Ravi’s memorable combination with Rafi
By: Souvik Chatterji. Master of Law from Warwick University, Coventry,UK. Master of Law from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Ravi, better known as Ravi Shankar Sharma, emerged in the film arena in the 1950s when success of most of the movies were dependant on strong story base and everlasting music composed for those films. Even more significantly the composers like Shankar Jaikishan, Roshan, Naushad, Madan Mohan and lyricists like Shakeel Badayani, Shailendra, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Hasrat Jaipuri, never compromised with the producers in respect of compositions. Further Directors like Bimal Roy, Raj Kapoor, Guru Dutt, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, had tried to built in realistic approach in respect of picturisation of song sequences.
It was difficult for any new composer to create his identity in that scenario. Ravi began his journey by composing music in the film Wachan in 1955, but got acclamation of music lovers with his landmark composition in the film Chaudavi ka Chand in 1960. Mohammad Rafi, the man with the golden voice, had galvanized the destiny of many composers, lyricists and instrumentalists. The Title song “Chaudavi ka Chand ho, ya aftab ho, job bhi ho tum khuda ki kasam, lajawab ho,†picturised on Guru Dutt became the greatest hit in a year when Roshan had composed “Zindagi bhar Nahi Bhulenge woh barsaat ki raat†in the film Barsaat ki Raat, 1960, and Naushad had composed “Do sitaron ka zami par hai Milan aaj ki raatâ€, Kohinoor, 1960. Only the song in the film had a coloured picturisation. It was a challenge of Mohammad Rafi excelling himself in one song or the other.
Mohd Rafi with Verma Mallick, Devendra Goel, Ravi
In the next year, Ravi had been successful to create his identity with the film Gharana, 19611. Most of the songs were picturised on Rajender Kumar, prominent among them being “Jab se tumhe dekha haiâ€. The best song was “Husnwale tera jawab nahiâ€. Ravi concentrated on the sweetness of melody, and the softness of his use of instruments had created an intoxicating appeal for the listeners. Rafi was probably at the peak of his career, and the sweetness of his voice added colour in the black and white classic.
The combination of Ravi and Rafi continued in the films that followed after that period of time. In films like China Town, 1962, Ravi produced the rock and roll andaz of Shammi Kapoor in the song Baar Baar Dekho. Even better songs were composed for Guru Dutt’s film Bharosa, 1963, with songs like “yeh jhuke jhuke naina,†where most of his songs were sung by Mohammad Rafi. Ravi also composed songs for Mukesh in the film Nazrana, 1961, directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, as it was picturised on Raj Kapoor, as his voice suited him the most.
Mohd Rafi
The following films in that period include Ravi’s compositions with tunes relating hills of India, where some of the songs of Rafi like “yeh yadiyan yeh fizaye bula rahi hai tumhe†becoming big hits. There were successful compositions for Mahendra Kapoor also in the films Gumrah, 1963, Waqt, 1965, Humraaz, 1967. But some of Ravi’s best Ghazals were composed in the film Kaajal, 1965 where Rafi’s song “Chulene do nazuk hoton ko†and “yeh zulf agar khulke bikhar jaye to accha ho†picturised on Raj Kumar was outstanding by every musical standard. The use of Sarengi in those songs were simply brilliant. Other than Roshan, no other composer had used Sarengi the way it was used in the film Kaajal.
Ravi composed very impressive songs in the film Shehnai, 1964, picturised on Biswajeet where most of the songs were sung by Rafi. Songs like “na jhatko zulfse pani†were big hits. Also the songs in Biswajeet’s film Do Kaliyan, 1968, like “yeh sama yeh rut yeh nazareâ€, “tumhari nazar kyon khafa ho gayiâ€, were successful. Within all types of creations of Ravi, the songs with tragic notes identify his class. The best examples include “Bhari Duniya me akhir dil ko samjhana kahan jaye†written by Shakeel Badayani and picturised on Manoj Kumar in the film Do Badan, 1966, and “Aaja Tujhko pukare mera pyar†written by Sahir Ludhianvi and picturised on Raj Kumar in the film Neel Kamal, 1968. Rafi was brilliant in all these songs where the pathos of the characters were displayed through his voice. Rafi got huge acclamation all over India with the song “Babul ki duwayen leti ja“, from the film Neel Kamal composed by Ravi.
Mohd Rafi
Due to strong dominance of Shankar Jaikishan in the 50s, 60s and early 70s, Ravi did not get the recognition which he deserved as some of his tunes even had similarity with them, specially in films of Raj Kapoor, Rajender Kumar, Raj Kumar and Shammi Kapoor who were identified with SJ tunes. In the 70s Ravi composed music for lesser number of films but again came into limelight with his classic composition of music in the film Nikah, 1982. Ravi’s creations should adorn the archive of Mohammad Rafi to remember their relationship and the soft compositions and hilly tunes composed by the legendary composer.
1 Ravi won his first filmfare award for composing music in the film Gharana, 1961.
Souvik Chatterji – the author along with his wife, Rumi Chatterji
Mohd. Rafi is magic even to the listeners of film music today. There can never be another male singer like Rafi Saab and anyone even compared to Rafi Saab. He has given immense happiness to us through his immortal songs. He will remain forever in our lives of my generation and future listeners of great music. Time stopped for a moment when I heard that Rafi Saab expired. I was near GPO in Bombay. I prayed for his soul. Even though his life was cut short but he will remain for ever in my memory….
Md Rafi was really a great singer, if not the greatest, and Ravi too was an unsung hero, who composed some tremeneous songs for Md Rafi in the 1960s
This is in response to Rashad Khan’s enquiry for a MR live concert. I am seeing this particular page two years later as my music society Sangeet Smriti, based in Delhi is doing a Rafi 4 Ravi show, to felicitate Ravisaab on his 84th birthday. Besides, Raviji is a close personal friend. If you are still looking for a live show, do get back to me at my e-mail id or my tel no. 9811555570. This is a Delhi no. so you may prefix the required area code which is 011 for 91 (India). We have nationally-known singers who sing Rafi songs with dedicated passion.
There was a great melodious song from film “Yeh Raaste Hain Pyar Ke”, ‘Zulf Lehrai Teri – Koi Mujhse Pooche Ke Tum Mere Kya Ho’ and “Jab Bhi Dalne Lage Shaam Ke Thande Saaye, Tere Dehkate Hue Rukhsar Kaam Aye”. This song has not been appreciated by anybody. Will someone listen to this song and post the lyrics of this song.
Ravi had given very passionate songs to Rafi in the film Do Badan. Along with the song ” raha gardishon me hardam” picturised on Manojkumar the song “naseeb me jiske jo likha tha” had a sombre appeal for the listeners.
Souvik Chatterji.
Ravi had a lot of compassion for the poor and it was reflected even in his songs related to beggary, example being Rafi’s song garibon ko suno woh tumhara sunega. His title song in the film Waqt sung by Rafi, also showed that people should be submissive considering the power of nature and realising how much human beings are subject to the control of nature. In Waqt, an earthquake separated all the children of Balraj Sahani.
Souvik Chatterji
Mr. Rashad Khan highly appreciated your regards with Rafi Sb. may u send me your e_mail id or you may contact me by
szaka_786@yahoo.co.in
m.rafi was and is a legend. no one sing like hum.i am doctor khan from atlanta i needed m.rafi live concert. 678 895 8340
my name is doctor rashad khan .i am living in atlanta usa i need m.rafi live concert .i will pay you good money.my cell is 678 895 8340.
dear guru murthy
you are right. that’s bahu beti and not shehnai. all the songs mentioned by you are gems. my personal favourite (it is really tough to decide) is husn se chand bhi sharmaya hai. by tje way door ki awaaz has one more rafi thriller in muquaddar aazmana chahta hoon. the song used to be played with religious regularity on radio ceylon during the 1pm to 2pm fermaishi songs. one of its compere vijaysekhar would always make it a point to begin and ynd the programme with a rafi vintage. and most interesingly, he would never mention rafi’s name. he would always refer the film, lyricist and md’s name and refer to the singer as “awaaz aapki jaani maani hai.” i loved it because rafi does not need a mention. lt’s like pointing to mahatma gandhi’s picture and telling people that’s gandhi.
Dear Raju Kortiji,
Please refer your post no. 21. The song sabme shamil ho magar is not from SHEHNAI but from Joy Mukherjee – Mala Sinha starrer Bahu Beti. The third solo song in the movie Shehnai was Na Zhatko Zulfase Paani. The movie also had a Rafi-Asha duet Sadiyon Purani. The Dharmedra starrer Aankhen had its theme and title song by Rafi – Har Tarahse Jajbat Ka. Another beautiful Ravi composition was for the movie Door Ki Awaaz starring Joy Mukherjee and Saira Banu. It had two solos by Rafi, Husnase Chaand Bhi Sharmaya Hai and Dil Mera Aaj Kho Gaya Hai Kahin apart from two Rafi – Asha duets – Hathon Me Haath and Hum Bhi Agar Bache Hote.
very well sir
ravi is underrated but he is legend for me.above rd and lp.
well, ravi has been debated well in this forum, but i was waiting for someone to mention these songs that have been completely missed. one, the solo from apna banake dekho: raaze dil unse chupaya na gaya and second, the duet with asha: ham pyaar tumhe karte hain, hame apna banakar dekho. the songs from gehra daag have also escaped attention. two solos, aaj udta hua ek panchhi zindagi ki baharon mein aaya and bhagwan ek kasoor ki itni badi sazaa plus the duet with asha: tumhe paake hamne jahan paa liya hai.
i also wish somebody remembered that intense duet from aaj aur kal: mujhe gale se lagalo bahut udaas hoon main, where rafi steals a march over asha coming as he does with such tremendous depth towards the end in “bahut sahi ghame duniya magar udaas na ho
Hi,
I am a big fan of Mohd. Rafi and I have been listening to his beautiful voice for more than 30 years now (I am 39 yrs old now). About 20-25 years back, I used to like a particular song from a Audio Cassette called “Gazals and Geets from Mohd Rafi”. Unfortunately, I listened that song so many times that, after some time, the audio cassette almost become unusable. I am looking for the song since then.
Some of the lines of the Gazal/ Geet were as follows:
“Jab bhi Patto ke tan chhu ke Nikli Hawa, Teri Ahat ka mujhko Bharam sa hua,
Saakh Lipti gale se to mujhko laga, haar baanho ka tumne pahnaya mujhe,
Teri jhothi tasalli sitam kar gayi………..”
Could you please help me know the complete song and its title/ album name, so that I can get the song again. I believe, this is not very popular song by Mohd Rafi, however, it is my favourite,
Can anyone help me here?
Thanks
Sanjay
Sanjay.choubey@gmail.com
NJ, USA
the three stanza rafi solo from aaj aur kal itni haseen itni is incidentally, lata’s favourite song. but while majority songs have been mentioned, let me point out the threeo solos from shehnai: kitni jawan hai zindagi, the very soft and lovely sab mein shamil ho magar and the heart-rending kya ajab saaz hai yeh shehnai (which had none other than ustaad bismillah khan playing the instrument. and how about the duet from sagai: na yeh zameen thi, na assman tha? khandan too has been missed. it had the rafi masterpieces in koi mujhse pooche ke tum mere kya ho and tu hoke bada ban jana. my vote for the kaajal song goes to the couplets rafi has recited in mehyfil me teri, which is the slower version of yeh zulf agar khulke. here too i can go on endlessly.
Mr. Souvik Chatterjee Sir, you are a master writer and a person endowed with a lot of knowledge on matters relating to Hindi film world, more particularly on Mohd. Rafi and all the MDs. i admisre your recollections and the clarity with which you write your well balanced and composed articles. I am collecting all the articles on Mohd. Rafi sahab published on this website and many writers have sent me their articles by email. Could you be so kind enough to email the soft copies of all your articles, for we have many a hardcore Rafi-fan here in Hyderabad who do not have access to the internet and I am taking out prints of all the articles and filing away separately for their and my own benefit. Pls email your articles to me at asmurty2@rediffmail.com thanks vm in advance.
if rafi is great ravi bhi ek mahan music directer hai jin ki music mai rafi sahib ney bahut kamaal key ganey gayey 1 garibbo ka jeena bhi kya jeena [nairoshni] 2 aankhey badi hai nehmat baba
3 a baherey bagh duniya chand roj[bombay ka chor]dewaana keh kar mujey phir pukariyey[muljim] 5saubaar janam lengey[ustadoo key ustad]
Hussein Sheikh : we miss your comments herein : please do not
take a “Big Holiday” from this popular site. Remember : Mohd Rafi
saab used to take only – short holidays during his “hectic” days of
singing glory..
Welcome back…
Binu Nair Mumbai Sargam Magazine…
Ravi made unforgettable songs with Rafi Saheb, Ravi’s favourite singer was/is Rafi Saheb.
Composer ravi’s house is named after his first film ‘Vachan’ which
means – promise.
H e has a huge portrait of lord krishna on a coffee table and a large
sofa in line with the portrait . On the sofa sits his harmonium from
where he composes his works. On the adjacent sofa his playback
singers and the lyricist would sit and work on the songs.
shakeel badayuni wrote the lyrics of chaunvin ka chaand and rafi
saab practiced it here and the tune was ready in 20 minutes : ravi
informed me.
Babul ki duwaa en leti jaa was rehearsed from here before two days
of rafi saabs daughters marriage. rafi saab broke down here and
was uncontrollable says ravi saab.
I told him when I entered the house : u have Lord Krishnas blessings;
that’s how u created some unforgettable songs from this spot.
binu nair.
let us talk in relevance to Ravi jee’s association with Rafi sahab.
Refs 2, 5 and original post:
MD Ravi’s first film for which he provided music is named Vachan (spelling check).
Add to the list prepared in reply posts 2 & 5, the following too:
1. Jiyo To Aaise Jiyo – Film Bahu Beti
2. Yeh Wadiyan – Film Aaj Aur Kal
3. Itni Haseen Itni, Jawan Raat – Film Aaj Aur Kal
4. Yeh Khamoshiyan Yeh Tanhaiyan – Film Yeh Raaste Hain Pyar Ki (duet with Asha)
Rafi Saab actually broke down in tears during the recording of “Babul Ki Duwayein Leti Ja” (Neel Kamal) since one of his own daughters had just married and left the house a few days before. He voluntered to re-record the song to MD Ravi’s liking, but Ravi Saab said ” you have brought out the genuine feelings of a father seeing his daughter leaving the house after her marriage…there will be no change..the song will stay as is”.
Such was the relationship between MD Ravi and Mohd Rafi. Since both were excellent singers, they practised all the songs several times before perfecting it and recording. MD Ravi also composed tunes only after receiving the lyrics. The song ‘Chaudvin Ka Chand” received very high accolades from MD Naushad, when he remarked that MD Ravi had created a masterpiece composition. Ravi Saab was very pleased. Incidently, Naushad’s own favourite lyricist Shakeel Badayuni wrote the lyris of Chaudvin Ka Chand.
MD Ravi also perfected the sound of the “been” (along with MD Kalyanji) ..the snake charming sound that was heard in “Nagin” (Man Dhole…by Lata Mangheskar; MD Hemant Kumar). MD Kalyanji played the “been” instrument early on in his career before becoming a full-fledged Music Director. After “Nagin” ..this musical instrument was used for several other recordings. MD Ravi was an assistant to MD Hemant Kumar or many years. If I am not mistaken, he also worked with SD Burman for a few years.
Ravi Saab gave a prominent role to the singer for his songs and kept them upfront with intruments just providing a supporting role. That is the reason that Rafi Saab’s songs recorded for MD Ravi seem to have such clarity with soaring vocals where they were needed, then the softness …despair and pathos in several sad songs.
Someone had requested to know of additional films that Lata Mangeskhar sang for MD Ravi. Listen to the songs of “Ankhen” (1968) that starred Dharmendra and Mala Sinha. Lata had about 3 or 4 excellent songs in this film. One of the issues that Ravi had with Lata was that he could not get recording dates with her, since she was fully committed to the top-tier MDs of the era He had to wait weeks ..if not months. He re-tooled his music to suit the voice of Asha Bhonsle who was available to sing. I feel that the Lata-Ravi combination would have created some absolute gem songs, if their stars were all aligned. But it was not to be.
MD Ravi from the mid-1980’s started giving music to several hit Malayalam movies for which he won numerous state, regional and a national award. He predominently used Yesudas, Chitra and Jayachandran for his Malayalam songs. His music here are considered as some of the best Malayalam songs composed during the 80’s and 90’s. One can hear shades of the Lata-Ravi tunes that never made it in some the compositions that he created for singer Chitra in Malayalam.
Another unbeatable combination with MD Ravi and Mohd Rafi, leaving a treasure chest of remarkable music for many generations to hear and enjoy.
@Harvinder jee
Lata has sung no less than 75 song for Ravi jee. some of such solos are:
1)lo aa gayee unki yaad… from Do badan
2)badle badle se mere sarkar….from Chaudhvi ka chand
3)Gairon pe karam….from Aankhen
4)Meri sun le araj….from Aankhen
5) Milti hai zindgi me …..from Aankhen
6)Wo dil kahan se laaoon ….from Bharosa
7)Ai mere dil e nadan …from Tower House
8)Apne kiye pe koi………….from Mehndi
Rafi-Shakeel-naushad combination is indeed the best thing ever happened in HFM. Shakeel ji is generally associated with Naushad saab for writing many a great songs .However the combination of Rafi-shakeel -Ravi has also done some miracles with the music. When shakeel ji started working for Ravi Ji , he humbly requested to him:”ravi jee, maine iske pehle Naushad Saab(and ofcourse Gulam mohd) ko chhorker kisi aur ke saath kaam nahi kiya hai. please mujhe sambhaal lijiyega.”
And Ravi ji accepted this request and uses the unparellal lyrics of him marvellously . This is because The voice of Rafi Saab was always there to create the shear magic , as always. Chaudhvi ka chand ,Do Badan , Gharana , Pyar kiya to darna kya , grahasthi ,Nartaki are some of the great example of this.
This golden triangle started their magic right from their first venture i. e. Chaudhvi Ka Chand . Actually this was the film which put the Ravi jee among the frontline Music Directors. And just imagine , Ravi and Shakeel completed the song over Telephone, when the later telephoned Ravi jee in the midnight that he had at last find the suitable mukhra for the title song!
Chaudhvi ka chand ho yaa aftaab ho
jo bhi ho tum khuda ki kasam lajawab ho
After the recording of the song ‘chhu lene do..(from KAJAL..one of my most favourite) everybody praises the song. but it was the unanimous opinion of everyone present at the time of recording that song is too short.
ONLY TWO ANTARA FOR SUCH A GREAT SONG!
Then ravi saab sent somebody to call on Sahir,the poet just to write some more stanza.
But he was not in the town at that time. so it was decided that third antara will be recorded later.
Unfortunately third antara was never written or recorded!
I agree : this is a song which will find a mention in Latas list of her
top 20 songs if not in 10.
What about Lata’s number from aankhen : Milti hai zindagi mein
mohabbat kabhie kabhie. This will go in her list of top 30.
Ravi is called Bombai Ravi in the south : in Kerala. He has given
music for 17 movies in Malayalam. He is a north indian but knows
only 2 words of Malayalam he revealed in a conversation with him.
Yet, he has given gems in the genre of Madhuvan mein radhika
in Malayalam films in the voice of shri yesudas one of the greatest
classical singers – of india. This is ravi for you .. Music has no
boundaries.. and walls too…..
Binu Nair. The Rafi Foundation 9833 250 701 Cell.. Mumbai
Raviji gave very pleasant music and mainly in family dramas. Vast majority of his songs were sung by Rafi Saheb and Asha Bhonsle. Ravi appriceated the melody in Rafi Saheb’s voice and blended it with serenity.
On the other hand, how well he made Manna Dey sing “Meri Zohranjabi” in Waqt and “Tujhe Suraj Kahoon ya Chanda” in Ek Phool Do maali. These were real gems immortal. Manna Dey can be proud of these songs for ever. I still like to imagine Rafi Saheb rendering Tujhe Suraj Kahoon Ya chanda.
Another surprise is his liking for Asha Bhonsle’s voice over legendary Lata. Perhaps the only song ( Can someone please indicate any other number) Lata sang for Ravi was “Tumhi mere mandir tumhin meri pooja”. This song can give Lata’s favorite and most talked about songs run for their money. To me this should figure amongst best five songs ever composed and sung by any suinger. Try watching/listning to this song without eyes getting moist – your heart would have to made of stone.
zindgi kya hai gam kadarya hai nazar uthney sey pahley juka leti to acha tha aaj udta hua ik panchi zindgi ki baharoo mai aaya bazi kisi ney pyar ki jiti ya haar di hai rey insaan ki majbooriya
rafi with ravi first song o babu ek paisa dey do tum ek paisa do gey wo dus lakh dega there r many songs from ravi
Souvik da, no doubt it’s a good writeup. ravi and rafi combination had created lot of historical composition, one another song i also like the most ” kaisteran jeeten hain yea loog btatdo yearooo ……… ( 2nd antara) saat dena hain to khud peine ke aadat dalo (2), barna mainkhane ke dhar hamse chura do yearoo”..
good bless u souvik da.
Zaman.
Hi Souvik,
Good artcile.
There are few mistakes. Songs like “Aaj Ki Mulaakat Bas Itnee” & “Yeh Hawa Yeh Hawa” are sung by Mahendra Kapoor. Ravi was primarily asscociated with the B R films banner, where Mahendra Kapoor contributed the maximum.
Manna Dey has also contributed under Ravi, “E Meri Zohra Zabin” & “Tujhe Suraj Kahun Ya Chanda”.
Possibly Rafi Saab did not receive a National Award for “Babul Ki Duwayen Leti Jaa”, he got a film fare nomination.
Some of the unforgetable scores sung by Rafi Saab for Ravi are:
– Waqt Se Din Aur Raat
– Door Rah Kar No Karo Baat
– Jaane Bahaar Husn Tera
– Kis Tarah Jeete Hein
– Ye Sham Ki Tanhaiyan
– Yeh Zulf Agar Khulke
– Bhari Duniya Mein Aakhir
– Raha Gardishon Mein Hardam
– Is Bhari Duniya Mein
– Zindagi Kya Hai
– Mili Khak Me Mohabbat
– Baazi Kisi Ne Pyar Ke Jeeti (Picturized on Raj Kapoor)
– Sau Baar Janam Lenge
– Aaj Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi
– Gharibon Ki Suno
– Olaad Waloon Phulo Phalo
– Badi Der Bhai Nandalala (Devotional)
– Ganga Tera Paani Amrit (Devotional)
– Tumhari Nazar Kyon Khafa (duet with Lata)
– Jaane Teri Nazaron Ne Kya Kar Diya (duet with Lata)
– Jab Se Tumeh Dekha Hai (duet with Asha)
– Zara Parada Hata Do (duet with Asha)
– O Nanne Se Farishte (duet with Asha)
The song “Aajki Mulaqat” from BHAROSA was sung by Mahendra Kapoor and not by Rafi. The hit Rafi song of BHAROSA was “Is Bhadi Duniya Me”. Another hit film with Rafi – Ravi combination was KHANDAAN. Of course, we cannot forget the Rafi – Asha duet of PYAAR KA SAGAR – “Muzhe Pyaar Ki Zindagi Denewale”.
Interestingly, Ravi ji came here in bombay to became a singer…But after meeting Rafi Saab , He became assured that no singer could get success before him.
Later Ravi Ji became a successful MD and Rafi Saab became his main singer. However Rafi Saab A great human being also,always used to say him, “AAP ITNE ACHCHE SINGER HAI ,APNE FILM ME KHUD KYON NAHI GAATE.PRODUCERS KE PAISE BACHENGE!”
Ravi Ji is one of the most talented but also the most underrated MD. i think he is the only MD of the golden era who is still active, however in south.
To mention here, Rafi Saab did not get the best singer award for the song BABUL KI DUAYE LETI JA……..
in 1968 , Manna dey get this award for his song in MERE HUZOOR..
Some of the songs which coud be termed as rare from this duo which I like very much are:
1)jitni likhi thi muqaddar me…from NAI ROSHNI
2)sharma ke yun na dekh……….from NEELKAMAL
3)zindgi kya hai…………from PYAR KIYA TO…
4)agre ka dulha……….from DUS LAKH
5)tammannao ki dunia…..from DHADKAN
6)ik piasa de de………..from WACHAN
7)zingi ke safar me akele………..from NARTAKI
5)kabira nirbhay raam jape……….from KAAJAL
Chatterji sahab,
Hats off to you for recalling the days of such a wonderful combination. One can clearly learn who’s who from such type of articles. Many thanks.
Ramaswamy