB WITH US.Really Rafi ji was a FARISHTA on this earth
Salu jee- thanking you for you comment & we all will try for BHARAT RATNA for RAFI SAAB.
NASREEN DIDI- Thanks for your wishes for our next meeting. Ofcourse the pic of Rafi saab with his children is very nice.
abbas sadik masanvi jee- Thanks for your kind reply. bahut- bahut shukriya..
Dr. KK Goyal jee- Bas aap sab ka aashirwad chahiye. Thanks alot sir….
Habib jee- thanks for your replyHow true was rafi saab- “Mujhko mere baad jamana dhundhega…” Aaj hum unhe kahan-2 nahi dhudh rahe hain—-
Vitthal jee- thanks sir… only Due to great character & humility Rafi saab got so many songs than others & we all love him.
Bina didi- Really voice of RAFI SAAB will always Remain with us till the end of this world.
Thanks for your kind words for this article.
Utthara didi- Thanks a lot for your love and affection for me.
t k nandi- Thanks a lot for yor your reply. i will try to do so…
My dear all Rafi lovers, My new E-Mail id is– “rafisanjeev@yahoo.com” Please communicate with me on this mail-id
Thanks again to all
Regards,
Sanjeev Kumar Dixit
Founder, Rafi foundation , Lucknow chapter
Dear Sanjibji,
wat a nice article,i appreciate very much.ur love n affection really sos.i also collect rafi saab’s articles pix n songs.i’ll remain grtful if u can send me d articles,of course with paymnt.my e mail is tknandi at the rate of live.com.email add cant b gvn ritely cos keybord dysfunctioning .best wishes.
post 24 – uttara with uttara – does she ever have a problem with any uttara.
uttara with her uttara’s is magic and she with her uttara’s is an asset to any organisation she assosiates with. i knew from the beigning that udi’s uttara would come from uttara only.
none of us as rafi bhakts have any uttara to uttara’s – uttara’s.
ramesh.
Sanjeevbhai, aapse milkar bahut khushi huyi..I mean in the photo. yesterday, there was a technical snag and the pix didn’t open. Today I had the privilege of seeing the rare pix of rafi saab. Thank you for posting a heart-warming article and these pix.
Cheers
Utthara didi
Sanjeev Dixit jee:
You have brought out a very elaborately thought out and lovingly written article on Rafi Saab…and coming just a couple of weeks prior to his 85th birth anniversary, it is really heartening and fascinating to read…
Rafi Saab’s splendid character was an affirmation and celebration of the magic of his voice ..you have brought that out so very well with the teachings of his father…wonderful!
“Mahfilon ke daamno me sahilon ke aas- paas, Sadiyon tak ye sada goonjegi dilon ke aas- paas .. MOHAMMED RAFI .. MOHAMMED RAFI .. MOHAMMED RAFI “
This statement is true not only according to Naushad Saab..but we all know that it is also the passionate belief too of every devout Rafi Bhakt like you and me, Sanjeev Dixit jee..
Bina
Sanjeev kumar dixit ji,
Very nice post sharing here. The father of the great rafi ji had indeed quoted statements from the scriptures, which every individual is expected to follow. It is nice to hear that rafi ji was the embodiment of the virtues prescribed by his father. The message of “character” indeed confirms the importance of character in one’s life and for the greatness of which rafi ji is remembered today.
Dear Sanjeev saheb Wah what a great article,Eik se badhker eik Rafi saheb ka chanewala Dunya me maojood hai hum bahoot maza liye aap ke article padhker,BIL KUL SACH KAHE RAFI SAHAB ( MUJKO MERE BAAD ZAMANA DHONDEGA)habib
sanjeev bhai,
bahut bahut mubarakbaad
sada khush raho aur Rafi saab ki yaadon se sabhi ko khush karte raho
kkg
dear sanjeev bhai,
bohat bohat shukraya aap ne to kamal kar diya hai,plz mujhe bhi apne group mein shamal kar lein,
asmasanvi@hotmail.com
with regards
abbas sadik masanvi
krishnanji this anecdote is really very interesting and as you mentioned, rafi sahab commanded immense respect in the film industry due to his modest and humble nature. thanks for sharing the information.
Sanjeevji
Many congratulations on starting the Rafi chapter in Lucknow. Somehow, it is fitting that Lucknow should have a rafi chapter and reading about it made me feel very glad. You seem untiring in your work related to the survey that you have started so long ago. You have included some very beautiful pictures of rafi saheb – I particularly liked the one with his children, he looks so sweet. But he always does.
All the best for the meeting on 24 December. And all the best for the Rafi chapter in Lucknow – I am positive it will grow bigger in no time. Rafi Saheb will never ever be forgotten.
Sudiji, here is your song. It is from the movie Naatak released in 1975. Moushimi Chatterjee and Vijay Arora played the lead roles. This song is sung by rafiji, written by my fave lyricist Anand Bakshi and tuned by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. The song is picturised on Vijay Arora and Moushimi. A drunk Vijay Arora sings this song. I have seen this movie. You didn’t give the mukhda of the song. Since I know this song, it is easy for me to know which song. The lines you quoted come towards the end of the song. I am also giving you the youtube link. Only rafi sahab could have sung this song so beautifully and so drunkenly. He is the best.
Saagar Nahin Hai To Kya Hai Teri Aankh Ka Nasha To Hai Baadal Nahin Hai To Kya Hai Teri Zulf Ki
Ghata To Hai Saagar Nahin Hai Meri Tamanna Ki Mahafil Se Tum Yuun Uth Ke Jaane Lage Ho Aisi Bhi
Kya Beruki Ruuth Kar Hamase Aankhein Churaane Lage Ho Mausam Nahin Hai To Kya Hai Mauqa Ye Pyaar Ka
To Hai Saagar Nahin Hai Teri Ghani Zulf Ke Saaye Mein Chaar Pal Saath Tere Jiyenge Saagar Se
Roz Pite Hain Aaj Teri Nazar Se Piyenge Saaqi Nahin Hai To Kya Hai Ik Shok Dilaruba To Hai
Saagar Nahin Hai
Shaayad Yahi Hai Qayaamat Ki Raat Maan Lene Ko Ji Chaahata Hai Teri Qasam Aaj Dil Hi
Nahin Jaan Dene Ko Ji Chaahata Hai – 2 Qaatil Nahin Hai To Kya Hai Qaafir Teri Ada To Hai
Saagar
Nahin Hai
The movie has another very popular song __ Zindagi ek naatak hai hum natak mein kaam karte hain parda giriti hai… sung by Lata and picturised on Moushimi.
The movie was not a hit.
Anwar began his career with mere garib Nawaz. The song kasme hum jaan ke khaye chalegaye is out of this world. he sounds very much like rafi sahab. He became popular with janta Hawaldar __ Hum se ka bhool huyi __ picturised on rajesh Khanna.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jlz3_PQLOao
Regards
Utthara
Dear Sanjeev,
Nice article. The passion is showing in every para you have written. Exactly the way I feel about The Greatest Singer god had ever created. Keep it up.
Like someone mentioned above an english translation would give real meaning to those words since my Urdu knowledge is limited.
It is high time we should collective do something to get Bharat Ratna awarded to Rafi Saheb.
Dear Sanjeevji,
Excellent article and some wonderful anecdotes about Rafisaab. Your survey shows the gap between yeateryear singers and current singers. As the cliche goes old is gold, Rafisaab was head and shoulders above anyone else in playback singing. He was a colossus. Yesterday while attending a program on Rafisaab the compere narrated this anecdote about Rafisaab. Shankar of S-J was to record a song of Rafisaab at Famous studio in Bombay. Everyone was waiting eagerly for Rafisaab to arrive when Shankar got the information about a strike by the studio employees. When Shankar tried to contact Rafisaab he had already left his house. When an employee heard that Rafisaab’s recording was scheduled he ran to the union leader and apprised him of the facts and immediately the union decided to accomodate Rafisaab and the recording was done. This incident showed the amount of respect and regard Rafisaab had within the film industry.
All the best for your foundation.
M V Krishnan
MY DREAM OF CELEBRATING RAFI SAAHEB – IS COMING TRUE. IT WILL SPREAD TO MANY CITIES ON RAFI’S OWN PERSONALITY ITSELF SINCE THERE ARE LACS OF RAFI LOVERS IN EVERY CITY AND TOWN.
KEEP IT UP. SANJEEV SAAHEB. WE WISH U A GREAT TIME AND OUR LITTLE EXPERTISE – WHEREVER POSSIBLE.
BINU NAIR, FOUNDER, RAFI FOUNDATION, MUMBAI.
binus2000@hotmail.com
Sanjeev bhai, Adaab Rafi !
Hearty Congrats for a great insight into very rare anecdotes of our Farishta. Now with Lucknow spearheading the great soul’s foundation we are sure you will give a big news of all devotees there with another article.
We all salute you for the great survey and would like to see that you with the help of ur team covers major part of UP soon.
Aapka Bangalore bhai
Narayan
Sanjeev bhai.
Your survey results do not surprise me. I think there are a lot of people like me. I have been a ardent rafi Saab fan from the 60’s. I was such a fanatic that after 1980 I totally stopped watching Hindi movies. Even in the 70’s I used to switch off Binaca Geet mala because of the scarcity of Rafi saab songs. I began to wonder whether I was one of the few people still remembering Rafi Saab. All this was only till I came across this website and suddenly found that there were millions of Rafi Saab followers. We must all unite and keep the Rafi Saab flag flying forever
Sanjeev ji,
Bahut khub.You have done a good work and also the new Chapter started is great.I live in Calcutta and don’t know how to contact the local chapter here.Could you or anyone else help me in this?
Dear Sanjeev
I am from Morocco and live in UK. I have ben fan of Mhammed Rafi Sahab since, I clearly remember, my childhood (1960’s). I was upset and while walking in a market, I heard an angelic voice which I followed, I found out that was Love soothing song from the duet Mohamed Rafi and Lata, soon my upsets melted into happiness. It is true that Mohamed Rfi’s voice is a God’s gift to us. Since then I am a great fun of Mohamed Rafi. I didn’t miss a single bollywood film since 1970, I got familiar woth famous Classic actors and actresses such as Dilip Kumar ( Yusuf Khan), Dhamendra Kumar,Raj Kapoor, Sammi Kapoor, Sashi Kapoor, Jeetendra, Manoj Kumar, Sunil Dutt, Raj Kumar, Amithah Batchan, Guru Dutt, Sharmila Tagoor, Asha parekh, Saira Banoo, Waheeda Rahman, Mala Sinha, Nutan, Mina Kumari, Vijayantimala, Madhubala, Nargis, Mumtaz.
Although I do not speak hindi nor urdu, I very much enjoy lestning and singing Indian Music and specially Mohamed Rafi’s angelic melodies.
I have enjoyed your article above and would appreciate it if the melody words could be translated in English so I can fully understand the meaning.
Many thanks and keep up the great work.
Kind Regards
Mohamed Ouissellat
London /UK
Sanjiv Bhai
Adaab Rafi,
Bhai aapka article padh kar dil kush ho gaya. dil se bahut bahut badhaai. aapki saari team ko hamare taraf se hardik subhkamnaye.. issi tarah rafi sahab k bare me likhte rahiye, aapke articel ka intezar rahega.
Samshad Khan
dear sanjiv
i always read and appricate your article and read others also . can i attent the programe on 24th dec at lucknow and how . and how i become member
i have some information also and want to write articles kindly suggest me
regards to all rafi sahib fans
anil nakra
nakra_anil@yahoo.co.in
Mehar jee- Thanks a lot for your reply. Isi baat ka mujhe bhi hamesha dukh rahega ki main RAFI SAHAB se mil nahi paaya.
Hussein Jee, Well said sir, only RAFI SAHAB is the best singer in the world. unke baare me jitna bhi kaha jaaye kam hi hai, aur un jaise insaan bhi roj-2 nahi aate.
Sanjeev sharma jee- very nice song sir, Kaash… Aap ki baat sach ho jati aur RAFI SAHAB ek baar fir se hamare beech aa jaate…….. Aur hum sab unse mil paate lekin……
“Jane wale kabhi nahi aate, jaane wale ki yaad aati hai……..”
Thanks again sir…
Utthra Didi,
Thanks for your kind words for me, I am nothing but only a drop in ocean of Rafi lovers all arround the world.I will send your wishes to all of the members of RAFI FOUNDATION, LUCKNOW CHAPTER.
Thanks again…..
To
The Editor of http://www.Mohdraficom
Dear Sir / Madam, Hi,
I am searching for this song since a long time but unfortunately I didn´t found this song anywhere. Please help me to find this beautiful song:
“Shayed yehi he qayaamat ki raat, maan lene ko ji chahta he.
Teri qasam aaj dil hi nahin jaan dene ko ji chahta he.
Jadoo nahin he to kya he? Kafir teri ada he.”
Somebody said that this is not Rafi Sahib and may be sung by Anwar (Anwar Hussain). Please kindly help me to find out the real truth. Thank you very much and good bye with best regards.
Sudi from Germany
Sanjeev ji, very nice article from you. Arey bhai…. Rafi Saheb ke baare mein jitna likho kam hai… jitni bhi taarif karo kam hai…. In real sense, Rafi Saheb was a true singer, and best human voice in the world. Keep it up, and hope for more articles from your side.
melodiousrafi@yahoo.com
Jo wada kiya wo nibhana parega…roke zamana chahe roke khudai tujhko aana parega…….
khuda itna beraham kyu hai, Rafi Saheb jase insaan ki zarurat hume adhik hai, unhe vo apne pas kyu le gaya?
kash ek baar fir se ate aur in deewano ka haal dekhte jo apki yadon k deepak ko jalaye rakhne k lie is Sanstha ka nirman kie hain, main unhe dil se namaskar karta hun!
your contribution is outstanding..i m happy to see this , that there is a wonderful person who loves mohd.rafi..and his voice as much…i m also fond of listening rafi saheb songs…infact i feel very sad that i could not meet him ..since he died before my birth…
my name is Mehar Alam.,,i m persuing b.tech..this is my third year…
Sanjeevji, what a fitting tribute to Rafi sahab in the month of his birthday. Thanks for sharing the anecdotes, though I, being in the field, have read and heard about these. I am amazed by your passion for Rafi sahab. You are a true Rafi fan. It is heart-warming to know that young people like you too admire Rafi saab. i agree music has no age.
You have beautifully brought out rafi saab’s humility. I have always admired Rafi sahab for his humbleness. in today’s cruel world, where friends stab friends, it is people like Rafi sahab who lead us on the right path.
Congratulations for starting Rafi Foundation in Lucknow. Best wishes to all the members.
A great article, Sanjeevji. Bahut shukriya.
Utthara
Padmnabhan jee, Thanks for your affectionating words. We will try to do our best bas Aap sab ka aashirwad chahiye aur wo sab hoga jo hamne socha hai.
Thanks again sir…
Dear Sanjeev,
it is always a great pleasure to hear anything about lucknow, my karmabhoomi. To know that you have been able to form the lucknow chapter of rafi foundation there is a huge bonus. my heartiest greetings to you. Islambhai, Ajai kapoor ji and gurbeer singh bhai.
jut jaao bhai logon dil sey. sanjeev ney aap sab ka phone no. bhi bheja hai, jald hi lambi baatein karoonga, aap sab se. aur mauka lagte hi milne bhi aa jaaoonga.
Haardik shubhkaamnaon sahit,
Padmanabhan NR
President, rafi foundation, hyderabad chapter & member,baar baar rafi, bangalore.
Ramesh jee, Devraj jee and Murty jee, Thanks a lot for your your kind words.
Murty jee, I agree with you and will follow all the suggestions given by you.There are lots of great ideas in mind of Gurbeer singh jee, and we will try to proceed on that ideas.
Thanks again to all of you for your precious comments on the article.
Regards,
-Sanjeev Kumar Dixit
Sanjeevbhai, my oft repeated plea to all Rafi Bhakts is before you and all other friends of Lucknow and to all others too :
1) Please create a distinct Rafi-email id (for example Sanjeev.rafi@…com) – this give us all a very unique identity that we all belong to one family associated with the name that we all adore – Mohammed Rafi Sahab.
2) All mobile phone users must download a caller tune of any song of Rafi Sahab of their choice. This will go a long long way in spreading the fragrance of Rafi Sahab.
3) Use the words like “adabrafi” while addressing fellow Rafi Bhakts (this was introduced to me by Narayanan sahab of Bangalore for the first time sometime last year).
4) Just as I was typing out the above, I got a call from Gurbeerbhai from Lucknow who has several ideas on how to carry forward the legacy of Rafi Sahab. One of his suggestions was that on a day to day basis, we the Rafi Bhakts must write to PMO, the Government of India, various political parties and other well known indian personalities to impress upon the Government to honour Rafi Sahab with the much awaited Bharat Ratna award. Point well raised Gurbeerbhai and I agree in toto that this is a ‘mohim – as per your own words”, a ‘campaign’ to most of us, that we should attend to on a daily basis. My request to all the Rafi Bhakts – please pursue by writing to the Government of India, various ministers, all the political parties, various film personalities, intellectuals, industry barons, writers, media houses, letters that must implore all to canvass for this one noble task that we the Rafi Bhakts have been impatiently longing for. We must do our duty first and this must be a sustained activity, never to be left for tomorrow. Continuous and sustained efforts only yield positive results. Let us get started friends on this noble task and may I ask the Rafi Foundation, Mumbai and at all other centres to take the lead ? Gurdeerbhai, the topic initiated by you has been in front of all of us for some years now and yes, with the impetus thrust by you today, we will work on this. Several other ideas of Gurdeerbhai are worth implementing – more on them on a different fora and at a later date.
A S MURTY
rafimurty@gmail.com
SECRETARY,
Rafi Foundation,
Hyderabad Chapter.
nothing can be a better tribute to rafi sahab in the month of his 85th birth anniversary than your article Sanjeevbhai. Many many congratulations for such a fine presentation of a legendary personality who not only is the shahanshah of music, but also the finest human being that god has created. ramesh kurpad’s article ‘god or avatar’ rings true after reading his and your articles in tandem. the time has now really come when some of the most ardent bhakts of rafi sahab like Sanjeevbhai are getting to be known to all of us. it was by chance when i had seen his passion on the pages of another website that i contacted sanjeevbhai and in a matter of just 10 to 15 days, he and his wonderful friends in lucknow have created the rafi foundation, lucknow chapter. you have presented to us all the rarest of insights into the personality of rafi sahab sanjeevbhai and we thank you for the same. some of the anecdotes were known to us, while others were news to me. your passion has no boundaries and you are a true disciple of the legend of legends. we know with you and all others at rafi foundation, lucknow chapter, the movement of ‘rafi fragrance’ has gained the much needed momentum. today i could speak to beg islam again and also to gurdeer singh, two of the staunch rafi bhakts as I could gauge after my talk with them. the numerous quotes of naushad sahab on rafi sahab were a treasure too. let us all read out such fine verses in all programmes dedicated to rafi sahab and also make cutouts and display in the auditoria wheresuch programmes of songs of rafi sahab are taking place on the occasion of the 85th birth anniversary of rafi sahab. kudos to you sanjeevbhai and to each and every one with you in lucknow. may your tribe grow.
A S MURTY
Secretary
Rafi Foundation,
Hyderabad Chapter.
Dear Sanjeev: Congratulations to you and the other office-bearers for having started the Lucknow chapter of Rafi Foundation.I wish you all the best in your endeavour to savour and spread Rafism in your locality.
Best wishes.
M V Devraj
waah sanjeev – ashrudhaaraa ko mai rok nahi saktaa – aap apnaa yah lekh rok nahi sakey – logonkee waah waah – na ro payegi – rafi sahab kaa gunn gann kabhi rok nahi sakegi.
sanjeevjee, congrats on your great article which i loved the most as i reciprocate all that you have said. congrats on your founding rafi foundation in lucknow. may god bless you for that.
i would just like to say that the picture with rafi sahab and panditjee – is so very realistic that – it made me burst in tears. just look at he two faces.
rafi sahab looks a picture of a man who is simply dumbfounded because of panditjee and panditjee looks a small child in awe of being so close to a legend.
a rare photo – which tells a lot. height of humility.
ramesh narain kurpad.
rameshkurpad@gmail.com