The Uncrowned Kings
Written by: H.A.K. Walijah
Mohd Rafi and Dharamendra
Who could be from the Forties till the late Eighties charmed the film world with his scintillating lyrics in about 200 films and Rafi Saab had sung at least 225 songs out of 1800 recorded songs penned – guess whom I am referring, yes it is Hasrat Jaipuri, “The King of Romance”. Hasrat Jaipuri is one of the best lyricists in Bollywood who have been in the Indian film industry for a long time. The lyricist is now being considered as an iconic figure in the Bollywood music world. The verses which came out of his pen were realistic, rhythmic and touched the soul. He spread the fragrance of his poetry during 50’s & 60’s with his brilliant poetic genius comprising some of the sweetest melodies sung by “The King of Melody”, Mohammad Rafi Sahab – “Teri pyari pyari soorat ko” (Sasural), “Tu kahan yeh bataa” (Tere Ghar Ke Saamne), “Tu mere saamne hai, teri zulfein hai khuli” (Suhagan), “Ehsan tera hoga mujh par” (Junglee), “Teri zulfon se” (Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai) and “Tum mujhe yoon bhula na paaoge” (Pagla Kahin Ka).
One cannot but accept that the maestro was right as he wrote once, “Tum mujhe yoon bhula na paaoge / Jab kabhi bhi sunoge geet mere/ sang sang tum bhi gungunaaoge/ Haan, tum mujhe yoon bhula na paaoge.” Hasrat Jaipuri was one of the best lyric writers of all time. There is no better writer when it comes to romantic songs, no one could match him in this aspect. He had a natural talent in writing for this genre. He wrote one of the top most romantic songs ever, “yeh mera prem patra padh kar” (Sangam). Hasrat Sahab was expert in composing romantic songs. He had no peer when it came to romantic songs, he was in a class of his own in the shayari world.
Mohd Rafi and Hasrat Jaipuri
Hasrat Jaipuri was born on April 15, 1922 as Iqbal Husain in Jaipur; he acquired his studies in Urdu and Persian from his grandfather. He began writing verse when he was around twenty years old. In 1940 Hasrat Jaipuri came to Bombay, earned livelihood by working as bus conductor and satiated his creative urges by participating in poets’ gathering (mushairas). In one of the mushairas, Prithviraj Kapoor noticed Hasrat reciting ghazal and recommended him to his son, Raj Kapoor. Thus Hasrat got his big break with Raj kapoor in Barsaat. The first song recorded by Hasrat Jaipuri was “Jiya beqarar Hai” which was sung by the Nightingale of India – Lata Mangeshkar; and Shanker Jaikishen was the first musician with whom he had worked at the beginning of his film career. Rafi Saab had sung the first song of Hasrat was “Main zindagi main har dam rota hi raha hoon” from the same movie Barsaat. He collaborated with RK Films till the end of 1971. Hasrat Jaipuri was known for his simple and poetic lyrics, he was one of the most influential songwriters in the history of Indian cinema. Along with fellow lyricist – Shailendra wrote lyrics for the films of Raj Kapoor till 1971 (Mera Naam Joker).
When we discuss about Hasrat Sahab and Rafi Sahab, how could one miss to mention Shankar Jaikishan name, the greatest music duo ever graced to the Hindi film world without which, I think, this article may not be considered as complete. Mohd. Rafi Sahab got six Film Fare Awards out of which 3 were for Shankar-Jaikishan songs. Hasrat Jaipuri got all his Film Fare Awards for S-J songs. Shankar Jaikishan created everlasting and immortal melodies in fifties and sixties which is considered to be the golden era of Hindi cinema.
Shankar-Jaikishan
Most of Hasrat’s poetry under the baton of Shankar Jaikishan was sung by Rafi Sahab starting from Barsaat (1949) till Andaz (1971). Hasrat Jaipuri songs had perfectly reflected the persona of Shammi Kapoor, Dev Anand, Dharmendra, Rajendra Kumar, Sunil Dutt, Jeetendra, Raaj Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Joy Mukherji, Biswajeet, Manoj Kumar and Guru Dutt for whom Rafi Sahab had given the playback in some of the wonderful songs. Hasrat was a romantic poet without being pompous or verbose. He weaved his own romantic feelings into his lyrics, i.e. he was more a subjective poet comparatively. Rafi Saab had sung at least 225 songs penned by Hasrat Jaipuri. Some of the best and all time greats by The Two Kings: Mohammad Rafi Sahab and Hasrat Jaipuri are –
- Falsafa Pyaar Ka
- Gar Tum Bhula Na Doge
- Ehsaan Tera Hoga
- Teri Pyaari Pyaari Surat Ko
- Baharon Phool Barsao
- Jo Guzar Rahi Hai Mujhpar
- Tumse Achcha Kaun Hai
- Meri Muhabbat Jawaan Rahegi
- Ek But Banaaoonga
- Taqdeer Ka Fasaana
- Tu Mere Saamne Hai
- Dil Ka Bhanwar Kare Pukaar
- Gham Uthaane Ke Liye
- Tum Mujhe Yun Bhula na
- Yeh Aansoo Mere Dil Ki
- Yeh Mera Prem Patra Padh Kar
- Aaye Bahaar Ban Ke Lubha Kar
SHAMMI KAPOOR: Hasrat Jaipuri collaborated his life best poetry with Shankar-Jaikishan, vocals provided by Rafi Sahab for the successful actor – Shammi Kapoor, hailed to be the ‘Elvis Presley of India’, is one of the finest actors that Bollywood has ever produced. He was the leading star of Bollywood during the late 1950s as well as the 1960s. He delivered hits like ‘Junglee’, ‘Professor’, ‘Rajkumar’, ‘An Evening In Paris’, ‘Bramhachari’, and ‘Andaaz’. Mohammed Rafi Sahab was his most preferred choice as his playback voice. Some of the super hit songs for Shammi Kapoor vocalized by Rafi Sahab, lyrics penned by Hasrat Jaipuri and fantastic musical compostions by Shankar-Jaikishan: –
Rafi Saab, Shankar & Shammi Kapoor
- Ahsan tera hoga mujh par (Junglee)
- Yahoo koi mujhe junglee (Junglee)
- Aya yya suko suko (Junglee)
- Khuli palak main (Professor)
- Aye Gulbadan (Professor)
- Dil le gayi (Laat Saheb )
- Salaam aapki meethi nazar (Boy Friend)
- Mujhe Apna Yaar Bana Lo (Boy Friend)
- Jane mera dil Kise (Laat Saheb)
- Savere wali gaadi se (Laat Saheb)
- Is rang badalti diniya main (Rajkumar)
- Haseen ho tum khuda nahin (Budtameez)
- Hoga tum se kal bhi saamna (An Evening in Paris)
- Aasman se aya farishta (An Evening in Paris)
- Dil ke jharoke main (Bramhchari)
- Badan pe sitare (Prince)
- Tu bemisaal hai tarif kya karoon (Bramhchari)
- Tum mujhe yun bhula na (Pagla Kahin ka)
- Janam Janam ka Saath (Tumse Achcha Kaun Ha)i
- Meri Mohabbat Jawan Rahegi (Janwar)
- Tumse Achchha Kaun Hai (Janwar)
- Jab Mohabbat Jawaan Hoti Hai (Jawan Mohabbat)
RAJENDRA KUMAR: The 1960s saw Rajendra Kumar rise like no other star had risen, and there was a time when every film starring him was a silver jubilee hit. There were times when he had six or seven films running in their silver jubilee weeks at the same time. It was a success that was unbelievable and Rajendra Kumar was soon known as “Jubilee Kumar”. No other actor has had as many silver and golden jubilees, sometimes in a row. Rajendra Kumar had an incredible six consecutive hits with not a single flop between late 1963 to 1966: Mere Mehboob [1963]; Zindagi, Sangam and Ayee Milan Ki Bela [all 1964]; Arzoo [1965] and Suraj [1966]. The ’60s saw films like “Sasural”, “Dil Ek Mandir”, “Aayi Milan ki Bela”, “Sangam”, “Zindagi”, “Aarzoo”, “Suraj”, “Aman”, “Jhuk Gaya Aasman”, “ Dharti”. Rajendra Kumar has left behind a rich legacy. It was Rajendra Kumar who with his long list of hits can be called a superstar in the true sense of the term.
Rafi Saab & Rajendra Kumar
- Teri pyari pyari surat ko (Sasural)
- Main Pyar Ka Deewana ( Ayee Milan Ki Bela)
- Tum kamsin ho, naadan ho (Ayee Milan Ki Bela)
- Bura Maan Gaye (Ayee Milan Ki Bela)
- Yeh mera prem patra padhkar (Sangam)
- Aye phoolon ki rani (Aarzoo)
- Chalke jo teri aankhon se (Aarzoo)
- Ae Nargis mastana (Aarzoo)
- Baharon phool barsaon (Suraj)
- Chehre pe giri zulfein (Suraj)
- Aaj ki Raat ye kaisi (Aman)
- Ae Husn pari Chehra (Aman)
- Aman Ka Farishta (Aman)
- Surahidar Gardan Koyel Si (Aman)
- Yaad na jaye bite dinon ki (Dil Ek Mandir)
- Pehle Mile The Sapno Mein (Zindagi)
- Teri Zulfon se judai to nahin (Zindagi)
- Kaun hai jo sapnon main aaya (Jhuk gaya aasman)
- Upar Dekho Ya Neeche Aage Dekho (Aan Baan)
- Jab Tum Ho Mere Humsafar Khubsurat (Aan Baan)
- Naam Nahin Koii Dhaam Nahin (Aan Baan)
DEV ANAND: Dev Anand is amongst the most distinguished actors of the Indian film industry. At the time when his stardom was at its pinnacle, Dev Anand was considered the most suave among his contemporaries. Think Dev Anand and it conjures up memories of the romance, youth, flamboyance, style and class of a bygone era. The evergreen romantic superstar of Bollywood who entertained us with movies like ‘Guide’, ‘Kala Pani’, ‘Jewel Thief’, and ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’ never failed to cast his magic spell on the enthralled spectators. When we come to think of Hasrat Jaipuri penned lyrics for Dev Anand vocalized by Rafi Saab, can hardly remembered the movies like Love Marriage (1959); Jab Pyar Kisi se hota hai (1961); Asli Naqli (1962); Tere Ghar ke Saamne (1962); Pyar Mohabbat (1966); Duniya (1968)
Rafi Sahab and Dev Anand
- She ne khela he se (Love Marriage)
- Jiya o jiya zara (Jab pyar kisi se hota hai)
- Teri zulfon se judai (Jab pyar kisi se hota hai)
- Sau saal pehle (jab pyar kisi se hota hai)
- Cheda Mere Dil Ne (Asli Naqli)
- Ek but banoonga aur (Asli Naqli)
- Kal Ki Daulat (Asli Naqli)
- Tujhe Jevan Ki Dor Se (Asli Naqli)
- Gori Zara Has De Tu Has De (Asli Naqli)
- Tere ghar ke samne (title song)
- Tu kahan yeh bata (Tere ghar ke saamne)
- Dil ka bhanwar kare pukar (Tere ghar ke saamne)
- Doobte Huye Dil Ko (Kahin aur chal)
- Aap Naaraaz Khuda Khair Kare (Pyar Mohabbat)
- Sun sun sun re balam rafi (Pyar Mohabbat)
- Falsafa Pyar Ka Tum Kya Jaano (Duniya)
- Jawan Tum Ho Jawan Hum Hain (Duniya)
DHARMENDRA: Dharmendra was noticed for his looks and soon received his first role in 1960’s Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere, beginning with a string of romantic films through the sixties. The formula became a success and the actor was quickly paired with the leading ladies of the day like Nutan, Mala Sinha and Meena Kumari. The actor was also seen in Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Satyakam, considered his finest acting performance.
Yet Hasrat Jaipuri & Shanker-Jaikishan also came up with Rafi memorabilia in some half-a-dozen solos that they did for the actor Dharmendra, beginning with
Mohd Rafi and Dharamendra
- Tumhare pyar mein hum beqaraar hoke chale (Shikar)
- Main kahin kavi na ban jaoon (Pyar hi pyar)
- Dekha hai teri aankhon main (Pyar hi Pyar)
- Yakeen kar lo mujhe mohabbat hai tumse tumse (Yakeen)
- Baharon ki baraat aa gayi (Yakeen)
- Gar tum bhula no doge (Yakeen)
- Chehra Tera Allah Allah (Tum Hasin Main Jawan)
SUNIL DUTT: Sunil Dutt was one of the most acclaimed and talented Bollywood actors of all times. He also indulged himself in producing and directing films. Sunit Dutt was one of the stars reigning over Bollywood in the 1950s and 1960s. He appeared in a number of box-office hits, including ‘Sadhna’ (1958), ‘Sujata’ (1959), ‘Mujhe Jeene Do’ (1963), ‘Khandaan’ (1965) and ‘Padosan’ (1967). Three movies where Rafi Sahab, Hasrat and Shanker Jaikishan created magic:
Sunil Dutt and Rafi Sahab
- Ehsan Mere Dil Pe Tumhara Hai (Gaban)
- Sola Singar Karke Aai Suhaag Raat (Gaban)
- Radhike tune bansuri bajayee (Beti Bete)
- Aaj kal main dhal gaya (Beti Bete)
- Mere mehboob tere dum se (Bhai Bhai)
- Ek tera sundar mukhda (Bhai Bhai)
JEETENDRA: The ‘Jumping Jack’ of Bollywood, Jeetendra was one of the actors who wooed the Indian audience in the 1970s and 1980s. Touted to be the dancing star of his time, he was an extremely successful star of commercial films. Some of the hits the trio created are
Mohd Rafi with Jeetendra
- Rukh se zara naqab (Mere Huzoor)
- Gham uthane ke liye (Mere Huzoor)
- Hamko To Barbad Kiya Hai (Gunahon Ka Devta)
- Dar lage to gaana gaa (Yaar Mera)
- Haye kuch aisi ada se wo (Yaar Mera)
MEHMOOD: Such was Mehmood’s impact on the Hindi film scene that at the peak of his career in the late 60s and early 70s, leading heroes of Bollywood began refusing to work with him as they were afraid of being overshadowed. Perhaps there was some truth behind this – Gumnaam (1965) for all its fine ensemble cast is primarily remembered for Mehmood and his signature song – Hum kaale hain to kya hua dilwaale hain
Mehmood and Rafi Sahab
- Main Marne Chala Hoon (Gunahon Ka Devta)
- Hum kaale hain to kya hua (Gumnaam)
- Zindagi Mujhko Dikha De Rasta (Sanjh Aur Savera)
- Main hoon jaani tera (Bhai Bhai)
- Baat Itni Si Hai keh do (Beti Bete)
- Gori Chalo Na Hans Ki Chaal (Beti Bete) Rafi and Asha
- Wo Din Yaad Karo (Hamrahi) Rafi and Lata
JOY MUKHERJI: Joy Mukherjee is best remembered for the romantic musicals he starred in during the early 1960s. For a few years in the 1960s he was one of the kings of Bollywood light romances. In films like “Love in Simla” [1960], “Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon” [1963], “Ziddi” [1964] “Love in Tokyo” [1966], “Shagrid” [1967].
Joy Mukherjee and Mohd Rafi
- Japan, love In Tokyo (Love in Tokyo)
- Aa Ja Re Aa Zara Aa (Love in Tokyo)
- Mere Shahe-Khuban (Love in Tokyo)
- Jaanoon Kya Mera Dil Ab (Ziddi)
- Pyaar Ki Manzil Mast Safar (Ziddi)
- Teri Surat Se Nahin Milti Kisiki Surat (Ziddi)
Some of the finest melodious songs sung by Rafi Sahab penned by Hasrat jaipuri for Biswajeet, Raaj kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Manoj Kumar, Uttam Kumar, Guru Dutt, Pradeep Kumar and Sanjeev Kumar. The songs are shortlisted here –
Biswajeet
- Meri mohabbat pak mohabbat (April Fool)
- April fool banaya (April Fool)
- Jane Kaha Dekha Hai (Biwi Aur Makan)
- Ae Jaane Man (Hare Kanch Ki Chooriyan)
Shashi Kapoor
- Hum ko jaan se pyari hain (Naina)
- Chale Ja Chale Ja Jahan Pyar Mile (Jahan Pyar Mile)
- Jawani Mast Hai Dagar Zara (Vachan)
Raaj Kumar
- Jo guzar rahi hai mujh par (Mere Huzoor)
- Unke khayal aaye to aate (Lal Pathar)
Johnny Walker
- Tirchi Nazar Se Yoon Na Dekh (Ek Phool Chaar Kante)
- Tu Hi Meri Laxmi (Duniya)
Uttam Kumar
- Aye chand ki zebai (Chhoti si mulaqat)
Manoj Kumar
- Ek Ladki Hai Jisne (Gumnaam)
Guru Dutt
- Tu Mere Samne Hai (Suhagan)
- Mere Pyaar Mein Tujhe Kya Mila (Suhagan)
Pradeep Kumar
- Phool Sa Chehra Chand Si Rangat..(‘Raat Aur Din)
Sanjeev Kumar
- Jane Kis Roop Ki Jadu (Archana)
Rafi Saab won three Film Fare Awards for the songs of Hasrat Jaipuri with musical compostion of Shankar-Jaikishan :
- 1961 – Teri Pyari Pyari Surat kor – (Sasural)
- 1966 – Baharon Phool Barsaao – (Suraj)
- 1968 – Dil Ke Jharoke Mein Tujko Bithakar – (Brahmachari)
Hasrat Jaipuri won two Film Fare Awards in his lifetime for writing beautiful lyrics:
- 1966 – Baharon phool barsao (Suraj)
- 1971 – Zindagi ek safar hai suhana (Andaz)
Some of Hasrat Jaipuri’s best remembered duets sung by Rafi Sahab with other singers are shortlisted below:
Asha Bhonsle and Rafi Sahab
- Dil Tera Diwana Hai Sanam (title song) Rafi and Lata
- Awaz De ke hamein tum bulao (Professor) Rafi and Lata
- Din Sara Guzara Tore Angana (Junglee) Rafi and Lata
- Dheere dheere chal chand (Love Marriage) Rafi and Lata
- Tujhe Jeevan Ki Dor Se (Asli Naqli) Rafi and Lata
- Gori Chalo Na Hans Ki Chaal (Beti Bete) Rafi and Asha
- Tumne pukara aur hum chale (Rajkumar) Rafi and Suman
- Yehi hai woh saanjh aur savera (Saanjh aur Savera) Rafi and Asha
- Dil Ki Kitaab Kori Hai (Yaar Mera) Rafi and Suman
- Itna Hai Pyar Tumse Mujhe Mere Raazdaar (Suraj) Rafi and Suman
- Kasie Samjhaaon Badi Nasaamjh Ho (Suraj) Rafi and Asha
- Aaj kal tere mere charche (Brahmchari) Rafi and Suman
- Jaane chaman shola badan (Gumnaam) Rafi and Sharda
- Kya Kya na sahe hum ne (Mere Huzoor) Rafi and Lata
- Panchi Re O Panchi (Hare Kanch Ki Chooriyan) Rafi and Asha
- Tum Meri Ho Mere Siwa Kisi Ki (Aan Baan) Rafi and Lata
- Yeh mausam bheega bheega hai (Dharti) Rafi and Lata
- Hai na bolo bolo (Andaz) Rafi and Asha
- Dil ek mandir hai (Dil Ek Mandir) Rafi and Suman
- Tujhe Pyar Karte Hai (April Fool) Rafi and Suman
- Tujhe Dekha Tujhe Chaha (Chhoti Si Mulaqat) Rafi and Suman
- Ajhoon na aaye baalma (Sanjh aur Savera) Rafi and Suman
- Mujhko Apne Gale (Humraahi) Rafi and Mubarak Begum
- Muskurati Hui Ek Husn Ki (Daman aur Aag) Rafi and Asha
Lata Mangeshkar and Rafi Sahab
Hasrat Sahab stood true to himself when he said –
Mai Shaire e qooban hoon, dil o jaan ki tarah hoon,
Duniya may muhabbath bharey armaan ki tarah hoon,
Allah rakhe ye apni muhabbath yun hi qaayam,
Mai Kal to chala jaonga, mehman ki tarah hoon.
Shortly after Hasrat Jaipuri’s death in 1999, at the age of eighty-one, composer Naushad Saab said, “Hasrat saheb was a good human being and Urdu poet. He was loved by one-and-all in the film industry and was one of the last pillars of the RK Studios.” Hasrat Jaipuri is now not with us, but his ever green lovely songs entertaining millions even today in the voice of Mohammad Rafi Saab.
How one can forget such a beautiful song ” Aisa ho ke in wadiyon main” , but thanks Mr. Zaheen Danish Ji for reminding us as almost rafi lovers forget this gem like song. After reading your post I searched this song on youtube and really an amazing song and I enjoyed after repeat listening.
I find out two more songs of rafi saab in “Aakhri Dao” (1975) whom nobody noticed for so long which are almost forgotten gems
*********- Aisa Na Ho Ke In Wadiyon Mein
*********- Ho Allah Allah Meri Khair Ho
Movie – Aakhri Dao
Year – 1975
Music – Laxmikant Pyarelal
Lyricist – Hasrat Jaipuri
I am listening Prof. Muh’d Rafi since i am 12 though i am Nigerian i have never heard a golden voice than Rafis
The team Rafi, Hasrat, Shailendra, Shankar-Jaikishan was the best remembered for so many songs. They delivered hit after hit songs in the golden period of hindi cinema. It is really nice to read one of the pleasant write ups written by Janab Walijah Sahab.
Thank you very much.
Wassalam
Hashmat Alvi
man mauji ji (post 51)
you are grossly mistaken if you believe that rafi had not sung even 50 songs including duets written by shailendra. the rafi database itself lists 135 songs of shailendra sung by rafi and that list is not exhaustive. i have a list of more than 80 solos of rafi written by shailendra. even if the figure of 135 (as per my estimate there are at least 150-160 songs of rafi by shailendra) is taken as final, that itself means that percentage-wise rafi sang more songs of shailendra than hasrat, because shailendra wrote lyrics (as per my information) for between 800 and 900 songs as against 1800 (as told by walijah sahab) by hasrat.
this is what can be called a perfect article. a lot of effort has gone behind it, besides the true love for the favourites. i endorse the gratefulness of the rafi-fan community shown towards the writer. hope this article will trigger further research by fans.
certainly, there have been other lyricists who have provided us with quality romantic songs, but, in terms of both quantity and quality no one matched hasrat so far as romantic songs are concerned. so far as rafi is concerned he did not have much of a competition in the matter of romantic songs. and real romantic songs stepped out of hfm almost with the demise of our beloved rafi, because the dhishum-2 in the films had sounded the death knell of romantic songs.
m.rafi saabs 02 songs on raj kapoor ji- tum hi tum ho mere jeewan main and heer of joker remember 02×1000
there are many songs on eyes…but the most beautiful song, i think ,is that.. hum ko toh jaan se pyari hain tumhari aanken from Naina (1973)
Hum ko toh jaan se pyari hain tumhari aanken, one of the finest songs rendered by melody King – Rafi Sahab in the film Naina (1973) which was also nominated for best playback singer in 1974, out of five contenders :
Mohammed Rafi – “Hum Ko Jaan Se Pyaari Hai” from Naina
Narendra Chanchal – “Beshak Mandir Masjid” from Bobby
Kishore Kumar – “Mere Dil Mein Aaj” from Daag: A Poem of Love
Manna Dey – “Yari Hai Imaan Mera” from Zanjeer
Shailendra Singh – “Main Shayar To Nahin” from Bobby
Finally it was won by Narendra chanchal for beshak Mandi r Masjid from Bobby.
As also the song having in antra the lowest notes which rafi sahab delivered it superbly. This song also contains the beautiful poetry by Hasrat Sahab. The song was picturized on Shashi Kapoor and Rajshri. Fantastic musical composition by Shankar-Jaikishan. But luckily the Best Female Playback was Hone Lagi Hai Raat Jawan (Naina) written by Kaifi Azmi: a beautiful classical based composition which rightfully fetched Asha Bhosle a filmfare award.
The Uncrowned Kings title appropriate and suited to
Mohd. Rafi Sahab
Shankar Jaikishan
Hasrat Jaipuri and
Shailendra
all were uncrowned kings.
They were real masters in other sense. I salute to the uncrowned kings for their voluminous treasure of songs.
All are immortal through their works. Great people live long.
Music directors Shanker – Jaikishan burst upon the musical firmament like a meteor with the release of “Barasat” in 1949. What remained was the fond memories of 22 years of total domination over the music world by Shanker together with his partner Jaikishan.
Hasrat and Shailendra became an indispensable part of Shanker and Jaikishan. Once during the making of ’College Girl’ (1960) Shanker Jaikishan submitted to the producer’s demand that they have Rajendra Krishna as a lyricist. Hasrat and Shailendra retaliated by refusing to work with S-J again. The latter admitted their mistake and made amends by refusing producer B R Chopra’s film only because he insisted on having Sahir, and not Hasrat / Shailendra, to pen the lyrics.
Shanker and Jaikishan composed independently and never interfered in each other’s work but divided their remuneration equally irrespective of the number of songs composed by each of them. Hasrat wrote mostly for Jaikishan and Shailendra for Shanker.
refer post # 70 Ahamed Kuttybhai. The caller tunes of Rafi Sahab’s songs are very popular and many first-timers when they call me are so impressed that they ask me not to answer their call, only to hear rafi sahab’s song. Also, I appeal to all Rafi Bhakts to have a Rafi-email id as I have : rafimurty@gmail.com where the name of Rafi Sahab is added to our own to create a unique Rafi Email ID. Already, many Rafi Bhakts have this and others too can follow suit to create one of the larget email id groups of fans of Rafi Sahab.
Suraj (1966) is considered one of its first kind of fantasy costume dramas of bollywood which was highly commercially successful. Shankar Jaikishen’s chartbuster music also played an important role in boosting the film’s popularity. The songs of Suraj are remembered till date & are considered evergreen all time hits. Besides Rafi’s “Baharon phool barsao” his other solo “Gustakhi maaf” was hugely popular. His two duets “Kaise samjhaoon”(with Asha Bhosle) & “Itna hai tumse pyar”(with Suman Kalyanpur) are considered all time romantic hits. Sharda sang her first song “Titli udi” for Suraj which earned her a Special Filmfare Award & the song is considered her only big hit.
Yet another song from Suhagan [1964] starring Guru Dutt and Mala Sinha in which Rafi Sahab romantic number simply great. This song filled with pathos and craving for passionate love. The song is………..
tu mere saamane hai
teri zulfe hai khuli
teraa aanchal hai dhalaa
mai bhale hosh me kaise rahun
This beautiful song was written by Hasrat Jaipuri and music composed by Madan Mohan. It even today considered as passionate romantic song of Rafi Sahab. One more mesmerizing immortal song.
is hirs o hawas ki duniyaa mein, armaan badalte dekhen hai
dhokhaa hai yahaan laalach hai yahaan imaan badalte dekhe hai
daulat ke sunehre jaadoo se aye dil tadapnaa achhaa hai
chaandi ke khanakte sikko par insaan badalte dekhe hai…
A romantic number from the golden age of hindi songs. They don’t make songs like these any more. 60’s songs truly rock! Film: Jab Pyaar Kisi Se Hota Hai (1961) – Singer: Rafi Sahab
teri zulfon se judaai to nahin maangi thi
qaid maangi thi rihaai to nahin maangi thi
maine kyaa jurm kiyaa aap khafaa ho baithe
pyaar maangaa thaa khudaai to nahin maangi thi
meraa haq thaa teri aankhon ki chhalakti may par
cheez apni thi paraayi to nahin maangi thi
apne beemaar pe itnaa bhi sitam theek nahin
teri ulfat mein buraai to nahin maangi thi
Rafi Sahab, Hasrat and S-J combination, fabulous and magnificent. There is no match for this song.
I have always wondered, how our lives would have been without Rafi, Lata, in that order. At the same time, many thanks to all the music directors of the bygone era. Without their compositions, our lives would have been a misery. I specially mention the duets sung by Rafi Sahab and Lata Ji are wonderful, its magic does not wane even today. Rafi – Lata- SJ- Hasrat combination is eternal and marvelous.
• Awaz de ke hamein tum bulao (Professor) Rafi and Lata
• Din sara guzara tore angana (Junglee) Rafi and Lata
• Dheere dheere chal chand (Love Marriage) Rafi and Lata
• Tujhe jeevan ki dor se (Asli Naqli) Rafi and Lata
• Kya kya na sahe hum ne sitam (Mere Huzoor) Rafi and Lata
The five songs mentioned in this article are real gems.
Anees Saab,
your above posts are very much enlightening and full of interesting matter. please keep writing such knowledgeable posts for rafi fans.
Thank you sir
Raja
Dear Prasadji,
refer post 68.you are 100% correct.this song “tum mujhe yum”
taking us to some where which cannot be explained.
I still remember when rafi saab died on 31st july 1980, in vividh
bharathi’s “chayaa geet” programme at 10 pm ms.kantha gupta,
the anchor of the programme asked after plying the song “after
hearing the song,can you believe rafi saab is no more with us?”
after hearing his i cried like a child.another occassion in my office
for landline of airtel i have put this song as caller tune.one day one
driver who used to come for our transportation purpose told me-
“sir what song you have put in your phone?every day night i used
to call to your office only to hear the song.”
the magic of rafi saab is beautfied this song and there by we are
lucky to hear it again and again.
The movie Pagla Kahin ka (1970) did not do wonders at the box office, but the songs were great, except the tragic one ; I personally liked the ” TUM MUJHE YUN..”, (in the male voice) that is sung by Rafi Sahab which is still to be the greatest melody and one of the prophetic ishara from Rafi Sahab that none can forget him, jab kabhi bhi sunoge geet mere… sang sang tum bhi gungunaoge. Simply a great song composed by S-J and written by Hasrat Jaipuri.
The immortal musical team of Barsaat, how it was formed, interestingly, Ram Ganguly was initially the composer for Barsaat. But some differences developed between him and Raj Kapoor who wanted to replace him. Now the question was to find another capable person. Shankar was already tried and tested as a composer (probably for future ventures) by Raj Kapoor during the outstation tours of Prithvi theatre. He was offered the responsibility of music direction. Shankar had deep bondage with Jaikishan whom he had got inducted in Prithvi theatre. Shankar requested Raj Kapoor to give them a chance as a duo to which Raj Kapoor acceded. This formed the team Shankar-Jaikishan.
Before Barsaat, Raj Kapoor had already met the BEST bus conductor – Hasrat Jaipuri. He was sent to ‘Raju’ by Prithviraj Kapoor who was impressed with his nazm ‘Mazdoor ki laash’ in a mushaira. As the opportunity came, Raj Kapoor picked up Hasrat as one of the lyricists. After listening to the poem ‘Jal raha hai Punjab’, Raj Kapoor was highly impressed with the railway employee poet – Shailendra and had invited him to write lyrics for his films even before commencing Barsaat. However, Shailendra had turned down the offer. Owing to urgent need of money, Shailendra himself approached Raj Kapoor and offered to write the lyrics of Barsaat. He was gladly inducted by Raj Kapoor and yet another matchless team of lyricists Shailendra-Hasrat was formed.
Mukesh was the obvious playback voice for Raj Kapoor. For female voice, there were many well established contenders – Suraiya, Rajkumari, Zohrabai Ambalewali, Amirbai Karnataki . However as a new comer, Shankar insisted on giving chance to the relatively fresh voice – Lata Mangeshkar who later on became the supreme female voice in HFM.
The voice of already established singer Mohammad Rafi was also used in one solo song. The song ‘Main zindagi mein hardam rota hi raha hoon’ is played in the background and there is no lip-sync by Raj Kapoor. That is probably the reason why Rafi saheb’s voice was chosen for this song in place of Mukesh.
As the song ‘Jiya beqaraar hai…’ comes, marking the grand debut of three stalwarts of the Hindi film industry. Debutant Nimmi lip synchronizing the song on the first authentically known tune of Shankar with lyrics by Hasrat Jaipuri.
The dummy words used by Shankar ‘Ambuva ka ped hai, vohi munder hai, aaja more baalma, ab kahe ko der hai’ were replaced by Hasrat with ‘Jiya beqaraar hai, chhayi bahaar hai, aaja more baalma, tera intzaar hai’. And what an outstanding job done by the debutant lyricist! And Lata Ji has literally acted, not sung. Lata Ji has also exhibited tremendous breath control in this fast paced song having lot of taans & murkis and very few pauses in the mukhda/antaraas. Incidentally, later in the career, Hasrat wrote most of his songs on Jaikishan’s tunes.
Post # 65 Dear A.S. Murthy Sahab,
I shall write you in detail in couple of days.
Best regards
H.A.K. Walijah
Walijah sahab. I understand you are from Hyderabad. If so, it makes us all the more proud as co-Hyderabadis. Please do contact us whenever you are in hyderabad and you can join in our musical sessions during your vacations here in hyderabad. My contact number is 093912 67272. You already have my email id.
I have been listening to Rafi songs since i was 10. I have no interest in modern hindi music. Even now, my drive to work is always with his numerous rhythmic tracks. It is great start to each day, totally stress free. Rafi songs are what make the world go round.
Listening to Mohammad Rafi or reading about him simply gives great pleasure.
Mohammad Rafi Saab the Voice of India.. Truly mesmerizing…. No words of expression.. His voice and style of singing is unmatched…. I as a rafian definitely Miss him… The Magical Voice…
“Yeh mera prem patra padh kar, ke tum naaraaz na hona” Hasrat Jaipuri composed this poem when he fell in love with a neighbourhood girl, Radha. Although the love letter which he wrote never got delivered to Radha. Raj Kapoor delivered the letter to the entire world in the form of a song through Rafi Sahab in his movie Sangam (1964) and immortalized it, making it the everlasting mantra for lovers of all generations.
This song is best remembered for ages and bless the souls of Rafi, Hasrat and Shankar Jaikishan for this magnificent number.
“Perfection personified” Rafi sahab.
It pains to see some people criticizing a personality like Rafi Sahab or getting into futile in some older threads. Rafi sahab was always with a smile while these mindless ones always burn in fire of their own jealousy!
I am bit emotional when I read the beautiful comments from the distinguished rafians to my article and guess how popular rafi sahab even today after 30 years of his untimely death, his fan following is as strong as in his lifetime, even I guess more than that.
I being an ardent Rafi Sahab fan would like to thank from the bottom of my heart to all those rafians who incessantly pouring their love in this beatiful site and showing regards and respect to world’s most beloved and melliflous singer ever born on this Planet Earth.
With my deepest regards to all rafians.
H.A.K. Walijah
Raj Kapoor’s greatest hit film in his illustrious career remained Sangam. In the film Hasrat Jaipuri’s words “yeh mera prempatra par kar” sung by Rafi and picturised on Rajender Kumar had remained immortal. Hasrat Jaipuri wrote it for a girl named Radha. Raj Kapoor kept the name of Vaijayatimala Radha in the film Sangam. Rafi’s voice at the end of the film brought tears in the minds of the audience with the words “kitum nazaar na hona” when Raj Kapoor and Vaijayantimala immersed the ashes of Rajender Kumar in Prayag Sangam at the end of the film.
When it comes to romantic songs, no one could match Hasrat Jaipuri in this aspect. He had a natural talent in writing romantic songs. Even his non-romantic songs were excellent, beautiful writing.
ASA, Janab Anees Sahab, Bahut khoob, great analysis and thanks for sharing with Rafi lovers in this forum.
” Phirte hain rafi aalam-e-arwah me jaakar
“Shahzade aawaz” hai ezaaz rafi ka ”
With regards to all Rafi lovers,
Dr. Khaja Aliuddin
Gaban [1966] is just a tribute to that genius called Shankar who was a fine Tabla player. Each of the 7 songs in Gaban is a Tabla based composition. Not very common in HFM to find every song in a film having Tabla in it. Ehsan mere dilpe (Rafi- Hasrat) is a song in gratitude of friendship and how S-J have used the Tabla to celebrate the spirit of friendship.
I would also like to make a passing mention of the use of Tabla in songs which only Jaikishan-Hasrat- Rafi could create (Nazar bachakar, Salaam aapke meethi nazar ko, ehsan tera hoga mujh par, yeh mera prem patra padkar, jab muhabbat jawan hoti hai, aye gulbadan, mein kahin kavi na ban jaoon, gar tum bhula na doge, yeh aansoo meri dilki zubaan hai, pehle mili thi sapno me, O mere shahi qubaan, tu bemisaal hai teri tarif kya karoon, teri pyari pyari surat ko, and scores of other songs) which showcase not only Shankar but how much Jaikishan too loved Tabla.
Mohammed Rafi World’s Most Mellifluous Singer whose rich tonal voice, crystal clear intonations, versatility, along with his unique renditions of the soul-uplifting, heart-wrenching, and breezy songs in thousands, continue to attract the older and the newer generations day by day.
Meherbaa.n Likhoo.n
Haseena Likhoo.n
Ya Dilruba likhoo.n
Hairaan hoo.n ke Aap ko,
is Khat mein kya Likhoo.n
Romance in the air as Rafi sings Yeh Mera Prem Patra Pa.dh Kar… Bless those who bring this song to this world so that we mortal can appreciate it. This song is indeed an haunting one. When heard it for the first time I used to be spellbound. Such magic this song had and still it’s the same.
Shankar-Jaikishan mainly worked with Shailendra and Hasrat Jaipuri. Apart from the personal preference and proximity related to friendship, this division of work was more in accordance with the composition patterns of the two composers. Shankar always loved composing serious thematic songs with a lot of emotional content that only Shailendra could do justice to, whereas Jaikishan was more into composing light hearted romatntic songs that came so naturally to Hasrat Jaipuri. The superb chemistry between these four was not merely because they were great artists. It was more because they were all great friends and companions who enjoyed each other’s company to the fullest. So many songs came into being, based on their real life experiences.
Though today, these four great artists are no more with us, their legacy – the superb songs they made together have become an integral part of every music lover’s psyche.
Hasrat Jaipuri Sahab’s lyrics had the ability to inspire people to dream…. Dreaming about the love of their lives. His songs, powered by the melody of Shankar Jaikishan and given soul by Rafi Sahab, made people venture into the world of dreams, of love, romance and passion. Soulful, yet so simple to pronounce, Hasrat Sahab made Urdu poetry aacessible for masses, especially the non-urdu speaking class. Just awesome to say the least. To top it all, we have Rafi Sahab’s towering voice… simply heavens!
Most of Shailendra’s songs were sung by Mukesh, Manna Dey and Lata Mangeshkar and almost all films of Raj Kapoor. His songs with their rich human values will keep his memories lingering on. Simplicity and sincerity of his expressions made his songs immortal.
Hasrat Jaipuri was one among many lyricists who enriched the hindi songs with marvelous range which loved by one and all when specially it was rendered by Mohd. Rafi Sahab.
Some great lyricists who have left their footprints in the sands of time include Shailendra, Rajendra Krishna, Shakil Badayuni, Hasrat Jaipuri, Kaifi Azmi, Sahir Ludhianvi, Anand Bakshi, Majruh Sultanpuri, Indeevar and Gulzar. All of them had started their career as poets. This explains their rich choice of words and expressions in their lyrics.
Even I think Rafi Sahab had not sung Shailendra’s songs more and sang as many as Hasrat’s songs. If we thoroughly trace out one could hardly find less than fifty songs of Shailendra sung by Rafi Sahab that even includes the duets with other singers.