“Babul Ki Duayen Leti Ja” is a tender, heartfelt blessing from Mohammed Rafi that resonates with the universal emotion of a father’s love and hope for his daughter’s happiness in her married life.

As a die-hard fan of Mohammed Rafi, one of the songs that has always held a special place in my heart is the deeply emotional and tender “Babul Ki Duayen Leti Ja” from the 1968 film Neel Kamal. This song, imbued with the heartfelt sentiments of a father bidding farewell to his daughter, is a masterpiece of musical expression.

“Chhoo Lene Do” from Kaajal is a poetic embrace of love and life, brought to life by Mohammed Rafi’s melodious voice, Sahir Ludhianvi’s profound lyrics, and Ravi’s soulful composition.

As a die-hard fan of Mohammed Rafi, there’s a particular song that holds a special place in my heart, and that song is “Chhoo Lene Do” from the 1965 film Kaajal. The moment you hear the opening notes, you’re transported into a world where romance is pure, emotions run deep, and every word lingers in your soul. The magic of this song lies not just in Mohamed Rafi Sahab’s unparalleled voice but in the synergy between the lyrics, music, and the emotions they evoke.

“Rakhi Dhagon Ka Tyohar” is a timeless melody by Mohammed Rafi, celebrating the bond of love and protection between siblings. This Raksha Bandhan, let’s revisit the emotions and meaning behind this beautiful song from the 1962 film Rakhi.

The festival of Rakhi, also known as Raksha Bandhan, is a celebration of the unbreakable bond between brothers and sisters in India. It’s a day when a sister ties a sacred thread, a Rakhi, on her brother’s wrist, symbolizing her love and prayers for his well-being, while the brother vows to protect her throughout his life. Among the many songs that capture the essence of this beautiful relationship, one stands out as an evergreen classic—“Rakhi Dhagon Ka Tyohar” from the 1962 movie Rakhi, sung by none other than the legendary Mohammed Rafi.

Mohammed Rafi’s timeless voice in “Husn Wale Tera Jawaab Nahin” from Gharana (1961) beautifully captures the essence of love and admiration, making it an unforgettable classic.

When we talk about Mohammed Rafi, we are not merely discussing a singer; we are delving into an era where emotions were sculpted into melodies, and each song was a symphony of passion and grace. Rafi Sahab’s voice had the magic to turn lyrics into emotions, making every word resonate deeply with the listeners. One such song where this magic is evident is “Husn Wale Tera Jawaab Nahin” from the 1961 film Gharana.

By Dr Souvik Chatterji

Chitragupt gave very melodious tunes in the 50s and 60s and as most of his songs were sung by legend of legends Rafisahab, the songs became immortal after creation. Just because the world of music in 1960s was dominated by giants like Naushad Ali, Shankar Jaikishan, Roshanlal Nagrath, Madanmohan Kohli, less known composers like Chitragupt did not receive the recognition he deserved. (more…)

By Souvik Chatterji

Renowned music director Ravi Shankar Sharma died on 7th March, 2012, at the age of 86 years. His music had remained immortal over the years.

From the film Vachan and Albeli in 1955 he started his musical journey. In 1960, Mohammad Rafi’s soft ghazal “chaudhvin ka chand” in the film Chaudhvin Ka Chand made him a musical star. Guru Dutt’s picturization was as outstanding as the lyrics and the brilliant performance of Rafi Sahab in both the songs “chaudhvin ka chand ho” and “mili khaak me mohabbat”. Even Rafi Sahab’s songs for Johnny Walker in the film namely “mera yaar bana hai dulha” and “yeh duniya gol hai” caught the attention of the music lovers. From that time it was magic been created whenever Rafi Sahab and Ravi Sahab combined together. In Rajendra Kumar’s film Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan in 1959, Rafi Sahab’s song “ajab hai maalik tera jahaan” was very impressive. (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…)

By: H.A.K. Walijah

Mohd Rafi

The 60’s were probably Mohd. Rafi’s greatest years. The decade started off with him winning his first Filmfare award for the title song in “Chaudavi Ka Chand” (1961). Throughout the decade he produced many hits with many top music directors, such as Naushad, Roshan, Madan Mohan, Ravi, Shankar – Jaikishan and others.  Rafi’s prominence for the decade is the best it ever got for any singer in the history of Hindi Films and in the many of those movies he was the only male voice. The songs list goes as ~ Zindabad Zindabad e Mohabat Zindabad; Sangam Yeh Mera Prem Patra; Nain Lad Jaiye Hain; Tum Se Izhar-e-haal Kar;  Waqt Se Din Aur Raat; Yeh Reshmi Zulfe; Ek Tha Gul Aur Ek Thee; Aaj Ki Raat Mere Dil Ki; Baharon Phool Barsoo; Mast Baharon Ka Mein; Aap Ki Pehlu Mein; Ye Parda hata do; Rahe Manva Dukh ki Chinta; Chalkey Tere Aankhon Se; Ahsaan tera hoga;  Paon Chu Lene Do; Bade Miya Deewane; Janu kya Mere Dil; Kya Se Kya Ho Gaya; Madhuban main Radhika naache and many more. (more…)

By Achal Rangaswamy

Sri Ravi Shankar Sharma

While I was driving back from work, and for some strange reason, only one song kept coming back to me. It was “ Na muh chhupa ke jiyo aur na sar jhukaake jiyo”. Little did I know at that time that music director Ravi was already gone.

As usual, it was my friend from Bangalore Nagesh Sidhanti who had informed us by mail, but I hadn’t checked the mail but had just posted a Holi Song of Rafi Saab- the very popular Holi Khelat Nandalal Biraj mein from Godaan.  When I saw a response to that post of mine from Vasudha my other friend from Bangalore, I wondered why she mentioned Ravi in her reply.  Upon scrolling down a mail or two I read this note from Nagesh.  And I was dumb struck. What a coincidence. I had been thinking of many songs, and all of them were Ravi Saab’s songs. (more…)

By Souvik Chatterji

Mohd Rafi with Shakeel and Ravi

Renowned music director Ravi Shankar Sharma died on 7^th March, 2012, at the age of 86 years. His music had remained immortal over the years.

From the film Vachan and Albeli in 1955 he started his musical journey. In 1960, Mohammad Rafi’s soft ghazal “chaudavi ka chand” in the film Chaudavi Ka Chand made him a musical star. Guru Dutt’s picturization was as outstanding as the lyrics and the brilliant performance of Rafi. From that time it was magic been created whenever Rafi and Ravi combined together. (more…)