So Why Is Rafisaab The Greatest Singing Legend?, Fans of Rafisab share your views & experiences Options

[suhana_safar]

With thousands of unbeliveable renditions in a career that stretches back into the mid forties to 80's, Rafisaab began his career as a playback singer in Indian Film industry that in course of time is being regarded as a landmark in HFM.

So what is fscinating about this genius and his career? What are the key featueres of his skills that even made his colleagues who were class singers in their own right look upon him as their hero/idol?. What are the things that keep people still so attached to his songs?


Over the years everything connected with the industry changed:

1. The taste and trends of the audience
2. The technolgy and nature of the recording rooms
3. The style of the actors
4. The styles of the MD’s
5. The words of the song writers
6. The promotion strategy of the music companies
7. The pay cheques
8. The competition
9. The entry of new actors and styles
10. The quality of the audience
11. The politics and power groups in the industry


and many more factors could be added to the list above.

With all the above dynamic changes, for a simple, shy, modest and a genuine down to earth person to not only excel but establish unreachabe standards in playback singing during such a long period is simply more than just an extra ordninary feat. How often we take take for granted the consistent quality of Rafisaab’ singing without giving much thought how difficult and challenging is the art of playback singing specially in the context of the above dynamic changes.

How many times do we care to fathom that extra class that he instilled in the song and thus raised the standard of both the composition and the lyrics not to mention that his voice is also associated with the success of those actors who became stars just because Rafisaab playbacked for them.

Playback singing is a precise and difficult and challenging art, and Rafisaab is rightly acknowledged as a master of this unique genre by both, the masses and the experts.

So what exactly are the attributes and characteritics of this legend of legends that makes him a class apart. What is the exclusive quality/qualities of his singing that makes him a benchmark in playback singing.?

Please share your views with concrete examples and kindly refrain discussing any other singers in this thread as this discussion is only about the one and only, Rafisaab.


I welcome all to come on board (with a positive attitude) and specially the learned and knowledgeable who know about this uniqe art and more importantly about this unique singing phenomenon, Rafisaab.

[surhall]

With thousands of unbeliveable renditions in a career that stretches back into the mid forties to 80's, Rafisaab began his career as a playback singer in Indian Film industry that in course of time is being regarded as a landmark in HFM.

So what is fscinating about this genius and his career? What are the key featueres of his skills that even made his colleagues who were class singers in their own right look upon him as their hero/idol?. What are the things that keep people still so attached to his songs?


Over the years everything connected with the industry changed:

1. The taste and trends of the audience
2. The technolgy and nature of the recording rooms
3. The style of the actors
4. The styles of the MD’s
5. The words of the song writers
6. The promotion strategy of the music companies
7. The pay cheques
8. The competition
9. The entry of new actors and styles
10. The quality of the audience
11. The politics and power groups in the industry


and many more factors could be added to the list above.

With all the above dynamic changes, for a simple, shy, modest and a genuine down to earth person to not only excel but establish unreachabe standards in playback singing during such a long period is simply more than just an extra ordninary feat. How often we take take for granted the consistent quality of Rafisaab’ singing without giving much thought how difficult and challenging is the art of playback singing specially in the context of the above dynamic changes.

How many times do we care to fathom that extra class that he instilled in the song and thus raised the standard of both the composition and the lyrics not to mention that his voice is also associated with the success of those actors who became stars just because Rafisaab playbacked for them.

Playback singing is a precise and difficult and challenging art, and Rafisaab is rightly acknowledged as a master of this unique genre by both, the masses and the experts.

So what exactly are the attributes and characteritics of this legend of legends that makes him a class apart. What is the exclusive quality/qualities of his singing that makes him a benchmark in playback singing.?

Please share your views with concrete examples and kindly refrain discussing any other singers in this thread as this discussion is only about the one and only, Rafisaab.


I welcome all to come on board (with a positive attitude) and specially the learned and knowledgeable who know about this uniqe art and more importantly about this unique singing phenomenon, Rafisaab.

you are 100 % right brother
dhall

[suhana_safar]

you are 100 % right brother
dhall

Thanks brother its very flattering specilally whe coming from a wise, learned and experienced member like yourself.

Regards
SS

[suhana_safar]

Here are views of a music critic whose name I cant recollect:


"The then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru while viewing Baiju Bawra, enquired about the singer of the devotional songs from his secretary. When the PM was told it was a singer by the name of Mohd. Rafi, he was invited to dinner with the PM himself. Rafi was duly honoured and hugged for his singing feat by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. He was all of 28 years then and thus started the annual visit to the PM’s house and the tradition of singing for Prime Minister Nehru and several dignitaries.

Naushad, Shankar-Jaikishan, O.P. Nayyar, C.Ramachandra, Hemant Kumar and Ravi now began composing great numbers suited to Rafi’s vocal range. Rafi’s clear rendition, perfect sur and bhaav, unparallelled expression and impeccable diction placed him way above the other singers of his time.

However, despite fame and adulation, Rafi’s life and routine remained unaltered. The recording room-to-home itinerary never changed. No film parties, no vices, retiring at 9 pm and doing riyaaz from 4 to 7 in the morning were some strict norms laid by the maestro for himself. The only ‘luxuries’ Rafi indulged in and looked forward to were sports like carrom, badminton and flying kites along with family members and close friends.

Rafi became quite adept in singing in languages like Marathi, Kannada, Konkani, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati and English. He would rehearse for days before each recording - driving perfection into the numbers."

More to follow.............

[dryunussumra]

few viewes

The most fundamental question:
Why do people sing?

The most appropriate answer:
To express their feelings.

So who expresses human feelings perfectly?
Who else, Mohammad Rafi.
When Rafi sings, you can actually identify the mood and the situation without having seen the movie.



The world has not yet seen a singer like Mohammad Rafi.
The reasons for his invincibility:
1. Gifted with the sweetest voice possible
2. Had a lot of appeal in his voice
3. Had a crystal clear voice
4. Displayed superb breath control
5. Could pitch voice both ways (which no one could do)
6. Had a very youthful voice
7. Had outstanding variety " ghazals, qawwalies, patriotic songs, comedies, romantic songs, fast songs, slow songs, loud songs, bhajans, classical songs, mythological songs, discos, rock-in roll, cabaret, intoxicated mood songs, songs with sex appeal, happy songs, sad songs, extremely sentimental songs and many more
8. Had the incredible ability to produce true and real feelings
9. Had outstanding voice modulation (absolutely unbeaten at it even today)
10. Had incredible fluidity ( amazingly smooth flow of words)
11. Could express all human feelings (every possible human feeling has been depicted by Rafi)
12. His Hindi and Urdu pronunciations were immaculate.

Its really sad that all people do not realize the greatness of Mohammad Rafi. Look at point no.7 above.There is a big difference between a great singer and a complete singer.

Mohammad Rafi voice really was gift of God to us. His golden voice worked as a perfect soothing balm on a tired body and a depressed soul.


There might be another AMITABH BACHCHAN, another SACHIN TENDULKAR, but there simply cannot be another MOHAMMAD RAFI.

MOHAMMAD RAFI is simply beyond compare.

Unless a singer is complete (as regards point no. 7 above), he or she just cannot compare with Rafi, and even if he or she is a complete singer will they ever fulfill the other criteria (point nos. 1 to 6 and point nos. 8 to 12 above)?

Its a pity indeed that all do not realize this but as they say “Truth Alone Prevails”.

This world did not deserve a great soul like Mohammad Rafi hence God called him early. He actually deserved to sing on a planet where only Gods live.

[Reeth]

With thousands of unbeliveable renditions in a career that stretches back into the mid forties to 80's, Rafisaab began his career as a playback singer in Indian Film industry that in course of time is being regarded as a landmark in HFM.

So what is fscinating about this genius and his career? What are the key featueres of his skills that even made his colleagues who were class singers in their own right look upon him as their hero/idol?. What are the things that keep people still so attached to his songs?


Over the years everything connected with the industry changed:

1. The taste and trends of the audience
2. The technolgy and nature of the recording rooms
3. The style of the actors
4. The styles of the MD’s
5. The words of the song writers
6. The promotion strategy of the music companies
7. The pay cheques
8. The competition
9. The entry of new actors and styles
10. The quality of the audience
11. The politics and power groups in the industry


and many more factors could be added to the list above.

With all the above dynamic changes, for a simple, shy, modest and a genuine down to earth person to not only excel but establish unreachabe standards in playback singing during such a long period is simply more than just an extra ordninary feat. How often we take take for granted the consistent quality of Rafisaab’ singing without giving much thought how difficult and challenging is the art of playback singing specially in the context of the above dynamic changes.

How many times do we care to fathom that extra class that he instilled in the song and thus raised the standard of both the composition and the lyrics not to mention that his voice is also associated with the success of those actors who became stars just because Rafisaab playbacked for them.

Playback singing is a precise and difficult and challenging art, and Rafisaab is rightly acknowledged as a master of this unique genre by both, the masses and the experts.

So what exactly are the attributes and characteritics of this legend of legends that makes him a class apart. What is the exclusive quality/qualities of his singing that makes him a benchmark in playback singing.?

Please share your views with concrete examples and kindly refrain discussing any other singers in this thread as this discussion is only about the one and only, Rafisaab.


I welcome all to come on board (with a positive attitude) and specially the learned and knowledgeable who know about this uniqe art and more importantly about this unique singing phenomenon, Rafisaab.

.....it is a universal truth that Rafi Sahab is par excellence in every sphere of voice. He had that incredible combination of the best of the best possible factors that contribute to good singing....
He was a gentleman who was ever smiling and pleasant. Good manners are seen from one’s face and Rafi Sahab was a perfect example.
His voice had that magic spell. He had depth beyond limits when it came to pathos. Can anyone dare try singing “Din Dal Jaye Raat Na Jaye“, Kabhi Kudh Pe Kabhi Haalatpe Roma Aaya“? .....
No singer at that time or even now in this era, can match Rafi. Rafi’s singing style was so simple, that nobody could imitate it. Even if they tried, they were not successful. His verstality was very different and way too impressive.

But as a person he was much more...Rafi did not imitate any one nor did he stop any one from imitating him. Where there was cut-throat pressure, Rafi was always totally with himself. Through out his carreer Rafi has not been accused of anything. Nor did he stop any new singer from taking his position. He was such a whole-hearted person, who would agree to sing for producers who could’nt afford him in return to nothing. Listening to Rafi is like rowing down a river in a moonlit night.

Now, Rafi is not amongst us, but that divine voice and soul will never fade from this earth. He was, and remains, a major force in film music, the music of love, despair, hope, humor…etc. Rafi’s voice had the healing capability. His music is as calm, as raging, as deep, as beautiful. It is the manifestation of the goodness and the divine.

:source:

[suhana_safar]

few viewes

The most fundamental question:
Why do people sing?

The most appropriate answer:
To express their feelings.

So who expresses human feelings perfectly?
Who else, Mohammad Rafi.
When Rafi sings, you can actually identify the mood and the situation without having seen the movie.



The world has not yet seen a singer like Mohammad Rafi.
The reasons for his invincibility:
1. Gifted with the sweetest voice possible
2. Had a lot of appeal in his voice
3. Had a crystal clear voice
4. Displayed superb breath control
5. Could pitch voice both ways (which no one could do)
6. Had a very youthful voice
7. Had outstanding variety " ghazals, qawwalies, patriotic songs, comedies, romantic songs, fast songs, slow songs, loud songs, bhajans, classical songs, mythological songs, discos, rock-in roll, cabaret, intoxicated mood songs, songs with sex appeal, happy songs, sad songs, extremely sentimental songs and many more
8. Had the incredible ability to produce true and real feelings
9. Had outstanding voice modulation (absolutely unbeaten at it even today)
10. Had incredible fluidity ( amazingly smooth flow of words)
11. Could express all human feelings (every possible human feeling has been depicted by Rafi)
12. His Hindi and Urdu pronunciations were immaculate.

Its really sad that all people do not realize the greatness of Mohammad Rafi. Look at point no.7 above.There is a big difference between a great singer and a complete singer.

Mohammad Rafi voice really was gift of God to us. His golden voice worked as a perfect soothing balm on a tired body and a depressed soul.


There might be another AMITABH BACHCHAN, another SACHIN TENDULKAR, but there simply cannot be another MOHAMMAD RAFI.

MOHAMMAD RAFI is simply beyond compare.

Unless a singer is complete (as regards point no. 7 above), he or she just cannot compare with Rafi, and even if he or she is a complete singer will they ever fulfill the other criteria (point nos. 1 to 6 and point nos. 8 to 12 above)?

Its a pity indeed that all do not realize this but as they say “Truth Alone Prevails”.

This world did not deserve a great soul like Mohammad Rafi hence God called him early. He actually deserved to sing on a planet where only Gods live.

Simply beautiful and excellent observations. Keep it up brother.

[suhana_safar]

.....it is a universal truth that Rafi Sahab is par excellence in every sphere of voice. He had that incredible combination of the best of the best possible factors that contribute to good singing....
He was a gentleman who was ever smiling and pleasant. Good manners are seen from one’s face and Rafi Sahab was a perfect example.
His voice had that magic spell. He had depth beyond limits when it came to pathos. Can anyone dare try singing “Din Dal Jaye Raat Na Jaye“, Kabhi Kudh Pe Kabhi Haalatpe Roma Aaya“? .....
No singer at that time or even now in this era, can match Rafi. Rafi’s singing style was so simple, that nobody could imitate it. Even if they tried, they were not successful. His verstality was very different and way too impressive.

But as a person he was much more...Rafi did not imitate any one nor did he stop any one from imitating him. Where there was cut-throat pressure, Rafi was always totally with himself. Through out his carreer Rafi has not been accused of anything. Nor did he stop any new singer from taking his position. He was such a whole-hearted person, who would agree to sing for producers who could’nt afford him in return to nothing. Listening to Rafi is like rowing down a river in a moonlit night.

Now, Rafi is not amongst us, but that divine voice and soul will never fade from this earth. He was, and remains, a major force in film music, the music of love, despair, hope, humor…etc. Rafi’s voice had the healing capability. His music is as calm, as raging, as deep, as beautiful. It is the manifestation of the goodness and the divine.

Thanks Reeth

What a treat.

[suhana_safar]

Here is what Swaminatha Iyer, 78 years old who hails from Tiruchi and is part of music associations in Tiruchi, M’as as well as in West Bengal and Maharashtra has to say about Rafisaab.

(cortesey mohd rafi.com)

"During one of my stays in M’as I had stayed with SPB. While talking of true voices he said, I don’t feel like half a singer when listening to Rafi. True voice is not a tech term but many in circle use it. Perfect example would be lata, but to understand consider our own PS who within her range is superb. People who do not have such true voices can never do justice to original. They generally underplay many parts of the song or fake it with bass/superficial singing. True voices make people like Sirkazi, Nusrat Fateh Ali khan, Lata… Inimitable. However since Sirkazi and Nusrat did not have the filmy voices their “real” following is limited to their local arena.

In addition to the true voice if the singer has a very good voice then in “most” cases he/she can better songs of others. It is this combination which makes Rafi stand out among the other male singers. There are many here who seem to have mistaken notions on a good bass and also on high pitch.

I have had the fortune of listening to most singers in studio and some times without a mike, practicing with MD’s.When Lata or Rafi do, the level is so high that people hesitate to even hum. It felt silly to sing in their presence (and it feels silly when someone says his voice isn’t manly).

In RD’s tribute when SPB sang “Aaja Aaja mein hoon” or “Chaand mera dil” it sounded only sweet and lacked punch if you compare with Rafi’s original.

Yesu once told me God has been partial to Rafi. He said “god gift term anavasyamaa romba common aa ippo use aardu”.. but idu Rafi kee thaan 100% porundu”. This person could sing “as intricately as a lady without sounding thin”, “cover any mood”, “versatility odey perfect example Rafi”. Yesu said most important is the comfort level over ranges which makes you feel God has been partial to Rafi. (But Of course in Rafi’s early career (1950’s) the voice was relatively feeble).

To people exposed to Rafi’s talent, these or any amount of praise can only seem less. I just wish he was alive and you people could get a live chance to hear him. Probably you can get hold of the DD album for the Geet Gaata Chal series where the first four episodes were dedicated to Rafi. Rafi is on camera singing “O Duniya Ke Rakwaaley” and many other songs. If you see and hear the last part you will realize why SPB said “impossible”. I think particularly those people who have talked about scales w.r.t Rafi should see this album. Its a known fact in industry that Rafi ruled high pitch and there is no male singer better in switching notes so easily. There are artists who can go beyond but then they sound strained or they don’t have pleasant voices when they venture into those territories"

[Reeth]

.....it is a universal truth that Rafi Sahab is par excellence in every sphere of voice. He had that incredible combination of the best of the best possible factors that contribute to good singing....
He was a gentleman who was ever smiling and pleasant. Good manners are seen from one’s face and Rafi Sahab was a perfect example.
His voice had that magic spell. He had depth beyond limits when it came to pathos. Can anyone dare try singing “Din Dal Jaye Raat Na Jaye“, Kabhi Kudh Pe Kabhi Haalatpe Roma Aaya“? .....
No singer at that time or even now in this era, can match Rafi. Rafi’s singing style was so simple, that nobody could imitate it. Even if they tried, they were not successful. His verstality was very different and way too impressive.

But as a person he was much more...Rafi did not imitate any one nor did he stop any one from imitating him. Where there was cut-throat pressure, Rafi was always totally with himself. Through out his carreer Rafi has not been accused of anything. Nor did he stop any new singer from taking his position. He was such a whole-hearted person, who would agree to sing for producers who could’nt afford him in return to nothing. Listening to Rafi is like rowing down a river in a moonlit night.

Now, Rafi is not amongst us, but that divine voice and soul will never fade from this earth. He was, and remains, a major force in film music, the music of love, despair, hope, humor…etc. Rafi’s voice had the healing capability. His music is as calm, as raging, as deep, as beautiful. It is the manifestation of the goodness and the divine.

Thanks Reeth

What a treat.

Here is what Swaminatha Iyer, 78 years old who hails from Tiruchi and is part of music associations in Tiruchi, M’as as well as in West Bengal and Maharashtra has to say about Rafisaab.

(cortesey mohd rafi.com)

"During one of my stays in M’as I had stayed with SPB. While talking of true voices he said, I don’t feel like half a singer when listening to Rafi. True voice is not a tech term but many in circle use it. Perfect example would be lata, but to understand consider our own PS who within her range is superb. People who do not have such true voices can never do justice to original. They generally underplay many parts of the song or fake it with bass/superficial singing. True voices make people like Sirkazi, Nusrat Fateh Ali khan, Lata… Inimitable. However since Sirkazi and Nusrat did not have the filmy voices their “real” following is limited to their local arena.

In addition to the true voice if the singer has a very good voice then in “most” cases he/she can better songs of others. It is this combination which makes Rafi stand out among the other male singers. There are many here who seem to have mistaken notions on a good bass and also on high pitch.

I have had the fortune of listening to most singers in studio and some times without a mike, practicing with MD’s.When Lata or Rafi do, the level is so high that people hesitate to even hum. It felt silly to sing in their presence (and it feels silly when someone says his voice isn’t manly).

In RD’s tribute when SPB sang “Aaja Aaja mein hoon” or “Chaand mera dil” it sounded only sweet and lacked punch if you compare with Rafi’s original.

Yesu once told me God has been partial to Rafi. He said “god gift term anavasyamaa romba common aa ippo use aardu”.. but idu Rafi kee thaan 100% porundu”. This person could sing “as intricately as a lady without sounding thin”, “cover any mood”, “versatility odey perfect example Rafi”. Yesu said most important is the comfort level over ranges which makes you feel God has been partial to Rafi. (But Of course in Rafi’s early career (1950’s) the voice was relatively feeble).

To people exposed to Rafi’s talent, these or any amount of praise can only seem less. I just wish he was alive and you people could get a live chance to hear him. Probably you can get hold of the DD album for the Geet Gaata Chal series where the first four episodes were dedicated to Rafi. Rafi is on camera singing “O Duniya Ke Rakwaaley” and many other songs. If you see and hear the last part you will realize why SPB said “impossible”. I think particularly those people who have talked about scales w.r.t Rafi should see this album. Its a known fact in industry that Rafi ruled high pitch and there is no male singer better in switching notes so easily. There are artists who can go beyond but then they sound strained or they don’t have pleasant voices when they venture into those territories"

Thank you SS

[suhana_safar]

As you all know Roshan saab was the MD and Sahir the song writer for the qawali in Barsaat Ki Raat. IMO the best qawali from hindi films.

When Roshan finished the composition he called Mana Da to sing for the Ustad who was singing in the film and said, Mana you must soud like an Ustaad as you are singing for one in the film.

Roshan then called Rafisaab and said, you will sing for Bharat Bhushan who makes the other side win the song from a position where they appear loosing. Rafisaab knew exactly what Roshan meant.


Rafisab picks up the song in a way no one, and I mean no one could ever match, whether classical singers or thumri experts or any one.

The alaap he starts with is mind bogling and the lines he sings after it cant be described by mere words.

After the recording Roshan approached Rafisaab and said, you won, you sang in a way that any Ustad would loose. Rafisaab knew that he had to sound like a winner and he produced this mastery rendition of unmatched and unmeasurable proportions and met the demands of the script.


My pleasure Reeth

[venkat]

Suhana Safar Ji,

You have asked me to say something. On this, I am reminded of what MD, Ravi ji always starts with, when asked about Rafi Saab. He typically pauses and starts with, "Ab Rafi Saab Ke Baar Mein Kya Bolun!" In that starting sentence and by the way he says it, we can make out that he believes Rafi Saab is no ordinary personality and that it is very difficult to even try and analyse such a great man!

As far as I am concerned, my relationship with Rafi Saab is "Love and Worship at First Hearing!" Even before I knew his name, etc., I was fascinated with that Voice and the way it sings so many different kinds of songs. This was during my childhood when I first happened to hear him on Radio.

And this relationship of Love and Worship has continued on and on without any break. If anything, the intensity of the Love and Worship is increasing year after year.

SS Ji, in fact, if you ask me who is the one person, ever to live in this world, that I hold very very dear to me, it is RAFI SAAB! All my family members and relatives know this only too well.

Now let us ask "Why".

SS Ji, this grossly unfair and irrational world lifts to skies singers who have even just 15 or 20 great songs. And here is a Divine singer who has recorded at least 750 to 800 real gems of songs! And this unfair and irrational world lifts him also just to skies, not knowing that he is at least 50 to 60 times greater than the other great singers!

I, for one, am always amazed at such very large number of his excellent songs. What is more confounding is that I still cannot say that I have come to know all his excellent songs so far. Every day, week and month (especially after joining this great HF), I am discovering more and more of his excellent renditions.

My 21 year old son has first seen the Video of Film:Pyasa about 15-16 years back. When the Yeh Mahalon song was reaching its peak scale at "Jala Do", he was crying, obviously disturbed by the tremendous intensity that the singer was creating! He too did not know who was singing.

During my childhood, when my friends and I used to listen to the "Lakhon Hai Nigaahon Mein" song from Phir Wohi Dil Laaya Hoon, we used to wonder what a handsome and stylish man this singer with such a voice must be!

As SPB has told me personally and also during many other occasions on TV, great singers like Lata, Talat, Asha, Mukesh, KK, Ghantasala (in Telugu) were all very good, but the ultimate ecstasy that Rafi Saab has delivered to me by his many great songs was not delivered by any other great singer.

Now, add to this his saintly human qualities and the countless number of small MDs that he helped and encouraged!

That is why he is the greatest singer of all times!

Venkat

[suhana_safar]

Suhana Safar Ji,

You have asked me to say something. On this, I am reminded of what MD, Ravi ji always starts with, when asked about Rafi Saab. He typically pauses and starts with, "Ab Rafi Saab Ke Baar Mein Kya Bolun!" In that starting sentence and by the way he says it, we can make out that he believes Rafi Saab is no ordinary personality and that it is very difficult to even try and analyse such a great man!

As far as I am concerned, my relationship with Rafi Saab is "Love and Worship at First Hearing!" Even before I knew his name, etc., I was fascinated with that Voice and the way it sings so many different kinds of songs. This was during my childhood when I first happened to hear him on Radio.

And this relationship of Love and Worship has continued on and on without any break. If anything, the intensity of the Love and Worship is increasing year after year.

SS Ji, in fact, if you ask me who is the one person, ever to live in this world, that I hold very very dear to me, it is RAFI SAAB! All my family members and relatives know this only too well.

Now let us ask "Why".

SS Ji, this grossly unfair and irrational world lifts to skies singers who have even just 15 or 20 great songs. And here is a Divine singer who has recorded at least 750 to 800 real gems of songs! And this unfair and irrational world lifts him also just to skies, not knowing that he is at least 50 to 60 times greater than the other great singers!

I, for one, am always amazed at such very large number of his excellent songs. What is more confounding is that I still cannot say that I have come to know all his excellent songs so far. Every day, week and month (especially after joining this great HF), I am discovering more and more of his excellent renditions.

My 21 year old son has first seen the Video of Film:Pyasa about 15-16 years back. When the Yeh Mahalon song was reaching its peak scale at "Jala Do", he was crying, obviously disturbed by the tremendous intensity that the singer was creating! He too did not know who was singing.

During my childhood, when my friends and I used to listen to the "Lakhon Hai Nigaahon Mein" song from Phir Wohi Dil Laaya Hoon, we used to wonder what a handsome and stylish man this singer with such a voice must be!

As SPB has told me personally and also during many other occasions on TV, great singers like Lata, Talat, Asha, Mukesh, KK, Ghantasala (in Telugu) were all very good, but the ultimate ecstasy that Rafi Saab has delivered to me by his many great songs was not delivered by any other great singer.

Now, add to this his saintly human qualities and the countless number of small MDs that he helped and encouraged!

That is why he is the greatest singer of all times!

Venkat

Wow!!!

Thanks Venkat ji was this fantastic statement of facts. This thread is coming to be an enclycopedia about Rafisaab and his unmatched brilliance.

Keep going guys.

[nasir]

It was my earnest desire to write something about the Legendary Rafi Sahaab but I am afraid, daunted and inhibited for choice of right words and my native lack of musical terminologies, especially when hundred of articles have already been written by music lovers and fans who happen to be more commanding when it come to praising their beloved singer. To that ocean of admirers, I salute them, mingling myself as a drop among them, and adopt their wordings and their paens to the Great Immortal Singer that Mohammed Rafi Sahaab is.


NASIR.

[Harold]

Friends,

I dont know what to say anymore, you've all said so much, and I'm with you all the way.

All the criterias Dr. Yunus summed up are the reason I as well say that there will never be anyone like Rafi-saab.

ALLAH SWT can create anything he likes, how he likes, when he likes.

But if you look how many qualities he has united in one person - Rafi-saab - than I can say with confidence that I don't think ALLAH SWT will ever create anyone like him again.

He already made this human being to good to be true for this world.

As Venkat-ji already pointed out: Some stars (never mind where they come from, be it Michael Jackson or Madonna) sing a few songs in one year and become huge mega-stars. If they would only realize what Rafi-saab has achieved in our music-world, they would hide themselves with shame.

His achievements are e miracle just like his personality and himself.

Just compare the way Rafi-saab used to speak and how he used to sing. Its a world of difference:

Another example that he was a miracle.

Its now exactly midnight in India, 31st July 2007. I'm going to HF-radio.