HELLO,
SANGEET KA SAFAR SOON GIVE 4 PARTS INTERVEW AND SONG
99,9 % SONGS NOT U/L ANY FORUMS. THIS IS COMING HERE.

I REQUEST TO ALL RAFI JI FAN PLEAS U/L SONG ON 31 JULY OR BEFORE
ONE PLACE & LOOK NICE ONE IS ONE .
I HAVE SOME NEWS ALL OVER INDIA RAFI JI FAN SHOWTHE LOVE.


DHALL

SANGEET KA SAFAR FIND ONE NEWS.

A musical tribute to Rafi


THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Legislature Secretariat Staff Association in association with its cultural wing, Legislature Employees Arts Forum (LEAF), is organising a music programme, ‘Ormakalil Veendum Suhani Raath’ in connection with the 27th death anniversary of the late singer Mohammed Rafi at the University Senate Hall on July 31. A competition on Rafi songs will also be conducted. Those interested in participating should contact 94460-16943 or 98959-59067 on .


DHALL

SANGEET KA SAFAR HAVE ANOTHER NEWS.


LONDON: Singer Mohammad Rafi will soon be immortalised in the city centre in Birmingham as an architect fan is building a shrine with the idea of making the late singer a saint

SANGEET KA SAFAR ANOTHER NEWS.

Rafi memorial in Birmingham


LONDON: Singer Mohammad Rafi will soon be immortalised in the city centre in Birmingham as an architect fan is building a shrine with the idea of making the late singer a saint.

Tasawar Bashir, 39, is a former film producer and is also the festival curator for the Mirage Film Festival 2007 in Birmingham. He is keen to build a modern day memorial to one of the stalwarts of Indian film industry.

Rafi was born at Kotla Sultan Singh, near Amritsar, on Dec 24, 1924, and died on July 31, 1980, leaving behind several haunting melodies in various Indian languages, including in Marathi and Telugu.

Reports from Birmingham say that the Indian high commission is supporting the project that is set to first appear at Birmingham's Festival of Extreme Building in the summer.

Bashir, a student at the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, told the Birmingham Evening Mail: "Millions of people across India and the world loved to listen to Rafi ... so when he died, Bombay (Mumbai) hosted the biggest ever procession for a Bollywood personality."

"He was a cross between Frank Sinatra and Engelbert Humperdinck and I think he deserves to be a saint."

"There is no official way of making someone a saint in Hindu or Muslim religions but if I can get enough people to see the shrine, then he could be immortalised."

The project is expected to cost over 20,000 pounds and will involve building the structure on Fazeley Street in the Birmingham city centre by June.

courtesy -- timesindia

DHALL

SANGEET KA SAFAR ANOTHER NEWS.

Mohammad Rafi: Who wouldn't admire him?



My friend, a nice human being and also a committed Jan Sanghi, recently said in an argument that Muhammad Rafi was one man he idolised despite his own distaste towards Muslims in his teenage years.

'I don't think any other Muslim has been loved, admired and heard so much in this country', he said and I couldn't agree more.

When we talk about Muslims who were and are role models, we hardly remember Rafi these days. The most popular playback singer ever, Rafi's melodious voice has enchanted, enamoured and lifted the moods of millions everday for the last five decades. From 1946 to 1980 Rafi Sahab reigned over the Bombay film industry. Across the vast landscape of this country, wherever you go you will surely hear Rafi's voice from radios at the streetside shops and homes. It is generally believed that there can never be a second Rafi. A great singer and a great human being, Rafi Sahab helped innumerable needy persons. There used to be a queue outside his house and he handed over the envelopes containing Rs 100 or Rs 200 without asking anybody's name. He was born in 1924 in Punjab and passed away in 1980.

When he passed away, Gulzar wrote:

Ba-yaad-e-Haji Mohammad Rafee'a

Kahta hai koi
Dil gaya, Dilbar chala gaya
Sahil hai pukarta
Samandar chala gaya
Jo baat sach hai kahta nahin koi
Ki is dunia se mauseequi ka payambar chala gaya

DHALL

ANOTHER NEWS FROM SANGEET KA SAFR.

City Based light music Singer Saleh Abdullah Hamza will give a performance 'Melodies Of The Legend Mohd Rafi' on June 15, here at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.

S.A.Hamza said that melodies of Mohd Rafi, an event coordinated by go Ballistic would plan to a prelude to Rafi Sahib's Death Anniversary, which falls on July 31. The entry for the show is by invitation, and we expect more than a thousand fan of Rafi will attend, he said.

Further, he said that he would always sing for a noble cause free of cost, and added that recently he gave a performance for the prisoners of cherlapally Jail. Singing was his passion and he was inspired by his mother to take to singing., Till today he has given over 200 public performance including Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, London, Canada and all major cities in India, apart from this he has also cut two albums and the first one is Ahistha…Ahistha, and Intezar, being the second one.

Mr.S.Vittal Rao (Ghazal Singer, Music Director), also spoke. S.A. Hamza said Salleem-ul-Haq, founder of sangeet Sagar will also be present on June 15.

Ghazal singer, Talat Aziz, Khalid Iqbal and other well-known artists will also participate, Hamza said.

DHALL

SANGEET KA SAFAR HAVE NEWS FROM PAKISTAN.

Lahore a launchpad for many filmstars and singers

By Shoaib Ahmed

LAHORE: Many high profile Indian actors and singers lived in the Walled City in the 1940s and Lakshmi Chowk was where the film fraternity got together in tongas decorated with maroon flowers, foot bells and lamps on the side.

The tonga was the primary means of transport for the ordinary and elite in the 40s. Most tongas were undecorated, but the ones used by the elite were special and fascinating.

Indian superstars Pran, Muhammad Rafi, Om Parkash, Balraj Sani, Dev Anand and many less known artistes started their film careers from Lahore. The film life in Lahore was very high profile and animated in those days. Lakshmi Chowk was the hot spot for formal and informal film gatherings.

Pran, who mostly played the role of a villain in films, lived in Qilla Gujjar Singh. He was a skilled photographer and took photographs of famous artistes. One day – while standing at a pan shop in Lakshmi Chowk – he met Wali, a leading film director of the time. Wali asked Pran if he was interested in acting and Pran said yes. Wali wrote the address of Pancholi Studios (one of the most famous film studios of Lahore in Muslim Town) on the back of a cigarette pack and asked Pran to see one of his friends there.

Pran started his film career with ‘Chaudhry’ and later appeared as a hero in ‘Khaandaan’, a film by Shaukat Hussain Rizvi. The heroine was melody queen Noor Jahan. Pran migrated to Bombay in 1947.

The subcontinent’s legendary singer Muhammad Rafi lived in Bhaati Gate. He was from a family of barbers and ran his own barbershop. Rafi had a beautiful voice and most of his customers would often ask him to sing for them while they got their hair cut or got a shave. A man from the film industry introduced Rafi to film director Gul Baloch who gave Rafi the opportunity to sing three songs for ‘Gul Zaman’. The film proved a launching point for Rafi’s film career in Lahore and by the time he migrated to India in 1947, he was an accomplished singer. In Bombay Rafi got a breakthrough in ‘Jugnoo’. The hero was Dilip Kumar and heroine Noor Jehan. Om Parkash was also one of the great names of Bombay. He lived at Matti Chowk, Lohari Gate and always rented out a decorated tonga to take him from Matti Chowk to Lakshmi Chowk every day. Parkash did many small and large roles in films made in Lahore and also migrated to India in 1947.

Balraj Sani also lived at Matti Chowk and was the secretary general of the All India Communist Party. He studied at Government College. Sani also acted in pre-Partition films in Lahore. Dev Anand lived in Lohari Gate, but later moved to Bhaati Gate. He also studied at Government College. Dev Anand participated actively in politics in Lahore. His brother Chaitan Anand was a famous film director in Lahore and was considered quite influential in film studios when it came to casting and other affairs.

Meena Shori was one of the leading female actors of her times. She lived in Bhaati Gate and married the owner of Shori Film Studio (now Shah Noor Studio). She acted in several pre-Partition films made in Lahore and migrated to India in 1947. In 1956 she returned to Pakistan to act in ‘Ms 56’ and never went back to India. She accepted Islam and started living in Lahore. BR Chopra is a leading name in production and direction in the Indian film industry. Chopra lived in an area where at present Chuburji Quarters exist. He produced a film in Lahore called ‘Chandni Chowk’. Khayam, one of the leading music composers of the Indian film industry, was his assistant and served him and his guests tea.

Khurshid Begum was an outstanding singer from Lahore who migrated to India in 1947. She also lived in Bhaati Gate. She sang several famous songs for various Indian films. She sang a great song for film ‘Tan Sain’ with singer Sehgal. She returned to Pakistan after a few years and started living in Karachi.

Tanveer Naqvi was a noted lyricist of his times. He lived in Faqirkhana Museum inside Bhaati Gate. He wrote ‘Awaz Dey Kahan Hai’ and ‘Jaan-e-Baharan, Rashk-e-Chaman’. He migrated to India in 1947. Naqvi also returned to Pakistan after a few years and spent the rest of his life in Lahore. Lakshmi Chowk was the focal point of Lahore’s film industry crowd. By the evening, Lakshmi would be full of tongas, with film stars, top film directors and producers thronging teahouses and discussing filmy affairs. Pran, Om Parkash and Al Nasir, another Lahori film hero, would spend their evenings chatting and playing billiards.

There also was a hotel called King Circle at Lakshmi Chowk where film stars gathered. A bank has taken its place these days. Even today Lakshmi Chowk is a major centre of filmi Lahore


DHALL

SANGEET KA SAFAR HAVE THIS IS RARE NEWS FROM PAKISTAN.

Syed Abid Ali

Jaddan Bai called out to her daughter Kaneez to come in. I remember that she wore her hair in a ponytail and was dressed in a frock - she looked attractive and fresh. I was told that she was joining the film industry under the name of Nargis

My mother’s first cousin, Tanvir Naqvi, was a poet who had carved out a niche for himself in Bollywood in the early forties. He was much sought after as a songwriter. During this period, my parents also lived in Bombay and I invariably spent my summer holidays with them.

In June 1944 Tanvir sent me a message asking me to bring along Mohammed Rafi on my next trip to Bombay. Rafi was then a young and upcoming singer who often performed for my maternal grandfather along with his mentor, All Bakhsh Zahur, in our ancestral haveli in Lahore’s Kucha Faqir Khana. Rafi’s family managed a men’s salon in nearby Noor Mohalla.

In early July Rafi, chaperoned by his family friend, Hameed who later became his manager, came to Bombay with me. Tanvir Naqvi introduced him to some leading film producers such as AR Kardar, Mahbub and actor-director Nazeer.

If I remember correctly, Rafi got his break in Nazeer’s Laila Majnu starring Nazeer and his wife Swaran Lata. He sang the song Ja raha hai carvan, yeh zindagi ka carvan, which became an instant hit. Tanvir Naqvi wrote the lyrics of the song. Mohammed Rafi never looked back after that. He went on to sing for Kardar’s Swami, Mahbub’s Anmol Ghadi etc. He hit the pinnacle of fame with Shaukat Hussain Rizvi’s Jugnu — he sang the memorable duet with Nur Jehan Yahaan badla wafa ka baywafai kay siva kya hai.

In Bombay, we lived in one portion of a sprawling bungalow which we shared with Roshan Ara Begum and Chaudhry Mohammed Husain her husband who was a police officer. I slept alone on our side of the thinly partitioned verandah. On the other side, Roshan Ara Begum did her daily Riaz with the first rays of the sun. I always woke up with her first alaap.

Soon after his arrival in Bombay, Rafi performed at our house on the birthday of my younger sister. Roshan Ara Begum, walked in when he started singing, and was captivated. When my mother introduced Rafi to her, she said that the ‘young man with the golden voice was destined to go far in life.’

Tanvir Naqvi, a bachelor, lived in a spacious apartment which he shared from time to time with youngsters who came to Bombay, aspiring to make it in Bollywood. Music Director Rafiq Ghaznavi, director/script writer Zia Sarhady, actors Masud, Wasti and Romesh and singer/composer Khan Mastana lived in the same vicinity and were frequent visitors at his place.

Once when I dropped one evening, I saw Amin Malik, a fresh arrival in search of a job, preparing a concoction with green leaves, almonds, pistachios and Misri. Once the drink had been prepared, it was offered to everyone present except me. Rafiq Ghaznavi said that the ‘sweet poison was not meant for raw youngsters like me’.

As the evening progressed, so did the shenanigans. Rafiq Ghaznavi with a small stick in hand directed an imaginary choir while Khan Mastana repeatedly sang the same song. Amin Malik performed gymnastic — at one point in the evening he stood upside down against the wall. Wasti indulged in endless mimicry, Tanvir kept on crying and Zia Sarhady walked out suddenly after being uncharacteristically boisterous. We learnt later that he had roamed the streets aimlessly the entire night.

Whenever I was in Bombay, I visited different film studios with Tanvir Naqvi and another relative, Munawar H. Kasim, a film director. He was my uncle by marriage. I was fascinated by filmmaking. Thus I came in contact with many film personalities such as film star-cum-singer Khurshid, comedians Gope, Charlie and Ghori and the new comers Dilip Kumar and Rai Kapoor.

What proved a real boon was the prohibition introduced by Morarji Desai the excise minister in the provincial Congress Government. (He later became the Indian prime minister). Bollywood was the hardest hit by prohibition.

Our family business managed the officer’s messes for the British armed forces. Tanvir Naqvi asked me to request my father, a teetotaller himself, for some ‘supplies’. I reluctantly mentioned the matter to my father. He immediately ordered the bar manager to give me a crate, charged to his own account. He told me that it was a gift for my mamoon and that he could have half a crate every fortnight if he was willing to pay for it.

Tanvir lost no time narrating the incident to all his friends. And I suddenly became a hit with the Bollywood crowd. It was due to this incident that Rafiq Ghaznavi asked me to the famous Poona races. Ghaznavi drove me to Poona in his convertible Singer. I still remember that the drive was extremely scenic and that he sang continuously. Unfortunately, he lost heavily at the races and on our way back I sat next to a morose Rafiq Ghaznavi who hummed one sad tune after another, without saying a single word.

Once I also went to Poona with Tanvir. We travelled by train. When the train reached our destination, Tanvir was lost in thought, smoking a cigarette. He was oblivious to his surroundings. I gently touched his arm and told him that we had arrived at Poona. He got up in a flurry, promptly threw his hat out of the window and put the burning cigarette on his head.

Tanvir lived on the third floor of an apartment building called Gulshan Mahal. One evening, while we were standing in the balcony, an old man beckoned him from the front lawns below. He went down immediately and I saw him have a word with the old man, before returning to the balcony. Then he beckoned the old man to come up. The old man did and knocked at the door. Tanvir quietly told him ‘Baba maaf karo’ and closed the door. However, the next minute he sent his servant down with a ten rupee note for the beggar.

I still remember the time I was standing alone in the balcony and saw him get out of a taxi. I shouted to catch his attention. He looked up, returned the greetings and promptly shook hands with a stranger standing on the pavement!

Actor Romesh who came from Nairobi (his real name was Lateef) and had become famous for his performance in Mahbub’s Pukar was a frequent visitor to Gulshan Mahal. One day he invited me to accompany him to Jaddan Bai’s apartment at Marine Drive. We were welcomed heartily and were served a sumptuous tea.

Jaddan Bai called out to her daughter Kaneez to come in. I remember that she wore her hair in a ponytail and was dressed in a frock — she looked attractive and fresh. I was told that she was joining the film industry under the name of Nargis.

After we left, Romesh impishly told me that he had arranged the meeting at Jaddan Bai’s behest, who was looking for a match for her daughter.

I still remember the day when the legendary actor-cum-producer-director, Prithvi Raj called on my father. He was accompanied by his young son, Raj Kapoor. Prithvi Raj had heard my father, Syed Asghar Nizami, a known poet of his day; recite his verses at an All India Mushaira in Bombay. Prithvi Raj had been impressed and had come over to ask him to write the songs for his film as well as his theatre productions. My father politely declined and suggested that he approach Tanvir Naqvi who was better suited for the assignment as he had become famous with the song Awaz day kahan hai.

I enjoyed my tryst with Bollywood. But what I enjoyed even more was when I returned to Lahore and became the centre of attraction for my college mates, eager for the latest gossip about film personalities. However, all this ended with the partition in 1947.

A number of the film personalities migrated to Pakistan. Tanvir Naqvi and many of his friends including Shaukat Hussain Rizvi and Nur Jehan settled in Lahore and began the uphill task of building the film industry in the new country. I tried to keep in touch with Tanvir’s friends.

While I was working for the Tourism department at Karachi, I roped in Zia Sarhady to make half a dozen documentary films on Pakistan’s tourist attractions. My wife and I were regular visitors at Yousaf Bhaimian’s who had married Irshad apa (Khurshid). I came across Rafiq Ghaznavi frequently at artist Nagi’s house. Madam Nur Jehan became a close family friend, especially after her elder sister, Eidan Begum, married Tanvir Naqvi. More about Madam some other time.

This is the last of a four part series by Syed Abid Ali, former Director General Public Relations, Punjab, Secretary General PNCA and Chairman of the Old Ravians Association


DHALL

sangeet ka safar have some old news:>>>
What the stars say about Rafi Sahab


OP Nayyar(Music director)
"I loved Mohammed Rafi. His death was a big loss to me. When I composed for Shammi Kapoor or Johnny Walker, he managed to sound like them. He sang so many wonderful songs for me. Rafi miyan was a wonderful person. Nobody can ever be compared to him."




Lata Mangeshkar(singer)
"A man of unassuming temparament, Rafi Sahab was very melodious. It's my good fortune that I sang the maximum number of duets with him. He sang every kind of song so brilliantly that even those listeners not very conversant with music, would spontaneously break into appreciative wahs - wahs. Singers like Rafi Sahab aren't born everyday."


Asha Bhosle(singer)
"His greatest ability was that he could sing at a high pitch and shift to a low pitch immediately. He could manage that very well. One of his songs which I love is Suhani raat dhal chuki."



Johny Walker(comedian-actor)
"Rafi Sahab was such a dedicated singer that he would take time to meet with the actors and to study the actors' personalities so that he could match his singing style with the actors' style, accent and pronunciation. Jab Rafi Sahab mere liye gaate, tab aisa lagta ki main khud ga raha hoon(When Rafi Sahab sang for me, it seemed like I was singing)".


Laxmikant(music director)
"He was a great human being. He would never ask what he was going to be paid for a song. Apart from waving off payments, he even helped producers financially. He'd help out the needy. He always gave without thinking of the returns.
Once Rafi recorded six songs in a day for us-two for Anjaam, one for Maa Aur Mamta, two for Man Ki Ankhen and one for Pyasi Shyam. Imagine, he could memorise six songs in a day! And he could do this at live recordings and not through the easy dubbing method that's on today. If any singer claims that he has recorded 25-30 songs in a day, he's talking nonsense. There's only one singer in India who can even attempt that and that's S.P.Balasubramaniam, not anyone else.
The demand for Mohammed Rafi's songs is phenomenal. No other singer, not even Lata Mangeshkar, has been able to attract such a tremendous following. It's almost as if he were still alive."



Shahid Rafi(son)
"If a producer was in a tight spot Abba would'nt accept any money from him. He was a God fearing man. He felt he was an instrument through whom God was singing...whenever he was extra busy he'd ask the producer to give the song to another singer)".


Naushad Ali(music director)
Tu hi tha pyar ka ek saaz
Nafrat ki is duniya mein
ganimat thi teri awaz
nafrat ki is duniya mein. On Rafi's death Naushad sahab remarked...
Kehta hai koi dil gaya, dilbar chala gaya
Saahil pukarta hai, samundar chala gaya
Lekin jo baat sach hai, woh kehta nahin koi
Duniya se mausiqui ka paembar chala gaya !!!

"He earned respect and his popularity touched the sky. The magic of his voice enthralled the whole world. His popularity, respect and wealth all increased tremendously, YET he ALWAYS remained modest. Like a fruit-bearing tree, the more he fructified, the more he bent in front of the world. His heart was filled with fear of God and the love for truth. Generosity and altruism were part of his system. God and truth were the only sources of inspiration for him. And he always used to say Tum yahan jaisa karoge waisa bharoge, ye duniya ek mandir hai"


Jagjit Singh(ghazal singer)
"Rafi sahab had immense versatality and an ability to take on the personality of the hero on whom the song was picturised. Every time you hear a Rafi song, you see the hero, you can vividly put in place the situation and correctly access the mood."



Raj Kapoor(Actor/producer/director)
Raj kapoor's reaction on hearing the news about Rafi's death wasb "In the world of music, the uncrowned king of singing has left us".




Shammi Kapoor(actor)

Shammi Kapoor acknowledges that Rafi had a lot to do with his success. "It was amazing the way Rafisaab adapted himself to what I wanted him to do. I used to be terribly involved with my songs and go for all the recordings. I used to make it clear how I wanted a certain line sung and Rafisaab always responded. I remember when the song Tareef karoon kya uski (in Kashmir Ki Kali) was being recorded, I wanted the signature line Tareef karoon to be repeated till it reached a crescendo. O P Nayyar, the composer and a friend of mine, objected. He thought it would sound boring. But suddenly, Rafisaab spoke up and said 'I would like to do it the way the boy wants it because I know what he wants'." When the film was released, the song was a big hit. Nayyar hugged Kapoor and congratulated him for his foresight, but the actor maintains "it was possible only because Rafisaab had taken the song to such a pitch and had sung each repetition in a different style." He adds, with a touch of pride, "Though Rafisaab sang for all the actors -- be it Dilip Kumar or Johnny Walker -- he was especially identified with me. Some songs sung by him and picturised on Joy Mukherjee and Biswajeet were actually my kind of songs. Baharon phool barsao, Pukarta chala hoon main or Teri pyari pyari surat ko -- these were my songs, sung in Rafi's special style for me. I remember when he sang Main gaoon tum so jaao for Brahmachari, I told him how I wanted him to sing one particular line. When he saw the picturisation he came and kissed my hand and said, 'it's very beautiful, why didn't I think of that?' I felt as if my own voice had been lost and could not utter a word for hours when I heard this shocking news of Rafi Sahab's death."



Shabir Kumar(singer)
"I have been singing Rafisahab's songs since 1968 when I first started performing on stage in my hometown of Baroda. I have met Rafisahab only twice and both meetings were very moving. He was so nice and kind to me even though I was a nobody at that time. The first time I met him at Famous studio in 1972, there were a lot of people waiting to meet him. I used to sketch then and drew a sketch of him when he was recording. As soon as he passed me I showed the sketch in his hands to get his attention. He encouraged me a lot. Even today, there is a large audience for Rafi's songs."

Anand Bakshi(lyricist)
Even today when I write something I imagine how it would sound if Rafisahab had sung it. His place can never be filled again."



Nitin Mukesh(singer)
"Amongst his contemporaries, my father’s favourite singer was Mohammed Rafi. He loved Rafisaab's voice, and believed that nobody could replace him."


Udit Narayan(singer)
Udit Narayan talks about his FIRST recording with Rafi Saheb "As it was a dream come true I was obviously excited, and to add to my excitement I was to sing none other than with Rafisaab, that very singer whom I worshipped as my guru, whose voice I used to hear on the radio, was in front of me! I can't describe my ecstasy. But I was a bit nervous too. Rafisaab, realised this and the angel that he was, he comforted me by saying 'You remind me of myself. I too was of your age when I came in the industry. Do not worry keep going.'(Mohd. Rafi was a chorus singer at the start of his career.) "



Khayyam(music director)
"Rafisahab was the pride of India. His voice and his memories are still with us even though his body has left us."


SD Batish(singer of 40s)
"His extremely humble way of showing respect for my seniority, before all gathered, left an impression of utmost respect and regard in my mind. Time went by, and Mr. Rafi, with his, ever flexible good voice and sensitively flexible behavior, did not waste much time, in becoming the favorite playback singer of the film industry. It had been observed that he would not disappoint any film producer or music director who would invite him to sing. Whether he could pay or not. This created no problem for the generous Mr. Rafi. At the appointed time, the song would be recorded to the satisfaction of the music director."


Manna Dey(singer)
"Despite being an educated singer, I could never reach Rafi's height of popularity. And he sang very good songs that I could never hope to sing. His style was unique. I sing Rafi's songs to myself when I am alone. He was a singer par excellence. He was an uneducated singer like Lata, but their voices are gifts of God. It cannot be anything else!"
"I have been singing for many years now. I have seen and heard so many singers. But the most brilliant of all singers and all songs are the ones sung by Mohammed Rafi! "
"Mohammad Rafi was king, and Manna never grudged him his success because he genuinely believed that Rafi was better than he was! "
"In my time, there were giant singers. Rafi was there, and he was such a great singer. He used to sing for everybody -- the hero, the villain and the comedian. "
"How can you ever dream of singing what legendary singer like Rafi have sung? I do not claim to come up to his standards. "


Dharmendra(Actor)
On being asked "Hemant Kumar, Mukesh, Mohammad Rafi, Kishore Kumar... all of them provided playback for you. Whose voice suited you the best?", macho man Dharmendra said: " Mohammad Rafi's contribution to my career is immense. From numbers like Jaane kya dhoondti rehti hain yeh aankhen mujh mein ('Shola Aur Shabnam') right till Main jat yamla pagla deewana ('Pratigyaa') have remained evergreen. The other singers have also made huge contributions to my career. I can never forget that. But Rafi saab is a personal favourite. " - Source: Filmfare 2000



Sonu Nigam(singer)
"Rafi Saab is God to me. I have grown up listening to him and imitating him in my early years. Rafi Saab sounded only like Rafi Saab if he sang Chahe koi mujhe junglee kahe from Junglee, or Man tarpat Hari darshan ko from Baiju Bawra which is what made him the legend he was.

dhall

soon more news coming.
dhall

Great thread. Interesting stuff. Thanks Dhall-ji

sangeet ka safar have this news.


Mohd Rafi- The Immortal Collection- 5 VCDs Pack

this all songs is very good.
dhall

HELLO
SANGEET KA SAFAR HAVE VERY GOOD NEWS RAFI JI
Rafi’s grandson makes a debut

The talent show ‘Mera Star Superstar’ which aims at unearthing young talent in singing, acting and dancing (between the ages 5-14 years) saw a surprise entrant. Fuzail Rafi (12), grandson of the legendary singer Mohammed Rafi was declared the first runner-up in the audition rounds.

The 50 short-listed candidates from across the country will now compete for a scholarship of Rs 5 lakh. The show will go on air in September on Star Plus.


WHA WAH WAH WAH KYA BAAT HAI

DHALL

SANGEET KA SAFAR HAVE MORE THAN 2000NEWS ABOUT RAFI JI

Rafi Ki Yaad’ concert on August 23

Times News Service
Wednesday, July 18, 2007 12:38:44 AM Oman Time


MUSCAT –– Renowned Indian playback singer Mohammed Aslam will be performing at the Rafi Ki Yaad concert at Al Falaj Hotel on August 23.

Aslam, who is a singer well-known for his rendition of the golden melodies of musical legend Mohammed Rafi, was here to perform for a show in the month of February this year and is being brought back on popular demand.

Though he is known to have a voice that closely resembles Mohammed Rafi’s, the variety of songs he renders are wide and varied. Ranging from the soul-stirring hauntingly melodious numbers of yesteryear to the modern rap numbers, Mohammed Aslam has perfected them all. Mohammed Aslam had recently catapulted to fame rendering A. R. Rehman’s song Masti ki patshaala for the movie Rang De Basanti.

“It is not true that I sing only Mohammed Rafi’s songs. At concerts, I sing songs of Kishore Kumar, K. L. Saigal, Manna Dey, Talat Mehmood, Sonu Nigaam and Udit Narayan. It depends on the concept of the concerts,” Aslam had clarified this to Times of Oman when he was here last time.

In fact he takes inspiration from Mohammed Rafi, Yesudas, Kishore Kumar, S. P. Balasubramanium and Lata Mangeshkar. His favourite composers are Madan Mohan, Naushad, Shanker Jaikishen, and O. P. Nayyar.

“Through my ears I have learned from all of them. I learn from them everyday. I correct myself listening to them,” Aslam said.

Aslam has a deep-seated philosophy in all aspects of his life. According to him, the vastness and magnitude of music has no comparison. Music is limitless and timeless.

Aslam has done a number of stage shows in various part of the world like the USA, the UK, Malaysia, Singapore, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, etc. He has also shared stages with renowned artists like O. P. Nayyar, Hariharan, Daler Mehndi, Sadhna Sargam, Annu Maalik and Abhijeet.

He has also performed on stage with great south Indian melody king K.J. Yesudas on a number of occasions. He recently sang many hit numbers in films like Guru (Hindi) and Godfather (Tamil).

Mimicry artistes Ranjan Sahu from Mumbai will also perform along with a lady artiste.

“After the runaway success of the Rafi Ki Yadein show in February, we have been flooded with requests by his ardent fans for an encore. Upon our request Aslam has kindly consented to return to Muscat for yet another show due to popular public demand. I am extremely happy therefore that he will be performing here again very soon and have no doubt that Mohammed Aslam will excel yet again and leave behind fond memories,” explained Ummer Eramangalam, programme coordinator.

“We also intend to give the proceeds of the programme to charity. However, there will be no ticket sales and the show will be only for invited guests,” Ummer added.

Connoisseurs of music are looking forward to Aslam’s show. Pankaj of Indian Airlines says: “Aslam’s voice, knowledge of songs, style and above all stamina is spectacular.”

Hamsa of Hamsa Polyclinic adds: “He is a gifted artiste who can emulate Rafi, Kishore Kumar with delightful ease. We are looking forward to listening to his melodious voice once again.”

“Aslam’s voice is a true copy of the great Rafi saab. If you listen to Aslam and close your eyes you will feel Rafi saab is singing. I was fortunate to attend that Rafi concert in Oman in 1975. Based on that I can say that Aslam has Rafi saab soul when he sings,” Sardar of Indian Social Club said. Satish Nambiar, president of ISC, also spoke highly of Aslam’s calibre. Veersingh of BEC said: “Aslam is a gifted singer with tremendous capacity and I am eagerly awaiting his next show.”

“It is a treat to hear Aslam’s rendition of immortal songs of Manna Dey and Mohammed Rafi,” says Manjit Wadhwa, National Bank of Oman.

C. M. Najeeb, general manager of Towell Barwil LLC, says: “I have known Aslam for quite a long time now and even during his early days as a singer I knew that he would make it big one day. He has lived up to my expectations and is really an outstanding performer today.”

Harmony Music and Arts Centre will do the orchestration. For more information call Iqbal Banatwala at 99330619 or Ummer at 92726558.

DHALL

SANGEET KA SAFAR NEWS FROM UK

Midlands Masala
You are in: Birmingham > Midlands Masala > Mohammed Rafi


Mohammed Rafi
Mohammed Rafi
By Raj Kaushal, website user
The CBSO celebrates the legendary Bollywood singer Mohammed Rafi, Bollywood’s answer to Frank Sinatra.



Like Mohammed Ali, listen to another Mohammed who was simply the greatest.

Mohammed Rafi sung over 26,000 songs in a career spanning 40 years, most of those spent as the undisputed King of Bollywood playback singers.

When Mohammed Rafi was a little boy, a fakir used to wander by his house in Lahore singing songs. Captivated by the beautiful sounds, the little boy would follow the holy man and sing along.

So began the musical journey of Rafi, a magical trip that would lead him to Bombay, the blossoming Bollywood film industry and immortality as, arguably, the greatest ever male Hindi playback singer.

Born in 1924 in Punjab to a middle class Muslim family of barbers, Mohammed Rafi was not meant to enter the world of music. His strict father regarded singing as an inappropriate career for his son, but with the help of his older brother, the young Rafi changed his mind and by the age of 7 was being trained in Indian classical music.

By the age of 13 he had amazed an audience of thousands with his debut public performance, and by the age of 18 had arrived in Bombay, ready to conquer Bollywood.


Mohammed Rafi montage

It was clear from the beginning that Rafi had a unique talent which distinguished him from the other playback singers of the era but it was only when he teamed up with the music composer Naushad – most notably in the 1952 classic film Baiju Bawra – that Rafi established himself as one of the greatest playback singers in Indian cinema.

Rafi revealed a golden voice of unrivaled tonal quality and range, which had the power to pitch lyrics from the lowest modulations to high soprano.

This incredible versatility of range soon attracted all the stars and, during the 1950s and 1960s – unquestionably the golden age of Hindi film music – Rafi became the voice of all the cinema greats, from Dilip Kumar and Guru Dutt, to Shammi Kapoor and Dharmendra.

Rafi proved his greatness further with an astonishing display of vocal pyrotechnics that used intonation and inflection to ensure no actor he lent his voice to ever sounded like the other.

But Rafi was more than just an outstanding Hindi playback singer. During his 40-year career he sang over 26,000 songs in all the national languages of India, achieving an unequaled level of success in many genres of Asian music, from ghazals and geets, to qawwalis and bhajans.

Surprisingly, Rafi could have pushed back the musical boundaries even further but in 1980, at the age of 55, he died of a heart attack.

CBSO pay tribute

On the 7th April 2006, the CBSO pays tribute to the legendary Rafi with a concert that showcases many of his much loved songs. It is a creatively bold and pioneering step by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra as they are investing in local artists who will play tribute to Mohammed Rafi

Whilst there are many South Asian musicians worthy of being honoured by the CBSO, it is difficult to think of a better starting point than Rafi to introduce the sounds of Hindi music to the West and the talents of the CBSO to the culturally diverse communities in and around Birmingham.

His influence stretched across generations and musical genres, encouraging and inspiring many of the great Asian singers in modern music.

"The singers performing at the concert are local to the West Midlands, yet also have an international recognition, such as Mehboob Chohan who had the privilege of receiving personal tuition from the great Mohammed Rafi." said Parminder Singh Jutla.

"The other singers are British Asian bhangra legends Shin, who came second in the tribute competition on the first anniversary of Rafi’s death, and Slinder Pardesi, who has recorded two tribute albums to Rafi."

Shin added: "On the night we will be reliving and paying tribute to the great Mohammed Rafi. The audience will have the opportunity to hear 18 tracks played to a live orchestra, similar to how they would have been originally recorded. It will truly be a magical night for all."

SANGEET KA SAFAR HAVE NEWS FROM DOHA(QTAAR)


Doha Waves to hold music programme
Web posted at: 7/11/2007 6:43:45
Source ::: The Peninsula
Doha • Doha Waves, an Indian cultural organisation in Qatar, will host its annual Rafi Ki Yadein (remembering Rafi) programme at ICC Ashoka Hall on August 2. The event marks the 27th death anniversary of legendary Hindi playback singer Mohammed Rafi, said Doha Waves general secretary Vijay Seshan.

Doha's talented singers will present Rafi's popular Hindi songs at the function. As part of promoting singers, this time the organisers will give chance to new faces to perform at the event. Interested singers can contact the organisers for registration. Phone-5212021 or 6558248.


DHALL

SANGEET KA SAFAR NEWS

Bollywood's Lahori connection
posted by Hasan Mubarak at 1:09 PM on May 02, 2006
I knew about Yash Chopra, who used to live in Chauburgi Quarters. Here are a many more of Indian celebrities who have had their roots or big breaks in Lahore:

"Many high profile Indian actors and singers lived in the Walled City in the 1940s and Lakshmi Chowk was where the film fraternity got together in tongas decorated with maroon flowers, foot bells and lamps on the side."



"Indian superstars Pran, Muhammad Rafi, Om Parkash, Balraj Sani, Dev Anand and many less known artistes started their film careers from Lahore. The film life in Lahore was very high profile and animated in those days. Lakshmi Chowk was the hot spot for formal and informal film gatherings."

"The subcontinent's legendary singer Muhammad Rafi lived in Bhaati Gate. He was from a family of barbers and ran his own barbershop. Rafi had a beautiful voice and most of his customers would often ask him to sing for them while they got their hair cut or got a shave. A man from the film industry introduced Rafi to film director Gul Baloch who gave Rafi the opportunity to sing three songs for 'Gul Zaman'. The film proved a launching point for Rafi's film career in Lahore and by the time he migrated to India in 1947, he was an accomplished singer. In Bombay Rafi got a breakthrough in 'Jugnoo'. The hero was Dilip Kumar and heroine Noor Jehan."
DHALL

Excellent information bhai

sangeet ka safar this news.

Yeh Zindagi ke mele, duniya mein kam na honge, Afsoos! hum na honge....

--- A Mohammed Rafi song

MOHAMMED RAFI is one lucky man in history. The adoration for this legendary singer, who died 23 years ago, is phenomenal by all standards. Accepted by the connoisseur and the layman alike, Rafi's posthumous fame has been greater than what he enjoyed during his lifetime. Rafi fans outnumber those of any contemporary singer.

Even people who compered his shows, such as Shahid Bijnori, became famous after Rafi's demise (the compere's sole claim to fame being that he was a part of Rafi shows). All the more reason for the organisers of a commemorative programme on `Rafi saab' to be careful about the choice and presentation of songs and singers.

About 20 singers featured in a Rafi remembrance show organised in the city recently by the Swaralaya and the Mohammed Rafi International Foundation. Veteran playback singer K. J. Jesudas inaugurated the show.

Unfortunately, this much-awaited programme, performed to a packed hall, fell victim to unimpressive selection of songs and poor diction. The introduction to the songs too was naive.

Knowledge of Hindi becomes a drawback while attending such programmes, since the chances of the lyric being mutilated are aplenty.

Only a few singers such as Pradeep Somasundaran, K. K. Naushad, Thoppil Anto, Babu Thunderbirds, Imtiaz, Manjari and Bombay S. Kamal got their diction right.

The songs of Rafi are known not only for their achievements in music but also for their lyrical richness. Rafi belonged to the golden age of Hindi lyrics, when the likes of Sahir Ludhianvi, Shailendra, Kaifi Azmi, Hazrat Jaipuri and Majrooh Sultanpuri were in full form.

On the face of it, many of the singers at the show went in without doing their homework. B. Arundhati, who was supposed to sing Ehsan tera hoga mujh par (the masterpiece from `Junglee') preferred the word `Pehchan' to `Ehsan', to the utter disappointment of the language lover. She sang Tum ne mujh ko sapna dikhaaya; rone kahooge, ro lenge ab... (meaning `You showed me dreams; I'll shed tears if u want me to...!) instead of Tum ne mujho hasna sikhaya; rone kahooge ro lenge ab (meaning `you taught me how to laugh; I'll cry if you want me to... ')!

Adding to the woes of listeners was the introduction to each song, with flawed phrases that kept the audience guessing.

Another drawback was the selection of songs. Of the 26,000-odd songs that Rafi rendered, the ones chosen were the oft-repeated.

No effort was made to unearth the not-so-popular gems from Rafi's corpus. None of the Guru Dutt classics was touched.

Nevertheless, the show was made memorable by some very good rendering by Pradeep Somasundaran, Yassin Nissar, Sainoj and Gopan. The find of the evening was K. K. Naushad, who hails from Kozhikode. Naushad chose to sing the hit, Duniya ke Rakhwaale, from `Baiju Bawra'. He modelled his rendition on that in Rafi's London concert (1979), which has, of late, become more popular than the original track.

Vijay Jesudas, singing Baharon Phool Barsao. (`Suraj') and Aaj kal tere mere pyaar ke charche (`Brahmachari'), was technically sound, but the emotional content of the songs never came through. Gopan did an excellent job with Man re tu kahe na dheer dhare (`Chitralekha'). So did Pradeep Somasundaran, with Madhuban mein radhika nache. (`Kohinoor'). Yassin Nissar, who sang Chahoonga main tujhe (`Dost'), did a perfect job except for the undue stress on technicality.

Remembrance is an art in itself. As Jesudas said in his inaugural address, "Studying Mohammed Rafi can help a budding singer more than any textbook on music do."

Rafi songs are not only the gateway to sublime music but also the treasure trove of language.

A Rafi song leaves in the mind of the listener a feeling of goodness and love. His immortality lies not merely in the huge number of songs to which he lent his voice, but also in the way he approached each of his 26,000 songs.

Yaad na jaaye...

Mohammed Rafi was born in Lahore, on December 24, 1924. He took his lessons in music from Ghulam Ali Khan. The break in films came in 1944, with `Gul Baloch', which was directed by Shyam Sunder.

Rafi peaked in the Sixties. His voice was identified with almost all film stars of the day, including Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Rajendra Kumar, Pradeep Kumar, Shammi Kapoor and Guru Dutt.

Rafi was awarded the Padmasri in 1965.

Recipient of a number of awards including the National Award and the Filmfare Award, Rafi ruled over his contemporaries like an emperor. With the emergence of Kishore Kumar in the first half of the Seventies, Rafi's career suffered a major setback. Kishore Kumar came to be accepted as the `voice of Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan'.

Rafi staged a brilliant comeback in the latter half of the Seventies, with Kya hua, tera vaada (`Hum Kissi Se Kam Nahin') and Ramji ki nikli sawari (`Sargam').

He went on to deliver hits such as the ones from the Bachchan starrers, `Naseeb', and `Dostana'.

Rafi's last song was recorded by Lakshmikant-Pyarelal for `Aas Paas': Tu kahi aas paas hai dost...


good news MASTERS ALL: (From left) arranger Sebastian, singer Mohammed Rafi, flautist Sumantraj, composer Shanker and director Raj Kapoor during the recording of `Ramaiyya Vastavayya'

dhall

sangeet ka safar show news

Budding singers show their mettle
By Devinder Bir Kaur

YEAR after year die-hard fans of Mohammed Rafi throng Tagore Theatre in Chandigarh to enjoy the evergreen songs of an era gone by when melody was king, lyrics were poetic and meaningful and voices of the singers gifts of gods. Recreating that magic was the annual function, Rafi Award-99, organised by the Yaadgar-e-Rafi Society last Saturday.

Besides paying homage to the immortal singer on his death anniversary (July 31), the society offers a platform to budding singers of the region to expose their talent through a song competition.

This year too boys and girls vying for the awards presented their vocal talent before a discerning audience and judges Ms Meera Gautam, B. M. Kalia and Atul Sharma. While the top honours could be had by only one singer each in the male and female category, the audience had its own favourites. M. Naushad deservedly won the Best Singer trophy for the poetic Aap ke haseen rukh pe aaj naya noor hai... (“Baharein Phir Bhi Aayeingi”). He did a clean sweep for the judges’ choice round by belting out the comedy song Bade miyan deewane, aise na bano... (“Shagird”) with that added lilt that made all the difference. His duet Din sara guzara tore angna... (“Junglee”) with Nikhat Ali too was beautifully rendered.

The First Runner-up in the male category, Amarjit Singh, has proved his mettle time and again. This time too he won over the audience with the romantic number Zara sun haseena-e-nazneen... (“Kaun Apna Kaun Paraya”) sung in his satin-smooth voice. For the judges’ choice he came out with Rafi’s lovable Punjabi number Pyar de bhulekhe kinne sohne sohne kha gaye... (“Bhangra”). His duet Chali chali re patang meri chali re... (“Bhabhi”) with child wonder Prachi was as zestful as the original number.

Quite close on the heels of the winners was Devendra Kaushik. He sang Chehre se apne aaj to parda uthaiye... (“Palki”), but proved his talent by showing his grasp on the classical song Akhiyan sang akhiyan laagi aaj... (“Bada Aadmi”) . He reinstated this aspect in another classical number, a duet, Jeevan mein piya tera saath rahe... (“Goonj Uthi Shehnai”) which he sang with Darshan Saini. He missed the winner’s trophy but not the audience’s appreciation.

A pleasant entrant on the singing scene was Ramesh Kumar. He belted out the melodious Deewana keh ke aaj mujhe phir pukariye... (“Mulzim”) and the patriotic Nafrat ki lathi todo, laalach ka khanjar phenko... (“Desh Premi”). However, it was his duet Dil tera diwana hai sanam... (“Dil Tera Diwana”), with another new entrant, Sana Gaffar, which was greatly appreciated.

Another singer to get a hearty response from the audience was R.S. Kala for Itni haseen itni jawan raat kya karen... (“Aaj aur Kal”). For the judges’ choice he sang the devotional Ishwar Allah tere naam, sabko sanmati de Bhagwan.... For the duet with Komal Rajdev, he got the all-time favourite Main chali main chali... (“Professor”).

R.L. Anand sang the tragic Koi sagar dil ko behlata nahin... (“Dil Diya Dard Liya”) Bringing out the pathos of its lyrics. His solo Suhani raat dhal chuki... (“Dulari”) and duet, with another regular Pushpa Saxena, Kabhi raat din hum door the, din raat ka ab saath hai... (“Aamne Samne”) were well rendered.

Ravinder Syan, Second Runner-up, too sang a sad number Mayus to hoon wade se tere... (“Barsaat ki Raat”) and a Punjabi song Ni Chambe di band kaliye.... His duet, with talented Rimmi Chopra, Sau saal pehle, mujhe tum se pyar tha... (“Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai”) was better appreciated.

The Best Singer trophy in the female category was won by Rimmi Chopra. In a flawless voice, which exhibited an easy grasp of the high pitches, she sang Nagma-o-sher ki saugat kise pesh karoon... (“Ghazal”). Perhaps, she also scored marks for her fast number the delightful Daga daga vai vai vai... (“Kali Topi Lal Rumal”). Her performance in the duet Sau saal pehle... too was just as good.

Nikhat Ali, First Runner-up, was good in the ghazal Yoon hasraton ke daag... (“Adalat”) and the devotional Allah tero naam... (“Hum Dono”). The excellent duet Din sara guzara tore angna... too obviously brought her marks.

But the surprise of the evening was Prachi, a child wonder. Without opening her mouth much and minus contorted expressions, she sang the gem Agar mujhse mohabbat hai... (“Aap ki Parchhaiyan”) with an effortless ease. For the judges’ choice too, she selected the old classic Bachpan ki mohabbat ko, dil se na juda karna... (“Baiju Bawra”). She reminded one of the young Lata of “Barsaat” days. Her duet Chali chali re patang... too was beautifully rendered. Expectedly, she was among the winners and got the Second Runner-up trophy.

Another very young entrant on the scene was Sana Gaffar who sang the old classic Mushkil hai bahut mushkil, chahat ka bhula dena... (“Mahal”). Her Punjabi pop song Likhadi haan tera naam... was peppy. But she showed her actual verve in the duet Dil tera, deewana hai sanam... which she sang with great zest.

Darshan Saini sang Mujhpe ilzam-e-bewafai hai... (“Yasmeen”) and a non-film song Saare sapne kahin kho gaye.... However, she made a commendable effort for the duet Jeevan mein piya tera saath rahe..., especially with the alaaps.

Komal Rajdev sang Hum pyar mein jalne walon ko... (“Jailor”). She was especially good in the popular Punjabi number Mera long gwacha.... Her duet Main chali, main chali... too was well rendered.

Pushpa Saxena had to her credit the lovely ghazal Jurm-e-ulfat pe hamein log saza dete hain... (“Taj Mahal”). For the song with the classical touch she rendered Koi matwala aaya mere dware... (“Love in Tokyo”) and exhibited her grasp on the medium. She also brought out her high-pitched tones in the duet Kabhi raat din hum door the....

Like always the orchestra team — Parveen Rathi, Suresh Naik, Subhash Naik, Manish, Puneet Talwar, Veval Sharma and S.P. Sharma under the baton of Raman Kant — added to the success of the programme. Raman Kant’s creation of the sound of thunder for the duet Dil tera diwana hai sanam... was marvellous and loudly applauded.

Whatever the outcome of the competition, one thing that stood out was that old film songs were still greatly appreciated. The musical programme kept everyone mesmerised for a good part of the four-hour show.

dhall

sangeet ka safar give news to news.

Thank you for the music, Rafi saheb
P.M. KUNJLI Soppy's life revolves around the legendary Hindi playback singer Mohammed Rafi. Soppy's home is named Rafi Manzil. His son is named Mohammed Rafi. Soppy's instruction to the teenaged Mohammed Rafi is: "At my funeral, you must play Janewalle kabhi nahin ate ... my all-time Rafi favourite."

Forty-four-year-old Soppy is a coolie at Alapuzha's Zackaria Bazar. Every July 31, he holds a lavish Rafi Nite in this south Kerala city to mark the death anniversary of the King of Melody.

"I hold Rafi Nite annually with my own funds," says Soppy, who has steadfastly refused to accept contribution in the name of his idol. Aap bus, Rafi Saheb ki awaz suno (Just enjoy Rafi Saheb's mellifluous voice), I can take care of the money needed, so long as my health permits me to so," he tells us, as he hoists a sack of rice on his back.

Soppy does not even touch the money generated by the show. All of it goes for charity. "I had to overcome several hurdles. Initially, almost everyone laughed at me. But they gradually saw my absolute devotion to Rafi saheb, and became very supportive," he recalls.

The first 'converts' were Soppy's own and extended family. Every year, the entire clan - comprising his six sisters, 21 nephews and 16 nieces - gets together to help out with the Rafi Nite. Such is Soppy's devotion to the late singer, he has even built a unique bus shelter in Kallupalam to commemorate the memory of his Rafi saheb.

Last year, this Good Samaritan donated Rs 3,001 each to five persons of his locality to pay part of their wedding celebrations. He also arranged for a special Rafi Nite to collect funds for soldiers who served in the Kargil last year.

Ironically, Soppy doesn't know much Hindi. But ask him to sing a Rafi number and he'll surprise you. Soppy met The Man himself in Ernakulam in the early 1970s. "I met Rafi saheb at a concert. After his death, I became a good friend of his son Shahid, who sought me out after he heard I was a great fan of his father," Soppy recalls.

Not surprisingly, Soppy is a storehouse of anecdotes about the legendary singer. "I probably know so much about the life and times of Rafi saheb, I could write a multi-volume book," he says. Soppy's only regret is that Mohammed Rafi's memory has not been commemorated with a Bharat Ratna. "He was a giant. Only a Bharat Ratna could do justice to his memory."


dhall

sangeet ka safar this story.

evolution of the hindi film song - part 5

Even as India attained independence in its aftermath came the aftermath of partition - the partition resulted in a mass migration from the Film Industry as well to Pakistan; stalwarts like Khursheed, Master Ghulam Haider and Noorjehan chose to make Pakistan their new home. But though somewhat crippled by their departure, the Indian Film Industry more than survived as much new talent had entered it in the early 1940s and was to provide it with its golden age in the 1950s and 1960s. We saw the late 30s and early 40s responsible for the entry of singers such as GM Durrani, Arun Kumar, Parul Ghosh, Zohra Ambala, Amirbai Karnataki, Rajkumari, Shamshad Begum and Suraiya. Now a newer generation of singers followed them. Among the male singers, Shankar Rao Vyas introduced Manna Dey with Ram Rajya in 1943, Naushad introduced Mohd. Rafi to Hindi films with Pehle Aap in 1944 and Anil Biswas introduced Mukesh in Pehli Nazar in 1945. Of these perhaps the most important talent was undoubetly Mohd. Rafi.

Born in Kotta Sultansingh village in 1924, he moved to Lahore when he was 14. There he studied music under Khan Abdul Waheed Khan, Jeevanlal Matto and Ghulam Ali Khan. He was introduced to radio Lahore by composer Feroz Nizami and made his film debut as playback singer in the Punjabi film Gul Baloch in 1944.He moved to Bombay the same year where Pehle Aap happened. Rafi began his career being influenced by GM Durrani with songs like Tera Khilona Toota in films like Anmol Ghadi before attracting notice with his duet with Noorjehan in Jugnu (1947), Yahaan Badla Wafaa Ka Bewafaiee ke Siva Kya Hai. If Mohd. Rafi owes his break to Naushad with Pehle Aap, then he also also owes his breakthrough to the top courtesy Naushad. The film was Dulari (1949) and the song, the all time favourite Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki. From then on Rafi ruled as the undisputed top male playback singer of Hindi films right till 1969 when Aradhana saw him overtaken by Kishore Kumar.

Rafi's advantage was he could sing anything for anyone. At one stage in the 1960s Rafi was the voice of Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar, Johnny Walker, Sunil Dutt, Biswajeet, Joy Mukherjee, Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor and Raaj Kumar! From the classical Madhuban mein Radhika Nachi re to the swinging Aaja Aaja Main Hoon Pyar Tera, from the soulful Hum Bekhudi Mein Aapko Pukarein to the comic Sar jo Tera Chakraye, from the philosophical Dekhi Zamaane ki Yaari to the frivolous Aiaiya Karoon Main Kya Sookoo Sookoo, he could sing anything! In fact Rafi was blessed with such a range that he could easily sing in three octaves without veering out of control.

If Mohd. Rafi was the undisputed top male playback singer of the day, few equalled Mukesh for his ability to breathe a thousand shades of despair and distill a lifetime of heartache in the few minutes it took to record a song. No other singer was capable of projecting emotions in their raw, unfurnished state the way he could. His was a voice that could on one hand be deeply melancholic and on the other hand exude a profoundly innocent and mellifluous sweetness. It was an exquisite blend of torment and anguish, tenderness and joy.

Mukesh came from a middle class family in Delhi. The first person that noticed him from the film Industry was Motilal, a distant relative.Motilal brought him to Bombay and kept him at home and groomed him as a singer under Pundit Jaganath Prasad. His first break as mentioned was in the film Pehli Nazar when Anil Biswas used him for the song Dil Jalta Hai. Though a popular song, it sounded as if Mukesh was just another Saigal imitator. It was finally under Naushad and Anil Biswas in the 1948-9 period that Mukesh discovered his own identity as a singer with Mela, Anokha Pyaar and Andaaz. Andaaz was a major triumph for Mukesh. All his songs in the film were raging hits and interestingly though he was identified later as the voice of Raj Kapoor, Naushad used his voice on Dilip Kumar while Rafi known later as the voice of Dilip Kumar.

But it is impossible if you think of Mukesh and don't remember Raj Kapoor. The partnership with Raj Kapoor started with Aag in 1948 where Raj's feelings of despondency and despair were vividly caught by Mukesh in Ram Ganguly's composition Zinda Hoon Is Tarah, and ended with R.D. Burman's Ek Din Bik Jaayega in the film Dharam Karam in 1975. In its course was an endless list of hits.

The other most important male playback singer introduced in the forties was Kishore Kumar. Kishore Kumar Ganguly was born in Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh in 1929. At the age of 18 he came to Bombay where elder brother Ashok Kumar was a major star with Bombay Takies and Filmistan. His first break as a singer came in the Bombay Talkies film Ziddi in 1948 where he sang for Dev Anand. Like Mukesh being an ardent fan of Saigal, the song was sung in Saigal's style.

Ziddi was a major success at the box office and made Dev Anand into a star. But Kishore Kumar found few offers forthcoming as a singer. Ziddi's music director Khemchand Prakash gave him another assignment with the film Rhim Jhim in 1949 and S.D. Burman utilized his services the following year in the Nargis-Raj Kapoor starrer Pyaar (1950). Kishore struggling on his own approached Burmanda. Burmanda gave him the song Qusoor Aapka in Bahar (1951) which became a hit. Gradually Kishore got more singing offers as well as acting offers as well. However apart from singing for himself, Kishore Kumar chose to do playback only for Dev Anand and for no other hero! However in spite of a rising acting career, Kishore Kumar however was taken lightly as a singer and it was not until Dukhi Man Mere from Funtoosh released in 1956 that music directors took him seriously as a singer.

While Rafi, Mukesh and Kishore Kumar went on to rule the Hindi Film Industries from the 1950s, there were other male playback singers whose contribution could not be denied - Manna Dey, Talat Mehmood and Hemant Kumar but more about them later. Meanwhile the 1940s had also thrown up some of the best female talent in playback singing - Meena Kapoor, Asha Bhosle, Geeta Dutt and of course the one and only Lata Mangeshkar…



dhall

sangeet ka safar have rafi ji fan.

Immortal Rafi

There are fans and there are fans, Dr Prabhu Ahuja is the type any artist would be privileged to have. Salim Dolare gets the low down on how Ahuja expresses his devotion for Rafi’s music.


Rafi’s fans celebrated his 82nd birth anniversary on December 24. The Rafi fan club of Ulhasnagar presented a live program to pay tribute and love to this legend and his golden voice at Town Hall in Ulhasnagar. The theme of the program was Mohammad Rafi sings for Shammi Kapoor. The program was convened by Dr Prabhu Ahuja, a surgeon and a great fan of Rafi. Ahuja has been organising this program since last eight years.

Ahuja is an ardent Rafi fan. So much so that he has purchased a flat and named it Rafi Hall. Ahuja has also got a road sanctioned from UMC and named it as Padmashri Mohammad Rafi Marg. All the Rafi fans meet every Wednesdays and Fridays after 9 pm and sing Rafi’s songs alongwith the musical instruments, sound equipment and also a classical teacher to teach the fans to sing the songs sung by Rafi in fine tune as rendered by the artist himself.

“ Tum mujhe yun bhoola na paoge, jab sunoge tum a geet mere sung sung tum bhi gun gunaoge is a haunting melody, I feel as if Rafi sahib is somewhere around singing for me. I was a great fan of Rafi since my childhood, I once went to attend Rafi’s birth anniversary at a club in Ulhasnagar but I found everyone drinking and eating.

There was no sign of any tribute to this great person, I was so annoyed that I told them from next year I’ll conduct the programme and since last eight years I am doing so. Every year the theme and songs are different, we never repeat the songs, and only Rafi fans are allowed to sing,” says an emotional Ahuja.

The fan club painstakingly selects rare Rafi songs to commemorate his birthday. “I learnt a very good lesson from Rafi i. e. Do your duties sincerely and dedicate yourself for the same. Rafi devoted all his life for singing only, he never tried to gain success in acting or directing films. People should follow his foot steps to succeed,” says Ahuja.

Interestingly Ahuja’s wife Dr Aasha Ahuja also is a great fan of Rafi. She also sings Rafi’s songs with great dedication and helps the fan club run smoothly. Rafi’s fans from all over Thane district attend the singing session regularly and the membership is free and open to all. “ Many of the Rafi’s fans have also landed jobs in hotels, orchestra and are also invited to perform in programmes, most of them earn their livelihood by singing but never forget to attend the musical get-together at Rafi’s Hall at doctors place. “Now we also celebrate Rafi’s death anniversary on July 31. On his birth anniversary we sing all his happy and hit songs. Whereas, on his death anniversary we sing all his sad songs. On his birth anniversary we also sing popular songs like Badan pe sitare lapete huye, aye jaane tamanna kaha ja rahi ho... for the public to participate and dance. Where as on his death anniversary we choose songs that are emotional like, O jab yaad aaye bahot yaad aaye, gamme zindagi ke andhere mai humne chirage mohabbat bhujaye jalaye,” concludes Ahuja emotionally.


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Only Rafi...

He eats, drinks and breathes Rafi’s songs, Naresh Keshavlal is a Rafi fanatic, says Salim Dolare


“Aaye bahaar banke lubha kar chale gaye”
Naresh breathes Rafi’s songs, especially the songs of 60’s and 70’s picturised on Dev Anand, Rajendra Kumar and Shammi Kapoor. He has the collection of all the 5769 filmi and non filmi songs sung by Rafi, collected in the form of audio cassettes, song books and even handwritten. He cherishes this treasure, he has collected over the years.
55 year old Naresh Keshavlal Shah from Kalyan west no just another Rafi fan. “It all started in the year 1966 when I was in school, we had only a radio at home, and surprisingly I was attracted by Rafi’s songs only, I used to forget evey thing for some time and get totally immersed into his voice. My favourites from that time were his duets with Lataji like “Din saara guzara tore angna” from Junglee and “Din dhal jaaye par raat na jaaye” from Guide. Slowly I started singing along him to catch up with his tunes. As my parents were very conservative Hindus they did not like my singing romantic songs loudly at home, they used to put off the radio. Even my sisters didn’t like me singing because they too were Rafi fans, they used to throw me out of the room for distorting the tune,” recalls Naresh.

He started spending his pocket money on hearing songs on the Juke box installed in many hotels those days and also on collecting songs books sold in the cinema halls. He not only remembers the songs but also the lyrcists and the music composers on tip of his tongue. Now he does riyaaz daily morning for two hours singing as may songs as he can. In 1972 Naresh bought his first tape recorder and also attended local sangeet classes. “ I started singing in get togethers and local functions, though people wanted to pay me I didn’t accept money for sheer love for Rafi. My first public appearance was at Model college Dombivili in the year 2002. When I sang “O duniya ke Rakhwale” and “Ye chaand sa roshan chahra.” Even though the audiences were youngsters they were spellbound and were very enthusiastic. I realized that Rafi has his fans in new generation too,” says Naresh.
From 2004 he started singing for Saraswati Class orchestra of Dombivili. He has classified all the song in different categories, like sad songs, fast track songs accordingly. “I met Mohammad Rafi for the first time in the year 1968 through one of my friends at the recording, I was so overwhelmed that instead of greeting him I fell at his feet and did not speak a single word. I just took his blessings and walked backward as if I met some avtaar of God. When Rafi died on 31.7 1980, I was at my shop, as soon as I heard the news, I just walked out of my shop without informing any one and attended his funeral. I also carried his coffin on my shouders for a small distance,” he adds with tears rolling down his eyes.

“Yeh zindagi ke mele duniya mai kam na hoge afsos hum na honge” was the song that haunted Rafi all the time. “Whenever I sit alone I hear the song “ Tum mujhe yu bhula na paoge jab suno ge tum geet mere sung sung tum bhi gun gunaoge,” as if Rafi is still singing it for me. Rafi has no substitute, his song ‘Dil ka suna saaz tarana dhundega, mujh ko mere baad zamana dhundega’ is a fact,” he philosophises.

Naresh has kept Rafi’s photo next his God’s pictures and performs pooja twice a day at home and also at his office with Shlokas chanted for God. “ Every year I visit his grave yard in Bandra on his death anniversary and offer flowers and singing, ‘Aap ke pahlu mai aakar ro liye daastane gum suna kar ro liye’ and come back after sitting there for few hours,” he confides.

Naresh plans to leave his treasure with his daughter Dimple Kesarya, who is a Rafi fan too. ‘O jab yaad aaye bahot yaad aaye,” he concludes melodiously.


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Rafi remembered!

Fans of legendary singer Mohammed Rafi celebrated his anniversary, despite the torrential rains that engulfed the suburbs.

A Correspondent, Santacruz

Sunday, July 31, was the 25th death anniversary of India’s raja of rhythm, Mohammed Rafi. Even as the official Rafi fan clubs went about their job of commemorating his anniversary in style, a small bunch of people from the suburbs carried on their own ‘Rafivaar celebrations’ in memory of the late singer.

Juhu-resident Bharat Dave and his friends went to Mohammed Rafi’s grave at Santacruz and offered floral tributes. They followed it up by going to Bandra at Mohammed Rafi chowk and offering flowers again.

Later, they proceeded and listened to the late legend’s immortal songs. “I have over 80 audio cassettes of Rafi’s songs and know more than 500 of his songs by heart,” said textile-designer Dave, for whom living with the memories of Rafi is a way of life.

Call it eccentricity or attachment, but this motley group even planned to visit Ahmedabad to celebrate his birthday.

“Rafisaab had three passions – gaana, khaana aur patang udana. We plan to fly a huge kite with the number 80 written on it, as part of the celebrations this year.”
For Dave, there may be plenty of other talented singers, but none of them is a patch on Rafi.

“He was a versatile singer and perfectly at ease lending his voice to any actor – whether it was a serious Guru Dutt, a happy-go-lucky Shammi Kapoor or a jocular Johnny Walker,” said Dave.

The best compliment to Rafi that Dave has heard, came from none other than Amitabh Bachchan.

“Rafi was not only a good singer, but also a great human being,” Bachchan had told Dave, when they met years back on the sets of Mard in Juhu.

The singer may have departed on July 31, 1980, but till the likes of Dave and his friends are around, Rafi’s memories will live on.



GOOD

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MAHAKALI’S ALM’S RAFI NITE RAISES FUNDS FOR BLASTS VICTIMS


A. Purushottam, WEH


’Twas was a musical nite with a difference. ‘Ek Shaam Rafi Ke Naam’, Mahakali ALM’s fund-raiser for the blasts victims sure had the Canossa Convent auditorium reverberate with optimism, bringing that much-needed ray of hope to Mumbaikars.

Says Anoop Talwar, An ALM member, “Our Mahakali ALM is a registered trust, formed in 1999 with the aim to beautify the Mahakali area. We’ve taken up several issues such as the deplorable road conditions, garbage disposal, vermiculture, cleaning of storm-water drains, traffic congestion, encroachments of reserved plots, distribution of tree saplings, plastic bags menace etc. But, soon we realised that we had bitten more than we could chew. These social causes had to be at the expense of our jobs and families. Hence, now, we’re concentrating on fewer projects, but the more important ones, and making a success of these rather than spreading our resources too thin. And, this initiative is our small contribution to ease the pain of the blasts victims.”

The programme, conducted by Suman Mishra of Neptune & S. G. Creations and Swapnil had audiences regaled with their rendition of Mohammed Rafi numbers. They were accompanied by Pallavi, singing Asha Bhosale and Geeta Dutt numbers, and Gautam also presenting some unforgettable Rafi gems of Hindi films, whose enthusiasm was palpably infectious.

After amateurs had set the stage, it was playback singer Mohammed Aziz’s turn to take the nite to a different height. He sang some of the beautiful romantic ’70’s numbers. Singer Purnima took stage to reverently recollect how she had recorded her first song with Rafisaab in Andaaz – ‘Hain na bolo bolo...’ as a child artiste, and had sung with the late singer for Naseer Hussain’s ‘Hum Kisise Kam Nahin’ as well. Rendering Rafi numbers in her own inimitable voice, she had everyone in a frenzy with the ‘Teesri Manzil’ masterpiece ‘Aaja aaja main hoon...’ Then, a senior artiste, Deepak Adhikari, sang some of Rafi’s devotional classics ‘Man re tu kahena dheer dhare...’ from Chitralekha and a few others. The evening ended with Swapnil and his team of musicians recreating the RD Burman-Rafi magic.

The State Minister, Shri Suresh Shetty, the Chief Guest for the event commended the Mahakali ALM for their work and related his experience of the tragic 7/11 blasts, and how he took a victim to the hospital. “You must visit the garden the Mahakali ALM has been maintaining to know their good work,” he commented. Javed Akhtar, who couldn’t make it to the function, instead sent across his message. Other celebrities present were Roshan Abbas and Javed Anand (he’s associated with an NGO). Said Anand, “This bonding amongst Mumbaikars is enough to silence the sounds of terror.” We couldn’t agree more


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SANGEET KA SAFAR BIG WAY GOING ON.


A tribute to Rafi

A Thane-based cultural forum organised a show on the occasion of Mohammad Rafi’s 26th death anniversary. Dr Asha Mandpe reports


Nawa-e-Fun, a cultural forum from Thane organised a musical programme titled Voh Bharat Desh Hai Mera, in memory of legendary singer Mohammad Rafi, on occasion of his 26th death anniversary. The event was held on July 31 at Gadkari Rangayatan.

Singers Rajesh Pandya, Abhijit Patil, Sangita Arnake, Sandhya Vartak and Mona Kamat toiled hard to do justice to Rafi’s songs. Subhash Malegaonkar was the music organiser. The show commenced with the song Voh Bharat Desh Hai Mera. It was followed by a number of popular Rafi numbers such as Hasina Man Jayegi, Dil Ka Bhavar Kare Pukar, Akhiyan Sang Akhiyan and duets like Tasavir Teri Dilmein, Deewana Mastana and Kuhu Kuhu Bole Koyaliyan.

Kawwali singing was Rafi’s specialty and the singers were promising. Songs like Parda Hai Parda was presented with the same spirit and vigour as the original. A Marathi song - Ha Rusava Sod Sakhe - and a ghazal were appreciated by the audience.

Jamil Ahmad Kazi, President of Nawa-e-Fun was the anchor of the show and kept the audience glued to their seats with his informative and interesting narration.

Manjusha Ballal accompanied him in the compering. "Rafi was born in Sultan Singh Kotla, a small town near Amritsar. From childhood he had a burning passion for music and was groomed in classical music under the tutelage of Ustad Wahid Khan. At the tender age of 13, Rafi started singing on radio and lent his voice for the first time to a Punjabi film Gul Baloch," said Kazi.

Speaking about Rafi’s induction to Bollywood, Kazi said, "For better prospects, Rafi came to Mumbai and his career blossomed. He worked with 260 music directors in his career and for three decades Rafi ruled over the Hindi film music industry. He was blessed with a surila and impressive voice with amazing range and he could easily impersonate his voice according to the style and mannerisms of the actor for whom he was singing. He had sung for all the leading heroes of his period and other characters in the films. He was an extremely kind, good natured and pious person whose virtues reflected in his singing."

District Collector Nandakumar Jantre was the chief guest of the event. He said, "Rafi was the voice of the nation. I believe that he was the symbol of national integrity." Thane Mayor Rajan Vichare applauded Nawa-e-Fun’s effort. He said, "Events like this spread cultural harmony amongst people."


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SANGEET KA SAFAR BIG WAYS. LAST YEAR2006

A TRIBUTE TO RAFI
Nawa-e-Fun, a cultural forum from Thane is celebrating legendary playback singer late Mohammad Rafi’s 26th death anniversary on July 31 at Gadkari Rangayatan. On this occasion district collector Nandkumar Jantre will felicitate Suresh Mohite, chairman, TMC transport division and in charge Nikolas Piramal India Ltd.

With ’Jeevan Gaurav Award’. Among the other dignitaries who will grace the function are MLA Jitendra Avhad, Shiv Sena Leader Anant Tare, and Industrialist Nana Sawant. Among the guests of honour are Vijay joshi, Milind Ballal, Kailash Mhapadi and Shahid Latif.

The felicitation ceremony will be followed by a musical programme "Voh Bharat Desh Hai Mera’ based on Rafi’s evergreen Hindi and Marathi songs. The participant singers are Rajesh Pandya, Abhijit Patil, Sandhya Vartak, Dr, Sangeeta Arnake, and Mona Kamat. The music arranger of the show is Subhash Malegaonkar. The anchor persons are Jameel Ahamad Kazi and Manjusha Ballal.
For passes contact - Nawa-e-fun on - 9869725200

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SANGEET KA SAFAR 2004 RAFI JI SHOW

Woh jab yaad aaye

Thane commemorated Mohammed Rafi’s death anniversary over the

Dr Asha Mandpe

Nawa-E-Fun cultural forum Thane, organised a musical programme on July 31 at Gadkari Rangayatan to mark the 25th death anniversary of legendary playback singer late Mohammad Rafi. The choicest songs of Rafi were presented by local singers.

Jamil Ahamad Kazi, president of the forum, Shashikant Dongre, Ujjwala Kale Dr Mujib Khan, Jawed Shiekh and Dr Prakash Shendarkar worked hard to make the event successful. Kazi and Sushama Rege hosted the show. Their narration was informative and interesting.

The participant singers were Chirag Panchal, Rajesh Pandya, Abhijit Patil, Amin Khan, Sandhya Vartak, Dr Sangeeta Arnake, Neha Khandekar and Puja Joshi. “We are celebrating Rafi’s death anniversary for the past four years. All the participant singers are from Thane and surrounding area. We aim to encourage young talent through such programmes,” said Dongre.

Rafi was blessed with a deep and vivacious voice which had an amazing range. His voice was so flexible that he could sing in each actor’s style whether it was Dilip Kumar, Shammi Kapoor or Dev Anand with such accuracy, that on the screen viewers would feel that it is the actor is himself singing.

The show opened with Jahan dar dar par that was followed by a trail of melodious songs including Dil ke jharokhe se, Aye bahar, Aye dil, Tu Kahan, Ajahun aye and Marathi song Shodhisi manava that made the listeners nostalgic. Speaking to Thane Plus Panchal said, “From my childhood I’ve been listening to Rafi’s songs and I’m a great fan of his. My father is a singer and he guided me in studying Rafi’s style. In each song I try to give expressions like him.” Another participant Abhijeet Patil, who is learning classical music said, “It is hard to give full justice to Rafi’s songs. One has to practice hard to sing such expressive songs. Rafi’s Aj hun aaye is my favorite”. All the accompanying artists added colour to the performance.

About Rafi

Rafi was born in 1924 at Kotla Sultanpura, a small town that is now in Pakistan. He sang his debutant song for a Punjabi film. In 1944 music director Naushad gave him first break in Hindi films and after that Rafi never turned back. Hundreds of his songs are unforgettable. Even after winning heights of success Rafi remained gentle and humble. The magic of his songs charm music lovers.



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SANGGEET KA SAFAR ONE BIG STORY IN HINDI PLEAS.

Mohammad Rafi - a Profile
Wednesday, March 28, 2007, 2:21:14 PM | screen india
पंजाब में अमृतसर से उत्तर-पूर्व दि\शा में जाने वाली सड़क पर करीब 25 किलोमीटर चलने पर छोटा सा कस्बा आता है, मजीठा। वहा¡ से आगे बढ़ने पर मुख्य सड़क पर बायीं तरफ एक \शादीघर है, जिसके सामने से एक और सड़क निकलती है, जिस पर दो गा¡व छोड़कर आगे बढ़ने पर एक गा¡व आता है, कोटला-सुल्तानसिंह। अमृतसर तहसील में पड़ने वाले इस मुस्लिम बहुल गा¡व में विभाजन से पहले ज्यादातर मुस्लिम परिवार सुन्नी थे, लेकिन यहा¡ f\शया समुदाय के लोग भी थे। गा¡व के सभी समुदायों के लोग मिल-जुल कर रहते थे तथा एक दूसरे का सुख-दु:ख में साथ देते थे। लोग एक-दूसरे के èाार्मिक समारोहों और पर्व-त्यौहारों में \शामिल होते थे।हो सकता है कि बहुत से लोगों के लिये इस गा¡व की कोई खास अहमियत नहीं हो, लेकिन संगीत प्रेमियों के लिये यह गा¡व तीर्थ स्थान से कम महत्वपूर्ण नहीं है। इसी गा¡व में 24 दिसंबर 1924 को संगीत के एक सितारे का जन्म हुआ था, जो आगे चलकर मोहम्मद रफी के नाम से प्रसिद्ध हुआ। आज भी इस गा¡व में मोहम्मद रफी के प्र\शंसकों का आना-जाना लगा रहता है। कुछ लोग उस जगह पर जाकर नमन करते हैं, जहा¡ उनका मकान था। कुछ लोग वहा¡ की मिêी अपने साथ ले जाते हैं। बचपनमोहम्मद रफी के पिता का नाम हाजी अली मोहम्मद और माता का नाम अल्लारुखी था। यह सुन्नी परिवार था। इस परिवार का पूरे गा¡व में खास कर अपने समुदाय में काफी सम्मान था। उनके पिता गा¡व में होने वाले त्यौहारों और \शादी-विवाहं के मौकों पर सात रंगों में लजीज पुलाव बनाते थे। रफी के बड़े भाई मोहम्मद दीन की हजामत की दुकान थी, जहा¡ उनके बचपन का काफी समय गुजरा। वह जब करीब सात साल के थे तभी उनके बड़े भाई ने इकतारा बजाते हुए और गीत गाते हुए चल रहे एक फकीर के पीछे-पीछे उन्हें चलते हुए देखा। यह बात जब उनके पिता के कानों तक पहु¡ची तो उन्हें काफी डा¡ट भी पड़ी। कहा जाता है कि उस फकीर ने रफी को आ\शीर्वाद दिया था कि वह आगे चलकर खूब नाम कमायेगा। एक दिन दुकान पर आये कुछ लोगों ने रफी को फकीर के गीत को गाते सुना। वह उस गीत को इस कदर सèो हुए सुर में गा रहे थे कि वे लोग उसे सुनकर आ\श्चर्य में पड़ गये। रफी के बड़े भाई साहब ने अपने भाई के भीतर की संगीत की जन्मजात प्रतिभा को पहचाना और वह उन्हें गाने के लिये प्रोत्साहित करते रहे।लाहौर मेंसन् 1935 में रफी के पिता रोजगार के सिलसिले में लाहौर चले गये थे। कुछ महीने बाद रफी और उनके परिवार के बाकी लोग भी लाहौर चले गये। लेकिन रफी के चाचा और चचेरे भाइयों समेत रफी की बिरादरी के कई सदस्य इसी गा¡व में रह गये। रफी ने लाहौर जाने के पूर्व इसी गा¡व में अपनी प्राइमरी की पढ़ाई पूरी कर ली थी। लाहौर में रफी दोस्तों के बीच गाते रहते थे। जब वह करीब 14 साल के हुए तब उन्होंने गायक बनने की इच्छा व्यक्त की, लेकिन उनके पिता इसके सख्त खिलाफ थे। लेकिन रफी के बड़े भाई ने, जो रफी की इस प्रतिभा से वाकिफ थे, अपने भाई की प्रतिभा को बेकार नहीं जाने देने तथा उनकी प्रतिभा को निखारने का फैसला किया। सौभाग्य से उनके बड़े भाई की प्रसिद्ध गायक उस्ताद उस्मान खान अब्दुल वहीद खान से अच्छी जान-पहचान थी। इसलिए मोहम्मद रफी को उस्ताद उस्मान खान की \शागिर्दगी हासिल करने में कोई दिक्कत नहीं हुई। रफी ने पंडित जीवन लाल तथा उस्ताद बड़े गुलाम अली खा¡ जैसे \शास्त्राीय संगीत के दिग्गजों से भी संगीत विद्या सीखी। सहगल से पहली मुलाकातरफी उस समय के म\शहूर गायक और अभिनेता कुन्दन लाल सहगल के दीवाने थे और उन्हीं के जैसा बनना चाहते थे। मोहम्मद रफी उन दिनों अपने दोस्तों के घरों और छोटे-मोटे जलसों में सहगल के गाये हुए गीत गाते थे। उनका सौभाग्य रहा कि उसी दौरान उनकी मुलाकात सहगल से हुई और उनका आ\शीर्वाद भी प्राप्त हुआ। उस समय उनकी उम्र 15 व\र्ष की रही होगी। हुआ यू¡ कि एक दिन लाहौर के एक समारोह में सहगल गाने वाले थे। उन्हें रूबरू सुनने की उत्सुकता से रफी भी अपने भाई के साथ पहु¡च गयेे। संयोग से समारोह में स्टेज की माईक खराब हो गई। लोगों ने \शोर मचाना \शुरू कर दिया। व्यवस्थापक परे\शान थे कि लोगों को कैसे \शान्त किया जाये। उसी समय मोहम्मद रफी के बड़े भाई व्यवस्थापक के पास पहु¡चकर उनसे अनुरोèा करने लगे कि जब तक माईक ठीक नहीं हो जाती है, तब तक लोगों को \शान्त रखने के लिये उनके भाई को गाने का मौका दिया जाये।व्यवस्थापक को यह सुझाव पसन्द नहीं आया, क्योंकि माईक के बगैर गाना कोई मजाक नहीं था। परन्तु वे भी काफी परे\शान थे। कोई दूसरा रास्ता न देखकर उन्होंने रफी को गाने की इजाजत दे दी। रफी की आवाज की यह कसौटी थी और रफी इस कसौटी पर खरा उतरे। माईक न रहते हुए भी उन्होंने गाकर लोगों को \शान्त कर दिया। उस समय तक सहगल साहब भी पहु¡च गये थे। वह कुतूहल और प्र\शंसा भरी निगाहों से उस छोटे गायक को देखते ही रह गये। रफी माईक के बगैर ही अपनी बुलन्द आवाज में गा रहे थे और सुनने वाले बराबर `वन्स मोर´ कहकर उनका उत्साह बढ़ा रहे थे। इतने में माईक ठीक हो गई और सहगल ने अपनी मèाुर आवाज में अपना गाना \शुरू किया। लेकिन उससे पहले वह इस उभरते हुए गायक को \शाबा\शी देना नहीं भूले। रफी के सिर पर हाथ रखकर आ\शीर्वाद देते हुए उन्होंने कहाµ``इसमें कोई \शक नहीं कि एक दिन तुम्हारी आवाज दूर-दूर तक फैलेगी।´´ बाद में रफी को संगीतकार फिरोज निजामी के मार्गद\र्शन में लाहौर रेडियो पर गाने का मौका मिला। लाहौर रेडियो से उन्हें प्रसिfद्ध मिली और वह लाहौर फिल्म उद्योग में अपनी जगह बनाने की कोf\श\श करने लगे। उसी समय रफी की \शादी रि\श्ते में बहन लगने वाली बf\शरन से हुई। यह \शादी कोटला-सुल्तानसिंह में हुई। उस समय रफी की उम्र 20 साल थी। उन्हीं दिनों उस समय के म\शहूर संगीतकार \श्याम सुन्दर और \शी\र्ष अभिनेता और निर्माता नासिर खान से रफी की मुलाकात हुई। उन्होंने रफी के गानों को सुना और उन्हें बम्बई आने का निमंत्राण दिया। मोहम्मद रफी ने इस बारे में एक साक्षात्कार में कहा था, `नासिर खान ने मुझे बंबई ले जा कर फिल्मी गायक बनाने के लिये अब्बाजान से इजाजत मा¡गी। लेकिन अब्बाजान ने इससे एकदम इंकार कर दिया, क्योंकि वह गायकी को इस्लाम विरोèाी मानते थे। जब नासिर खान इस प्रस्ताव पर अड़े रहे तो मेरेे बड़े भाई ने अब्बाजान को मुझे बम्बई जाने देने पर राजी कर लिया। मेरे अब्बाजान काफी ना नुकुर के बाद फिल्मी गायकी को मेरा पे\शा बनाने पर राजी हो गये।´ बम्बई में संघ\र्षमोहम्मद रफी किस्मत आजमाने अपने बड़े भाई के साथ बम्बई पहु¡चेे। लेकिन दोनों भाइयों को बम्बई आने पर पता चला कि यह डगर कितनी मुf\श्कल है। उनके पास पैसे भी बहुत कम थे। दोनों भिंडी बाजार में रहते थे और श्री \श्याम सुन्दर से मिलने की कोf\श\श में हर दिन दादर स्थित उनके स्टुडियो जाते थे। वे घर से तकिया के दो खोलों में चना भर लाये थे और कई दिनों तक चना खाकर ही गुजारा करते रहे। आखिरकार एक दिन वे श्री \श्याम सुन्दर से मिलने में सफल हुए और उन्होंने आपने वायदे के अनुसार रफी को पंजाबी फिल्म गुलबलोच में जीनत के साथ गाने का मौका दिया। यह 1944 की बात है। इस तरह रफी ने गुलबलोच के `सोनियेनी, हीरनियेनी तेरी याद ने बहुत सताया´ गीत के साथ पा\श्र्वगायन के क्षेत्रा में कदम रखा। इस पंजाबी गाने से लोकप्रियता मिलने के बाद रफी एक साल बाद एक बार फिर श्री \श्याम सुन्दर के बुलावे पर दोबारा बम्बई गये। इस बार उन्होंने गा¡व की गोरी में गाने गाये। यह उनकी पहली हिन्दी फिल्म थी।नौ\शाद का साथरफी ने उन्हीं दिनों उस समय के म\शहूर संगीतकार नौ\शाद से मुलाकात की। नौ\शाद ने एक साक्षात्कार में रफी से अपनी मुलाकात के बारे में बताया था कि रफी साहब उनके पास पहली बार उन्हें जानने वाले किसी व्यक्ति का सिफारि\शी पत्रा लेकर आये थे। पत्रा में कहा गया था कि यह व्यक्ति बेहद खूबसूरत आवाज का मालिक है और उसे गाने का मौका दिया जाये। नौ\शाद ने बताया, ``मैंने उस युवक से एक-दो गाने सुने और उससे काफी प्रभावित हुआ। मैंने उससे कहा कि वह एक दिन बड़ा गायक बनेगा। उसे मैंने संपर्क बनाये रखने की सलाह दी। \शुरू-\शुरू में मैंने उस युवक को कोरस में गाने के मौके दिये। एक ऐसा ही कोरस हैµ`हिन्दोस्तान के हम हैं, हिन्दोस्तान हमारा है´।´´मोहम्मद रफी ने नौ\शाद को अपने परिचय के \शुरूआती दिनों में ही बताया था कि वह सहगल के प्र\शंसक हैं और उनकी तमन्ना है कि वह सहगल के साथ कोई गाना गायें। नौ\शाद उन दिनों फिल्म \शाहजहा¡ के लिये काम कर रहे थे। यह सहगल के आखिरी दिनों की फिल्मों में से एक थी। नौ\शाद ने इस फिल्म के एक गीत में रफी को सहगल के साथ गाने का मौका दिया। रफी को केवल दो लाइनें गानी थीµ`मेरे सपनों की रानी---रूही, रूही, रूही´। इस गाने की पृ\ष्ठभूमि कुछ इस तरह की हैµसुहैल नामक कवि (सहगल) इस गीत के जरिये रूही नाम की एक सुन्दरी (जिसकी भूमिका सलमा आगा की मा¡ ने की थी) के रूप का बखान कर रहा है। कवि के इस गाने के कारण उस सुन्दरी की खूबसूरती की ख्याति चारों ओर फैल जाती है और रसिक लोग उस गीत को गाने लगते हैं। फिल्म में उन्हीं रसिकों में से एक रसिक को इस गाने की आखिरी दो पंक्तियों को गाते हुए दिखाया जाता है और यही दो पंक्तिया¡ मोहम्मद रफी ने गायी है।नौ\शाद ने इसके बाद 1946 में रफी की आवाज में अनमोल घड़ी का एक गीत रिकार्ड करायाµ`तेरा खिलौना टूटा बालक, तेरा खिलौना टूटा´। इस फिल्म में सुरैया, सुरेन्द्र और नूरजहा¡ ने अभिनय किया था तथा तीनों ने गाने भी गाये थे। यह अपने समय की सफलतम संगीतमय प्रेम कहानी थी। रफी की आवाज वाला गीत फिल्म में नेपथ्य गान की \शैली में फिल्माया गया था।पहली कामयाबीसन् 1947 में फिल्म जुगनू में फिरोज निजामी ने रफी से एक कोरस गाना साभिनय गवाया। बोल थे `वो अपनी याद दिलाने को´। यह गाना èामाल किस्म का होते हुए भी उत्तम तर्ज की वजह से लोगों को पसन्द आया। लेकिन जब इसी फिल्म में नूरजहा¡ के साथ `यहा¡ बदला वफा का बेवफाई के सिवा क्या है´ युगल गीत रिकार्ड करने का समय आया, तब फिरोज निजामी कतराने लगे। हाला¡कि वह रफी और उनकी क्षमता से भली-भा¡ति परिचित थे, फिर भी एक नये गायक को नूरजहा¡ जैसी प्रतिf\ष्ठत गायिका के साथ रखने में उन्हें हिचकिचाहट हो रही थी। रफी पर उनका जो वि\श्वास था वह इस गाने के समय लड़खड़ाने लगा। रफी की जगह किसे लाया जाये? तलत महमूद को लाने का सवाल ही नहीं था, क्योंकि तब तक उनकी फिल्मों में स्प\ष्ट पहचान नहीं बन पायी थी। मुके\श फिट बैठ सकते थे, सुरेन्द्र अथवा जी- एम- दुराZनी को भी लाया जा सकता था। निजामी साहब उलझन में थे। जब उन्होंने यह बात नूरजहा¡ को बतायी, तब नूरजहा¡ ने रफी को मौका देने के लिए कहा। वह 1945 में फिल्म जीनत में रफी के साथ एक युगल गीत गा चुकी थीं। हाला¡कि यह गीत उतना लोकप्रिय नहीं हुआ था, लेकिन वह रफी की प्रतिभा पहचान चुकी थीं। इसके अलावा उन्होंने गा¡व की गोरी फिल्म में रफी को सुना था और वह रफी से काफी प्रभावित थीं। उन्होंने निजामी से कहा, ``आप ऐसी गलती न करें। आपका डर बेबुनियाद है। आप उसे मौका देकर तो देखिये। यह लड़का सारे हिंदुस्तान को हिला देगा।´´नूरजहा¡ के कहने पर निजामी साहब कुछ पिघले और इस गाने के लिए भी रफी को ही मौका दिया। रफी ने नूरजहा¡ जैसी बेजोड़ गायिका के साथ यह अमर युगल गीत गाकर उस गीत की सुन्दरता एवं मèाुरता में चार चा¡द लगा दिये। दोनों में मानो मèाुर सुर छेड़ने की होड़ लगी थी। ऐसा लग रहा था नूरजहा¡ रफी का इम्तहान लेते हुए उनकी कला का एक नया आयाम निजामी साहब के सामने रख रही हों। इस गीत में भाव और आवाज की मुलायमियत का प्रद\र्शन रफी ने नूरजहा¡ की बराबरी में किया है। साथ ही करुणभाव के प्रद\र्शन के मामले में रफी की कला नूरजहा¡ के सामने खरी उतरी है। रफी के बारे में नूरजहा¡ का अन्दाजा सही निकला। सभी जानते हैं कि इस गीत ने दे\श भर में कैसा तहलका मचा दिया था।सफलता का f\शखर रफी की इन आरंभिक कामयाबियों के बावजूद नौ\शाद उनकी आवाज का इस्तेमाल फिल्मों में नायकों के लिये करने में कतराते रहे। यही कारण था कि उन्होंने फिल्म अनोखी अदा के सारे गीत मुके\श से गवाये। इसी तरह उन्होंने फिल्म मेला में भी रफी को केवल \शी\र्षक गीतµ`ये जिन्दगी के मेले´ गाने को दिया और दिलीप कुमार पर फिल्माये गये \शे\ष सभी गीत मुके\श से गवाये। लेकिन मेला को जिस गीत के लिए याद किया जाता है वह गीत `ये जिन्दगी के मेले´ ही है। यह गीत न केवल रफी के अमर गीतों में, बल्कि फिल्म संगीत इतिहास के सबसे लोकप्रिय गीतों में से एक है। इस गीत के भाव, \शब्द और तर्ज उच्चकोटि के थे। रफी के असरदार स्वर ने इस गीत को अमर बना दिया। नौ\शाद उन दिनों उस समय के प्रसिद्ध अभिनेता \श्याम कुमार पर फिल्माये गये गीतों के लिये मुके\श को अपनाते थे, लेकिन वह बीच-बीच में रफी को मौके देना नहीं भूलते थे।इस बीच रफी संगीतकारों की पहली जोड़ी हुस्नलाल-भगतराम के संपर्क में आये। इस जोड़ी ने अपनी आरंभिक फिल्मों प्यार की जीत, बड़ी बहन और मीना बाजार में रफी की आवाज का भरपूर इस्तेमाल किया। रफी की आवाज \श्याम कुमार पर फिट बैठी। इसके बाद तो नौ\शाद को भी दिल्लगी में नायक की भूमिका निभा रहे \श्याम कुमार के लिये रफी की आवाज का ही इस्तेमाल करना पड़ा। उन्होंने रफी की आवाज में इस फिल्म के दो गीतµ`तेरे कूचे में अरमानों की दुनिया ले के आया हू¡´ और `इस दुनिया में ऐ दिल वालों, दिल का लगाना खेल नहीं´ गवाये। ये दोनों गीत खास कर `तेरे कूचे में अरमानों की दुनिया´ दे\शभर में खूब लोकप्रिय हुए। रफी ने इन गीतों के साथ न केवल पा\श्र्व गायन में अपना एक स्थान बना लिया, बल्कि नौ\शाद के संगीत को भी एक नया आयाम दिया। रफी के गाये \शुरुआती गीतों की लोकप्रियता से प्रभावित होकर नौ\शाद ने चा¡दनी रात में रफी की आवाज का फिर इस्तेमाल किया। इस फिल्म में उस समय की उभरती हुई गायिका लता मंगे\शकर ने उस समय के प्रसिद्ध गायक जी- एम- दुराZनी के साथ तथा \श्याम कुमार ने अमीर बाई के साथ युगल गी&#

SANGEET KA SAFAR THIS STORY.

MOHAMMAD RAFI MUSIC ACADEMY



Maestro M o h d. R a f i S a a b, singer par excellence, paragon of humility and piety, strode the musical landscape of the century like a meteor - enchanting and haunting generations of music lovers across geographical borders. The melody and music Mohd Rafi created and pioneered during 36 long years of his career in Hindi music – has withstood the test of time.
Rafi Saab's mellifluous vocals rises like a tide each day bringing along a 'whiff of fresh air', caressing the soul with songs for every mood and for every occasion - making music itself proud. No one can sing like Mohd Rafi is the common refrain coming from the hearts of music connoisseurs and Rafi fans alike. 'Rafians' – Mohd Rafi fans and admirers are found in large groups - in all parts of the world; his vocals transcending all human barriers and frontiers. Rafians based in Mumbai have now decided to form the Rafi Music Academy'; which will strive towards:
Aims & Objectives
1. Bringing lovers of Rafi saab's music on a common platform in every town and City Of the world.
The fans would celebrate Rafi saab's birthday on Dec.24 and also pay homage on July 31st, Rafi saab's death anniversary.
2. Approach the Government Machinery to honor Mohd Rafi Saab posthumously with nations highest civil award – the Bharat Ratna Award.
3. To build a music library of Rafi saab's songs in Mumbai and circulate the maestro's works to all music lovers..
3. To bring out a newsletter once every month and circulate to music connoisseurs.
4. To publish a directory of Rafi Saabs fans, citywise and countrywise. Fans are Requested to give their complete address details to Mr.Narayan of Bangalore, Cell no.+91- 9886779557
5. To bring out a pictorial biography on Mohd.Rafi the legend singer – the TANSEN and the incomparable BADSHAH of MUSIC and MELODY.
6. To honour great musicians, lyricists and singers of the film industry.
7. To nurture and guide talented singers of the land.
8. To help musicians in dire need with medicines and supports….



For details contact



Mumbai - Binu Nair, binus2000@hotmail.com
Mobile-91-9833 250 701




A biography of Mohammad Rafi has been already completed and within few days it will be publish. To get copies please contact



Vinod Viplav in Delhi
Mobile-9868793203



Email- screenindia@gmail.com