By Biman Baruah

(Shardhanjali to Rajesh Khanna)
NAFRAT KI DUNIYA KO CHOD KAR PYAR KI DUNIYA MEIN KHUSH REHNA MERE YAAR

This is the only Mohammed Rafi song aired when actor Rajesh Khanna passed way on 18^th July, 2012 due to prolong illness and his funeral procession crowded by mourners in the street which made a mark after 32 years, last seen at the time of funeral of Rafi Sahab. The song created a history in Hindi Film Music. The producers and actor of the film Haathi Mere Saathi (earlier named as Pyar Ki Duniya) wanted all the songs are to be recorded in the voice of Kishore Kumar. But after several attempt, Kishore Kumar unable sing this heartbreaking song as desired by the composers then tussle begin between producer, actor and music director duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal. (more…)

By Achal Rangaswamy

Mohd Rafi Sahab and Rakesh Khanna

A slim, almost impoverished looking young man, albeit with a twinkle in his eye and a charming smile, wooed his lesser known heroine in a low-budget film. The film would go on to be sent to various film festivals, become known as the first film in which Bhupendra sang a solo, but most people would not remember it as the first film in which the winner of a major talent hunt would be playing the hero.

Jatin Khanna, now rechristened as Rajesh Khanna wooed Chand Usmani, who would later go on to play either sister to heroes in B grade films or maybe the mujre wali in B- grade films. But the song that was chosen for this occasion was hauntingly beautiful.  The hero urges the lady to stay on, by singing “ aur kuchh der thaher aur kuchh der na ja….”. The song was rendered flawlessly. (more…)

This article is penned by Mr.Biman Baruah,Goregan(E), Mumbai

Mohd Rafi with Verma Mallick, Devendra Goel, Ravi

Legendary music composer Ravi Shankar Sharma popularly known as RAVI expired on 7th March, 2012 due to cardiac arrest who celebrated his 86th birthday with friends three days before his death. He was survived by his separated son Ajay and daughter in law, actress Varsha Ushgonkar.

On his death, his filmmaker friend, A. Krishnamurthi remarked, “Ravi was noted for his heart-touching, soft, melodious tunes, which made his songs and music immortal and is hummed even today, decades after he composed them. As well as he was a very fine gentlemen and a great human being.” (more…)

Shared by Saiyed Farooq Jamal

Read what Shammi Kapoor, Johnny Walker, Dilip Kumar, Devanand, Dharmendra, Jeetendra, Kishore Kumar and Rajesh Khanna have to say about Rafi Sahab. The language in the graphic is Hindi. For the benefit of fans who do not understand Hindi, I request some of our Hindi knowing fans can translate these in their comments.

(more…)

Compiled by: Mr. Biman Baruah, resident of Lakhiminagar,Sivasgar, Assam.

Naushad Ali and Mohammed Rafi both were the legends of Hindi Film Music, former one is one of the greatest Music Directors of Indian Cinema and later one is one of the greatest playback singers of Indian Cinema who made for each other and born on 25^th and 24^th December respectively. (more…)

Rafi sang for Romantic Icon Rajesh Khanna … Akele Hai Chali Aao Jaha Hoo…………..
Kaha Aawaz De Tumko Kaha Hoo……….

This article is compiled by Mr. Biman Baruah, Finance & Accounts Officer, ONGC Ltd., Sivasagar.

Rajesh Khanna

Rafi Sahab was the voice of first Indian superstar Rajesh Khanna in this mind-boggling hunting song from G.P.Sippy’s suspense thriller RAAZ (1967) was directed by Ravindra Dave, which may also be considered the first notable film of the superstar. The young Rajesh Khanna was looking very smart, handsome and charming in the song with the magic voice of Mohd. Rafi. The song was two times in the film: first time in female voice by Lata Mangeshkar and second time in male voice by Mohammed Rafi that was picturised on Babita Shivadasani and Rajesh Khanna respectively. (more…)