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Unforgetabble Rafisahaeb

 
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suhana_safar
post Sep 23 2010, 01:30 PM
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The unforgettable Rafisaheb
BY: AVIJIT GHOSH & UTTHARA KUMARI B TIMES NEWS NETWORK


If there are 101 ways of saying 'I love you' in a song, Mohammed Rafi knew them all. The awkwardness of puppy love,the friskiness of teen romance,the philosophy of unrequited love and the anguish of heartbreak - he could explore every crevice of ardour.

It wasn't just love,his voice could capture the navras of life - a failed poet's melancholy,a fiery unionist's vim,a debt-ridden farmer's despair,really anybody at all.Rafi,whose career spanned nearly four decades,was a singer for every season and every reason.

Which is why 30 years after his death - he passed away on July 31,1980,at the age of 55 - fans arrive from distant corners of the world to visit his grave in Juhu,Mumbai;some even plan Rafi holidays to meet and listen to his songs every year.Which is why nostalgia soirees like 'Ek Sham Rafi Ke Naam' continue to provide agreeable employment to hundreds of his clones in cities and small towns across India.Which is why websites dedicated to him are almost like shrines where every article written on him is reverentially posted.And which is why fans are still campaigning to get him the Bharat Ratna.

His fan base is not entirely 40-plus."Just watch the young performers on TV music talent shows.So many of them opt for Rafi numbers.He is still one of the best-selling singers," says Najma Merchant,senior consultant with Saregama.

Simply put,Rafi is the most versatile male singer Bollywood has seen.Peppy romantic numbers,tearful melodies,ghazals,bhajans,qawwalis,folk,classical - he could sing all genres,all octaves effortlessly.That's what helped him become the playback for the biggest stars: Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand,Bharat Bhushan,Pradeep Kumar,Shammi Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar,and Dharmendra among many others.

He also had the special ability to imbibe a star's style and translate it in a song. Shammi Kapoor recalls: "Once I went abroad and Rafi saab had recorded one in my absence.I came back and heard it;I was astounded.He had captured my ada,my andaaz,my energy.I asked him how he did it.Rafi saab said smilingly: 'I imagined this is how Shammi would jump or roll or lift his hand or shake a leg or head and sang accordingly.' And that was exactly how I enacted that song.It was uncanny."

Music director Pyarelal (the other half of Laxmikant) further illustrates the point."Just listen to Din dhal jaaye,a Dada Burman composition from Guide.See how he infuses the mood of Dev Anand's character into the song.That's what was so special about him," he says.But that was Rafi: a teetotaller who sounded the perfect drunk in Mujhe duniya walon sharabi na samjho (film: Leader,1964).

Rafi made his debut as a playback singer in the early 1940s;there's considerable debate over the song and the film.Some say,his first song - a duet with Zeenat Begum for composer Shyam Sunder - was recorded for the Punjabi film Gul Baloch in 1941 though the movie was released in 1944.

However,in an interview to Star and Style magazine,a few days before his death,the singer had recalled that he first sang for Laila Majnu (1945) for composer Pandit Govindram."I sang in the chorus for a qawwali.I had even done a bit role in the film," said the Amritsar-born singer who went on to record in at least 12 languages.

In the same interview,he remembered how his seniors overwhelmed him with their grace: "When I entered the line,there were,of course,popular singers like Saigal saab,G M Durrani and Khan Mastana.Unki khoobi yeh thi janab ki instead of considering me yet another competitor they encouraged me to give my best."

Through the 1950s and 1960s,Rafi was the top male singer in Hindi films.There is a debate over the number of songs he gave voice to.What is undeniable is that he ruled the charts in the super-hit radio countdown show,Binaca Geet Mala,and often topped the annual show.His numbers - Aye dil hai mushqil (film: CID,1956),Zara saamne to aao chhaliye (film: Janam Janam Ke Phere,1957),Teri pyaari pyaari surat ko (film: Sasural,1962),Baharon phool barsao (film: Suraj,1966) - were all crowned the year's most successful songs.


The success didn't come easy. Those who worked with him vouch for the singer's dedication to his craft.Music director Khayyam recalls that during the recording of Jaane kya dhoondti hain (film: Shola Aur Shabnam,1961),Rafi was running a 102-degree fever."But he was worried about the producer's losses and we went ahead with the recording.Despite the fever,nobody could have sung the number any better." Manna Dey agrees: "He was versatile and dedicated.His singing touched people's hearts."

Success could never gnaw into his generosity and humility.Radio presenter Ameen Sayani recalls that when composers Laxmikant-Pyaarelal approached him for a song for their debut film,Chhaila Babu (1967) - although Parasmani (1963) was the first to be released - they confessed that the producer was in no position to pay the singer his actual fees."Rafi just told him: 'Go ahead,record the song.We will discuss all that later.' When the recording was completed,he just returned the remuneration to the composers and said,'Please divide it among yourselves.This is your debut film so please accept the money as part of my good wishes,'" says Sayani.


Adds Pyaarelal: "He displayed similar generosity to many composers. Not only as a singer but also as a human being, there was only one Rafi."

Sayani,who compared dozens of Rafi shows, also reveals a little-known facet of the singer: his sense of justice and equality. "Rafi saab would fly economy class with the rest of the troupe rather than sit alone in the executive class. And he would also insist on being put up in the same hotel as the rest of us," says the well-known radio host.

Rafi was also a very accommodating singer.Mubarak Begum who sang the hit duet Mujhko apne gale laga lo (film: Hamrahi,1963) says Rafi respected both his juniors and seniors. "We had to record the song Devta tum ho (film: Daera,1953).I couldn't match his pitch and requested him to lower it. He readily obliged."

Rafi was known for his warm heart and generous impulses.Friends recall how he made for a great host and served friends the finest yakhni pulao and mutton korma.He could also be childlike.He would be dejected every time he lost a kite duel with neighbour Manna Dey.Says Dey,"One day,we met in a studio.Rafi walked up to me and asked: 'Manna da,aap roz meri patang ko kaat rahen hain.Kya raaz hai?' I told him: 'Dekho Rafi miyan,tumhe patang udaani nahin aati.I am a professional'." The anecdotes are endless.And even three decades after he passed away,they are narrated with warmth for the singer who was also a perfect gentleman.The singer may have gone but,as long as lovers serenade their sweethearts with Bollywood songs,Rafi will be forever.





PLAYBACK SINGING STARTS AND ENDS WITH RAFISAAB. IN TERMS OF QUALITY, CONSISTENCY & VERSATILITY, RAFISAAB IS INFINITE LIGHT YEARS AHEAD OF ALL SINGERS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER HIM.
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Sharad
post Oct 6 2010, 06:56 AM
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"Radio presenter Ameen Sayani recalls that when composers Laxmikant-Pyaarelal approached him for a song for their debut film,Chhaila Babu (1967) - although Parasmani (1963) was the first to be released.."

thanks for the article, interesting tidbit..


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suhana_safar
post Oct 6 2010, 06:58 AM
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QUOTE(Sharad @ Oct 6 2010, 06:56 AM) *

"Radio presenter Ameen Sayani recalls that when composers Laxmikant-Pyaarelal approached him for a song for their debut film,Chhaila Babu (1967) - although Parasmani (1963) was the first to be released.."

thanks for the article, interesting tidbit..


Thanks Sharad for your acknowledgement. It seems most people are here for downloading songs, its good to see someone actually is intersted in the real stuff.


PLAYBACK SINGING STARTS AND ENDS WITH RAFISAAB. IN TERMS OF QUALITY, CONSISTENCY & VERSATILITY, RAFISAAB IS INFINITE LIGHT YEARS AHEAD OF ALL SINGERS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER HIM.
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Sharad
post Oct 6 2010, 07:00 AM
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haha
it's not like the old days is it suhana.
good memories, good moments we had here eh.



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suhana_safar
post Oct 6 2010, 07:08 AM
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QUOTE(Sharad @ Oct 6 2010, 07:00 AM) *

haha
it's not like the old days is it suhana.
good memories, good moments we had here eh.


you said it brother, but Rafisaab songs still are the same: best and sweetest to hear.

This post has been edited by suhana_safar: Oct 6 2010, 07:08 AM


PLAYBACK SINGING STARTS AND ENDS WITH RAFISAAB. IN TERMS OF QUALITY, CONSISTENCY & VERSATILITY, RAFISAAB IS INFINITE LIGHT YEARS AHEAD OF ALL SINGERS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER HIM.
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Sharad
post Oct 6 2010, 07:21 AM
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Definitely Suhana
I just listened to "Hai kali kali ke lab par" extremely sweet and enchanting tune.
class!

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Hawa
post Nov 29 2010, 08:01 PM
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QUOTE(Sharad @ Oct 6 2010, 07:00 AM) *

haha
it's not like the old days is it suhana.
good memories, good moments we had here eh.



Salam Sharad jii,

Agreed 100% with you. Missed the old days, good moments of sharing, jokes & lots of funs in here.
How are you sharad ji? Still remember me?? tongue1.gif

With the great Suhana Bhai, will never forget all his songs downloaded for last few years.
Appreciate your sharings, knowledge of songs & lots more .... Thanks! smile1.gif

Regards
Kes

This post has been edited by Hawa: Nov 29 2010, 08:02 PM
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simplefable
post Nov 30 2010, 10:50 AM
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bow.gif

Rafi sahab will always stay in our midst...not just with His songs but His exemplary behaviour all through His life.

Taareef karoon kya us ki ....

This post has been edited by simplefable: Nov 30 2010, 10:51 AM

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nasir
post Dec 5 2010, 09:51 PM
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Though a little late in the day I would like to offer my profuse thanks to Suhana Safar for giving us a peep into that excellent article on the Greatest Playback Singer of All Times, Mohammed Rafi Sahaab. tongue1.gif




NASIR
Teri Khushi me.n Khush Tera banda khidmatgaar hai,
Banda hoo.n mai.n Tera Tuu mera Parwardigaar hai
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suhana_safar
post May 8 2012, 06:30 AM
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QUOTE(Hawa @ Nov 29 2010, 08:01 PM) *

QUOTE(Sharad @ Oct 6 2010, 07:00 AM) *

haha
it's not like the old days is it suhana.
good memories, good moments we had here eh.



Salam Sharad jii,

Agreed 100% with you. Missed the old days, good moments of sharing, jokes & lots of funs in here.
How are you sharad ji? Still remember me?? tongue1.gif

With the great Suhana Bhai, will never forget all his songs downloaded for last few years.
Appreciate your sharings, knowledge of songs & lots more .... Thanks! smile1.gif

Regards
Kes


A very belated thanks for these kind words. I am sorry I have been more than 2 years away from this forum.
Sharad bhai...if you read this then do contact me.

my best regards to you all.

Cheers
SS


PLAYBACK SINGING STARTS AND ENDS WITH RAFISAAB. IN TERMS OF QUALITY, CONSISTENCY & VERSATILITY, RAFISAAB IS INFINITE LIGHT YEARS AHEAD OF ALL SINGERS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER HIM.
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Sharad
post Oct 4 2012, 10:17 PM
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SS Saab
How are you? I have not posted here in so long. And it's been a while since I browsed. I think I will start again this week.

What's happening there?

Lately I've been listening to Roshan/Rafi , N Dutta/Rafi and GS Kohli/Rafi tunes.

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Sharad
post Oct 4 2012, 10:18 PM
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Kes Ji
Of course I remember you. It's been SO long since we talked and met on PT. Still go to PT? I haven't logged in PT for a long long time now!
I miss the old days for sure.



QUOTE(Hawa @ Nov 29 2010, 08:01 PM) *

QUOTE(Sharad @ Oct 6 2010, 07:00 AM) *

haha
it's not like the old days is it suhana.
good memories, good moments we had here eh.



Salam Sharad jii,

Agreed 100% with you. Missed the old days, good moments of sharing, jokes & lots of funs in here.
How are you sharad ji? Still remember me?? tongue1.gif

With the great Suhana Bhai, will never forget all his songs downloaded for last few years.
Appreciate your sharings, knowledge of songs & lots more .... Thanks! smile1.gif

Regards
Kes


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usrafian
post Oct 5 2012, 09:42 AM
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QUOTE(suhana_safar @ May 8 2012, 06:30 AM) *

QUOTE(Hawa @ Nov 29 2010, 08:01 PM) *

QUOTE(Sharad @ Oct 6 2010, 07:00 AM) *

haha
it's not like the old days is it suhana.
good memories, good moments we had here eh.



Salam Sharad jii,

Agreed 100% with you. Missed the old days, good moments of sharing, jokes & lots of funs in here.
How are you sharad ji? Still remember me?? tongue1.gif

With the great Suhana Bhai, will never forget all his songs downloaded for last few years.
Appreciate your sharings, knowledge of songs & lots more .... Thanks! smile1.gif

Regards
Kes


A very belated thanks for these kind words. I am sorry I have been more than 2 years away from this forum.
Sharad bhai...if you read this then do contact me.

my best regards to you all.

Cheers
SS



QUOTE(nasir @ Dec 5 2010, 09:51 PM) *

Though a little late in the day I would like to offer my profuse thanks to Suhana Safar for giving us a peep into that excellent article on the Greatest Playback Singer of All Times, Mohammed Rafi Sahaab. tongue1.gif





QUOTE(Sharad @ Oct 4 2012, 10:18 PM) *

Kes Ji
Of course I remember you. It's been SO long since we talked and met on PT. Still go to PT? I haven't logged in PT for a long long time now!
I miss the old days for sure.



QUOTE(Hawa @ Nov 29 2010, 08:01 PM) *

QUOTE(Sharad @ Oct 6 2010, 07:00 AM) *

haha
it's not like the old days is it suhana.
good memories, good moments we had here eh.



Salam Sharad jii,

Agreed 100% with you. Missed the old days, good moments of sharing, jokes & lots of funs in here.
How are you sharad ji? Still remember me?? tongue1.gif

With the great Suhana Bhai, will never forget all his songs downloaded for last few years.
Appreciate your sharings, knowledge of songs & lots more .... Thanks! smile1.gif

Regards
Kes



Ye To Kamaal Hai !
Every response took 6 months !!! ohmy.gif

Lagta Hai Sabhi Ko 'Kumbhakaran' Ki Bimaari Lag Gayee Hai sad.gif

Sharad Bhai, GS Kohli/Rafi wala combination kaisa Hai ? wub.gif

USR

(Will be back after 6 months bored.gif ) laugh.gif


Dil Shaad Tha Ke Phool Khilenge Bahaar Mein
Maaraa Gaya Garib Isee Aitbaar Mein
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suhana_safar
post Oct 6 2012, 12:16 PM
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QUOTE(usrafian @ Oct 5 2012, 09:42 AM) *

QUOTE(suhana_safar @ May 8 2012, 06:30 AM) *

QUOTE(Hawa @ Nov 29 2010, 08:01 PM) *

QUOTE(Sharad @ Oct 6 2010, 07:00 AM) *

haha
it's not like the old days is it suhana.
good memories, good moments we had here eh.



Salam Sharad jii,

Agreed 100% with you. Missed the old days, good moments of sharing, jokes & lots of funs in here.
How are you sharad ji? Still remember me?? tongue1.gif

With the great Suhana Bhai, will never forget all his songs downloaded for last few years.
Appreciate your sharings, knowledge of songs & lots more .... Thanks! smile1.gif

Regards
Kes


A very belated thanks for these kind words. I am sorry I have been more than 2 years away from this forum.
Sharad bhai...if you read this then do contact me.

my best regards to you all.

Cheers
SS



QUOTE(nasir @ Dec 5 2010, 09:51 PM) *

Though a little late in the day I would like to offer my profuse thanks to Suhana Safar for giving us a peep into that excellent article on the Greatest Playback Singer of All Times, Mohammed Rafi Sahaab. tongue1.gif





QUOTE(Sharad @ Oct 4 2012, 10:18 PM) *

Kes Ji
Of course I remember you. It's been SO long since we talked and met on PT. Still go to PT? I haven't logged in PT for a long long time now!
I miss the old days for sure.



QUOTE(Hawa @ Nov 29 2010, 08:01 PM) *

QUOTE(Sharad @ Oct 6 2010, 07:00 AM) *

haha
it's not like the old days is it suhana.
good memories, good moments we had here eh.



Salam Sharad jii,

Agreed 100% with you. Missed the old days, good moments of sharing, jokes & lots of funs in here.
How are you sharad ji? Still remember me?? tongue1.gif

With the great Suhana Bhai, will never forget all his songs downloaded for last few years.
Appreciate your sharings, knowledge of songs & lots more .... Thanks! smile1.gif

Regards
Kes



Ye To Kamaal Hai !
Every response took 6 months !!! ohmy.gif

Lagta Hai Sabhi Ko 'Kumbhakaran' Ki Bimaari Lag Gayee Hai sad.gif

Sharad Bhai, GS Kohli/Rafi wala combination kaisa Hai ? wub.gif

USR

(Will be back after 6 months bored.gif ) laugh.gif



Ha ha ha...tume pukara ayr ham chale aaye

i hope this reply is not after 6 months. How are you bro.


PLAYBACK SINGING STARTS AND ENDS WITH RAFISAAB. IN TERMS OF QUALITY, CONSISTENCY & VERSATILITY, RAFISAAB IS INFINITE LIGHT YEARS AHEAD OF ALL SINGERS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER HIM.
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orbitor13
post Oct 6 2012, 09:22 PM
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nice to see some familiar faces back again..... smile.gif













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