Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: iqbal Aug 16 2004, 08:13 PM

All Rafians, please vote - this should be interesting!

Posted by: issaque Aug 17 2004, 06:43 AM

Hi,

I was born on July 30, 1980 (just one day before the great man left us) and so never had the chance to be a Rafi Sahab devotee when he was amongst us I am pretty young in terms of listening of Rafi Sahabs' songs with continuity (around 4 years) but am glad that I have heard himl.... one song is sufficient to bind a person for a life time... aint it?

Posted by: extenok Aug 17 2004, 07:14 AM

I was too young to have heard him or realized what I was hearing was good or not.
The real interest only developed during university days when a friend raved about Oh Dunya Ke Rakhwale. I had only heard famous songs of the 70s, nothing in my recollection went back to the 50s/60s. So, you could say, my interest only gradually increased 5-6years back. Before that, I was just listening to HFM of the modern times and some Pakistani pop trash.

Posted by: dhiren Aug 17 2004, 08:18 AM

I was one year old when Rafi Sahab passed away.

Posted by: iqbal Aug 17 2004, 05:45 PM

Posted by: Sharad Aug 17 2004, 07:39 PM

I was born in 1982
so i don't think i am eligible to vote na

Posted by: iqbal Aug 18 2004, 02:10 PM

When the legend was amongst us [ 6 ] [35.29%]

After the legend passed away [ 11 ] [64.71%]

Posted by: issaque Aug 18 2004, 04:43 PM

Posted by: anmol Aug 18 2004, 06:17 PM

I was born after rafi saab's death. so never had chance of having him heard when he was still there.

I got into rafi saab's songs because of my dad who likes rafi saab very much and used to listen to his songs like duniye ka rakhwale


regards

anmol

Posted by: ffew2002 Aug 18 2004, 06:42 PM

I was born in 1984.So i became a member after the death of Our beloved Mohd Rafi Sahab.
but am happy as a Rafian.....
ffew.

Posted by: anmol Aug 18 2004, 10:22 PM

One thing about Old songs that I have noticed that I can not get enough of them. I can listen to them again and again for ever without getting tired or bored. They will grow more and more.

With New songs specially starting with 1980's I dont listen to them after some time. I mean there have been really hit songs/good songs which I listen for some time but then after that they loose their charm!!!

I searh for old songs but new songs..which are available in the gr8east quality of sound and with much enhanced musical env...I dont like them after some time. Whlile Old songs, though have bad sound quality and screechs in them...appeal more to me!

Can anyone tell me is it only me or others think that too.

Regards

Anmol

Posted by: issaque Aug 19 2004, 06:42 AM

Hi Anmol,

I feel the same too... and I believe that the reason for this is the quality of lyrics and of course the quality of singers that has deteriorated over the years. I dont mean to degrade any of the present lyricists/singers but I strongly feel that they are nowhere near the quality of the yesteryears. I must agree that the quality of music has improved with the help of more and more technology, but (to me atleast) it is the voice of the singer and lyrics that have much more impact than the music.

Looking forward to see what others have to say on this point.

thanks,

-Issac

Posted by: iqbal Aug 19 2004, 05:32 PM

I agree the lyrics were exceptional with stalwarts like

Sahir
Majrooh
Raja Mehdi Ali Khan
Hasrat Jaipuri
Anand Bakshi
Shakeel
Shailendra

Posted by: iqbal Aug 19 2004, 05:35 PM

Did you become a Rafisaab fan before

When the legend was amongst us [ 9 ] [34.62%]
After the legend passed away [ 17 ] [65.38%]


Total Votes: 26



So it appears the majority on Hamaraforums are ‘recent’ fans of Rafisaab, who unfortunately never had the opportunity to see Rafisaab perform live.

Posted by: rom Aug 19 2004, 05:44 PM

Posted by: iqbal Aug 19 2004, 06:07 PM

I can recall watching Kishoreda live (not on stage) but in a live televised programme in 1986 when visiting the UK and appeared on a programme ‘Nai zindagi naya jeevan’ – sang beautifully the hit Khilte hai gul yahaan’

Posted by: Flex001 Aug 19 2004, 09:15 PM

Posted by: YaarMere Aug 19 2004, 10:58 PM

Posted by: extenok Aug 20 2004, 10:46 AM

I think they were just fooled by God's status being set at 'Be Right Back'.

Posted by: Flex001 Aug 20 2004, 05:40 PM

Posted by: SAJJAD Aug 20 2004, 08:56 PM

Not only i became a rafian before his death, but i always watched him perform on the stage (15 feet from the stage:-). I was fortunate to see most of the legends in concert ( Rafi - once, Lata - twice, Kishore - once, Asha - once, Mehdi Hassan - twice and many others....) Rafi saab's concert was the best!

Posted by: iqbal Aug 20 2004, 09:04 PM

4 Creation and distribution of fullcolour video's of
his live shows.





I hope the videos are released very soon, can’t wait to see a full concert.









Dear friends

A FORUM NAMED RAFI SMRITI HAS BEEN FORMED IN THE
MEMMORY OF GREAT SINGER MOHAMMAD RAFI SAHEB.

A MEMMORIAL MEETING WAS HELD ON 31 st JULY 2004 -
DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF RAFI SAHEB, IN WHICH A PROPOSAL
WAS PASSED UNNANIMOUSLY IN WHICH A DEMAND WAS MADE TO
GOVERNMENT THAT BHARAT RATAN AWARD/DADA SAHEB FALKE
AWARD SHOULD BE GIVEN TO RAFI SAHEB.

REPORTS REGARDING THIS GROUP, HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED IN
MANY NEWSPAPERS LIKE PUNJAN KESRI AND RAJSTHAN PATRIKA
ON AUGUST 01, 2004.


OFFICE OF THIS FORUM IS IN DELHI.This group is soon
going to be registered as a national social
organisation.Action programmes of this group will be
decieded in next meetting of the group going to be
held in next month. We will meet with Dr. A P J Abdul
Kalam, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, central ministers including
Mr.Sunil Dutt and member of parliament including Mr
Dharmendra.

LIST OF OFFICE BEARERS OF THIS GROUP ARE FOLLOWING

H .B. MATHUR, VICE PRESIDENT (LAW), ESCORTS GROUP,
FARIDABAD

VINOD VIPLAV, JOURNALIST AND WRITER, ASSOCIATED WITH A
NATIONAL NEWS AGENCY, DELHI

DR.R.P.SINGH,MEDICAL PRACTIONER, DELHI

L.K.ANAND, CONTRACTOR, MDMC, DELHI

ASHOK PRIYADARSHI, JOURNALIST, BHASHKAR

ASHISH KUMAR, MANAGER OF A EVENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
PH. 9871303193

ARUN KUMAR, NEW DELHI

MRS MAMTA YADAV, COMPUTER PROFESSIONAL

SHREE PRAKAS, SOCIAL WORKER

SANTOSH SHINHA, GOVT SERVENT IN BIHAR GOVT.

IRFAN, FAMOUS RADIO PRESENT FOR FM GOLD OF ALL INDIA
RADIO


ANYBODY WANTS TO JOIN THIS FORUM OR WANT TO KNOW MORE
ABOUT THIS GROUP MAY CONTACT

VINOD VIPLAV
PH.9868103624
vivijournalist@yahoo.com


AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THIS GROUP ARE AS FOLLOWS

This group is formed with the following objectives
1 Promoting discussions on Mohamed Rafi and old and
gold music of india
2 Publication of his biographies and publication of
collections of his interviews in different newspapers.
3 Creation and publication of a list of all his songs
and details about these songs.
4 Creation and distribution of fullcolour video's of
his live shows.
5 Producing a film of his works and life
6 To collect information about his children, wife,
relatives, etc. and publish these information.
7 Publication booklets on interesting topics about
Mohamed Rafi Sahib
8 Publish the memories of the (closed) friends of
Mohamed Rafi Sahib
9 Realisation of the "Mohamed Rafi" street name in
different town and metros of India and other parts of
the world.
10.To start a national award in the memmory of Rafi
Saheb.
11.to build a memorial and a music archives at Kotla
Sultansingh.
12.To organise musical programmes on music.

YOUR SUGGETIONS ARE HIGHLY APPRECIATED.YOU ARE INVITED
TO JOIN THIS GROUP.

VINOD VIPLAV

Posted by: unni Aug 20 2004, 10:38 PM

Posted by: extenok Aug 21 2004, 02:10 AM

Sajjad,

I too would join Unni in the request. Please try recollecting and putting down as much as possible, one at a time, into a somewhat thorough piece, in each singers section. Since, you're an ardent fan of Rafi sahab, I guess, why not give Rafi Sahab's concert the honour of being the first one to be related here.
Thank you.

Imran

Posted by: Tere Naam Aug 21 2004, 05:48 AM

After. I was born in 1984. I love his songs from the 70s till his final gems.

Posted by: myawan Aug 22 2004, 02:35 PM

I was born after two years of his death. But his voice has casted a magical spell around me and I am lucky to be like this.

I think youngsters use internet more than the older fellows, thats why the poll is going their way.

But an interesting poll.

Posted by: irfan Aug 22 2004, 05:48 PM

I was 4 years old when Rafisaab passed away but I remeber my elder brother saying that I used to sing 'Maine poochha chand se'.But as far as i remember I was completely hooked on to his voice after watching Naseeb(John Jaani Janardhan and Chal mere bhai) in 1981 in the theatre.

Posted by: iqbal Aug 23 2004, 01:24 PM

Posted by: myawan Aug 24 2004, 05:17 AM

yes Iqbal, true.

Posted by: unni Aug 24 2004, 06:37 AM

It is so heartening to see the poll go "their" way!

It is but natural for someone older like me to be a fan. For, after all, we grew up with that voice. But to witness an entire generation of young listeners becoming fans after Rafi-sahab was no more with us.................that is so, so thrilling!

IMHO, these "new" fans are more discriminative. They are not carried away by the aura of the star on whom the song was picturized or the popularity of the movie in which it was featured. In fact, when you see the actual song sequences in recorded format, mostly in black & white, you would be justified in your disdain for the film-making of those days. So, when you appreciate the song and the singer, you are really truly restricting your appreciation to the musical content and the quality of the rendering.

As 'extenok' wrote in another context, good things never go out of style.

Posted by: prince2a Aug 24 2004, 08:29 AM

What Unni has wriiten is so true. A Perfect analysis. I, as a matter of fact, hate to see these old songs on TV (barring some). It is only Rafisaab's voice for me. And sometimes the magic of compsers like Madan Mohan. Simply great.

Posted by: iqbal Aug 24 2004, 01:49 PM

I have very rarely seen picturisation of Rafisaab’s songs, the ones I have seen are not justifying Rafisaab’s expressions.

Posted by: Pradeep Aug 24 2004, 02:27 PM

His voice is timeless. Even to this day, when new breed of actors dance over the stage with the old songs in play.... it never stops impressing me.

Mohd Rafi Tu Bahut Yaad Aaya

Posted by: parekhashok Aug 24 2004, 03:45 PM

The old songs now take place in remix form in new generation albums and this album business do fantastic business. Recently in a couple of movies R. D. Burman songs were used (old songs in new version) which did not click.

Will it not be a good and viable idea for new generation directors to use old black & white gems (in their original form) to fit into their movies on new generation hero / heroines?

Some of our forum friends recently while paying tribute to Rafisaab on his death anniversary wished to listen new songs in Rafisaab's voice (I remeber someone said he would like to listen "Ai Ajnabee" from Dil Se in Rafisaab's voice). In this regard, I forsee that a day will definitely come (and sooner I wish) when technology will make it possible to mould Rafisaab's voice (available in thousands of songs he left for us) could be moulded in new songs and as a result we can really listen "Ai Ajnabee" (or whichever new song for that matter as per our wish) in Rafisaab's voice. Any takers?

Regards
Ashok Parekh

Posted by: myawan Aug 24 2004, 03:53 PM

Parekh! don't you agree 'geniune is geniune', who will put Rafi saab's emotions in those songs?????

"Teri Awaz Mujhe Ghaire Hai"

Posted by: parekhashok Aug 24 2004, 04:32 PM

Posted by: iqbal Aug 24 2004, 05:06 PM

Posted by: iqbal Aug 25 2004, 06:30 PM

It appears all the votes are in now.


Result

Did you become a Rafisaab fan
When the legend was amongst us [ 11 ] [34.38%]

After the legend passed away [ 21 ] [65.63%]

Total Votes: 32


The majority on Hamaraforums are as I had thought would be the new generations who have never met Rafisaab.
We need to get more ppl who have actually met Rafisaab and can share their experiences and comment on live stage shows, I would also love to read anecdotes when recording in the studio ? after how many takes the song was okayed etc.

Posted by: iqbal Nov 29 2004, 03:40 PM

Just thought I’d bring this back into the limelight now we have many new members.

Posted by: Jay Nov 29 2004, 08:27 PM

i was born on 12 july 1980, 31 july Rafi saab passed away. The message that he is no more was even publiced in the papers in Holland! My dad told me...What a sad day...

Posted by: catch22 Nov 29 2004, 11:40 PM

i was born on 12 july 1980, 31 july Rafi saab passed away. The message that he is no more was even publiced in the papers in Holland! My dad told me...What a sad day...

Posted by: Laique Nov 30 2004, 05:19 AM

Sadly I was born in November 1977 when the great one was around but I was to stupid a kid to realize his greatness. He passed away when I was two and a half years old, alas he did come to Chicago, IL in America when I was around twice, but neither time did my parents go, and if they had I could have gone as a baby and at least bragged about it! My friend, who was three at the time did go and so has a step up on me as a rafian. But anyway, I did like Rafisaab when I was in college in the late 90's, and thats when I realized his greatness, so I'm a late devotee.

Posted by: ANT6 Nov 30 2004, 05:51 AM

During the 70's i watched alot of films with my family at the cinema.......but i guess i was not ready to know this great singer called Mohd Rafi. It is only when the vhs video came home when i woke up to know that some of these great songs that were sung in those films was MOHD RAFI. My dad used to talk about Mohd Rafi and some of his songs.......saying that Rafi is the best and Mukesh was his second best
I became a Rafi fan in the early eighties.........my dad will go and get video tapes full of Rafi songs mainly songs from the sixties...........so now i was hearing Rafi 60's and 70's and 1980.
I grew up listening to Rafi & kishore.............possibly Kishore more because Rafi already had passed away.................but you see even though it was the early eighties in them days alot of vhs films were easily available whether it was the 50's 60's or 70's...........I was more determined to find video films with Rafi songs in them.
I became a Rafi fan in the early eighties [possibly 1983-4]........Kishore became my second best as alot of his songs were around at that time too.

ANT6

Posted by: Harold Nov 30 2004, 06:54 AM

Hi Friends,

I really enjoyed reading yours posts on this subject. I will vote after my reply.
I myself also grew up listening to his voice and the voices of the other legends. I was still a kid and not so intoxicated, addicted and hooked up to his voice as I'm now, but he always was my favourite singer. So I'll vote for before.

As the years went by, I became more and more a Rafi-"deewana". He came to Holland in 1973, 1977 and 1979 (correct me if I'm wrong Roy). I'm born in 1968 and cannot remember his visit in 1973. We migrated to Holland in September 1973, so maybe we weren't living here at that moment yet.

The evening of his concert in 1977 I can remember very clear. I was 9 years old and my mother asked me if I wanted to go with her and my elder brother and sisters to the concert. Stupid me told her, that I can listen to his voice at home, so save your money. (Oelloe ke patthe!!!!!) I was told later that the concert was sold out and people even watched the concert standing. It was at the Krasnapolsky Hotel on Dam Square in the City Centre of Amsterdam.

After 2 years in 1979 I came back to sanity and went to his concert in Amsterdam at the Jaap Eden Hal. It was 27 October I believe. Almost my whole family went to his concerts. It was my first concert ever and the best and most special concert in my life. It was his last visit to Amsterdam. He was wearing a white suit and came on stage with a big smile. He smiled almost the whole concert, so much love was shining from him. He made jokes while singing. When he sang "Pardah Hai Pardah", he had a flower in his hand while singing "kisi haseen ki taraf ye gulab phaikoonga". And after the first couplet he really threw it into the audience A old lady catched it. Every was enjoying and laughing. While singing "Sar Par Topi Lal Haath Mein Reshem Ka Roemaal" He actually had a "roemaal" in his hand and was waving with it. Top of the evening was "O Duniya Ke Rakhwale". If I can remember well, he even received a standing ovation for this song. Maybe Roy can remember this as he saw all his Holland-concerts.

I had the fortune to see every legend except Mukesh, and I can say that his concert was the best I ever saw. People would really go crazy. That is something you don't often see in our culture. Most of the time you see people just gently clapping after a song. In his concerts people would whistle, cheer, laugh and applaud even during the song. The whole atmosphere was different. I think Sajjad, Roy and other members who have seen him will agree. The shy humble man became a different man on the stage. His daughter said the same to me when I met her in September. She said: "Sometimes when we would see him on stage, we'd be like: I this our Dad?"

After this concert my crazyness of him started to speed up and as the years went by, he became more and more important to me. So important that I can say that he is a part of my life, who will always be a part of my life until the last breath I breathe. I love him with whole my heart and regularly cry when I listen to his voice, or see him or think about him. He was a living miracle. A man who was excellent in every aspect of sangeet and life.

Once I had a discussion wit someone, who said that in 30 years nobody will be interested in Rafi saab anymore because they don't know him and will forget him. I said to that person: "I see that young children who are born after his death still become a fan of him without even having seen him. This man was so great that he can't be forgotten."

You guys prove that this is true and will always be the case, as long as sangeet is In the world. And I'm therefore very glad to see the "after"-group in majority.

"Zamaana jab tak gajega, Mohammed Rafi yaad ajega".

Please forgive me for the long post, but I got carried away in his remembrance.

Harold

Posted by: iqbal Nov 30 2004, 05:15 PM

Thank you very much Haroldbhai for the wonderful post, enjoyed it thoroughly.

I myself also became a fan around the same time as Antbhai (1983-84), I didn’t understand songs much then (I still don’t !) but at that time any song ‘sung’ by Amitabh was my favourite , songs like Rote huwe aate hai sab (remember singing this while cycling away), Ye dosti hum nahin, Angrezi mein kehte hai. Only when the songs of Coolie were released and people were saying a new singer in the style of Rafisaab has appeared, I loved the songs of Coole and then started searching for the songs of Rafisaab, really was amazed how the songs spanned from the 40s to the 80’s and were still being released until 1989 (5 decades).

Posted by: iqbal Feb 7 2005, 08:32 PM

4 Creation and distribution of fullcolour video's of
his live shows.





I hope the videos are released very soon, can’t wait to see a full concert.









Dear friends

A FORUM NAMED RAFI SMRITI HAS BEEN FORMED IN THE
MEMMORY OF GREAT SINGER MOHAMMAD RAFI SAHEB.

A MEMMORIAL MEETING WAS HELD ON 31 st JULY 2004 -
DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF RAFI SAHEB, IN WHICH A PROPOSAL
WAS PASSED UNNANIMOUSLY IN WHICH A DEMAND WAS MADE TO
GOVERNMENT THAT BHARAT RATAN AWARD/DADA SAHEB FALKE
AWARD SHOULD BE GIVEN TO RAFI SAHEB.

REPORTS REGARDING THIS GROUP, HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED IN
MANY NEWSPAPERS LIKE PUNJAN KESRI AND RAJSTHAN PATRIKA
ON AUGUST 01, 2004.


OFFICE OF THIS FORUM IS IN DELHI.This group is soon
going to be registered as a national social
organisation.Action programmes of this group will be
decieded in next meetting of the group going to be
held in next month. We will meet with Dr. A P J Abdul
Kalam, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, central ministers including
Mr.Sunil Dutt and member of parliament including Mr
Dharmendra.

LIST OF OFFICE BEARERS OF THIS GROUP ARE FOLLOWING

H .B. MATHUR, VICE PRESIDENT (LAW), ESCORTS GROUP,
FARIDABAD

VINOD VIPLAV, JOURNALIST AND WRITER, ASSOCIATED WITH A
NATIONAL NEWS AGENCY, DELHI

DR.R.P.SINGH,MEDICAL PRACTIONER, DELHI

L.K.ANAND, CONTRACTOR, MDMC, DELHI

ASHOK PRIYADARSHI, JOURNALIST, BHASHKAR

ASHISH KUMAR, MANAGER OF A EVENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
PH. 9871303193

ARUN KUMAR, NEW DELHI

MRS MAMTA YADAV, COMPUTER PROFESSIONAL

SHREE PRAKAS, SOCIAL WORKER

SANTOSH SHINHA, GOVT SERVENT IN BIHAR GOVT.

IRFAN, FAMOUS RADIO PRESENT FOR FM GOLD OF ALL INDIA
RADIO


ANYBODY WANTS TO JOIN THIS FORUM OR WANT TO KNOW MORE
ABOUT THIS GROUP MAY CONTACT

VINOD VIPLAV
PH.9868103624
vivijournalist@yahoo.com


AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THIS GROUP ARE AS FOLLOWS

This group is formed with the following objectives
1 Promoting discussions on Mohamed Rafi and old and
gold music of india
2 Publication of his biographies and publication of
collections of his interviews in different newspapers.
3 Creation and publication of a list of all his songs
and details about these songs.
4 Creation and distribution of fullcolour video's of
his live shows.
5 Producing a film of his works and life
6 To collect information about his children, wife,
relatives, etc. and publish these information.
7 Publication booklets on interesting topics about
Mohamed Rafi Sahib
8 Publish the memories of the (closed) friends of
Mohamed Rafi Sahib
9 Realisation of the "Mohamed Rafi" street name in
different town and metros of India and other parts of
the world.
10.To start a national award in the memmory of Rafi
Saheb.
11.to build a memorial and a music archives at Kotla
Sultansingh.
12.To organise musical programmes on music.

YOUR SUGGETIONS ARE HIGHLY APPRECIATED.YOU ARE INVITED
TO JOIN THIS GROUP.

VINOD VIPLAV

Posted by: Harold Feb 8 2005, 04:07 AM

Hi Iqbal-bhai,

During my visit to Mumbai last week, I was very pleased to hear that even now, almost 25 years after his demise, he is still the most played artist on the radio. I was pleasantly surprised. The whole day his songs were playing on the radio. Sometimes even more then the new releases.

Rgds,
HArold

Posted by: princeali Feb 8 2005, 05:52 AM

Hi Iqbal-bhai,

During my visit to Mumbai last week, I was very pleased to hear that even now, almost 25 years after his demise, he is still the most played artist on the radio. I was pleasantly surprised. The whole day his songs were playing on the radio. Sometimes even more then the new releases.

Rgds,
HArold

Posted by: Harold Feb 8 2005, 11:47 AM

Here is a nice one for you all: On last Wednesday evening, I tuned in to 93.5 FM (RED FM) in Mumbai. The first voice I heard was Rafi-sahabs. A lot of beatiful Rafi-songs were played, and then I heard Ameen Sayani speaking. He was playing a Interview with Laxmikant, and in between he would play some songs and say something.

After a while he played a part of the Laxmkant-interview, were Laxmikant said something on Rafi-sahab. It was like this:

Laxmikant: Rafi-sahab was a man who always helped someone if he could. I remember when Lyricist Anand Bakshi moved to his new house in Mumbai, he wanted to have his children admitted in a neighbourhood school. But, he didn't get them admitted. Then someone told him, that if Rafi-sahab would do a word for him, he would get the admittance. So AB called Rafi-sahab.

Rafi-sahab fortunately had some space in his busy agenda that day, and said: Ok, I'll go with you myself personally.

When they arrived at the school, "school me hulchul machgaya ke Rafi sahab aye hai, Rafi sahab aye hai", Laxmikant said.

The Principle welcomed Rafi-sahab and said, that he would arrange the admittance on 1 condition, and that is that Rafi-sahab has to sing a song on the school-microphone. Rafi-sahab agreed and sang the song. The whole school was thrilled with this big event, and AB was helped with his children.

(Laxmikant said it all in Hindi off course)

I thought, I have to share this one with you.

Posted by: aaron_me2000 Feb 8 2005, 02:47 PM

yes i had become the rafi sb fan coz i born in 1976(3rd decmeber) in the same month in which rafi sab was born (24 december)but the date is not same otherwise i feel the luckiest person on the earth if date would same.
aaron

Posted by: humble_rafi Feb 8 2005, 03:36 PM

i was born on 17th feb 1982

but my whole family is a fan of RAFI SAHAB

whn i was kid i used to called him MOHAMMED RAFIQUE

Posted by: AzgarKhan Feb 8 2005, 04:13 PM

i was born on 17th feb 1982

but my whole family is a fan of RAFI SAHAB

whn i was kid i used to called him MOHAMMED RAFIQUE

Posted by: masoomkamal Feb 9 2005, 03:17 AM

I have been the big big fan of Rafi Saheb, Jab se main ne hosh sambhala tab se.
And I am a very lucky person, that I have attended Rafi Saheb's last concert held in Bombay at Shanmukhanand Hall, King's Circle, just before few months of his sad demise.

Posted by: Sharad Feb 9 2005, 03:22 AM

nice story Harold

Posted by: Jay Feb 9 2005, 03:26 AM

wah wah kya kahani Harold wah wah!!

Posted by: Harold Feb 9 2005, 03:50 AM

Thanks brothers!

Posted by: SAJJAD Feb 9 2005, 04:24 AM

dammm.... so many kids

Posted by: iqbal Feb 9 2005, 05:38 PM

dammm.... so many kids

Posted by: iqbal Feb 9 2005, 05:40 PM

QUOTE(Harold @ Feb 7 2005, 05:37 PM)

Hi Iqbal-bhai,

During my visit to Mumbai last week, I was very pleased to hear that even now, almost 25 years after his demise, he is still the most played artist on the radio. I was pleasantly surprised. The whole day his songs were playing on the radio. Sometimes even more then the new releases.

Rgds,
HArold

This shows the quality that Rafi saab had and that his void has not been filled, and will never be filled by anyone.

Posted by: iqbal Feb 9 2005, 05:44 PM

Here is a nice one for you all: On last Wednesday evening, I tuned in to 93.5 FM (RED FM) in Mumbai. The first voice I heard was Rafi-sahabs. A lot of beatiful Rafi-songs were played, and then I heard Ameen Sayani speaking. He was playing a Interview with Laxmikant, and in between he would play some songs and say something.

After a while he played a part of the Laxmkant-interview, were Laxmikant said something on Rafi-sahab. It was like this:

Laxmikant: Rafi-sahab was a man who always helped someone if he could. I remember when Lyricist Anand Bakshi moved to his new house in Mumbai, he wanted to have his children admitted in a neighbourhood school. But, he didn't get them admitted. Then someone told him, that if Rafi-sahab would do a word for him, he would get the admittance. So AB called Rafi-sahab.

Rafi-sahab fortunately had some space in his busy agenda that day, and said: Ok, I'll go with you myself personally.

When they arrived at the school, "school me hulchul machgaya ke Rafi sahab aye hai, Rafi sahab aye hai", Laxmikant said.

The Principle welcomed Rafi-sahab and said, that he would arrange the admittance on 1 condition, and that is that Rafi-sahab has to sing a song on the school-microphone. Rafi-sahab agreed and sang the song. The whole school was thrilled with this big event, and AB was helped with his children.

(Laxmikant said it all in Hindi off course)

I thought, I have to share this one with you.

Posted by: princeali Feb 9 2005, 05:47 PM

Here is a nice one for you all: On last Wednesday evening, I tuned in to 93.5 FM (RED FM) in Mumbai. The first voice I heard was Rafi-sahabs. A lot of beatiful Rafi-songs were played, and then I heard Ameen Sayani speaking. He was playing a Interview with Laxmikant, and in between he would play some songs and say something.

After a while he played a part of the Laxmkant-interview, were Laxmikant said something on Rafi-sahab. It was like this:

Laxmikant: Rafi-sahab was a man who always helped someone if he could. I remember when Lyricist Anand Bakshi moved to his new house in Mumbai, he wanted to have his children admitted in a neighbourhood school. But, he didn't get them admitted. Then someone told him, that if Rafi-sahab would do a word for him, he would get the admittance. So AB called Rafi-sahab.

Rafi-sahab fortunately had some space in his busy agenda that day, and said: Ok, I'll go with you myself personally.

When they arrived at the school, "school me hulchul machgaya ke Rafi sahab aye hai, Rafi sahab aye hai", Laxmikant said.

The Principle welcomed Rafi-sahab and said, that he would arrange the admittance on 1 condition, and that is that Rafi-sahab has to sing a song on the school-microphone. Rafi-sahab agreed and sang the song. The whole school was thrilled with this big event, and AB was helped with his children.

(Laxmikant said it all in Hindi off course)

I thought, I have to share this one with you.

Posted by: RAFIK1 Feb 9 2005, 09:13 PM

My nephew is four years old. His favourite song is Dard-e dil Dar-d Jigar of film Karz by Rafi Saab and many others of Rafi Saab. Each time we go travel by car, he will insist me to play Dard-e dil Dar-e Jigar in the car over and over again. Asked him, why do you like this song and his answer is, i like the singer voice! He is only four and he's already a fan of Rafi Saab.

Posted by: Harold Feb 10 2005, 07:52 PM

My nephew is four years old. His favourite song is Dard-e dil Dar-d Jigar of film Karz by Rafi Saab and many others of Rafi Saab. Each time we go travel by car, he will insist me to play  Dard-e dil Dar-e Jigar in the car  over and over again. Asked him, why do you like this song and his answer is,  i like the singer voice! He is only four and he's already a fan of Rafi Saab.

Posted by: iqbal Jun 13 2005, 07:19 PM

Let’s get this back into play now that we have so many newbies

How it currently stands…

When the legend was amongst us [ 18 ] [34.62%]

After the legend passed away [ 34 ] [65.38%]


Total Votes: 52

Posted by: sksiddiqui Jun 14 2005, 02:30 PM

All Rafians, please vote - this should be interesting!

Posted by: khokher1976 Jun 14 2005, 04:11 PM

I was born in 1976, when Rafi Sahib passed away I was too young to listen to his songs. But still one of my earliest childhood memories have two of Rafi Sahibs songs, although at that time they did not make any sense to me. The first cassette I bought was of Rafi Sahib and with passage of time my thirst for his voice has only increased.

Posted by: mrsongs Jun 28 2005, 02:00 AM

yes i am a big fan of Rafi saab.
excellent singer, full control, great voice, total classical command
skillfull singer. voice expression ...
i love his voice

Posted by: maheshwari Jul 16 2005, 04:04 PM

One thing about Old songs that I have noticed that I can not get enough of them. I can listen to them again and again for ever without getting tired or bored. They will grow more and more.

With New songs specially starting with 1980's I dont listen to them after some time. I mean there have been really hit songs/good songs which I listen for some time but then after that they loose their charm!!!

I searh for old songs but new songs..which are available in the gr8east quality of sound and with much enhanced musical env...I dont like them after some time. Whlile Old songs, though have bad sound quality and screechs in them...appeal more to me!

Can anyone tell me is it only me or others think that too.

Regards

Anmol

Posted by: maheshwari Jul 16 2005, 04:09 PM

Hello,

I am a new entrant.

I have always been a Rafi fan since my childhood. My Mum used to tell me that I would wakeup and go to bed only when a song was played.

I was not actually a Mohammed Rafi fan but as a kid would love listening to Hindi Songs and without knowing much about Mohammed Rafi I would always sing and enjoy his songs too!

It was only after his passing away that I realized how much I loved his songs. Anyway most of the time I keep listening to his songs and this continues even today.

maheshwari

Posted by: bchatterjee Jul 16 2005, 08:43 PM

All Rafians, please vote - this should be interesting!

Posted by: sri Jul 16 2005, 10:16 PM

I was quite surprised to find in the poll results that over 2/3rd of the people who voted were born after the legend passed away.

It does speak of Rafi sahab's eternal magic that so many of the younger generation ave taken to him.

I was indeed extremely fortunate to have lived through the golden period having been born in 1954. To me, the songs of Rafi and Lata, Mukesh and Talat, Hemant Kumar and Geeta Dutt, Manna Dey and Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar - release 1 ( as they say in the software world nowadays - meaning the Kishore of pre 1969 days before he became a rage ).... and many others were 'LIVE' songs - since we were witnessing these songs being born on the radio waves and rising to their popularity heights on the Binaca geetmala .. before giving way to newer songs.

How i remember the excitement of listening to a new song released on radio and how we would all look forward to hearing our favourite songs in the Binaca Geetmala on Radio Ceylon and other listener's choice programmes like Jaymala etc. ! Kishore Kumar was a rare appearance ( compared to Rafi and Lata ) and I distinctly remember how I would wait anxiously to hear his lovely voice and always wonder why this great singer was not able to get more songs to sing !! Didn't know about 1969 and Aradhana then.

Those were the days of Rafi and Lata. So many songs came and went .... some I have never heard since ..... and whenever I come across any rare song of that era, my mind goes back to those childhood days!

My fanatical interest in hindi film music did not go unrewarded. In 1978 I had occasion to visit a recording studio where Rafi sahab was recording a new song and was introduced to him. He shook hands with me and spoke a few lines enquiring about me. Probaly the MOST MEMORABLE DAY of my life !

More about that some other time ....but I am truly surprised and happy to see a larger percentage of fans in the next generation ! Rafi sahab deseves all this adulation and more. As Lata Mangeshkar, herself, once said about this famous man - "Aise kalakaar baar baar janam nahin lete'

sri

Posted by: bchatterjee Jul 17 2005, 12:55 AM

I was quite surprised to find in the poll results that over 2/3rd of the people who voted were born after the legend passed away.

It does speak of Rafi sahab's eternal magic that so many of the younger generation ave taken to him.

I was indeed extremely fortunate to have lived through the golden period having been born in 1954. To me, the songs of Rafi and Lata, Mukesh and Talat, Hemant Kumar and Geeta Dutt, Manna Dey and Asha Bhosle, Kishore Kumar - release 1 ( as they say in the software world nowadays - meaning the Kishore of pre 1969 days before he became a rage ).... and many others were 'LIVE' songs - since we were witnessing these songs being born on the radio waves and rising to their popularity heights on the Binaca geetmala .. before giving way to newer songs.

How i remember the excitement of listening to a new song released on radio and how we would all look forward to hearing our favourite songs in the Binaca Geetmala on Radio Ceylon and other listener's choice programmes like Jaymala etc. ! Kishore Kumar was a rare appearance ( compared to Rafi and Lata ) and I distinctly remember how I would wait anxiously to hear his lovely voice and always wonder why this great singer was not able to get more songs to sing !! Didn't know about 1969 and Aradhana then.

Those were the days of Rafi and Lata. So many songs came and went .... some I have never heard since ..... and whenever I come across any rare song of that era, my mind goes back to those childhood days!

My fanatical interest in hindi film music did not go unrewarded. In 1978 I had occasion to visit a recording studio where Rafi sahab was recording a new song and was introduced to him. He shook hands with me and spoke a few lines enquiring about me. Probaly the MOST MEMORABLE DAY of my life !

More about that some other time ....but I am truly surprised and happy to see a larger percentage of fans in the next generation ! Rafi sahab deseves all this adulation and more. As Lata Mangeshkar, herself, once said about this famous man - "Aise kalakaar baar baar janam nahin lete'

sri

Posted by: iqbal Jul 18 2005, 03:11 PM

My fanatical interest in hindi film music did not go unrewarded. In 1978 I had occasion to visit a recording studio where Rafi sahab was recording a new song and was introduced to him. He shook hands with me and spoke a few lines enquiring about me. Probaly the MOST MEMORABLE DAY of my life !


sri

Posted by: visuja Jul 18 2005, 03:46 PM

Dear all,

I was just over a year old when Rafi saab passed away .... But my earliest memories of humming any song was with my cousin ... "Ek Rasta Aha Aha'" from Ram Balram. I used to play Chor Police with my cousin and take turns singing the song. Dont remember if I was Amit or Dharam though ! (as in Rafi or Kishore). So well u cud say I started off with both Legends equally. Then for a loong time preferred KK with all his RDB numbers, and I identified Rafi only with his 'crazy' Shammi Kapoor numbers. Also loved all songs that had either Rafi or Kishore singing for Amitabh. With worsening film music towards late 80s, I suppose I wandered towards older films and picked up several old KK gems. It was only late in school that I started really appreciating Rafi. And of course, once the "aashiq" in me was awakened, it was Rafi all the way !!

Still collecting gems from the vast ocean called "Rafi" ......

Vivek

Posted by: jam_27 Jul 19 2005, 03:12 PM

Dear all,

I was just over a year old when Rafi saab passed away .... But my earliest memories of humming any song was with my cousin ... "Ek Rasta Aha Aha'" from Ram Balram.  I used to play Chor Police with my cousin and take turns singing the song.  Dont remember if I was Amit or Dharam though ! (as in Rafi or Kishore).  So well u cud say I started off with both Legends equally.  Then for a loong time preferred KK with all his RDB numbers, and I identified Rafi only with his 'crazy' Shammi Kapoor numbers.  Also loved all songs that had either Rafi or Kishore singing for Amitabh.  With worsening film music towards late 80s, I suppose I wandered towards older films and picked up several old KK gems.  It was only late in school that I started really appreciating Rafi.  And of course, once the "aashiq" in me was awakened, it was Rafi all the way !!   

Still collecting gems from the vast ocean called "Rafi" ...... 

Vivek

Posted by: sri Jul 20 2005, 12:35 AM

QUOTE(sri @ Jul 16 2005, 04:46 PM)

My fanatical interest in hindi film music did not go unrewarded. In 1978 I had occasion to visit a recording studio where Rafi sahab was recording a new song and was introduced to him. He shook hands with me and spoke a few lines enquiring about me. Probaly the MOST MEMORABLE DAY of my life !


sri

Hi Srikantji and welcome to HF,


Thank you very much for that lovely post, can you please provide more details of that song being recorded and the others present in the studio, eg MD, lyricist, venue etc.



Thanks
Iqbal

Posted by: myawan Jul 20 2005, 07:09 AM

Thanks for sharing with us SRI! It was a good read.

Posted by: princeali Jul 20 2005, 07:18 AM

QUOTE(iqbal @ Jul 18 2005, 03:11 PM)

QUOTE(sri @ Jul 16 2005, 04:46 PM)

My fanatical interest in hindi film music did not go unrewarded. In 1978 I had occasion to visit a recording studio where Rafi sahab was recording a new song and was introduced to him. He shook hands with me and spoke a few lines enquiring about me. Probaly the MOST MEMORABLE DAY of my life !


sri

Hi Srikantji and welcome to HF,


Thank you very much for that lovely post, can you please provide more details of that song being recorded and the others present in the studio, eg MD, lyricist, venue etc.



Thanks
Iqbal

Hi Iqbal

Here it is .... since you asked.

It was the summer of 1978 ... just before I was to take on my first job ( i had actually come to Bombay .. from Calcutta, for a job interview ) ... and one of my good friends who knew Rafi Saheb very closely took me to this recording at Mehboob Studios. We waited there for Rafi saheb to arrive. When he did, in a large imported car, a group of people went up to welcome him and bring him in. He was such a cheerful and polite person ... kept smiling at everyone. My friend took me up to Rafi Saheb. They hugged and then I was introduced to the great man as one of his big fans. He shook my hand, gave me a gorgeous smile and enquired very kindly about me.

By then it was time for the recording. It was an unnamed movie ( at that time ) and the Music Director was Ghanshyam ( who had been assistant to the great Madan Mohan ). Ghanshyam was already known for at least one good song ( 'Apni khushi se apna hi dil todna pada' sung by Lata for the film 'Kunwara Badan' 1973 ). No idea who was the lyricist for the recording i attended .... but it is likely to have been Rajinder Krishan, i think. Anyway, he was not around for the recording.

The recording started.... and I was lost in the glorious voice - pretty good tune it was too. Two recordings were made ... the second with some minor variations. No retakes ( unfortunately for me ). Such was the depth of Rafi saheb's preparation. We could hear the actual recording through some good speakers kept in the room where we waited .. just outside the recording room. When Rafi saheb emerged, I was in a trance ..... a bunch of people waiting there 'literally 'gheraoed' (surrounded) him and lavishly heaped praises on him ... wah wah Rafii saheb , kya gaaya aapne etc etc. I guess most filmi people would have lapped it all up. But not this man. He blushed, looked very uncomfortable and looked almost too shy to be hearing all this !! And this was after having attained almost 30 years of nationwide fame and popularity. I was totally amazed. I had heard good things about him ... but never expected to actually witness such humility with my own eyes. It was both a lesson for me and an eye opener about the true greatness of this man with such a fantastic voice. Truly a great person ... rare and precious.

The song rang in my ears for many many days ... i had written down the words and kept them carefully somewhere ( not to be found now ) ... and i recorded the tune in my own voice on my cheap tape recorder ( tape got spoilt ) - so that i could remember it later. Unfortunately, the film was canned .... the song never got released. I tried through my friend to trace the song ... but unsuccessfully. That little treasure has disappeared without a trace.

My only hope is that it may someday emerge from the dark recesses of my memory ( where I am sure it resides ) and will come back to me in a flash n some lucky day ! Till then, I only wonder ..... how many such songs must this man have recorded - which we are unable to hear and appreciate because the films may have been canned ?

The song may not there today. But that day is permanently etched in my memory. That visit to meet and hear Rafi Saheb ... along with a subsequent visit to Lata Mangeshkar's house.. were probably 2 good reasons why I accepted the job in Bombay ( when I was actually keen to stay in Calcutta ! )

That surely was a loong story. Hope i do not bore all you people.

sri

Posted by: Sharad Jul 20 2005, 09:02 AM

Sri
that was wonderful

gosh i felt what you wrote about this mohd rafi experience

Posted by: iqbal Jul 20 2005, 03:05 PM

gosh i felt what you wrote about this mohd rafi experience

Posted by: Harold Jul 22 2005, 07:37 PM

Same here. Reading your post was like watching a small movie.

Thanks for sharing these fine and rare thoughts. You're indeed very fortunate.

Posted by: viquar Jul 22 2005, 07:52 PM

Bachpan se, When Rafi Sahab was amongst us

Posted by: zankib Aug 14 2005, 11:53 AM

Tere kooche me armaanon ki duniya leke aaya hun
Tujhi par jaan dene ki tammanna leke aaya hun

Hosh sambhalte hi jo nagma pehle pahal kaan main goonja wo yehi tha.
Yahan se apna dostana aur mohabbat parvan chadi

Uske baad to

Insaan Bano-Baiju Bawra
Jaane kya dhoondhti hain-Shola aur Shabnam
Jeet hi lenge Baazi humtum-Shola aur Shabnam

se to deewangi bad gayi

Zamane ki ankhon ne-Ek baar Muskura do

-ke baad

To kayal ho gaye farishtai aur masihi awaaz ke.

Posted by: gin_ger_ale Nov 27 2005, 12:38 PM

Like most of the mjority here, I became a fan after the legend passed away. I would have had to be born much earlier to have seen him perform:( Among the present lot of singers, I somehow do not have the urge to see them perform or even meet them:(

Posted by: imagine2001 Dec 1 2005, 11:50 PM

QUOTE(iqbal @ Aug 16 2004, 08:13 PM)

Posted by: the_cotton_cloud Dec 10 2005, 01:51 AM

I am one of those people who were (sadly) born after the Maestro's death, and it took a long time for me to fall in love with him. Infact I vividly remember receiving a collection of songs sung by Rafi Sahab on my 17th birthday from my cousin who was a self proclaimed fan of the man. That was over 7 years back. Much time has passed since then, but the love for the man has jus grown. He almost assumes a larger than life existence in my subconscious. I can spend hours jus listening and raving about one single song of the maestro. I'm sure its the same with the other fanatics too. But one thing that I have seen is that there are people even in our generation who are mad about Rafi Sahab. Hope this trend continues till the end of time.

As for my choice of Rafi songs, I prefer the music of SD, Roshan, Madan Mohan, OP Nayyar, Naushad etc to LP and RD. The depth of the music was much more in the golden era with the exception of Khayyam who kept on composing perfectly raag based songs even in the hopeless times of the mindless copying of Western tunes and beats by Bappi and RD; same can be said about the quality of lyrics, but for a stray Gulzar poem in the late 70s and early 80s.

I still get amused by the amazing metamorphosis of the voice of the great man over the years, from the innocent crooning in "Yahaan badla wafa ka bewafai ke siwa kya hai" to the beautifully dulcet duet with Lata (in a highly mellowed voice) for Khayyam "Simti hui yeh ghadiyan phir se na the bikhar jaayen". Both are as pleasing and appealing to the ears as any great number by the great man. The greatness was such that even in his last year of his illustrious career, he had 10 songs on the list of superhit songs of Binaca Geetmala as compared to Kishore's 2 songs. His felicity and professionalism even made very good singers seem mortals.

I hope my love for the great man keep growing at this pace.

Cheers!!!

Posted by: Guest Dec 10 2005, 12:11 PM

Wow, man, you wrote that so beautiful!!! Good job!

Posted by: the_cotton_cloud Dec 11 2005, 03:56 AM

Thanks for your kind compliments Sir.......
Its the plain love for the God of Music that gets me expressing myself......
Rafi Sahab has been the one stable factor in my rather uneventful life, consoling me at times, uplifting my spirits now and then, and making me feel jealous of some people who met him and enjoyed his music during his time. (His time, though, continues, and would span till the end of time. Amen.)

If he was my beloved, the one song that I would sing at every drop of a hat would be

"Khuda bhi aasmaan se jab zameen par dekhta hoga,
Mere mehboob ko kisne banaya sochta hoga"



I would love to listen to your association with the Maestro Sir.......

Thanking in anticipation....

Tanvir

Posted by: Harold Dec 11 2005, 01:00 PM

Hi Tanvir,

I was the guest. I didn't notice that I wasn't logged on.

My post is #44 on page 3.

Rgds,
Harold

Posted by: the_cotton_cloud Dec 12 2005, 05:45 AM

QUOTE(Harold @ Nov 30 2004, 06:54 AM)

Hi Friends,

I really enjoyed reading yours posts on this subject. I will vote after my reply.
I myself also grew up listening to his voice and the voices of the other legends. I was still a kid and not so intoxicated, addicted and hooked up to his voice as I'm now, but he always was my favourite singer. So I'll vote for before.

As the years went by, I became more and more a Rafi-"deewana". He came to Holland in 1973, 1977 and 1979 (correct me if I'm wrong Roy). I'm born in 1968 and cannot remember his visit in 1973. We migrated to Holland in September 1973, so maybe we weren't living here at that moment yet.

The evening of his concert in 1977 I can remember very clear. I was 9 years old and my mother asked me if I wanted to go with her and my elder brother and sisters to the concert. Stupid me told her, that I can listen to his voice at home, so save your money. (Oelloe ke patthe!!!!!) I was told later that the concert was sold out and people even watched the concert standing. It was at the Krasnapolsky Hotel on Dam Square in the City Centre of Amsterdam.

After 2 years in 1979 I came back to sanity and went to his concert in Amsterdam at the Jaap Eden Hal. It was 27 October I believe. Almost my whole family went to his concerts. It was my first concert ever and the best and most special concert in my life. It was his last visit to Amsterdam. He was wearing a white suit and came on stage with a big smile. He smiled almost the whole concert, so much love was shining from him. He made jokes while singing. When he sang "Pardah Hai Pardah", he had a flower in his hand while singing "kisi haseen ki taraf ye gulab phaikoonga". And after the first couplet he really threw it into the audience A old lady catched it. Every was enjoying and laughing. While singing "Sar Par Topi Lal Haath Mein Reshem Ka Roemaal" He actually had a "roemaal" in his hand and was waving with it. Top of the evening was "O Duniya Ke Rakhwale". If I can remember well, he even received a standing ovation for this song. Maybe Roy can remember this as he saw all his Holland-concerts.

I had the fortune to see every legend except Mukesh, and I can say that his concert was the best I ever saw. People would really go crazy. That is something you don't often see in our culture. Most of the time you see people just gently clapping after a song. In his concerts people would whistle, cheer, laugh and applaud even during the song. The whole atmosphere was different. I think Sajjad, Roy and other members who have seen him will agree. The shy humble man became a different man on the stage. His daughter said the same to me when I met her in September. She said: "Sometimes when we would see him on stage, we'd be like: I this our Dad?"

After this concert my crazyness of him started to speed up and as the years went by, he became more and more important to me. So important that I can say that he is a part of my life, who will always be a part of my life until the last breath I breathe. I love him with whole my heart and regularly cry when I listen to his voice, or see him or think about him. He was a living miracle. A man who was excellent in every aspect of sangeet and life.

Once I had a discussion wit someone, who said that in 30 years nobody will be interested in Rafi saab anymore because they don't know him and will forget him. I said to that person: "I see that young children who are born after his death still become a fan of him without even having seen him. This man was so great that he can't be forgotten."

You guys prove that this is true and will always be the case, as long as sangeet is In the world. And I'm therefore very glad to see the "after"-group in majority.

"Zamaana jab tak gajega, Mohammed Rafi yaad ajega".

Please forgive me for the long post, but I got carried away in his remembrance.

Harold

Posted by: Harold Dec 13 2005, 04:36 AM

Hi Tanvir,

Thanks for your kind words, but don't under-estimate your love for Rafi-saab in comparison with mine. I see a lot of love and Rafi-mania among Rafians here at HF.

Its true that I love him very much. And this love keeps growing every day. I couldn't keep my eyes dry while talking to his daughter and son in law. Rafi-saab is part of me, part of my life. No day goes past without thinking of him.

Wow, how great would it be, if he were alive now. We would have the chance to call him, visit him and meet him. And yes he owuld get all the love and credit from the world that he deserves.

I don't think Rafi-saab died a sad man. God gave him so much, and from that he gave all to us, his fans. Even today 25 years after his demise, we become happy and forget our problems when we listen to his magic. How can a man like him ever be unhappy? People around the world loved him, where ever he went. And they still love him.

A lot of fans are dead now. But they are succeeded by many other great fans of a new generation. This topic and forum is the prove for it.

Harold

Posted by: ManishDeewana Jan 5 2006, 02:07 AM

I was just 9 years old when Rafi saab passed away but I still remember the day when the news of his death broke out in my home town Jaipur.My sister was a great fan of him and she had cried that day.Rafi's death was the main topic everywhere I went for the days followed.

It was that day and toady's date,Rafi has been integral part of my daily life..my day doesnot end unless I don't take his name or discuss or sing his songs..he is next to God for me.His voice was too fantastic.No adjective is enough to define his genius.He was just too good.

The best thing about rafi was his Voice.There could be many singers who have got the range and classical knowledge but Rafi had an edge over them because of his superior and a perfect voice particularly for Playbacksinging.

I am at loss of words to write about my passion for Rafi.I try to collect his songs as much I can and from wherever I can but I think I still have a ling way to go..

Will be a Rafian till I die..

Manish

Posted by: TAZ Jun 30 2006, 04:50 AM

[size=7]

I was 11yrs old when Rafi saab passed away. I still remember when my dad was listening to the Radio(which was at that time UK's only Asian weekly Radio program) that saturday evening on the 2nd of August 1980 when the sad news was announced. It was then I got to know who Rafi saab was.

Even til now I still feel that sadness why was he taken from us at the age he was, 55yrs. I would have loved to have met him.

Posted by: mnazamoudine Dec 27 2006, 07:47 PM

listen and you will become a fan

Posted by: simplefable Aug 7 2007, 07:10 PM

QUOTE(iqbal @ Aug 16 2004, 08:13 PM)

Posted by: simplefable Aug 7 2007, 07:38 PM

QUOTE(iqbal @ Aug 16 2004, 08:13 PM)

Posted by: Unregistered_050208 Aug 11 2007, 01:31 AM

I will add one more note to the post below that I had shared in my own thread: Now I know why I didn't pick up the taan / harkatein at the time. This was a romantic song and I was 14 - of course a 14 year old clown doesn't have the maturity or age in life to totally experience or appreciate romance - not till you're in your 20s. I just realized it now while listening to the song again - genius


I was born in Philadelphia, USA in 1985. Mohammed Rafi had regained his numero uno position in 1980 and sang some memorable hits for the superstar of that time – Amitabh Bachchan, who remained the most popular star till at least 1993. Lots of VHS cassettes of Amitabh movies – including the ones with Rafi songs, were laying around in my house in 1990s.

As a child, I immediately became obsessed with Salamat Rahe Dostana Hamara, John Johnny Janardhan, and Chal Mere Bhai. Instantly. At the time, I did not know that it was sung by a legend or who Mohammed Rafi was, and I certainly did not recognize any of the “random” people in the picturisation of John Johnny Janardhan. It was just the VOICE alone that a blank kid could naturally love. I’d repeatedly watch Dostana so I could listen to the opening song. The singer who started the song particularly stood out for me. The deep, intrinsic emotions in Mohd Rafi’s voice and melody were so clearly present that even a 7 or 8 year old child could appreciate. Isn’t that amazing!

I never investigated the singer or kept up with the movies as I got into my teens. Now I’m 13. My dad had lots of Lata and Kishore tapes (I enjoyed them) and lots of CDs of boring bhajans. There was one and only one CD titled “Golden Collection Rafi – Lata”. By now, I was aware that this Mohammed Rafi was very respected and considered a GREAT, legendary singer. I still did not know that this was the same singer whose voice I so loved as a child and the same one who sang those songs I mentioned! I listen to the CD with impartial expectations. The first song was “Tumhari Nazar Kiu Kafa” from Do Kaliyan.

The opening tune sounded nostalgic but catchy (today my favorite MDs are SJ). The opening singer appeared technically very sound. Yes, I deduced this as a child – even a half brain idiot can realize that Mohammed Rafi’s voice is clear, has superior tonal quality, is melodious and great! However, I felt he was singing the OPENING lines kind of flat. He didn’t seem to have the taan and harkatein of say, the singer that sang John Johnny Janardhan. Obviously I was too green at the time to deduce the subtleties otherwise I wouldn’t make such a terrible error in judgment.

Still, just by the first observation, I agreed that yes this singer deserved his respect, yes he sounded like a “great singer”. Having heard of of Mohd Rafi’s legend, I was so EXCITED to "finally for the first time" hear him myself and find out if he lived up to it. As a result, I remembered it only as a Rafi CD and forgot that my beloved Lata was the other singer. Even back then, I was very familiar with Lata Mangeshkar (as she was still alive so recency affect) and had loved her songs in the late 1980s. I actually was not familiar with her prime years or her work before 1980s – and so despite being aware of only her “twilight years” - I still loved and respected her. Isn't that amazing - it shows how great Lata was!

Now again, I was very green so I failed to realize that Lata was the female voice in this CD as she sounded different. I was unimpressed with that voice – felt it sounded too toned down. I kick myself in the head to this day for such a foolish judgment. Apparently, that first impression in the opening lines must have biased me because the greatness of the song becomes less and less subtle as it plays. Lata’s supreme voice and the taan / harkatein of both singers becomes crystal clear towards the middle and end (it was always there but less subtle). Today, I can detect her voice like a shark detects blood. When I was 12 or 13 I would not feel like doing my school work but my dad made me sit on the desk anyway. I would listen to music chup chaap. I couldn't use the tape deck in the wide open living room so I had to listen to CDs on the computer and this was the only CD besides those bhajans. So I “forcefully” listened to it for a few more times and began to “like it”. Foolish boy! Ironically, if today you were to throw me in the desert and offer only 1 CD to listen to endlessly - I’d ask for Rafi-Lata duets.

For another 7 years, I don't pick up. I watch the movie Naseeb once again and get reacquainted with my favorite childhood song. Realize the singer is Mohd Rafi. Realize that this was the same singer who sang Tumhari Nazar (how great Rafi is – he can adapt to the different times and the different values of music to still remain #1 – he sounded different in 1980 than 1969 – wah Rafi Sahab!). It is the taan and harkatein, among many others like his PERFECT, MELODIOUS VOICE, that immortalizes his songs. You can sense that even in a fun song like John Johnny Janardhan which is so full of emotions despite not being a romantic or a sad song etc.

Again, I don’t pick up with this until I’m 20 years old. I was watching an OK movie called Dil Maange More just because I was bored and it was laying around in my house. There is a Rafi song in that one from Mughal E Azam. Loved the voice once again. Now my interest has been sparked for the third time. This time I DON'T fail to pick up. Now I come back to college and youtube craze. People upload many Rafi songs so they become easily accessible. Since the past two years, I have been listening to Mohammed Rafi like crazy, have collected 600 of his songs (when I grow up I’ll collect ALL of them and buy an EXCELLENT stereo that does his voice justice). I cannot begin to tell you how much I love Rafi in this already long post. Now, I am OBSESSED.

Every time I watch an old movie, I look in the beginning for playback singer credits. When Rafi’s name is not listed – I get really sad and my prospects for the movie lower tremendously. My favorite actor is Dharmendra and his voice was Rafi so I really love that combination. My favorite director is Hrishikesh Mukherjee and unfortunately he had RD Burman give music for many of his movies and so I get sad knowing that my favorite director and singer will not come together often. The only reason that I like Chupke Chupke better than Sholay is because Sholay has one big flaw – no Rafi songs (yet he fitted Dharmendra so much better than the great Kishore Kumar who fitted Amitabh Bachchan better!).

I have to give YOUTUBE credit for getting me into Mohd Rafi and making his songs so much more accessible. Mohd Rafi just does not disappoint – his career is like a universe where there are more and more songs that listeners discover each day. I have probably heard only 1000 of his different songs if that – I still have another ~5000 to go. His versatility and ability are unmatched IMO. His voice is just right, very melodious, so full of emotions. His magic is enchanting. Only someone of his greatness could have remained on top for 4 different decades. He may have had lean years from 1970-1976 but he returned to #1 and only he could have pulled it off against the Kishore wave. Surprisingly, some of my favorite Rafi songs are from the year that was supposedly his leanest – 1973. Aaj Mausam Bada Bhaiman Hai, Teri Bindiya Re, Chura Liye, Yaadon Ki Bharat, Deewano Hai Deewano are my favorites! If that was his “lean” year – then how do you measure his best? This man just never disappointed – he was even a great human being whom everyone loved!

Even today, sometimes I’ll have to listen to a song 7 or 8 times (and sometimes instantly) before I love it. The reason for it is this: even though classic songs are immortal, they are a little different. Surely you can’t ignore 40 years just like that. So the listener may need a little bit of time to adjust to it.” I also think it takes time to fully realize just how great Mohammed Rafi was. The chaps from older generations have an advantage over me in that they did not have to deal with the "noise" and "distractions" of inferior music standards today and the garbage like rap music and such in the USA. Doesn't matter - even a child can see the sun through all that.

Posted by: Harold Aug 13 2007, 10:39 PM

nice work man!

Posted by: Reeth Sep 25 2007, 03:52 PM

Definitely after he passed away as i was born a year later......
I have been listening to his songs ever since i remember, on the radio and listening to tapes and cds at home.....

Posted by: kulwant Sep 26 2007, 12:58 AM

QUOTE(iqbal @ Aug 16 2004, 08:13 PM)

Posted by: venkat Sep 26 2007, 04:06 PM

Friends,

The poll results so far, wherein 65% of the respondents here have got to know Rafi Saab after he passed away (ie. after 1980), clearly give great hope for the unending future of Rafiism!

This in a world, where no one remembers a singer or his songs after even 5 years!

Long Live Rafi Saab and His Songs!

Venkat

Posted by: myawan Sep 26 2007, 05:02 PM

Posted by: kistin Sep 28 2007, 11:35 PM

After he passed away. (I feel that I have become a Rafi fan.)

Although I could be one his fans before when I was young, but had not been aware of his existence.

May Allah rest his soul in peace in Jannat-ul Firdevs and in Jannat-ul Adn. Amen...

Posted by: minx786 Oct 8 2007, 02:58 AM

QUOTE(iqbal @ Aug 16 2004, 03:43 PM)

Posted by: MucisLover Nov 6 2007, 03:22 AM

Unfortunately I got to listening to Rafi songs in late 80s itself...when I became an avid participant of school level antakshari..by then the legend had already paased away..

However, I feel he still lvies in everyone's hearts...

I however, always wondered with this questions, if Rafi saahbe had died in 1980, how come there are songs sung by him in 81 and 82 as well? Had he sung them before his death and later the directors used them in those films??

If some one can calrify that part...i would be great.

Enjoy!!!
Music Lover

Posted by: venkat Nov 6 2007, 12:35 PM

QUOTE(MucisLover @ Nov 6 2007, 03:22 AM)

Unfortunately I got to listening to Rafi songs in late 80s itself...when I became an avid participant of school level antakshari..by then the legend had already paased away..

However, I feel he still lvies in everyone's hearts...

I however, always wondered with this questions, if Rafi saahbe had died in 1980, how come there are songs sung by him in 81 and 82 as well? Had he sung them before his death and later the directors used them in those films??

If some one can calrify that part...i would be great.

Enjoy!!!
Music Lover

Posted by: MucisLover Nov 6 2007, 08:43 PM

QUOTE(venkat @ Nov 6 2007, 01:05 AM)

QUOTE(MucisLover @ Nov 6 2007, 03:22 AM)

Unfortunately I got to listening to Rafi songs in late 80s itself...when I became an avid participant of school level antakshari..by then the legend had already paased away..

However, I feel he still lvies in everyone's hearts...

I however, always wondered with this questions, if Rafi saahbe had died in 1980, how come there are songs sung by him in 81 and 82 as well? Had he sung them before his death and later the directors used them in those films??

If some one can calrify that part...i would be great.

Enjoy!!!
Music Lover

He had recorded obviously only till July, 1980. But some of those Films were released later during 81, 82 and all the way until 1990!

Venkat

Posted by: Amirh Dec 2 2007, 09:28 PM

I became a Rafi fan after the legend passed away. I was 3 years old when he left us but I am glad that I was brought up on his songs. My dad saw him perform live in Africa (Kampala, Uganda) so he was a hard core fan of Rafi.

Posted by: nasir Dec 3 2007, 09:17 PM

There can be no denying that Rafi sahaab's impact has been tremendous.
I've personally gauged the feelings and choice of people at functions where young singers belt out the latest numbers such as SONI DE NAKHRE SONE LAG DE MAINOO...and songs from Om Shanti Om as well as Saawariya, etc. But I noticed that once someone comes up with Rafi Sahaab's numbers such as DARD-E-DIL it scores easily over DARD-E-DISCO. Even the sad song such as O DOOR KE MUSAFIR in a happy environment works wonders and people crave with "Once More."

That's the hold Rafi Sahaab has in this 21st Century.

Nasir.

Posted by: aryanraj May 13 2010, 07:37 PM

I was just 2 years old when Rafi saheb passed away.

Posted by: carefree May 16 2010, 04:25 AM

Unniji is very lucky!!!

Posted by: sythlord1978 Feb 4 2011, 02:52 PM

I was just under 2 when Rafi passed away, however I remember that from a small age I used to listen to Salaam Salaam from Teesri aankh and John Jani Jaradhan from Naseeb and they used to be my favourite ones when I was a small boy, and gradually as I grew up I got to hear more and become a great fan of Rafi. As each day goes I find more great Rafi tracks that I have not heard of.

Posted by: abhi2823 May 27 2011, 04:32 PM

I was born in 1975 So i have heard him. And my family and myself are great fans of his singing.

Posted by: abhi2823 May 27 2011, 05:51 PM

Would like to mention few of my fav songs


Likhe jo khat tujhe
Lahoo ko lahoo pukare ga
Chalkaye jaam
Gar tum
Zindagi Zinda dilli ka ( still on the look out for a full version)
Bade Miyan deewane
All time hit chaundvi ka chaand

List goes on but he had the most versatile voice. In each and every song you can feel the emotion. If the song was happy one rafi Sahab made sure the listener were happy same thing with the sad songs.

Posted by: Shahid Hussain Jan 20 2012, 09:45 PM

Good News For The Muhammad Rafi Fans And Punjabi Songs Lovers !
The World`s First Ever Book On Muhammad Rafiji`S Punjabi Songs Is Under Publication Which Will Cover All The Punjabi Songs Sung By Muhammad Rafi For Punjabi Films Or Non-Films. Bhajans, Ashloks And All Other Devotional Songs Are Included.The Detail Will Soon Be Posted.


Regards
Shahid Hussain
Lahore
00923224698677
singer.rafi@gmail.com
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/Mohammad_Rafi_Singer/