True Voice – Mohd Rafi
The following article was brought to my notice when Sharad posted it on MAS. The article has been trimmed down a bit keeping afloat Rafi details. However, anyone interested can go visit the source at http://tfmpage.com/forum/4980.6302.04.57.19.html
I am Swaminatha Iyer and I am 78 years old. I hail from Tiruchi and I am a part of music associations in Tiruchi, M’as as well as in West Bengal and Maharashtra.
I think it is wrong to condemn music or artists on either side of Vindhyas. Our Indian music is one of the few which has not been cleaned off by the western music though there has always been a influence. It speaks a lot of the richness of our music. Sometime back director of MTV had said that MTV westernized the music wherever it went but in India , MTV had to be Indianized for it to be accepted. A lot of this credit goes to the Indian film music.
I have been fortunate to have close personal association with Rafi, Sirkali, TMS, Dr. BMK, Kishore, SPB & KJY, PS, Mannadey and the one and only Lata Mangeshkar.
Comparisons are bound to come, but almost every artist or I have met considers Lata to be beyond comparison. Her talents are beyond anyone’s reach. Even Sirkazi used to talk of her singing like a die-hard fan as do countless others.
Now coming to the Rafi-SPB discussion. It might be difficult to convince an South Indian to believe Rafi is the better and at the same time Rafi crowd will never believe any other male singer comes anywhere nearer. There is one more mobile crowd, which is well conversant with Hindi and some south Indian language. Majority of them tilt to either Rafi or Kishore.
During one of my stays in M’as I had stayed with SPB. While talking of true voices he said, I don’t feel like half a singer when listening to Rafi. True voice is not a tech term but many in circle use it. Perfect example would be lata, but to understand consider our own PS who within her range is superb. People who do not have such true voices can never do justice to original. They generally underplay many parts of the song or fake it with bass/superficial singing. True voices make people like Sirkazi, Nusrat Fateh Ali khan, Lata… Inimitable. However since Sirkazi and Nusrat did not have the filmy voices their “real” following is limited to their local arena.
In addition to the true voice if the singer has a very good voice then in “most” cases he/she can better songs of others. It is this combination which makes Rafi stand out among the other male singers. There are many here who seem to have mistaken notions on a good bass and also on high pitch.
Bryan Adams does not require a monster bass in “Summer of 69” to sound real manly. It is the punch which gives that feel and that is decided only by the comfort level in most ranges (that is by what your throat can support). This you CAN never disguise with bass. Since people have talked about lack of manly voice viz. a viz. Rafi it was necessary to bring this point out. I have had the fortune of listening to most singers in studio and some times without a mike, practicing with MD’s.When Lata or Rafi do, the level is so high that people hesitate to even hum. It felt silly to sing in their presence (and it feels silly when someone says his voice isn’t manly).
In RD’s tribute when SPB sang “Aaja Aaja mein hoon” or “Chaand mera dil” it sounded only sweet and lacked punch if you compare with Rafi’s original.
Yesu once told me God has been partial to Rafi. He said “god gift term anavasyamaa romba common aa ippo use aardu”.. but idu Rafi kee thaan 100% porundu”. This person could sing “as intricately as a lady without sounding thin”, “cover any mood”, “versatility odey perfect example Rafi”. Yesu said most important is the comfort level over ranges which makes you feel God has been partial to Rafi. (But Of course in Rafi’s early career (1950’s) the voice was relatively feeble).
To people exposed to Rafi’s talent, these or any amount of praise can only seem less. I just wish he was alive and you people could get a live chance to hear him. Probably you can get hold of the DD album for the Geet Gaata Chal series where the first four episodes were dedicated to Rafi. Rafi is on camera singing “O Duniya Ke Rakwaaley” and many other songs. If you see and hear the last part you will realize why SPB said “impossible”. I think particularly those people who have talked about scales w.r.t Rafi should see this album. Its a known fact in industry that Rafi ruled high pitch and there is no male singer better in switching notes so easily. There are artists who can go beyond but then they sound strained or they don’t have pleasant voices when they venture into those territories.
Many singers of today are his compulsive followers. But they end up inheriting only part of his quality. Md. Aziz ended up with a sad voice. Mahendra Kapoor with a thick nasal voice. Anwar with a nasal voice. Sonu Nigam with a feminine voice. Rafi neither had a soft voice nor a heavy (bass) voice he had a good voice. Importantly did not strain at high notes, and voice if at all only became better at higher notes. If you see him singing it will remind you of Janaki. However diff the song is or the note is he will be smiling and singing. It is unthinkable that he cannot sing something.
There seems to be lot of talk about “Shankara Bharanamo” song. SPB has sung many a great numbers and things being said about this song in this forum are rather amusing, particularly b’cos 3 out of 4 people who can be called as singers will be able sing it and at least one out of 10 will sing it with the same effect. There are lot of other songs of SPB where this great singer has played with songs in total control. You will find most south Indian singers who have had a good exposure say that it is beneficial to learn Hindustani as it gives better breath control and improves expression.
Rafi was not only able to glide over a song, the important thing was that he could express each word/sound when singing. It is one thing to hold your breath, start and reach a crescendo (high note), as like in “Shankara”, “Anbey (Yennai kaan villaye)” it is different ballgame if you have to do it from low notes or suddenly switch notes. With practice the former can be done, latter requires a special gift. Rafi had a natural ability to do the latter. In “Tum joh mil gaye ho” there is such a transition in the “karwaan mil gaya” part. I have never seen anyone do justice to most of his songs in my life time. In “parda hai parda” quawaali the similar part is “kar doon to, Akbar mera naam”. In fact most of his songs will have these specialty as it was his natural ability to sing freely in a wide range at the same time giving that extra expression.
Whereas SPB takes us to heavens with “Idu oru pon maali”,”Ilaya nila” “bisiladarenu”(kannada), when he sings Rafi’s song it lacks the punch or expression, though it has the bass. But at least most agree that SPB does some justice to original, whereas most others murder the original.
One trivial point I would like to add is that singing in Hindi is harder. There are more “JHA”,”CHA”,”HA”,”THA”, “KHA”,”JA”,”FA”. These take away the breath faster. The more expressive you are the more air you are using up. Just singing from Nabhi will not help, your throat also needs to do a lot, for singing in Hindi, Bengali etc. SPB makes you fall in love with his south Indian songs but same cannot be said about his Hindi songs. If you just glide through words having these sounds, you will never be expressive. Doing this as well as reaching high notes is not easy. Rafi had this gift and that’s why it is difficult to imagine anyone else in his shoes. Song “Chalkaaye jaam” has so much expression that it is unthinkable how anyone can sing it. When Rafi switches to a high note with “Mitwaa” in the song “Chaahunga mein tughey” you cannot replicate it with bass. Most others will sound as if they are shouting in such cases. That man’s throat had the ability to freely sing at such levels.
Versatility is not just the ability to sing in various styles, more important is how good you are singing in those styles. You have lot of Ghazal singers today but when Rafi sings a Ghazal you will sit up and take notice. You don’t have to be part of the Ghazal listeners crowd. This is one important aspect. Whatever style you sing you should be able to pull the common man to listen and not just a particular crowd. Pick “parda hai parda” or any qawalli and it will stand tall among other qawalli’s.
Variety is amazing :
songs of Guru Dutt’s Khagaz key phool or songs like abhi naa jao chod key, Aaja teri yaad aayi, Aaj kal mein dhal gaya, Aaj kal terey merey pyaar, Aasmaan sey aaya farishta, Dil ney pyaar kiya hai, Deewana mujh saa nahi, Din dhal jaaye, Duniya paagal hai, Jaane walon jara, Dil joh na kaha saka, Dil key jharokon mein, Dil kaa bhavar, Chalkey teri aakkhon sey, Kar chaley hum fida, khilona jaan kar tum, Woh jab yaad aay, Woh hain jara khafa, Vaadian mera daaman, Pathar key sanam, Chaand mera dil, Main zindagi kaa saath, Mainey poocha chaand sey, sun sun jaalima, Koi jab raah na paay, hum to chaley pardes, badan pey sitaarey, laal chadi maidaan, Tum jo mil gaye, O meri shaahey, Sau baar janam lengey, Tum mujhey yoon bhula, Tumney mujhey dekha, Terey merey sapney, Tumny pukaara hum chaley aay
Name a situation/mood and Rafi’s song will be there on the top.
Swami
Biswajeet’s tribute to Mohammad Rafi
On 23rd august 2010 the chocolate hero of yesteryear Biswajeet paid a star studded tribute to the legend Mohammad Rafi at kalamandir, Kolkata. The very best thing about that evening was the organizer’s help to poor families towards their medical expenses which ran in to lakhs of rupees.
Biswajeet himself performed two songs ‘pukarta chala hoon main’ and ‘oh my love’. Debashis dasgupta performed admirably specially ‘kya hua tera wada’, ‘madhuban mein radhika naache re’and ‘yeh dunya yeh mehfil’. srija dikshit failed to rose to the occasion but clearly the star of the night was Mohammad Aziz. The ever humble ‘Munna Aziz’ touched his ears and said ‘I am a very small person and is bound to commit mistakes. Please forgive me as no one can sing even 5 percent of what Rafi Saab had sung’. Then he started ‘mujhe duniya walo’ from the movie leader and then on request from Biswajeet sung his own number the tribute to rafi saab from the movie krodh ‘Mohammad Rafi tu bahat yaad ayaa’ wild cheers broke out when he started ‘suhani raat dhal chuki’. The night also saw the likes of asha parekh ,zeenat aman , waheeda rehamn and Jackie shroff.
i do however want to thank vitthal for sharing with me a new rafi song that i had never heard…teri ada teri nazar…i consider myself a big rafi fan (definitely not an expert but a fan)…but i had not heard that song before…he helped me discover that new gem…regardless of his views on the ghantasala – rafi debate, i am absolutely sure that he is a rafi fan too and a music lover…his posting of teri ada teri nazar is proof of that.
Dear rafi fans,
This site is dedicated in the memory of Rafi saab by the rafi lovers and the like minded people. Whoever having a little taste of music is attracted towards this site and keep enjoying the write ups and comments posted from time to time by the rafi fans and ordinary folks. I have been observing since a few days that the discussions and arguments are heated up and completely out of way, in such condition a good-natured person will definitely avoid to be in such environs. As rafi saab had always free of malice in his entire life, we the fans of the great singer should follow his foot-steps and pardon the few innocent folks who really does not know the sentiments of others.
I have high regards for true Rafians like Siva Ji, Priya Ji, Haldar Ji and of course Vitthal Ji. Since I read the posts of Vitthal ji , he is truly having very good music taste and his posts weigh a lot with reasoning. If some XYZ commenting some anap shanap, no one has to leave this site and kill the love of sharing views & love of rafi saab with fellow rafians.
Since I myself have high regards and respects for all Indian singers either they belong to North or South, East or West of India, it does not matter as long as this to be in the language of music.
I truly understand the anguish of Haldar ji and others who are extremely sensitive. Therefore, I request all rafians to stay calm & together as we are like one big family and know one another and respect & compliment for knowledge possess about Rafi Saab.
I have nothing more to say…
Regards
H.A.K. Walijah
Dear music lovers
Please please please – stop slinging mud and in fighting. This kind of gesture is not at all welcome in a “saintly forum”
Common man – I agree with your points – well written.
Vitthal ji and siva ji, – I know you are both rafi fans (of course ghantasala fans as well – that shows respect for great musical legends) – As common man says for one or two comments, rafi fans like you should never leave. I do not know why this sudden fighting started, the discussion was dignified, great music was being discussed and suddenly everything went wrong.
Priya didi – Please correct me if I am wrong with my following analysis.
The musical institution mohd rafi had a equal respect towards all great singers, he even used to praise other singers out of his way, that was his humility – many of his fans regard him as a saint – can a saint be touched ? Is there a necessity for display of such insecurity , by some so called “holy cows” here. If ghantasala or any other legend is discussed, shall rafi cease to be greatest ever singer of bollywood, shall his peerless and evergreen contribution mesmerising millions will vanish ? What a pitiable state of thinking some people are in ? Some “holy cows” have come to a conclusion that if any topic other than mohd rafi is discussed, then there is a great insecurity/danger for mohdrafi. This thought itself creates the greatest doubt about their shaky belief in the “greatest ever music legend of bollywood – arguably as well as inarguably. Further, it is being forgotten that even the ghantasala fans are rafi fans as well – unless he is a rafi fan he cannot write in the “saintly forum” – as true rafi fans it will not be correct to insult somebody else or sling mud on each other at the cost of discussion on “evergreen legends”.
I remember a post long back my Mr. Pradeep, the friendly moderator on this forum, that dignified posts can be written on all great legends, not only ghantasala, even yesudas, sounderrajan etc. by their fans – that is called a true rafian. But surprisingly, only ghantasala fans appear more – no other fan of other great legends have come forward. Now who will come forward, after seeing this type of mud slinging. I am sure some “holy cows” would not at all like this kind of gesture to be displayed, but a true rafian will always keep the great rafi in mind – particularly with regard to respect towards legends and individuals.
Mr comparator – no body has stopped you from defending rafi saab, you have not defended rafi saab, but you have offended other great legend (revered even by rafi saab) – what a surprising rafi fan you are ? Well, please do not take seriously my comments, I know even mahatma gandhi is criticised by many, nothing can be done.
Siva ji, 2338, as u call all of us friends, u ought not to be be hurt by our words, I always appriciate ur posts here on this website, as u always try to stop any sort of disturbance that arise here in name of comparisions!
I wish you don`t leave this place! as forget the visitors, u r here for Rafi sahab. Please stay with us.
Sometimes we write something that we don`t even understand, oh sorry I misread few posts here and address them on wrong names too.
Actually such thing happens when we have so many posts out of context. I rather say sorry for my words for in bigger context we all love music and in concrete context we r here for Rafi sahab has inspired us, in some way.
So, please stay in name of Rafi sahab… because its one of the little way that we tribute master by writing few words for him…
===============
All the songs that Rafi sahab has sung, is written by some lyricist for some other person to be playback, but we Rafians r such lyricists that we write for Rafi sahab, wouldn`t Rafi sahab sing with us???? So, plz everyone, lets none quit only because of few misunderstandings, we r here for Rafi sahab…
An excerpt from “The Hindu” article:
“No wonder there has never been a malicious report about the humble singer, and not just film colleagues but even ordinary people only have praise for the goodness of the shy, home loving artiste.”
——–
The above was true till July 29, 2010. Since then, a swarm of parasites have landed onto this site to malign the farishta, headed by a character called Murthy. And look at his spineless, shameless friends who keep reacting like this: “This is sensational news!” “Oh, really! I didn’t know that.”…
Remember the Bengali journalist who used to masquerade here as a music critic. This Murthy should be given a job in his newspaper so that he can publish his fantasies there. Or he and his friends can go and ransack the offices of “The Hindu”.
Fans often behave much like members of an old-fashioned aristocracy. They often do not really understand themselves. They are extremely conservative in their tastes, but the conventions to which they adhere are purely those of their own social group; they try to ignore the norms of the larger society if these conflict with their own. They can be extravagantly generous and extravagantly cruel, but rarely petty or conniving. Their virtues are courage and loyalty; while even the necessity for even a moderate degree of compromise humiliates them greatly. They tend to be quarrelsome about what they believe to be their rights, but naive and reckless in defending them. If they become very anxious they are likely to behave eccentrically, they are less likely to blend themselves innocuously into the environment. They are honest on occasions when even an ordinary folks would have better sense.
So, on a site which is dedicated to the sacred memory of the great Mohammad Rafi sahib it is lunatic to defend him. This clearly shows how far the cancer of telenga ghantasala has spread.
One worthy on a search for relevance post retirement claims that ghantasala could not be awarded padma bhushan or vibhusana because one Rafi was given only a padmasri. He even claims that the chief minister of the day apologized to this telenga for his inability to fetch one. Is not it a great affront to Rafi sahib??
Mr. vitthal no one is indispensable. This caravan of Rafi sahib will go on with or with out the vithhals of this world. Thank you for correctly diagnosing me as a frustrated and failure in life. You seem to be a psychiatric from Dr. Sigmund Freud’s stable. Yes I was frustrated and was about to commit suicide driven by the nasal king telenga ghantasala but thank god there was one great Mohammad Rafi sahib whose divine voice rescued me and gave a zest to my failed life.
Dear friends,
Rafi saab remains popular in every South Indian state; he may be even more popular in the South than in the North. I’d request everyone in this forum to stay cool and not to use ethnic slurs against any community. And I’d like to request Siva ji to reconsider his decision — he has always been the voice of reason. Although I don’t get to meet you personally, I consider each one of you to be my friend. Let me now share with you an article that was published in “The Hindu” earlier this year; read this article and you’ll know what Rafi saab was all about. (Note: I have been his fan since I was 11, before I even knew his name or seen his picture; his voice cast its magical spell on me. My life begins and ends with him.)
http://www.thehindu.com/arts/music/article540193.ece
when you decide to leave an entire website…you should consider if you are leaving for a few fringe comments or because of the majority of the comments. i respect and support siva’s decision – if you don’t like comparisons, then i perfectly understand. nothing wrong with not wanting that (i on the other hand don’t mind it). on the other hand, if you are leaving for one or two comments…then that’s like cutting off an arm because of one cut.
Stop dragging ghantsala or anyone in this discussion, its naive.
Dear Bhushan ji,
The songs were good gems – melodious. I foresee trouble here, as some mischief makers have decided to spoil your party. Who is this Mr. Comparator here, he is not able to distinguish a majestic voice and nasal voice. People like this mr. comparator had earlier received a bout of reactions, when they used to call that rafi’s voice was not manly, perhaps this man has forgotten those type of incidents.
I was really surprised to see Mr. Haldar, the great keeping quiet on Mr. comparator’s comments here.
I think most of the friends here did not understand my post #2298. I took objection to comparing Himesh Reshammiya with the legend Ghantasala. Immediately my fellow “rafi fans” assumed I am a Ghantasala fan and not a Rafi fan ( for everyone’s information-Under the name of Sivanandam , I have contributed to three articles in this site on Rafi sahab-one on his song Jhoom ke gaa yun aaj mere dil, one on Aaj kal mein dhal gaya & one on a list of songs that seemed to have been written for Rafi himself). I worship Rafi sahab and that is why I try to follow his trait of respecting other singers as well. I had objected to the endless comparisons made by Ghantasala fans( especially when they said Rafi is not as classically trained as Ghantasala). At the same time I have immense respect for other singers as well and when someone compares a non-singer like Himesh with a legend like Ghantasala, I took an objection–I am sure genuine Rafi fans would not like this.
Mr Comparator–Just beacuse I objected to Ghantasala being compared made you think I am a”Telugu” -for your kind information I am from Tamil Nadu. I listen to Hindi,Tamil, Telugu ,Marathi, Malayalam, Punjabi,Bengali songs also.
There is no need for me to prove that I am a Rafi fan-being a Rafi fan does not mean you show disrespect to others. In all my various posts I have tried to emphasize this point. Rafi shall always stay in my heart as only his songs touch my heart; but at the same time I do appreciate other singer’s songs as well. Many do not understand this-it has to this or that!!!!-Kishore or Rafi, SPB or Jesudoss, Lata or Asha !!!????? Why can’t I enjoy all songs and still have the greatest respect for Rafi alone
Although I would be missing this site, I would not be missing Rafi . This constant comparisons and critcisms is preventing me from enjoying the beauty of Rafi songs ( and also the good songs of other singers) . This is my last post in this site.
Mr. Comparator
I doubt your identity – you are definitely not a rafi fan. You are here to create disturbances, as happens when some good things are going on.
Ghantasala’s voice is majestic and melodious, definitely not nasal, one of the greatest ever voices and singer produced by the country. Difficult to find such talent. Nothing needs to be presented to prove this point.
By the way, what is your knowledge about rafi sahab and his songs ? I agree with Mr. Siva, that your comments are howling like a fox, with full of jealousy. Please prefer medication, it is urgently required.
Bhushan ji, – I enjoyed the songs of ghantasala presented by you, do not worry about these comparators – we true rafi fans have always regards and support for great legends and respect for them – for which the great mohd rafi saab is remembered for.
one who gets “all” the grapes enjoy them.
those who “cant: reach the grapes – will bring our reasons and excuses.
people are mature enough to realise the “real thing”.
as we say in mumbai : these gret music lovers have not appeared from alibaug yesterday…
so, please do not put oranges and apples – in the same bag.
2326 – Mr comparator
Binu nair ji, the leader of rafi foundation has said once that whoever abused rafi with indecent words should require immediate treatment and banished to a mental asylum. The exact words are applicable to you. Just go and please check up with a doctor who can treat mental patients, you call ghantasala’s voice nasal, your ears are also not working properly, they have totally failed, perhaps you are hearing your voice and thinking it is ghantasala’s voice. The singer who is regarded as the greatest in the country by many, nothing is going to happen by your words, since your mental condition is now well known.
Final word – mr. comparator,
Why the southern singers are discussed and compared with mohd rafi in the above article? Hope you get why the discussion started. People like you should be there, perhaps frustrated and failed in life, unable to appreciate successful people and their talents who have created joy among millions.
Dear music lovers,
I am leaving this site. It has become polluted like anything. No purpose in continuing. The comments are disgraceful to music and legends.
Post 2328 :
In reply to ur holy cow, Listen this song if u can… Rafi sahab singing, “main gwalo`n rakhwalo maiya…”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQ7LViBFb34
Listen , Only if u can understand what does this song mean!
U can never tie someone like Rafi sahab with any narrow limit! (uploader`s name is Asim, and other one is also a muslim, beloved of Rafi sahab with nick as moleculaRafian, and there is no “irony” in it… Its the language of love thats must of music, beyond any human barriers that divide one with another!
We talk in language of integrity!
THE DEPTH OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS DESERVE STRAIGHTWAY A Ph.D DEGREE.
I NEVER CAME ACROSS ANY PERSON WHO CAN ANALYSE SO NICELY THE ALL TIME GREAT SINGER MR MOHD RAFI SAHEB.
I HAD A CHANCE TO LISTEN MR S P BALASUBRAMANIUM SINGING THE SONGS OF MR MOHD RAFI SAHEB- LIVE AT PUBLIC GARDEN, HYDERABAD IN PRESENCE OF GREAT MUSIC DIECTOR MR RAVI.
HE TOLD THE AUDIENCE THAT WHEN HE WAS ENGINEERING STUDENT, HE USE TO GO ON BYCYCLE TO HIS COLLEGE AND ON THE WAY HE USE TO STOP RIDING WHENEVER HE LISTEN THE SONG OF MR MOHD RAFI SAHEB.
HE GAVE THE EXAMPLE OF ONE SONG OF “KASHMIR KI KALI”– HAATON MEIN TERA AANCHAL AAAYA TO BAHAAR AAYI” HE SAID THE WORD ” BAHAAR” IN THIS LINE RENDERED BY MR MOHD RAFI SAHEB WAS SO REUTIFULLY SUNG BY MR MOHD RAFI SAHEB THAT LISTENING THIS LINE EVEN THOSANDS OF TIME CANNOT SATISFY A MUSIC LOVER AND HE WILL LIKE TO LISTEN AGAIN AND AGAIN.
THE ESSENCE OF HIS COMMENT IS THAT MR MOHD RAFI SAHEB BEAUTIFY EACH AND EVERY WORD OF A SONG IN HIS OWN NATURAL AND PERFECT WAY VERY EASILY AND INTELLIGENTLY WHICH CANNOT BE REPRODUCED BY ANY IMITATORS OF HIS VOICE.
THIS ONE OF THE GREATNESS IN QUALITY OF SONGS OF MR MOHD RAFI.
Anil cherian ji,
thanks a lot for your comments in your previous post. My gift to you as a friendly gesture the following song : please tell how do you feel about it. (ghantasala and suseela sings it)
http://www.chitramala.com/audio-songs/pop_new.php?sid=6828&wid=962
common man ji, thanks in advance : please tell how do you think about the strength and clarity of voice in the above song.
Musharaff ji, – Please for your views as well.
Dear friend musharaff ji,
Let us not get into the disturbances. I would love that you were expert in telugu language as your analysis appears to be very great and catching. Let us resume our musical renditions. A duet by S Janaki and ghantasala for your enjoyment.
http://www.chitramala.com/audio-songs/pop_new.php?sid=4945&wid=735
Common man
Exactly, I have expressed my honest views.
post 2320
post 2322
holy cow, what an irony!!!
we want to purchase in wholesale rafi live singing dvds. Also, does anyone has all of rafi collection?any leads. thanks all.
People who describe other’s personal opinion as fox’s howl and those who applaudes him only exposes their upbringing and breeding which is never above the gutter ofcourse.
THIS SITE IS FOR MOHAMMAD RAFI SAHEB ONLY.
worshippers of ghantasala may create a separate forum for the allegedly sacred memory of their nasal crooner. why these telengas are polluting this space????
some one here has reproduced a conversation between Bramhananda Reddy and ghantasala . will that worthy please explain his source ( apart from his over heated imagination)??
finally i am entitled to have my personal opinion. no telenga can violate or deny me that right.
The word “mny” in the last paragraph of my previous post should be read as “many”.
P. Haldar-ji, what do you think about this gem ? :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMtH2tzVEh8&feature=related
L-P composing for Kishore, its one of my favourite songs by the singer from the 70’s, a great rendition with a nice melody. It’s said that this film went to L-P because Rajesh Khanna had a fall-out with RD, and L-P came up with a good score.
The whole industry respected Rafi-saab and rated him as he greatest because of his mammoth talent, and not only Northern greats but many Southern greats too.
It’s hilarious how many come to this site acting as “pundits” of music and try and proclaim otherwise. Do they possess the knowledge of an Ilayaraaja, Yesudas, Lata, SDB, S-J, SPB, MM and so many others?. Are they qualified enough to make such sweeping statements?. It’s ok to have an opinion, but leave it at that.
Rafi’s greatness and unmatched quality was already cemented in hard wood many years ago. It will never change, nor diminish, and any amount of discussion will not change anything for as long as music is alive.
P. Haldar-ji, check this link out (at approx 7 mins):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrjjDw84PrI&feature=related
Kalyanji mentions that Kishore was nervous in doing stage shows, but Kalyanji assured him that don’t worry, you’re not singing infront of a Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Mohammed Rafi, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan etc. This is Kalyanji rightfully giving Rafi his deserved status, among the elite.
As you once pointed out, Lata, Rafi and Asha are considered by mny as the three greatest talents that the subcontinent has produced.
“think, your post is somewhat rough”
that’s too bad. i believe we all should be allowed to express ourselves as honestly, bluntly, and however we want! i don’t want to stifle honesty for the sake of political correctness. you guys need to quit whining!
“in the guise of being rafi fans ”
Well, said haldar ji, I think this is something that we all Rafi lovers must understand.
This website is our shrine of Eternal rafi, a place where we tribute few words to our master Rafi sahab, out of infinite love we feel through master`s singing.
let the politicians be out of it with, even if they start who is better and who is not at this place ,it would pollute the purity of this wonderful place.
++++++++++++++++
My message to all who don`t love Rafi sahab— “we Rafi lovers, love all(especially the singers), for its what we have learnt from our master`s personal/proffesional life and divine singing… But this place is very special one, dedicated to a faristayi Insan and singer Rafi sahab!
post 2318:
Unfortunately, I don’t have a Facebook account. You can call me a little low-tech.
Dear friends,
I have been watching with disbelief the growing clout of people who have been propagating their preposterous theories on this site. When Swaminathan Iyer was alive, they used to come here to curse him for his omission. The day after he passed away, these people gave a different spin on what he actually wrote, and I thought that the matter would finally come to an end. After that, this group of people tried to play up the north-south divide. Finally, one character from this group has been floating his own conspiracy theory (and indirectly implicating Rafi saab in the process), which his friends have termed as “sensational news”.
I have nothing against genuine Ghantasala fans, just as I have nothing against genuine Yesudas fans or genuine Manna Dey fans. Each one of them is entitled to his or her opinion. But this site is devoted to our idol and folks should not take advantage of the generosity of the administrator to post comments that are disrespectful to the memory of our idol. If such comments continue, Haldar will not sit back and enjoy; he will pay them back in kind, no matter what Kabeer Aman and other holier-than-thou characters think of him.
2315
Not only Mr. Kabeer amman, even vitthal ji had softly rebuffed your comments. I too, think, your post is somewhat rough – please do not take seriously. You are all elders than me, my respects for you as old persons, you all should set a example to young people like us. Please do not take otherwise. The kind gesture like rafi sahab displayed by sri vitthal (post 2305) has not been responded yet by a “true rafian” like you.
THE FACE BOOK…. MY FRIENDS WHO ARE MOHD RAFI LOVERS AND MUSIC LOVERS ARE IN FACEBOOK……. ITS THE LATEST VEHICLE FOR LIKE MINDED PEOPLE….
DO CONNECT WITH US.
BINU NAIR
FOUNDER, RAFI FOUNDATION
MUMBAI
binus2000@hotmail.com
post 2309:
Well said, Binu ji. You know what I used to say before, don’t compare apples and oranges. These singers come from different worlds and comparisons between them are not fair. Now I’m beginning to wonder if it’s all about grapes.
Post 2309….just complementing your views.
Rafisaab raised the bar so high that there was no competition for him. Rafisaab songs and his voice are forever.
No singer has had his kind of great consistency 1948-1980, name one male singer who can match this longevity. He did not require luck and support from one or two MD;s to keep his bread and butter moving.
No competition would have stood in front of the king.
post 2308:
I was wondering who this new kid on the block could be. If indeed he was a true Rafian, why would he react to my post the way he did: “But do not think that you are the only fan of Rafi Saab on this Planet. The site is open for every person who loves Rafi and his songs. Your above post is filled with ego factor, try to be humble like our master Rafi Saab.”
I re-read my post and found that everything I wrote should me music to a rafian’s ears. Which makes me believe that he is not a true rafian, but one of those north pole-south pole types who keep posting their patronising comments from time to time. I think I know who this person is; this is not his real name. I’ll expose him in due course.
What I said in my post was that it was intended for fellow rafians (millions of them); I never said that someone, rafi fan or otherwise, is not free to post his or her comments.
It is quite clear that my comments irked him, otherwise he wouldn’t have reacted the way he did. He hates my guts.
Hi Dear Mr Vitthal, thanks for your quick response. That’s so kind of you!
Dear Binuji, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I am from Bangladesh and will try to call you when possible. I am sure, hope, surely there would be some sensible people who would get engaged to “recover” those priceless treasure.
I would to share 2 unreleased songs of Rafi composed by MM
Ya Illahi, Ek Haseena Ne Machai Hai Tabahi,
http://www.madanmohan.in/audio/98_Unrel_Songs_Unrel_Films/04_Ya%20Illahi.mp3
Har Sapna Ek Din Toote, Is Duniya Mein
http://www.madanmohan.in/audio/98_Unrel_Songs_Unrel_Films/05_Har%20Sapna%20Ek%20Din%20Toote.mp3
Unreleased Songs [from unreleased / shelved films] which have been lost and thus not available
1. Jaane Dil Ne Kya Dekha Hai Unki Ek Nigaah Mein
Singer(s): Mohd. Rafi
Lyrics: Rajinder Krishan
[Recorded for a film titled SALMA]
2. Abhi To Shaam Hui Hai Aur Chirag Bujh Bhi Gaye
Singer(s): Mohd. Rafi
Lyrics: Nyay Sharma
[Recorded for a film titled PEELE PARBAT KAALE CHOR]
3. Ab Kitne Baje Hai, Tum Kitni Der Baithoge
Singer(s): Asha Bhosle, Mohd. Rafi
Lyrics: Rajinder Krishan
[Recorded for a film titled JAHAAN MILE DHARTI AAKASH]
4. Jaane Le Jaayega Mujhko Kidhar Dil Mera
Singer(s): Mohd. Rafi
Lyrics: Rajinder Krishan
[Recorded for a film titled JAHAAN MILE DHARTI AAKASH]
#2265 bhushan
the first link…the composition & voice were both excellent. the second song, same thing, althugh that’s not my favorite kind of song…just like the way i don’t care for rafi’s man mawra bawra or whatever picturized on kishore.
post 2308:
Dear Kabeer Aman saab,
Thank you for addressing me as “Haldar the Great”! I am elated that I am in the company of such people as “Alexander the Great”. You wrote, “But do not think that you are the only fan of Rafi Saab on this Planet. The site is open for every person who loves Rafi and his songs.” Read my post again, and see if I’ve said anywhere that I’m the only Rafi fan in this universe. You compliment me for my erudition, yet you think that I don’t know there are millions of Rafians around the globe. What a joke!
If you are such a great Rafi fan, I wonder what you were doing when folks were coming to this site and casting aspersions on Rafi’s character, something that not a single person in industry ever did?
I have been a regular visitor to this site for many, many years; I consider this to be my home. In the future, try your lectures on someone else.
Regards,
P. Haldar
Haldarda-2300.
I fully agree with you in this point. It is the final conclusion that one draws is the most important factor after any analysis. Thanks for keeping a sharp eye in this respect.
Regards.
post 2301 : thanks rumman ji….
there could be many songs recorded by mohd rafi but not released. every composer has few songs. but they will not part with it.
some of them are lying at the studios and rotting.
these ‘JOKERS’ do not know the value of these songs… i mean it.
please call me to discuss this on : 0 9833 250 701. evening time,.
thanks
DEAR COMPARERS : please understand finally that : the badshah of playback singing – mohd rafi would have demolished any “competition” of the times.
some singers had their luck but was swept away. some “never” came. some again gave flimsy reasons for “not” entering the BOLLYWOOD ZONE. some now say that if this singer would have come, he would have stayed for long and gave the badshah a tough time. all wishful thinking, again.
in another phase of time, one of my favourite singer came big time in to hindi playback in the seventies.
in some of his songs, the diction was horrible. the singer did’t click. some of his admirers now say that vested interests blocked this singers way.
remember comparers : no one can ever stop a tide. if a tide never happened – dont ever play the “blame game”
Dear Mr. Haldar the great, you said in post # 2300
My post is addressed to you and only you, not to the folks who visit this site in the guise of being rafi fans and try to put him down at every opportunity. I’m sure you know whom I am referring to, the types who come here and say that the two singers are like the north pole and the south pole but then add that the south pole is better, or that they are like the right eye and the left eye but that the left eye has better vision. Perhaps if hindi film music was under the control of these knowledgeable people instead of under Naushad, S. D. Burman, Shankar-Jaikishan, O. P. Nayyar, Madan Mohan and Roshan, it would have been much better because the latter group might not have have had the sophisticated ear needed for identifying the right male singer for their compositions.
Anyway, let us be happy that our idol was given the chance to perform, otherwise he might have had to pack his bags and leave for Lahore!
Hats off to your erudition about Rafi Saab. But do not think that you are the only fan of Rafi Saab on this Planet. The site is open for every person who loves Rafi and his songs. Your above post is filled with ego factor, try to be humble like our master Rafi Saab. I think you will mend your ways of commenting on this site for other Rafi Lovers.
Kabeer Aman
let me add btw that the current moderation has been very successful (no extreme personal attacks or language – let’s not whine and argue over what’s unacceptable – i made my terms clear). i hope he continues exactly the way he does. easier on him and it keeps the community alive with fire. too much moderation would kill the discussion. his moderation level is excellent. he’s also been very successful by not participating as the moderator. thanks pradeep – you are the man!
“A request to the moderator of this site-can we put a full stop to this particular thread. Also please do not encourage posts with pseudonyms like “Mr comparator”- it is ridiculous to take the names of people who howl like a fox along with the legends like Rafi sahab / Ghantasala. There is no meaning in your “your comment awaits moderation” if you allow such crap to be posted.”
NO! it’s very easy to make requests when i don’t have to do anything about it or suffer any consequences. the moderator is pradeep and he used to actively participate in hamaraforums. he used to follow these “requests”. this created conflict because you can’t keep everyone happy and they’ll all start whining. so he no longer participates. he keeps out. it’s been like this for years.
in very rare circumstances he moderates if there is very, very foul language (never seen this happen in my 3 years at this site) or very, very personal attack (seen it only once). that’s what he means by moderation. otherwise, all opinions should be posted no matter what you think of them or find them disagreeable. if it is without merit, it will be ignored or quickly denounced. i welcome all opinions. i’ve had to tolerate some opinions on rafi that i consider unintelligent but i don’t like to censor anyone on opinion.
Dear friend haldar ji,
Remembering our interesting discussion earlier, I would like to share the melodious ghantasala number shared by Mr. Bhushan here, please tell how do you think about the song ? No matter whatever may be your views will be accepted, no malice again, kindly give your views as a music lover – as I liked your analysis earlier. I hope you will not certainly disappoint me, as you never did earlier. The song opens after 30 seconds – it is a jayadeve ashtapadi – the great devotee belonged to bengal, your place.
http://www.raaga.com/player4/?id=192124&mode=100&rand=0.11782269817542168
Dear friend haldar ji,
After a long time – please do not be so harsh – I think discussions are courteous enough – no malice.
Straight forward people like you having strong guts should reply to people like Mr. comparator here, who has received enough thrashing, I would have been happy.
Mr. Rumman – here are the songs requested by you
Since I am only a mohd rafi favourite in hindi, I am giving the links of rafi songs to you.
Teri nazar teri ada
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAKpV5B_iYI
Mohabat Karegi Asar Dhire Dhire – Mohd.Rafi & Asha Bhosle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eu9kLM_iiZE
Pyar Kiya Hai Aise – Mohd. Rafi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zwDxqP0efw
Dekhoji Wada Karo – Mohd.Rafi & Asha Bhosle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKv2YS3k4_8
Can any one tell me where can I find the below for download?
The Last Songs Mohammed Rafi – CD which includes 6 Previously Unreleased Tracks..
1. Teri Nazar Teri Ada – Mohd. Rafi
2. Dil Walo Ki Toli Nikali – Mohd. Rafi & Asha Bhosle
3. Mohabat Karegi Asar Dhire Dhire – Mohd.Rafi & Asha Bhosle
4. Hole Re Dole Re – Asha Bhosle
5. Pyar Kiya Hai Aise – Mohd. Rafi
6. Dekhoji Wada Karo – Mohd.Rafi & Asha Bhosle
7. Teri Nazar Audio Documentary – Anand-Milind & Bobby Bose
Post 2299
dear mr binuji, thanks for your sharing more thought into this. As Bangali person, I do love Manna Dey songs but that statement actually let us feel how ahead Rafi even far ahead from Great like Manna dey who was senior to Rafi as well as famous for taking notation so he can do best in one take.
Anil Biswas also said that you were the only singer who took notation for every song and had it done in one take, and that you could sing everything Rafi or Kishore or Mukesh or Talat Mehmood could sing, but they could not sing everything you sang.
Manna Dey asnwered:
That is very generous of him. He was very fond of me, but I don’t think there is anyone to touch Mohd Rafi. It is true I took notations and got every song right in one rehearsal. I even tried to teach Lata and Asha how to take notations, but these girls after the initial enthusiasm of wanting to know would not follow through!
I am actually looking for that “exact” song Manna Dey meant … the song recorded for the Film Justice by KC Dey .. but could not find it any where. Do you have any idea?
Moreover, I have heard RK production before breaking up with SJ used to maintain a music bank which contain many unreleased songs of them later used in other films. Just wonder if there any rafi songs left unreleased by SJ as Rafi was undoubtedly their favorite!