Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar
This song review is written by Ms. Utthara Kumari B
Mohd Rafi Sahab with Dev Anand
What a romantic song! Sigh! One of the greatest romantic duets to have ever been written, ever been composed, ever been sung and ever been enacted.. A dashing Dev Anand imploring a fragile beauty Sadhana not to leave him as his heart is not yet filled with joy. The song Abhi na jao chodkar has several layers. On the surface it seems like a soft romantic song. But look beyond, you will find it is like a precursor to the twists and turns that unfold in the story. No wonder the hero is apprehensive that if the heroine leaves him, then their paths may not meet again. As it happens, the two part, face many tribulations and meet in the end.
This is an evergreen number on everyone’s lips and in everyone’s heart. You don’t get tired listening to it. You feel you can’t get enough of it. And invariably this comes as the last song in every programme.
I was in school then. One cool breezy evening this soft song wafted from a neighbour’s house. I listened to it mesmerised. Since then there has never been a day when I hadn’t hummed this song. And Vividh Bharati obliged by playing this song frequently. When the song got over, I used to wish there was a replay button and I could press hard on it. Because I couldn’t get enough of the song…Ke dil abhi bhara nahi. The soft tune, the soft romantic lyrics, the soft singing by the incomparable Rafi and Asha and the enchanting couple on screen have you asking for more and more.
Nearly 20 years after its release, I saw the movie Hum Dono. As the curtains were up, I waited impatiently for my most favourite romantic duet to light up the screen. I was not disappointed. The movie in fact begins with this lovely song Abhi na jao chodkar. I didn’t need Dev’s or Rafi’s pleading. I watched the song unblinkingly. I couldn’t get enough of it.. ke dil abhi bhara nahi. I was all set to watch the movie and the song again and again.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VlDX_U2PkI
The song is sung by a much-in-love Mahesh Anand (Dev Anand) to the love-of-his-life Mita (Sadhana). Mahesh is supposed to meet Mita’s wealthy father (Jagirdar) the next day to ask for Mita’s hand in marriage. But he is nervous.
And that is why he sings
Zindagi ki raah mein jawan dilonki chah mein
Kayi maqaam aayenge jo humko aazmayenge
In the path of life, we may have to face many tests
And with reason. Mahesh is unemployed and lives in a small dwelling with his mother (Leela Chitnis). When she learns he is going to meet Mita’s father, she reminds him of the rich-poor divide. As cinema luck would have it, though Mita’s father reluctantly agrees for the alliance, a miffed Anand joins Army. There he meets his look-alike Major Verma.
When the Major goes missing in action during World War II, and believed dead during the battle, Mahesh is asked to convey this news to his family. Upon arrival, he is mistaken for Major Verma. He meets Verma’s mother and his ailing wife Ruma (Nanda) . Unable to break the news of Verma’s death and shatter their fragile world, he continues the charade. This creates complications in Mahesh’s life as his love, Mita, thinks that he no longer loves her. After several cinematic twists, the movie ends on a happy note with the two couples beaming Abhi na jao…
From Dev Anand himself to Shankar Mahadevan to my humble self everyone considers it the all-time best romantic number.
This duet glides over you like smooth silk. The song is simple but has meaningful lyrics, is hummable but difficult to sing. Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhonsle make it all seem so easy though it is a song which goes high and low. The on-screen jodi the debonair Dev and the beautiful Sadhana make a delightful pair adding the sparkle.
Jaidev, the unsung music director, has gifted us unforgettable songs in this film Main zindagi ka saath, Kabhi khud pe, Jahan mein aisa kaun hai (a take-off on Abhi na jao), Allah tero naam. Sahir Ludhianvi, the romantic rebel who couldn’t marry the love of his life, has given us a song which is the last word in love and romanticism.
Sahir was basically a romantic poet. Since he failed in love many times, his poetry hints about separation. Abhi na jao too is cast in this mould. His poetry was an amazing canvas of romantic shades.
His style was simple, straight, and direct. To him goes the credit of writing simple words which are effective in conveying the romantic theme. The poetry is conversational.
Jaidev complements Sahir’s lyrical romanticism with unobtrusive yet enchanting score. There is no other way to compose it besides the way it was composed. It is unfortunate that despite his expertise in classical and folk music, Jaidev had only Hum Dono and Mujhe Jeene Do as commercial successes.
Rafi and Asha entrance listeners with their vocal magic.
Mohd Rafi Sahab with Dev Anand
Rafi, the singing God, is matchless. His whispering tones and high-pitched range are a class apart. His adaas and andaz are unique he captures every mood and every nuance of songs. In this song too, he breathes romance, love, fear of separation, a little philosophy, a little cajoling… He had this unique talent of varying his voice to suit the persona of the star he was singing for. In Abhi na jao, he paints a picture of Dev Anand through his singing. While listening to this song, you can visualise Dev Anand’s drawl, his style and his mannerisms. This was the mastery of Rafi.
Would any girl want to go away?
Listen to the way Rafi says `abhi abhi toh‘. Can anyone infuse more romance than him in that one line? Telling in that unique way that his whole world revolves round her.
Hawa zara mehak to le nazar zara behak to le
Ye sham dhal toh le zara ye dil sambhal toh le zara
Main thodi der jee toh lun nashe ke ghunt pee toh lun
Listening to Rafi sing as if drunk the line `nashe ke ghunt’, you will definitely get a high.
Abhi to kuchh kaha nahin abhi to kuchh suna nahin
Abhi na jao chhod kar ke dil abhi bhara nahin
Would any heroine want to go when Rafi cajoles in that beautiful manner?
Bas ab na mujhko tokna
na badhke rah rokna
Agar main ruk gayi abhi to ja na paungi kabhi
Yahi kahoge tum sada ke dil abhi nahin bhara
Jo khatm ho kisi jagah ye aisa silsila nahin
Listen to the way she sings the above lines – expressing the wish to stay as well as leave – in that mesmerising way.
Adhuri aas
Adhuri aas chhodke adhuri pyaas chhodke
Jo roz yunhi jaogi to kis tarah nibhaogi
Ke zindagi ki raah men jawaan dilon ki chah men
Kayii maqam aayenge jo ham ko azamaayenge
Bura na mano baat ka ye pyaar hai gila nahin
Haan yahi kahoge tum sada ke dil abhi bhara nahin
Haan dil abhi bhara nahin
Nahin nahin nahin nahin
Yes, it is truly an unquenched yearning and unquenched thirst…. for this song
I would love to tell Rafi saab… abhi na jao chodkar ke dil abhi bhara nahi…
TRIVIA
* Abhi na jao is based on raag Yaman Kalyan
* Allah Tero Naam. When Dev Anand’s Navketan banner decided to give Hum Dono to S.D. Burman’s assistant Jaidev, it was on condition that Lata sang for the film. Lata immediately set aside her differences with Jaidev to sing one of the tallest devotional numbers ever. And this was the first song recorded for the film. Classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj remembers waking up from sleep with tears streaming down his cheeks after hearing this bhajan.
Asha Bhonsle says her favourite Lata song is Allah tero naam.
* Recently, in a tribute to the evergreen Dev Anand and his film production Navketan which completed 60 years, , the Information and Broadcasting Ministry screened Hum Dono in colour. This is the third film to go colourful after Mughal-e-Azam and Naya Daur.
utthara bahen,
Namaste, please read my earlier post#94.
Anjan mat mariye,
With regards,
Dr. Khaja Aliuddin
utthara bahen,
Namaste, looking forward to hear from you. Please read my earlier post#94.
Shukriya,
with regards,
Dr. Khaja Aliuddin
utthara Bahen,
How about a reveiw on this romantic duet of “Cha Cha Cha”, Chambeli ke mandve tale do badan pyar ki aag me jal gaye, by Rafi and Asha. Look at this, the poet was hyderabadi, MD was hyderabadi, the hero on whom this song was picturised was Hyderabadi and now the person is going to reveiw this romantic duet will be Hyderabadi too. Bahut khoob.
With regards to all Rafi lovers,
An ardent fan of rafi Sahab,
Dr. Khaja Aliuddin
Uttharaji,
Words fail me. I have read your analysis of this evergreen song at least two times. Wah! It’s fantastic. Have you written other song reviews?
Regards
Azmath
Dear Utthara,
Aapka review padkar hamara dil bhar gaya. If I remember right, you have hummed this in office several times. On some occasions, when it was time for me to go home. Not because you mistook me for Sadhana, but since edition producing was in itself a big saadhanai, you would say, tcha (that is in Tamil) wait, abi naa….
Good piece, good analysis. Brings out the romantic in you.
Utthara, will tell you in song form..kya khoob likhti ho badi sundar likhti ho. Knowing your writing skills, am not surprised that you have written superbly. Ek dum dil se. And yeh dil mangey more…
Since you are forever humming this song, will tell you ke dil abhi bhara nahin….
Gulnaar
Alibhaisab, I have sent the mithai through email. Hope you like it!
When you come to india, will surely give you mithai.
With musical regards
Utthara
UTTHARA JI….. ONE OF THE REASONS FOR FORMING THE “RAFI FOUNDATION” WAS TO LEAVE A SMILE ON ATLEAST ONE PERSONS FACE ON THE EARTH. but……..
this umbrella organisation of mohd rafi saaheb is bringing “smiles” to many many people through yesteryear divine songs.
may this caravan grow and bring more smiles on more people…………..
Utthara Bahen,
Million thanks for the warmest Deepavali greetings, but where is the “mithai”?
With regards,
Dr. Khaja Aliuddin
Chicago
More about RJ ANMOL OF RADIO MIRCHI…… THOUGH HE is a young lad, he loves golden era music to the core. he anchors the popular programme called “Purani Jeans” from 9 to 12 p.m. MOnday to saturday.
he is also a dev anand lover and that accounts for his extra interest in movies of dev saaheb.
Hey Uttara
Congratulations.Bouquets from radio mirchi–thats news!!!Let your fame travel far and wide and let every Rafi Fan be fed lavishly with all the info you have about Rafi saab.You deserve the best friend.
Aapke charno mein– daasi bankar– here I am looking up to you!
vasudha
Wow!!! Congratulations Uttaraji 🙂
You deserve every bit of it… A wonderful article indeed
regards
Samina
Binuji, thank you very much for posting Anmol’s comments. i send my thanks and best wishes to Anmol and radio mirchi for their appreciation. here is best wishes/regards to Anmol.
Binuji, thank you once again for all your support.
regards
Utthara
BOUQUETS FROM RADIO MIRCHI, Mumbai……..for Uttaraji,
mirchi RJ Anmol read this Hum Dono song article and appreciated it. he furter mentioned the article in his radio programme of old songs from 9 pm to 12 pm and sends his best wishes/regards to it’s author Uttaraji…
Binuji, I am honoured that you think I am a good writer. I have written one piece on rafi saab’s range of singing and how his voice suits everyone. You think i should post it here? Thank you for your encouragement.
Regards
Utthara
Javedji, bahut bahut shukriya. For me, there can be no other singer like rafi saab though I like other singers too. In Sanskrit we say, na bhuto na bhavishyati. which means there was not one like Rafi saab in the past and there will be no one like him in the future.
Regards
Utthara
Post 80 and few thoughts……
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in the last few years i have met and interacted with many great mohd rafi lovers. uttharaji is a great rafi lover whom i admire. keep it up uttharaji and pls come out with some gems in article form. we are waiting.
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Javed saaheb: i am also waiting for some great rafi pictures from the rafi household. pls write to me or call : binus2000@hotmail.com
regards and best wishes..
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Dear Ms Uttara,
My compliments for this XLNT writeup, complete with nuances, subtlity, emotional content & most of all- Heart felt feelings all thru.
I too am looking for a suitable poster of Rafi sahab since ages!!! Can someone help us all? Mr Binoo Nair, pl look into this. You can access Rafi sahab’s family, sply his son Shahid Rafi who is active i organisational front of some recent Professional Artists Associations.
Thanks for tinkering the brains of Rafians with your Quiz!!!
We need to generate a mass movement for Bharat Ratna for our Rafi Sahab. Lets get on with this.
Regards & Best Wishes to All Rafians.
Do Well.
Binuji, see my post 63, Came with the right answer. Waiting for the prize!!!!!!
Sir, no prizes for me. I am glad I came with the right answer.
Regards
Utthara
THE QUIZ… THE SONG FROM APNAPAN, AADMI MUSAFIR HAI IS SUNG BY LATA-RAFI AND THE SLOW VERSION IS BY SULAKSHANA PANDIT WHO IS THE HEROINE OF THE MOVIE.
THE PRIZE, WILL BE SENT TO THE RIGHT RESPONDENTS PROVIDED I GET THEIR ADDRESSES.
THANKS EACH ONE FOR TAKING PART.
BINU NAIR,
binus2000@hotmail.com
Binuji, aap kahan kho gaye? You gave us a quiz. There are a lot of answers. I want to know what the right `utthara’ is.
Regards
Utthara
Ashok, see, Sadhna ne aapko kheenchke laya hai. Thank you for your praise of Sadhna! Jokes apart, thank you Ashok, for your compliments.
Utthara
Krishnaji, this is the same Suresh Heblikar, noted actor, director, environmentalist. Remember the beautiful song Nammooora mandara hoove? Remember Aparichita?
Regards
Utthara
dev anand was a great actor and rafi sahab had a voice which suited dev anand. but many say that kishorda had a greater depth of voice to dev anand.if abhi na jao chodkar was sung by kishoreda then how will it be?
jaidev was a very great music director.his films were not a big hit. but his songs are golden jubilee.he used SAROd to record nearly all the songs but today why the music directors are not using this instrument?
once a news reporter asked a new music director about this instrument that jaidev used and he was adamant.
i personally believe that rafi sahab ‘s voice suited dev anand and not kishore da.
please comment
Ref. Post no.22,
Dear Suresh Heblikar, are you the same who acted in Alemane, Sh!! and other great movies.
rgds..KM
Hi Utthara,
me excited to see your article da. fantastic yaar. Remember we used to hum this song in office? Me in Canada, went off into a flashback. Behen, tumhari likhne ka andaz, bas ab mein kya kahoon..bemisaal. I know this is your favest duet. it shows in your writing.
Hugs
Ranga
refer post #59-Binu ji–from whatever versions I could hear, the singers are Rafi & Lata. There is one solo, sad version also by Lata. Unless there is some other version, sung by others which we are not aware of–very curiuos to know the correct answer to the quiz…
Bijoorji, thank you very much for liking my review. I hope to wrote more on this wonderful forum. Thanks for your encouragement and support.
Regards
Utthara
Murtygaru, dhanyavaad. I treasure your comments.
Regards
Utthara
arre Uttharaji, that was a really painstaking effort.
I am entralled on your selection of one of my fav song, picturised on my fav actress. Rafi saab to note the least justifies each and every turn and curve of this song. Your write up has reached cresendo and you have worked hard on detailings. great work boss. keep the good work coming.
refer post #59-Binu ji–from whatever versions I could hear, the singers are Rafi & Lata. There is one solo, sad version also by Lata. Unless there is some other version, sung by others which we are not aware of–very curiuos to know the correct answer to the quiz…
Uttharajee,
Hearty compliments for a superb review on the most immortal & the best duet from the Navketan film Hum Dono.
The sheer hard work of Sahir, Jaidev and above all Rafi Saab & Asha Bhonsale made this song indeed a magical piece. Dev Anand, Sadhana & Nanda had made this film indeed a masterpiece and the fantastic contribution of the greatest Vijay Anand directing this film in the sheer name of Amarjeet had brought out the actual wonders.
Uttharjee your beautiful review will linger in our memories like the duet itself for many many more years to come. Please keep up the good work and continue to enthrall the music lovers with more of such reviews in future. God bless you.
ref post 59
binuji the song aadmi musafir hain is from
the film apnapan 1977 sung by rafi saheb
and lata the new version of humdono colour
is in normal 35 mm it was screened at sri fort
audi delhi in sept 09 during dev anand festival
of navketan films dev saheb was present we
are all awaiting its release
sundeep pahwa newdelhi
dear Binu Nair ji,
My information regarding this song is as follows. Is it correct?
Song: Aadmi musafir hai
Film: Apnapan (1977)
Lyricist: Anand Bakhshi
Musician: Laxmikant – Pyarelal
Singers: Muhammad Rafi & Lata Mangeshker
Thanks and best regards.
Anwar-ul-Haque
anwarhq25@yahoo.com
Rafi Saab & Lata Mangeshkar
Picturised on Sudhir Dalvi & Nivedita Joshi….
Apnapan by J. Om Prakash
Binuji, I missed this quiz earlier. The fast song is sung by Lata and Rafi. The sad one is sung by Sulakshana Pandit.
I hope I am right. If I am right, what is the prize?
Ha!
Regards
Utthara
Khaja Aliuddin bhai, aapne itni tarif ki..thank you very much. Mein aapki farmayish zaroor puri karoongi. Asha hai aapko pasand lagega.
I like both the duets.
Regards
Utthara
Binuji, thanks for all your support and encouragement.
Utthara
Uttaraji and all other rafi-fans. not only was this review on one of the all time great songs in hindi film industry a perfect compliment but the subsequent comments from each one of you also made very interesting reading. a classic song does evoke such sentiments from music lovers and this song occupies a special place even among the young generation music enthusiasts. i have seen many a youngsters start singing this song whenever the name of rafi sahab or asha bhonsle is heard by them in their conversations. indeed, this song is one of the top notch duets ever, which has captured the imaginations and emotions of millions of music lovers for the last several decades. kudos to you Uttaraji for coming up with such a fine write up and looking forward to more in the coming days.
rafi saab and anuradha paudwal ???
MOVIE HUMDONO I AM TOLD IS in 70mm colour ( New Version ). the music and the songs are digitally enhanced or re recorded. radio mirchi will be doing special promotion of the songs. rj anmol informed me in a meeting yesterday. so eagerly waiting to see the movie, first time , first show……..
utthara ji… many many many many thanks for the superb review….
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and now re-posting a quiz….since no right answer was incoming…
aadmi mussafir hai …written by anand bakshi, tuned by l.p.
Who are the singers………………..Meenuji not allowed to answer for the time being only….
binu nair
Dear All,
I am looking for Perfect Wall Paper of Rafi Saab to keep in my drawing room.
I tried on google, but not available.
I am really thankful if any fan send scan or any in any form to my email id, i am really thankful to them. or just give proper website for download
kaypeepatel@yahoo.com
thanks
krupesh
This year Manna Dey got the Dada Shaheb award as he rightly deserves. Manna Dey always regards Mohd Rafi as the best male play back singer. How long Mohd Rafi will be ignored by the Indian Government?
Utthara Bahen,
“Bahut Khoob”. Excellant writing. Aapko bahut bahut Mubarak.I would appreciate if you reveiew the following two marvellous duets penned by no one but Sahir.
1) Yeh parbaton ke daire – Rafi and Lata -Vaasna, MD,Chitragupta
2) Parbaton ke Pedon par – Rafi and Suman -Shagoon, MD, Khaiyyaam
Please aap humko nirash mat kijeye
With regards to all Rafi lovers,
Dr. Khaja Aliuddin
indeed. very beautiful song. one of my favorite too.
thank you for taking us on joyous ride of experiencing the finer nuances of the song through words.
Mohanbhai, such compliments coming from a great writer like you mean a lot to me. I am glad you liked the review.
Nandri, thank you, shukriya
Utthara behen
Narayanji,
Thank you for your kind words. You are one of the most passionate Rafi fans I have known. You have amde my day bys aying you liked the write-up. Thanks, sir
Utthara
Binuji, I remeber you said this was one of your favourite songs and you asked me to review it. I am happy to know that I didn’t disappoint you, that you liked the article.
Thank you
Utthara
Manish, thank you. Glad you enjoyed reading the article.
Utthara
Sujatji, Vinodji, thank you.
Utthara
Rameshbhai, two mails? I am doubly delighted. You praise too much. I wrote what I feel about the song. That is all. Thank you very much for the overwhelming praise.
Utthara
Asha, what is this fan you are talking of? Which company fan?!!!!!!
Thanks kane for liking my article.
Utthara
Suman, bahut shukriya. Doctor saab, you always
come with hatke comments. Thank you.
Utthara
Radhaji and Vaishaliji, thank you.
Utthara
NRP, thank you for your wonderful praise. Am elated. It spurs me to write better. Actually your comment is almost like a review. Hats off, NRP.
I was a bit nervous writing this as this is the favourite song of many. I am glad I have lived up to people’s expectations.
Thank you NRP once again
Utthara
Ravi, your comment on my review is indeed high praise. Want more compliments… ke dil abhi bhara nahin!
Thank you.
Utthara
Sunita, nice to hear from you after a long time. Takes me back to our musical evenings. Bahut shukriya, badi meherbani
Utthara
Snigdha, your comment is as good as your RJing. Lovely to get your opinion.
Utthara
Achalji, will call you, but what is your phone number? When I call, don’t respond so that I can listen to my fave song of Mein zindagi ka saath nibhata chalagaya!!!
Nagesh and Guru Murthy saab, please don’t answer when I call you..would love to listen to Abhi na jao!!!!!
Cheers
Utthara