A tribute to Rafi (24 December 1924 – 31 July 1980) on his 40th Remembrance Day
Today is the 40th Remembrance Day of Rafi. He was the most versatile playback singer of the Golden Era of film music and, more importantly, he was universally known as a good human being, without malice to anyone, and a generous kind-hearted soul. Someone has said, Rafi Saheb ko maloom hi nahin tha ki duniya mein sharaafat ke siwaa bhi koi cheez hoti hai (Rafi Saheb didn’t know that there was anything other than decency in the world). God snatched him at a very young age. Had his life not been cut short, he would have got much higher State honours than Padmashree. But he ruled the people’s hearts. As the news of his sudden death, on 31 July 1980, spread like wild fire, thousands of people – rich and poor, famous and ordinary, celebrities and commoners – poured out on the roads, braving Bombay’s monsoon downpour, to join his funeral procession. I was looking for something special to pay a tribute to him on this day.
I have covered Rafi’s combination with all the well-known music directors, known for his greatest songs: Naushad, SJ, OP Nayyar, SD Burman, Roshan, Madan Mohan and Ravi. But there is one left who was underrated because he didn’t have the luck to get associated with big banners or the stars. But his music towered over his B or C-grade films. I have written on Chitragupta: The Magic Maker with Lata Mangeshkar. I realise I could say the same thing for him as the great melody/magic maker for Rafi. Chal ud ja re panchhi (solo), and Laagi chhute na ab to sanam and Teri duniya se door chale ho ke majboor (duets) are eternal songs standing as tall as those by the greatest composers.
Chitragupta was born in Kamraini village in Gopalganj district in Bihar. After early education there, he did MA in Economics from Patna University where he also taught for some time. His interest in music brought him to Bombay where he got to assist SN Tripathi. He debuted with a stunt film Lady Robinhood (1946), and got similar stunt and low-grade mythological films for the next few years. His big commercial break came with AVM’s Bhabhi (1957), which had the iconic Rafi songs Chal ud ja re panchhi and Chali chali re patang chali chali re (duet with Lata Mageshkar). But Rafi’s association with Chitragupta had started in 1950 with films like Hamara Ghar, Veer Babhruvaahan and Veer hanuman. Considering that Rafi debuted as a playback singer in Hindi films in 1944 with Pahle Aap (Naushad), their association started late, but Chitragupta-Rafi combination gave some great melodies in the early 50s too, pre-Bhabhi.
Chitragupta himself was known as a decent human being, removed from the cut-throat games of Bollywood. He did his work far from the spotlight, composing great music. His 261 songs for Rafi (121 solos, 140 duets) make him the third most prolific composer for him, overtaken only by Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Shankar-Jaikishan. Chitragupta’s duets for Rafi are pure bliss, they make your heart dance with unadulterated joy. I am happy to pay a tribute to Rafi on his 40th Remembrance Day with his duets by Chitragupta, which are Melody Personified.
1. Ada se jhoomte huye dilon ko choomte huye (with Shamshad Begum) from Sindbad the Sailor (1952), lyrics Anjum Jaipuri
A waltz-based beautiful dance duet. Sindbad the Sailor may not have been a highly rated film, but this lovely duet lingers with you for long. I heard it during the Internet era, and it has become my great favourite.
2. Radhaji ke Kunwar Kanhaiya ho meri naiya ke kaun khevaiya by (with Asha Bhosle) from Tulsidas (1954), lyrics Gopal Singh Nepali
Before Chitragupta hit big with Lata Mangeshkar he used ‘other’ singers. Here is a very sweet Rafi-Asha Bhosle duet I heard from the first time on the radio recently.
3. Bahaarein ayengi hothon pe phool khilenge, sitaaron ko maaloom tha hum dono milenge (with Asha Bhosle) from Navratri (1955), lyrics GS Nepali
Navratri must be a mythological film, and with Manhar Desai-Nirupa Roy in the lead it must have gone unnoticed in the face of films like Azaad, Udankhatola, Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje, Shree 420, Devdas and Mr and Mrs 55 in the year. But what a sweet duet, again with Asha Bhosle. This too I heard in the Internet era, and has since become my favourite.
4. Chali chali re patang meri chali re (with Lata Mangeshkar) from Bhabhi (1957), lyrics Rajendra Krishna
With Bhabhi starts the era of Chitragupta’s melody with Lata Mangeshkar in a big way. The film had two great Rafi duets with her, Chali chali re patang meri chali re and Chhupa kar meri ankhon ko, wo poochhen kaun hain ji hum. It is a difficult choice between the two. Chali chali re with its fast beat has innocence and pure joy, with Jagdeep and Nanda dancing unselfconsciously as they fight for the kite, and retains its freshness despite its over-familiarity.
5. Wo door jo nadiya bahti hai (with Lata Mangeshkar) from Barkha (1959), lyrics Rajendra Krishna
This lovely duet, too, is picturised on Jagdeep and Nanda, as brother and sister, teasing each other about their respective life partners. What chance such project had before acclaimed films like Dhool Ka Phool, Dil De Ke Dekho, Goonj Uthi Shehnai, Kaagaz Ke Phool, Navrang, Rani Roopmati, Sujata and Ujala in the year? Yet this Rafi duet with Lata Mangeshkar gives me joy beyond words.
6. Teri ankhon mein pyar maine dekh liya, gori tu lakh chhipa (with Lata Mageshkar) from Chaand Mere Aa Ja (1960), lyrics Prem Dhavan
I am passing up the cult duet Laagi chhute na ab to sanam from the 1959-film Kaali Topi Laal Roomal and moving to the 1960 film Chhand Mere Aa Ja which had three great Lata Mangeshkar solos – Phoolon pe nikhar hai, Sajna sajna kaahe hool gaye din pyar ke, and Chaand mere aa ja re – and two superlative Rafi-Lata Mangeshkar duets – Chaand ko dekhoji, masti lutaaye, and Teri aankhon mein pyar maine dekh liya. It is again a difficult choice between the two, but Teri ankhon mein pyar maine dekh liya is my special favourite for its supreme sweetness. Its video link is available, but I am posting the audio link for its better quality. We know the film didn’t stand a chance before the great films of the year, including Bambaii Ka Baboo, Barsaat Ki Raat, Chaudahvi Ka Chaand, Dil Apna Aur Preet Parayi, and Mughal-e-Azam, but I can never forget this duet.
7. Main hun gori naagin dekhungi rasiya, kaise aaj nahi baaje teri been re (with Lata Mangeshkar) from Naache Naagin Baaje Been (1960), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri
In the same year we have this perfect ‘B’ grade film with stars like Chandrashekhar and Kumkum, and a name like Naache Naagin Baaje Been. This had five Rafi duets, of which I rate three as absolutely gorgeous, A-plus by any yardstick. I start with this superb naagin song in which the dancer Kumkum challenges the sapera Chandrashekhar – I am a bewitching naagin, I will see how your been will not start playing by itself (by the power of my dance). Chandrashekhar surrenders himself without a fight, Kisi pardesi ka chhota sa jiya, ise naach ke na haule haule chheen re (This simple pardesi has a weak heart, don’t pierce it bit by bit by your dance). And notice the mesmerising tabla beet at the end of Kumkum’s challenge in the mukhada, before Chandrashekhar joins in Rafi’s voice, followed by chorus interlude Naache re naagin baaje baan. What a fabulous song!
And while at this, let me also pay my tribute to Kumkum (22 April 1934-28 July 2020) who passed away three days back. What great treasure of dance songs she has left us! Born in Bihar to Nawab of Hussainabad, she was trained in Kathak dance under Shambhu Maharaj. Her filmy career had a great start, though as an unnamed extra, with Kabhi aar kabhi paar laga teer-e-nazar (Aar Paar, 1954, OP Nayyar). Guru Dutt/OP Nayyar must have had a great liking for her, you can count many iconic songs picturised on her in their films, including Ae dil hai mushkil jeena yahan…Ye hai Bambai meri jaan (CID, 1956). Think of Naushad, and you think of Holi ayi re kanhai holi ayi re and Madhuban mein Radhika naache re. Think of Shankar-Jaikishan, and you instantly recall Tera jalwa jisne dekha wo tera ho gaya. And the unheralded stalwart and my favourite Chitragupta, and you have these absolute gems which give us so much joy. She not only danced, she did act, powerfully emoting with her eyes when the role so demanded. RIP Kumkum, SoY will pay a proper tribute to you some day.
8. Gori naagan ban ke na chala karo jaadu maarega sapera koi aaye ke (with Suman Kalyanpur) from Naache Naagin Baaje Been (1960), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri
Chandrashekhar now picks up the gauntlet, and starts the challenge with, Don’t show off your naagin-like swagger, some sapera will come and cast his spell on you. Kumkum playfully replies, Burn yourself with envy with your heart in your palm, I would keep dancing with a thousand twists and turns. It is not clear why Chitragupta now took Suman Kalyanpur for this song, but if you are not told, she is indistinguishable from Lata Mangeshkar.
9. Beet gayi hai aadhi raat chaandaniya dheere dheere ana (with Lata Mangeshkar) from Naache Naagin Baaje Been (1960), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri
Creating so many out-of-this-world Rafi duets in a single film must require a great talent. This is the third duet from the film I can’t leave. Now the nok-jhonk and playfulness are over, and Chandrashekhar and Kumkum are in deep love. In ethereal surroundings with the night half gone, this romantic duet is equally ethereal. The music lovers would surely remember another lovely Rafi-Lata duet from the film, Chale ho kahan sarkar humein beqaraar kar ke which I am leaving.
10. Teri duniya se door chale ho ke majboor humein yaad rakhana (with Lata Mangeshkar) from Zabak (1961), lyrics Prem Dhavan
Now the song which the radio-era music lovers must have heard a million times. With a name like Zabak, directed by Homi Wadia, and lead actors like Mahipal and Shyama, this costume-action drama must have been a ‘C’ grade film. But there was something timeless about this duet to tower over so many songs by the stalwart composers. This is a soulful duet of parting as the love affair of the protagonists seems to have hit a roadblock of parental opposition on the ground of incompatible status of the two.
11. Chaand jaane kahan kho gaya (with Lata Mangehskar) from Main Chup Rahungi (1962), lyrics Rajendra Krishna
Chitragupta is back with AVM with many superhit songs. Rafi-Lata Mangeshkar had a medley-parody song picturised on children, Aye na baalam kya karun sajni, which has figured earlier on SoY. The film had two more Rafi-Lata romantic duets of happiness, Chaand jaane kahan kho gaya and Koi bata de dil hai jahan kyon hota hai dard wahan. It is a pleasure to see the tragedienne Meena Kumari cavorting around trees in a typical Bollywood style. My favourite is Chaand jaane kahan kho gaya. Many readers abhor ranking, but I can’t help remarking that I consider Beet gayi hai aadhi raat picturised on B-grade artists Chandrashekhar and Kumkum, posted at #8, far superior to this song.
12. Ek baat hai kahne ki ankhon se kahne do (with Lata Mangeshkar) from Samson (1962), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri
I am back to a B-grade film whose hero was Dara Singh. This duet picturised on Firoz Khan and Ameeta makes your heart aflutter and feet tapping. An unambiguous A-plus song.
13. Bahut haseen hain tumhari ankhen (with Suman Kalyanpur) from Aadhi Raat Ke Baad (1965), lyrics Prem Dhavan
Another nice duet, picturised on a relatively unknown pair Shailesh Kumar and Ragini.
14. Aadhi raat ko khanak gaya mera kangana (with Lata Mangeshkar) from Toofan Mein Pyar Kahan (1966), lyrics Prem Dhavan
Two songs from this film with a queer name cast an indescribable spell on me: Aadhi raat ko khanak gaya mera kangana and Gori itana bata tera lagata hai kya. The second song was a Lata-Usha Mangeshkar duet, both apparently picturised on the same water-body. The first one is a Rafi-Lata duet, picturised on minor unknown characters. It has beautiful chorus-dance interludes, and its beat will make you a fan of Chitragupta as I became one when I was very young, with lovely melodies like these.
15. Ara ra ra rang do sabhi ko ek rang mein ayi rangili Holi re (with Manna Dey and Suman Kalyanpur) from Biradari (1966), lyrics Prem Dhavan
I end this post with an exceptional song which is sort of a discovery for me. This song would not have occurred to me among the best Holi songs, I must have heard it very rarely. When I recently heard it on the radio, I was mesmerised, and surprised how this song has remained relatively unknown. Rafi’s voice is one among the three principal singers, and the chorus is very pronounced. The dance is boisterous appropriate to Holi, the lead dancers Shashi Kapoor, Mehmood and Fariyal are unrestrained, yet Chitragupta maintains his trademark sweetness. Beautiful picturisation with befitting music makes it a great song to end the post with.
Acknowledgement and Disclaimer:
The video links have been embedded from the YouTube only for the listening pleasure of the music lovers. This blog does not claim any copyright over these, which rests with the respective owners.
{ 125 comments… read them below or add one }
AK
Some telepathy. I am surprised.
I was planning about recommending Rafi Chitragupta combo some time back, for this occasion. I was thinking of solos.
Thanks.
Yesterday I saw YouTube video of Shushma Shresth, paying her tribute to Rafi.
She sounds genuine not pretentious at all, almost choking at this point.
https://youtu.be/7JOjmYzJ-gU?t=475
Lata Rafi duet from another B grade movie Madam XYZ
Kadam kadam pe baharen lutata
https://youtu.be/GTNRxAk7Oqc
AKji,
A nice article on the remembrance day of Mohd. Rafi, highlighting his songs with a composer with whom he had a wonderful melodious collaboration.
As rightly mentioned, Chitragupta did his brilliant work without craving for the limelight. He was unfortunately underrated and got stuck with B and C grade movies. However,his work always stood out.
A couple of myfavorite duets of the duo:
1. Ye parbaton ke daayre ye sham ka dhuan – Lata, Rafi – Vaasna 1968
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwwuHaqEEDw
2. Laagi chhute na ab to sanam – Lata, Rafi – Kali Topi Lal Rumal 1959
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5wuLq3O0z8
A table spoon quantity of food is enough to judge how tasty is the food and in the same in my view just one song is enough to know how talented was the music director Chitrapgupt. Likewise the versatility of Rafi Sahib as a singer can be measured from just one song.
jaag dil-e deewana rut jaagi from the film Onche Log.
I pig up this song for its composition and for its singing. No need for me to line other fine songs tuned by Chitragupt which are too many,
The song begins with a sound of an organ for a few songs Rafi hums then sings in a low smooth silken voice, the mukada gets over the interlude begins with Saxophone that hugs the listener then violins in Waltz type of sound follows enriching the music and Rafi sings. In the second part of the interlude the prime instrument is accordion with the flute piece giving the link or fill up and singer takes over and in the third stanza the interlude is same as in the first Saxophone piece. What a composition.
Rafi sings this romantic number as if he is in love giving the feel of the words fittingly.
Through this song, I pay my tribute to both these stalwarts a master composer and a great crooner.
AKji
Another one of your A grade post rolled out with ceaseless regularity and have no adequate words to praise the same. Chitragupt is indeed all that as you have portrayed. His style is his own and his orchestration is also distinct and easily identifiable.
Here is a video of song at no. 6. Quality is nothing to write to home about. That it is still hanging by a slender thread is a fortunate happenstance.
https://youtu.be/m1pOVN6sBYU?t=31
AK Ji
Like always, a beautiful post. Chitragupt is one music director who was generally underrated. With Rafi, he has composed many good duets. Although you have generally covered all good songs, I should be permitted to add following also:
1-Oonche Log—Aaja Re Mere Pyar
2-Main Chup Rahungi-Koi Bata De Dil
3-Zabak- Mehlon Ne Chheen Liya
4-Alibaba & 40 Chor-Ae Saba Unse Kah Jara
Another dulcet duet from this pair – Lata Mangeshkjar/Mohammad Rafi from the film Opera House (1961), Majrooh Sultanpuri
Raste Mein Tere Kabse Hai Khade
https://youtu.be/FueWKQoNQcI?t=155
AKji,
A good article on the day of commemoration of the legendary singer Md.Rafi.
Chitragupt gave many melodious of songs in some obscure films. In fact, some of his best work lies buried in these long-forgotten films. Thanks for presenting a bouquet of sweet and melodious duets rendered by Md.Rafi and composed by Chitragupt.
Presenting a duet from another AVM film,
Yahi To Din Hai Baharo Ke, with Asha Bhosle, Main Bhi Ladki Hoon (1964), Rajinder Krishan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk-p1xn-IbE
Chitragupta is like Ravi. He can’t be called a forgotten composer, but most music lovers won’t associate his name with their favourite songs the way the do with SD, SJ, Naushad, CR, Madan Mohan, Salil Chowdhury, or Roshan. It is interesting to speculate why their personalities remain in the background while their songs have such a high recall factor.
‘Wo door jo nadiya behti hai’ is a song I heard only once on the radio and it has stayed with me. Good to see that song in this list.
I was wondering, would it be a worthwhile project to make a full database of every song that has featured in SoY, including the comments? It will be a massive exercise, but the end result would be invaluable. Apart from the usual fields of singer, lyricist, composer, film, and year the database should also link to the particular article/comment.
I am sorry. Oonche log song is not by Rafi
A nice Ched-Chad song………with Geeta Dutt
Meri Gali Chhokre Ji Aaya Na Karo
O ji walla pyar se bulaya na karo
Ye dil tha bechain mil gaye aate jate nain
Balma aate jate nain uljhaya naa karo
O ji walla pyar se bulaya na karo
Hum Matwale Naujawan (1962), Majrooh Sultanpuri
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BXatnNgvH0
Happy to read this very befitting tribute to the great MOHAMMAD RAFI . No one who claims to be a lover of HFM golden era will forget Rafi . If SOY had missed remembering Rafi on this date , it would certainly have been blamed . A great collection of songs of the Rafi / Chitragupt combo . I also thank the participants for their tributes . When we hear such great performers , it is common to attribute it to the performer ‘s talent / natural gift . I would say it is their hard work . Thanks again for this beautiful writeup.
On the question of creating an SOY database , I have always been for it . Meaningful recordkeeping is the hallmark of any organisation that depends on facts . A I is going to change everything in the future . The case of the dismal recordkeeping in our film industry is there for all to see. Using hypertexting and such other useful software ( only experts can say what) should help .
One song …
‘ Le lo le …’ / 1960 / MAA BAAP / Chitragupt / Rafi
https://youtu.be/EAPZUbBBcx0
Mumbaikar8 @1,
Rafi was very obvious. If you thought of Chitragupta’s combo with him, that is real telepathy. When I looked at his solos and duets, duets overpowered me. They are delightful, joyous and remain with you forever. Sushma Shreshth clipping is excellent. Perfectly captures the goodness of Rafi. Heard Kadam kadam pe bahaarein lutata for the first time. Nice song.
Dr Rakesh Deshpande @2,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Both the duets you have mentioned are among their best. Laagi chhute na ab to sanam is a timelss song.
Mr R Vasudevan @3,
Thanks for your heart-felt tribute to Rafi. I am now enjoying Jaag dil-e-deewana with the help of your comment. Beautiful.
Mr Rangan @4,
Thanks a lot for your generous words of appreciation. Thanks for posting the video link of song #6. I had seen it, but chose the much superior audio.
Rakeshji @5,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. #3 is a Mukesh-Lata Mangeshkar duet. But one song Mahlon ne chheen liya is enough to remind us that Chitragupta gave a number of superb songs, solos and duets, for Mukesh too.
Mr Rangan @6,
Raste mein tere kabse hain khade is a beautiful street dance song. It seems to be a surrogate gate for Ajit and B Saroja Devi. Rakeshji just mentioned a Mukesh duet from Zabak. Opera House had the iconic Mukesh-Lata Mangeshkar duet, Dekho mausam kya bahaar hai, sara aalam beqaraar hai, aise mein tum hum deewane ho jaayein na
Venkataramanji @7, 10
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Heard both the songs for the first time. I especially liked the Punjabi-style Meri gali chhokre ji aya na karo. I felt this was made for Rafi-Shamshad Begum, but it is a delightful song.
Subodh @8,
For me Chitragupta ranked very high and I associate his best songs with him. With Ravi it often happened, Oh this too by him. On sweetness, especially for Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar and Mukseh with whatever little he worked with him, his songs were top of the tops.
About the database it is a very good idea, let me explore its technical feasibility. If it is doable at a reasonable cost I will get it done. If you know some good IT person do let me know.
Rakeshji @9,
I slipped too. In my comment @16, I had pointed out that Mahlon ne chheen liya from Zabak was a Mukesh-Lata duet. I should have included Aa ja re mere pyar ke raahi too.
Mr Joseph @11,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Rafi-Chitragupta combination is one of the best among Rafi’s combination with MDs. Le lo le lo duayein ma baap ki is a beautiful song. Is a solo, but that is OK.
Very much looking forward for this combination ! Song selection is excellent particularly those from Chand Mere aaja and beet gayi aadhi raat from Nache nagin baje been. I feel that Pardesi piya from Pardesi (1970) should also have been included.
Raste mein tere and kadam kadam should have also made it to this list.
I was gratified to find an article on one of the greatest singers of all time on SoY today. I had overlooked the date and when I saw your the first line of your intro, it was a bit of a jolt back into my earlier radio days when I (together with co-hosts in many an enjoyable hour-long journey down memory lane) played so many of his songs, whether solos or duets – in special programs dedicated to him on his birth and death anniversaries.
All I can say is, how do you choose favourite songs of Rafi? Which one or even ones would you choose? Yes, certain music directors brought out the best of their music with him, but no matter which MD it was, when he lent his voice to the song – it somehow became special due to his effortless and melodious rendition. Which of course was one of the hallmarks of singers of the golden period. Mukesh, Kishore, Talat, Manna De, Hemant Kumar, Mahendra Kapoor, they all sang beautifully. But ah… the sweetness of the voice of Mohammad Rafi was – like Lata’s voice – ethereal. A gift of nature. Incomparable.
As far as Chitragupt’s songs for him, the ones that came to my mind are already mentioned in some of the emails from others….Jaag dil-e Deewana (a solo), Yeh parbaton ke daaere (a duet). The melodies take one to a different world – which feels sublime.
Thank you again
AKji,
As far I know Geeta Dutt sang maximum duets with Md.Rafi, around 150.
Out of this 150, Chitragupt composed roughly 30 duets.
Posted a one Rafi-Geeta duet @ 10.
Now posting a duet from Hamara Ghar (1950)
This will be second duet from Hamara Ghar.
Also the second Geeta Dutt-Md.Rafi duet to be posted here.
Chandni Chitki Hui Hai Muskurati Raat Hai
Ek chanda aasman par ek hamare sath hai
Anjum Jaipuri
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8o4nO0MWRc
AKji,
Md.Rafi’s association with Chitragupt started in 1950. You have mentioned it in your write-up.
Hamara Ghar was 1950 family drama. The film had seven songs and 6 of them were duets and one triad. Except the triad and a duet Md.Rafi lent his voice for the other five duets.
Chori chori mat dekh
Chori chori mat dekh balam
Bholi dulhan sharmayegi
Dulhan ko najar lag jayegi
To khadi khadi mar jayegi
Haye chori chori mat dekh
with Shamshad Begum, Bharat Vyas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRUKyZCuqN0
The earlier duet posted @25 was the first one from Hamara Ghar.
This one is the second. Error regretted.
I was expecting something about Rafi. But, Chitragupta too is double bonanza. This trio of Rafi, Chitragupta and Ravi I just love because of their simplicity. You have written about Rafi ‘dil se’. Description of his death brought the memory of 1st August morning news announcing Rafi’s death. I have never been shocked more on any film personality’s death. Chitragupta was no less a gentleman. I have heard his son quoted as saying that he refused a few big banners, to keep in his own area of activity. I never cared about the grade of his films, because his music is always A grade. And he was never short of work which speaks volumes of respect he commanded in hfm circles.
His association with Rafi is from the records available is from 1950, because the details of his early films are not available. And they struck gold directly with 5 duets full of melody, 3 with Shamshad and 2 with Geeta. Asha came as Rafi’s partner in 1953 when she sang one duet with him in Naag Panchami. Prior to that it was Geeta or Shamshad, barring one duet with one Lakshmi Roy and one triad where Ameerbai coopted with Rafi and Geeta. Lata partnered Rafi in Bhabhi for the two duets popularity of which swept everyone away and all other female singers were gap fillers for Chitragupta. Suman Kalyanpur has preceded Lata as Rafi’s partner in 1955 in a duet in Shri Ganesh Bhakti.
As for song selection that is great as usual and most of them are my favourites. The only song which I think should have been there is ‘ambe tu hai jagdambe kali’ a Rafi-Asha duet from Navratri. This song, written by Bharat Vyas and composed on a traditional aarti tune, became a very common aarti in temples and homes. Most of the persons dont even know this came from a film. Similarly the Main Cup Rahungi Lata song ‘tumhin ho mata pita tumhin ho’ was sung as a prayer song in schools.
For my songs, I would – as first instalment – post songs from pre-Lata era. The purpose is to show how the Rafi-Chitragupta team gelled from the start.
‘Chandani chhitki hui hai muskurati raat hai,
ek chanda aasman par ik hamare sath hai.’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8o4nO0MWRc
A song as sweet as any. The lyrics of this song from Hamara Ghar are by Anjum Jaipuri. Lyrics would tell it is either post marriage or after it has been finalised. The other voice is Geeta Dutt.
Chori chori mat dekh balam – Rafi, Shamshad – Hamara Ghar – Bharat Vyas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRUKyZCuqN0
Third song is from 1952 film Tarang. ‘Badi muskil se aisi sham aayi hai’ was the only song written by DN Madhok. The gem is sung by Rafi and Geeta.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol0mac0gn9U
‘Bhagwan tere ghar ka singar ja raha hai’ was the first song sung by Asha with Rafi under Chitragupta in the 1953 film Naag Panchami. Lyrics are by Gopal Singh Nepali.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY7PXq2VrHM
Next song is ‘jise banana use mitana kaam tera’ from Shiv Bhakta – 1955 sung by Rafi with Asha. GS Nepali excelled in writing lyrics for such devotional films, and there is no exception here. Lata made her debut with Chitragupta in this film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlcPAPPW5TY
During my typing out my comment, Venkataramanji has posted two out of my 5. This shows how similar our liking is. To make the deficiency I am posting two more.
Chalo chalo chalen hum babool ke tale – Rafi, Shamshad – Alibaba and Forty Thieves 1954 – lyrics Raja Mehndi Ali Khan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY02XKRI4lk
Dekho dekho huzoor ye hain khatte angoor from the same film same singers and lyricist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6CSptXVKfM
In chori chori mat dekh balam, Bharat Vyas used the line ‘khadi khadi mar jayegi’. Such phrases are used commonly in Haryana and adjoining Rajasthan areas. ‘Khadi khadi mar jayegi’ would mean she would die at the spot.
Hansji @ 27, 28, 29
I posted two duets from Hamara Ghar (1950) and held back the other three and expecting somebody to post them. Incidentally the songs were repeated because of the close time gap between our postings. That was unfortunate.
The duets from Shiv Bhakt (1955) and Tarang (1952) were in my line up. You pipped me at the post. That happens.
The Rafi-Geeta duet from Tarang was another favourite of mine.
Almost all the songs from Ali Baba and Forty Thieves (1954) are my favourites. Thanks for posting the two duets. If am not mistaken, the music for the film was jointly scored by Chitragupt and his mentor S N Tripathi.
AKji, Hansji
Besides there is an interesting quartet in the film Tarang rendered by Md.Rafi, Geeta Dutt, Shamshad Begum and Chtragupt.
Although Rafi’s involvement is the least in this song, yet I would like post it. Hope it qualifies.
Nadiya Kinaare Mora Dera, Mashaal Jaley Saari Ratiyaan with Geeta Dutt, Shamshad Begum, Chitragupt, Tarang (1952), lyrics Ram Murti Chaturvedi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6X8uQLtDSQ&feature=emb_title
AKji,
Sorry Madam was a shelved Hindi film of the late 70s. Originally made in Bengali in 1962 with same title, the film was directed by Dilip Bose. Dilip Bose wanted to remake the film in Hindi in the late 70s. Chitragupt was in charge of the music. Six songs were recorded, of which three were Rafi-Asha duets. Rafe rendered two solos and Asha one. The sudden demise of the director Dilip Bose’s wife devastated him and the film was abandoned and never released.
I gathered this information a few months back, courtesy Sadanand Kamathji’s write up in Atul Song a Day and Silkrd.fiiles.wordpress.com. I am giving the links to both.
https://atulsongaday.me/2020/05/18/dekho-ji-ye-waada-karo/
https://silkrd.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/rafi-presentation012010.pdf
Posting one of the three duets rendered by Rafi & Asha,
Dekhoji Wada Karo, lyrics Kafeel Azhar, Sorry Madam (1979)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clrLYenCQbA
The other two duets to follow……
Nikili Nikili Nikili,_Dil Walon Ki Toli Nikli
with Asha, chorus, Sorry Madam (1979) – Unreleased, Kafeel Aazar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2wQinzkde0
It is to be noted that Rafi’s voice gives no indication of his failing health. His voice in these numbers has a rich and pleasing timber that leaves the listener spellbound.
AKJI,
Posting the third duet from Sorry Madam (1979)-unreleased
Mohabbat Karegi Asar Dheere Dheere
With Asha, Kafeel Azaar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkfS01tCPqQ
The compositions are simple and fresh.
AKji:
A timely post on Chitragupt’s duets composed for Rafi, and what a selection of lilting melodies! The softness of his tunes is reflected even in his motivational compositions like ‘Gham ki badli mein chamakta ek sitara hai’ (Rafi & Sudha Malhotra in ‘Kal Hamara Hai’):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLBKyO12wOI
A great post suiting the occasion.
This combination was in my mind too, and I have planned it for Chitragupta’s birthday in November. Let’s see.
Readers have already added some many songs, let me think if I can add more.
I can think of,
Chhupa kar meri aankhon Ko from Bhabhi
https://youtu.be/fEcDhK3d068
Ae meri zindagi Tu nahi ajnabi from pyar ka sapna
https://youtu.be/SJCysQwbtmI
Anup
🙂
And of course,
Jab Se Hum Tum Baharon mein from main shadi karne chala
https://youtu.be/Eyiz5hqBinQ
Anup
AKji
Wonderful article.
Aulad was the first movie of Chitragupta I knew when Hindi songs stared to get registered in my mind. Then it was main chup rahungi ( Courtney Doordarshan Sunday choice)
I pick here the duet from Aulaad , where I think Chitragupta had entered his twilight zone but still maintained the sweetness in his compositions.
Najuk najuk badan Mora
https://youtu.be/qUCcUcCsLfw
KB @22,
Thanks a lot for you appreciation. Pardesi piya ho pardesi piya is an excellent song. Thanks for mentioning the song.
Pardesi piya re pardesi piya by Rafi and Asha Bhosle from Pardesi (1970), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri, music Chitragupta
@23,
Raste mein tere kabse hain khade has been mentioned by Mr Rangan in his comment @6. Excellent song. Kadam kadam pe bahaarein lutata has been mentioned by Mumbaikar8 @1.
Nasreen @24,
I am happy you liked the article and selection of songs. 31 July is etched in every music lovers mind as Rafi’s Remebrance Day. I am happy this post connected you with your old memories.
Venkataramanji @25,
Interesting statistics. I would have thought Rafi should have sung more duets with Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar. I went over to Meri gali chhokre ji aya na karo again and again, because something kept buzzing in my ears and then it hit me. Do you remember Dekhoji akeli aya jaya na karo, also a Rafi-Geeta Dutt duet from the film Pyar Ki Raahein (1959), music by Kanu Ghosh. The song is so good and the Meri gali chhokre ji aya na karo is so similar I have to share it here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSUGU2ZX4Bg
We were discussing the P-word on mail. I don’t know how Ashwin Bhandarkar will react to this. I like both the songs.
@26,
Thanks a lot for the information on the film Hamara Ghar (1950). I was confused by your @25, but I thought I might have missed something. This one sorts it out. I liked Chro chori mat dekh balam. Thanks for posting duets from Chitragupta-Rafi’s first combination.
@30,
I find HFGK crediting Ali Baba and Forty Thieves jointly to SN Tripathi-Chitragupta. Chalo chlo chalein hum babul ke tale mentioned by Hans is an outstanding song. Even if Chitragupta has to share half the credit with his guru, that would be a lot. He has composed some songs in this style.
@31,
Nadiya kinare mora dera is a fantastic discovery. Chitragupta is not a mean singer. He should have tried to do a Chitalkar more often.
@32, 33, 34,
You have done a massive effort in posting three duets from the unreleased film Sorry Madam (1979). My compliments for your endeavour. I was drawn by Mohabbat karegi asar heere dheere. But its was very different from the iconic Lata Mnageshkatr’s Uthegi tumhari nazar dheere dheere from Ek Raaz. The three duets did not stick in my mind. But thanks for this discovery.
Hans @27,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation and the beautiful bouquet of rare songs. I especially liked Jise banana use mitana kaam tera.
@28,
Chalo chalo chalein hum babool ke tale I absolutely love. Rafi and Shamshad Begum had a unique tuning for such fun songs. I passed it because it is jointly credited to SN Tripathi-Chitragupta.
Canasya @35,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Gham ki badli mein chamakta ek sitara hai is a very nice song. Heard it for the first time. Thanks a lot.
Anup @36,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Chhupa kar meri aankhon mein is a great song. I have mentioned in the write up. Ae meri zindagi tu nahi ajanabi, too, is a very nice song. Heard for the first time. Thanks a lot.
@37,
Thanks reminding me of Jab se hum tum bahaaron mein. This is perhaps the only duet which has a twin duet sung by another set of singers, Mukesh and Kamal Barot, which is my great favourite, and like it far more. I think this version was the one which came on the radio.
Mr Muli @38,
Thanks a lot for your generous words. Nazuk nazuk badan mora, haye chubh chubh jaye re tore nain sanwariya: what a charming song. It has all the fabled sweetness of Chitragupta. The instrumentation is also marvelous. Thanks for posting it.
AK ji,
A post fit for Rafi’s Remembrance Day.
A qawwali from
SHADI, 1961.
( Jisko jalne ki parvah nahin
Woh parvane hote hain…)
Log toh baat ka afsana bana dete hain….
Rafi, Manna Dey, chorus; Rajinder Krishen.
APLAM CHAPLAM, 1961, must be among the earliest films whose title was an earlier hit song…From AZAAD, here.
Duniya jidhar jhuke jhuk jaa
Finished jidhar ruke ruk jaa
..
Kyon bhai Aplam?
Haan bhai Chaplam.
Rafi, Manna Dey.
Kum Kum was the heroine.
3 duets of different moods from
TEL MALISH BOOT POLISH, 1961.
Aaya aaya Japanwala
Sab se aalishanwala…
With Geeta Dutt.
Pehli nazar tere pyar ki
Dil mein utar gayi..
Kamal Barot.
Ho ji ho, Goriye Balliye..
Lata.
We know TAXI DRIVER and TAXI TAXI. Both had some remarkable songs.
Here is TAXI STAND, 1958.
Aano hai toh aao Suhani sham hai
Aise mein dil ko…
Majrooh, Asha.
CHAND MERE AAJAA, 1960.
Chand ko dekho ji..
Lata.
A fun song from
GAMBLER, 1960.
Jab ghadi bole chaar
Gori karke singar
Chale aana us paar
Bolo pakki?
Suman Kalyanpur.
The best voices for devotional songs?
Rafi, Manna Dey, Hemant Kumar.
Having both Rafi and Manna Dey sing a bhajan together is a great treat.
Janam janam ka paap late
Bharam ka baadal door hate..
….
Sri Krishna Sharanam Mama…
Rafi, almost a chorus singer.
SAKSHI GOPAL, 1957.
Bharat Vyas.
AK,
NV and Hans have posted some of the best Geeta Dutt and Rafi Asha songs.
I am trying to pick from the rest.
Geeta Dutt Rafi
Geeta Dutt , Mohd Rafi : Dil phaanse deke jhaanse: Film – Daaka (1959)
https://youtu.be/JkhQvfibIlE
Band Master Rafi Geeta Dutt
https://youtu.be/wuhh4VVsBR4
One Geeta Dutt Rafi with Amirbai and Chitragupta?
Door desh ka raja ek din – Mohd. Rafi , Geeta dutt, Chitragupta & Amirbai KarnatakiVeer Babruvahan
https://youtu.be/NnTRcTWD2Mo
Rafi Asha
Ae Mere Humnawa Tu Nahin Jaanta – Mohammed Rafi | Asha Bhosle | Adventures of Aladdin
https://youtu.be/pmYHiMmt9AQ
Kafir Nazr – Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle, Aadhi Raat Ke Baad
https://youtu.be/zN7IMnKElOE
Rafi Usha Mangeshkar
Lehar chup hai hawa chup hai Daughter of Sindbad
https://youtu.be/HSsj7nYV01U
And Rafi Lata
Badli mein chand hai – Kabhi Dhoop Kabhi Chhaon Rafi Lata
https://youtu.be/jPaGdXFDgdY
AK,
NV and Hans have posted some of the best Geeta Dutt and Rafi Asha songs.
I am trying to pick from the rest.
Geeta Dutt Rafi
Geeta Dutt , Mohd Rafi : Dil phaanse deke jhaanse: Film – Daaka (1959)
https://youtu.be/JkhQvfibIlE
Band Master Rafi Geeta Dutt
https://youtu.be/wuhh4VVsBR4
Door desh ka raja ek din – Mohd. Rafi , Geeta dutt, Chitragupta & Amirbai KarnatakiVeer Babruvahan
https://youtu.be/NnTRcTWD2Mo
Rafi Asha
Ae Mere Humnawa Tu Nahin Jaanta – Mohammed Rafi | Asha Bhosle | Adventures of Aladdin
https://youtu.be/pmYHiMmt9AQ
Kafir Nazr – Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle, Aadhi Raat Ke Baad
https://youtu.be/zN7IMnKElOE
Rafi Usha Mangeshkar
Lehar chup hai hawa chup hai Daughter of Sindbad
https://youtu.be/HSsj7nYV01U
And Rafi Lata
Badli mein chand hai – Kabhi Dhoop Kabhi Chhaon Rafi Lata
https://youtu.be/jPaGdXFDgdY
Thanks AKji for a wonderful tribute to Mohammad Rafi, by remembering such a varied range of duets with Chitragupt.
Hansji also has done a great job of bringing in Chitragupt – Rafi combination prior to Lat came in to rule Chitragupt’s music world.
Chitragupt, like Ravi and Roshan, is always such treat to listen to, any time.
AK @ 41
You wrote this.
‘He should have tried to do a Chitalkar more often.’
It is good the Chitalkar bug did not bite Chitragupta – though ‘Chit’ is common in their name – otherwise he could have ignored Rafi and we would have been deprived of the horde of gems he has provided to us with Rafi.
चितलकर को लता ने चित किया तो रफ़ी के गीतों की चिता सज गयी
चित्रगुप्त ने अपने प्यारे चित्र को लता से गुप्त रखा तो गीतों की महफ़िल सज गयी
Chitragupta composed some male-male duets. Manna Dey was his favourite singer to accompany Rafi for such songs. Dr Shetty posted two Rafi, Manna Dey songs. I am also posting a few.
Their first song together came in Bhabhi in a Laila-Majnu nautanki song. The narrator Bhagwan gets the voice of Manna Dey, Majnu Om Prakash is represented by Balbir and Rafi sings for Laila in the form of Agha.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_wwVvCuOLQ
Are jane wale hamari gali aana – Baaraat – lyrics Majrooh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DcCXj1AHU0
Kyun bhai aplam han bhai chaplam – Aplam Chaplam – lyrics Prem Dhawan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QhKiKTlTCU
Insaf wala jo bhagwan hota – Suhag Sindoor – lyrics Rajendra Krishan. Though video quality is poor, I am posting it because the initial line ‘insaf wala jo bhagwan hota’ recited by Rafi (in ‘insaaf ka mandir hai ye’ style ) is not in the audio version.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXk8-LeMY1s
Here is the audio version.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKlfeG4FBs0
Ref 9.
The song jaag dil-e deewana was indeed from the film Oonche Log released in the year 1965 starring Ashok Kumar, Feroz Khan, KR Vijaya
was directed by Phani Muzamdhar. The music for the film was scored
by Chitragupt. The song in question was indeed sung by Mohamad Rafi and pictured on Feroz Khan. If in doubt hindigeetmala,net. or imdb.com
can be referred. What I said is correct. Kindly recheck.
AK ji, Hans Ji ;
Chitragupt music is very simple and his melodies were usually clearly stated. No heavy orchestra to go with. In fact if we trace music of S N Tripathi , Chitragupt and D. Dhilokia one can feel the passing of baton of simple tunes….. trickling from Masters to his pupils ….that one can hum for long time.
It is surprising ….even the song writers chose simple words to match simple fine tuned melodies. Myself in my younger days could easily guess the chitragupt songs because of his unique use of simple musical instruments which were used as highlighters in his compositions. His use of …Dhaap…in tabla was a sure shot signal for guessing his tunes over radios . A good tune can almost be whistled….but his tunes were worth humming.
This post is going to be favorite of Hans ji . Most of the songs that I have enjoyed in the past have been covered by SoY members . I will see if I can find some hidden songs. As far my memory goes Chitragupt was favorite of Wadia brothers and Krishnan Panju. Many of his tunes for such production houses lingers in my storage drive.
Melody can never be put down on paper…It has to be on Vinyl Record.
Ankhi Jhuki Si Chal Ruki Si – Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi – BURMAH ROAD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N04CFzTv_dU&t=62s
Shaadi 1962 : Log To Baat Ka Afsana Bana Dete Hain : Rafi , Mannadey, Balbir and others…..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKJwtw1ZK4o
Pa Pa Pa Ma Pa Ap Ga….Balbir, Rafi, Lata….Main chuup rahungi…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSrzdNbmKlQ
R Vasudevan ji @ 56;
Yes, you are 100 percent correct . Jag dile diwana …song by Rafi is from Ooche Log . The song is fimed on feroz khan .
Here is the link….
jag dil e deewana..Rafi – Majrooh- Chtragupta- ا Oonche Log1965
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n6hoIp6Quc
Dr Shetty @46,
You were missing in the party, and you have started with an excellent party song – an exuberant qawwali.
Log to baat ka afsana bana dete hain by Rafi, Manna Dey & others from Shaadi (1962), lyrics Rajendra Krishna, music Chitragupta
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKJwtw1ZK4o
@47,
This is a nice fun song by Rafi and Manna Dey, duo who partnered in many comic songs. And I can’t forget to mention Chitragupta’s talent, in this B-grade film he also gave the super-melodious Mukesh-Lata Mangeshkar duet, Chadhe chanda to tum bhi chale ana sajan tumhein pyar ki kasam.
Duniya jidhar jhuk ja..Kyon bhai Aplam, Haan bhai Chaplam by Rafi and Maana Dey from Apalam Chaplam (1961), lyrics Prem Dhavan, music Chitragupta
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Aplam+Chaplam+songs+1961
@48,
Of the three duets you have mentioned my favourite is Pahli nazar tere pyar ki mere dil mein utar gayi by Rafi and Kamal Barot from Tel Malish Boot Pollish (1961), lyrics Prem Dhavan, music Chitragupta.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E32GKxX0HtA
This song has a special significance. Chitragupta auto-karoaked this tune and fitted Mori kalaiya sukumar ho chubh jala kanganwa in the Bhojpuri film Laagi Nahi Chhute Ram (1963). Earlier I had coined a word, auto-plagiarism. That was too harsh, I have switched to ‘auto-karaoke’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z2DVtKry3I
We have Kumkum in full resplendence. This is turning out to be a tribute to her, too, whom we lost recently.
@49,
Chaand ko dekhoji is a lovely song. I have mentioned it in my post. I have posted another song from the film #6, Teri aankhon mein pyar maine dekh liya.
@50,
You have a terrific recall. From where do you get these gems?
Jab ghadi bole chaar, gori karke singaar, bolo pakki by Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur from Gambler (1960), lyrics Prem Dhavan, music Chitragupta
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pHtOlZAmF8
@51,
I couldn’t locate the link of Manna Dey-Rafi bhajan, Shri Krishna Sharanam... I associate this film with Maana Dey’s superb, Ho Jamuna kinaare jhilmi kare taare.
Dr Shetty,
May I repeat my request to post YT links too of the songs you post. Many readers miss to enjoy the additions made by you. Searching YT links is an additional and cumbersome hassle. It is difficult to post links by mobile phone. When you have tried that we were not able to open. You have to do it on a tablet/laptop/desktop.
Mumbaikar8 53,
From your list my pick is two.
Door desh ka raja ek din…Jab nain se nain mile umangein naach uthin man mein is among my very special songs. Always mesmerises me. Amirbai Karnataki is very conspicuous, it is very much her song; Rafi sounded very different from his usual voice. If not told, I would not have been able to guess.
Badli mein chaand hai I heard for the first time. Loved it. Though YT ascribes it to 1971, everything about the song is early 60s – Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar’s voice, orchestration, and above all Ammeta’s appearance. It must have been an old song and reused in a later film, or an early canned film released after a long delay.
Ashokji @54,
Thanks a lot for your generous words. Hans and most readers share my fascination for Chitragupta-Rafi-Lata Mangeshkar combination.
Hans @55,
I immensely liked your poem about the larger good of Chitragupta not doing a Chitalkar. I said it in the limited sense that he was not a mean singer.
@56,
I have to especially thank you for reconnecting me to Rafi-Manna Dey-Balbir nautanki song from the film Bhabhi. The song title is usually mentioned it with the prelude and I always miss it. I know it as Rafi’s Laila Laila pukaarun main ban mein or Rfai’s part Koi patthar se na maaro mere deewane ko. It picturisations is superb, Rafi singing for Laila (in drag) is very enjoyable, more so for not trying to sing in an affected lady’s voice.
Mr Vasudevan @57, KS Bhatiaji @59
Both of you are right, as was Mr Rakesh Srivastava, who was referring to his own comment @9 in reference to his comment @5, in which he had erroneously mentioned Aa ja re mere pyar ke raahi – this was a Mahendra Kapoor-Lata Mangeshkar duet.
KS Bhatiaji @58,
I am also discovering many new gems and some of my long-time great favourites which are listed with the prelude words, but I always remembered them with their well-known mukhadas. In your list Ankh jhuki jhuki si hai from Burma Road was new for me. I used to pass up because its mukhada was not very appealing, but when I patiently heard the full song, the antara becomes superbly melodious, so characteristic of Chitragupta. The qawwali from Shaadi has been earlier mentioned by Dr Shetty.
A nice song from an enjoyable B- grade film starring Ajit and Heen in the leads
Kabli Khan 1963
Lata, Rafi – Majrooh
Yaa halaa yaa habibi mere dil ke karibi
na jana door kahin dil se meri jaan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lU6ktpGG1VI
Another Rafi-Lata duet penned by Majrooh picturized on a very young Salim Khan
Ramu Dada 1961
Daal bhi de zulfon ki chhaon zalima dhoop chadi jaye
lo na sanam zulfon ka naam baat mein hi baat badhi jaye
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNVzHh2mABU
In the video version, the word, zulfon is replaced by palkon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYNbRAPmmQQ
Really a delightful article! I feel it nice whenever Chitragupta’s contribution to Hindi films is acknowledged. As most persons who appreciate Chitragupta try to justify why &how he not being in ‘Big League’, we realise there is something like ‘Bad luck’! So many melodious songs with top singers-would avoid repeating. Some beautiful songs in ‘Ganga ki Lahare, Aakashdeep, Mai chup rahungi, Zabak’ and so forth.
Thanks for illustrating some unheard but melodious songs.
AK @ 61
“Door desh ka raja ek din…Jab nain se nain mile umangein naach uthin man mein is among my very special songs. Always mesmerises me. Amirbai Karnataki is very conspicuous, it is very much her song; Rafi sounded very different from his usual voice. If not told, I would not have been able to guess.”
I would not agree with you, Amirbai Karnataki is conspicuous because she starts with the prelude but later in the song all three singers have equal presence. Rafi sounded very fresh but very much Rafi, I wouldn’t have made any other guess.
AK @ 80
Dr. Shetty’s Manna Dey Rafi Bhajan.
https://youtu.be/wRx9-YOaTWA
Manna Dey Rafi gelling well in comedy songs from Biradari Mehmood and Shashi Kapoor
Biradari – Tum Jo ho So Ho Lekin Khuda To Nahin
https://youtu.be/IxUBPjIq1cg
Beta Jamoore Kehde -Biradari (1966)
https://youtu.be/cdVXestcrrI
One Asha Rafi song with resemblance to sham dhale khidki tale
Chori Chori Aana Na Khidki Tale Tum | Asha Bhosle, Mohammed Rafi | Miss Mala
https://youtu.be/kwoYpAAQJj8
AK ji
My compliments for presenting a lovely tribute to Chitragupta and Mohd Rafi; and also making a sweet mention of Kumkum.
Well if we give A+++ rating to Roshan, Chitragupta ought to get at least A+.
Between 1957-67, both these MDs gave top songs to Lata, Rafi and Mukesh. Both of them relied on sweet melodies, normally avoided lengthy interludes and for percussion generally used tabla- dholak expertly. They made lesser utilisation of of drums/bongos/congo.
Thanks.
One very good song I remember from Chitragupta and Rafi is Aana hai to chale aao from Taxi Stand (1958) with Asha Bhonsle. However , we could see in films like Aulad at least four songs were good and especially the duet Armaan saha mein jinka and Nazuk Nazuk. His solos and duets in Vaasna was also outstanding. I suggest we have a post on Chitragupta with other male singers.
Mukesh had one duet with Rafi in film Hum Matwale Naujawan. Lyrics Majrooh.
Mat poochiye dil hai kahan.
https://youtu.be/0twa4wsLfks
There was a famous song ‘o paise tu bhagwan nahin par gun tujhmen bhagwan ke hain’ in film Main Shadi Karne Chala sung by Rafi and Manna Dey. Lyrics again Majrooh.
https://youtu.be/YbjigEAsi4A
Dr Deshpanede @67,
Ya hala ya habibi mere del ke karibi is a very nice song, though very atypical of Chitragupta. Herd for the first time. Thanks a lot for posting it.
@68,
Daal bhi de zulfon/palkon ki chhaon mein is another new song for me. A very nice ong. Is the actor lip-synching Rafi Salim Khan, father of Salmn Khan?
Deepak @69,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. I feel very happy when I meet another person so admiring of Chitragupta.
Mumbaikar8 @70,
Shashi Kapoor-Mehmood combination is terrific in the two songs from the film Biradari. Heard for the first time. Thanks a lot.
Tyagiji @71,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Your Roshan-Chitragupta comparison is very interesting. Roshan was a notch or several motches higher to Chitragupta, because Roshan gave timeless songs for many singers, and he could also give intricate classical raga-based songs. He also made a niche for himself qawwalis. Hacing said that, Chitragupta composed extremely hummable and melodious tunes.
KB @72,
As we discover Chitragupta more, we find besides Rafi-Lata Mangeshkar he also gave excellent songs for other singers. I will keep that in mind for an opportune time.
Hans @73,
Heard both the songs for the first time. I especially liked Mukesh-Rafi duet, Mat poochhiye dil hai kahan. Thanks a lot.
AK ji
Ref@71, sorry if it appears that the stature of Roshan is being lowered. In my view, Roshan was among the handful of MDs who hardly ever created what is called in Hindi a ‘kamzor rachna’(weak composition). He was talented, diligent and a man who took his profession very seriously. He took it to heart if his film did not get box-office success.
Talking about film Hamara Ghar (1950), Venkataraman ji and Hans bhai have brought out that the film had 6 duets and a triad. Very remarkable! I cannot say about older films, but 1959 onwards very few films had more than total 8 songs. Naturally having more than 4 duets was a rarity. If I remember correctly, films ‘Ek musafir ek hasina’ and Aashiqui(1990) had 5 or 6 duets- though I do not hold the duets of ‘Aashiqui’ in much esteem.
Regards.
AK ji,
Posting a Male-Male duet,
Mat puchhiye dil hain kahan,
Dil ki manjil hain kahan
with Mukesh, Hum Matwale Naujawan (1962), Majrooh Sultanpurii
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOionO1H-1w
AKJi,
Posting one more duet from Hamara Ghar 1950
Another Holi song
Rang bhari holi aayi, rang bhari holi
Ho man me umang nayi tan me tarang nayi
Masti me jhum rahi jhum rahi
Masti me jhum rahi masto ki toli
Rang bhari holi aayi, rang bhari holi
With Shamshad Begum , Bharat Vyas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_653KYpbc4
I think, I could hear another female voice at 01:00 for 5 seconds
Or is it due to overdose of dreams!
Posting a sweet and simple duet from Maya Bazar.
Har Phool mein masti hai, Rangeen Hai Mausam
Maya Bazar (1958), with Asha Bhosle, Gopal Singh Nepali
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlaCrAdh4R0
Chitragupt’s compositions were always listener-friendly.
Daal Bhi De Zulfon Ki Chhaon,with Lata Mangeshkar, Ramu Dada (1961), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYNbRAPmmQQ&feature=emb_err_woyt
Another duet from another lesser known film
Tu Meri Heroine Main Tera Hero, with Shamshad Begum, Zindagi Ke Mele (1956), lyrics Manohar Khanna
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=79&v=TGf-uOtLxa0&feature=emb_title
http://www.geetadutt.com/chitragupt.html
AK ji, Venkatraman ji, Hans ji , mumbaikar ji ;
Its not raining but its pouring kettles . Monsoon effects us for some happiness. Happy I am when I listen to unheard songs posted by esteem members of this group . Yes, Alladin hai jahan Chitragupt hain wahan .
Posting some songs hoping they are not repeats…..
Ho Sake Toh Dil Ke Badle Dil – Asha Bhosle, Mohd Rafi [ sound very different ], Aladdin Aur Jadui chirag….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5EmVs9a0MM
Ae Mere Humnawa Tu Nahin Jaanta – Mohammed Rafi | Asha Bhosle | Adventures of Aladdin
Banda Parwar Mohabbat Ka Salaam Le Lijiye – Mohammed Rafi | Manna Dey | Adventures of Aladdin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvWrWxWGrG4
Mumbaikar8 @ 1
I had seen the link of Sushma Shresth’s interview and thought of watching it later. Now I have watched it. I agree with you that she is very genuine and very moved talking about Rafi. She has added to the many stories of his generosity. What a person he was. Thanks for the link.
Tyagiji @80,
On Roshan-Chitragupta I perfectly understood you, you don’t have to feel that you were not clear. Incidentally Naache Nagin Baaje Been (1960) had five duets, four of which are absolutely superb. Three I have posted, another Chale ho kahan sarkar humein beqaraar kar ke is also very popular. That is a proof of Chitragupta’s high talent.
Venkataramanji @81,
Mat poochhiye dil hai kahan is a very nice Mukesh-Rafi duet. It is rare to see Mukesh take lead over Rafi in a jovial song. This song’s words bear some similarity to Koi bata de dil hai jahan, kyon hota hai dard wahan, also a Chitragupta composition from Main Chup Rahungi (1962).
@82,
Good Holi song. You are right, there seems to be another female voice for a few seconds. Since it is a Holi song one of the chorus singers might have sung out of line in excitement.
@83,
Har phool mein masti hai: It is a very nice song. From the picturisation it seems this Maya Bazar was a remake of the Telugu-Tamil classic of the same name, starring NTR, SVR and Savitri.
@84,
Very nice song. This song was earlier posted by Dr Deshpande @68. I speculated that the actor lip-synching Rafi is Salim Khan, father of Salman Khan, and of Salim-Javed pair.
@85
Tu meri heroine main tera hero reminded me of the new song by Arijit Sigh, Main tera boyfriend, tu meri girlfriend han mainu kah di na na na na. If you have gone to weddings in the last couple of years, you can’t miss the song.
KS Bhatiaji @86,
Ho sake to dil ke badle dil de is a very nice song. Bandaparwar mohabbat ka salam le lijiye is in the traditional qawwali songs which is becoming extinct from our films.
Songs from Chaalbaaz 1958
1. Rafi, Geeta Dutt – Anjum Jaipuri
Ho chat mangni to pat shaadi na dil ko todo ji
bade lafde hai shaadi mein ye lafde chhodo ji
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lavGUgyzy8
2. Rafi, Lata – Prem Dhawan
Duniya hai aisi chaalbaaz koi na jane iska raaz
apna banake de jaye dhokhan duniya hai aisi chaalbaaz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KFZJiveQBg
3. Rafi, Geeta, Usha – Prem Dhawan
Dhinak dhinak dhinak nach
ambuwa ki daal pe jhoole pade
sawan mein tere sang naina lade
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNwHZUjfMJU
Venkataramanji @ 30, AK @ 42
About the joint venture of SN Tripathi and Chitragupta, I present my opinion. SN Tripathi played a major role of Qasim Khan, the elder brother of Alibaba. So he was present on the sets for rehearsals and recordings. And if he was there it was natural that he would offer advice in the music department too, which was valued because of his long experience in such movies. Since this was one of the guru-chela team which had a lot of mutual respect, it was proper that Chitragupta perhaps insisted on coopting the name of his esteemed guru. Even if that was not the case, I think it proper to give credit to both of them rather than take away credit from both of them. We have already a number of examples like Husn-Bhagat, SJ, LP, KA. We can not forward the argument that since they mostly worked separately, they have no right to be given credit if they occasionally came together. Vasant Desai and C Ramchandra have worked together in a few films. Should we deprive them both of the credit of scoring music in those films.
Now my reaction to some of the songs posted.
Tarang song ‘nadiya kinare mora dera’ posted by Venkataramanji seems to me to have a bhojpuri touch.
Pardesi song ‘pardesi piya’, mentioned by KB and posted by AK was immensely popular in the 60s and 70s on radio farmaishes. I watched this film in cinema hall and it had a quite good run in Haryana.
Dekhoji akeli aaya jaya na karo – Pyar ki Rahen. Kanu Ghosh(Roy) gave a good panjabi touch to the songs in that film. Geeta Dutt was always great in such songs.
‘Aana hai to aao suhani sham hai’ and ‘jab ghadi bole chaar’ are special favourites of mine. In the second song he is very punctual of time and very particular about the cosmetics. She has to come at four with solah singar. I think he gave her exact time because even if she started on the solah singaar early in the morning, it was likely she missed coming whole day because of being busy in singaar. The antara also gives credence to his theory when he says ‘kahti pone chaar hai, par aati sadje saat’. In the other song there is no need to set the time because this is an instant invitation and that too from the female and the males hardly miss any such chance.
Hansji
@ 93,
Thank you for your response to some of the songs posted here. I once again maintain it requires an expertise on expression and language to analyse the lyrics. That is reference to your last part. Thanks a lot.
@ 92,
I have no disagreements on your opinion on the matter. Full credits to Chitragupt and S N Tripathi. Moreover they belonged to the same Gharana. I think Dilip Dholakia also belongs to this Gharana.
‘Vasant Desai and C Ramchandra have worked together in a few films. Should we deprive them both of the credit of scoring music in those films.’
The answer is obvious. The credit should go to both for their respective contributions.
I would like to bring to your notice, information that I came across recently. I too was under the impression that Vasant-Ramchandra pair was actually Vasant Desai and C Ramchandra. On 21st July this year both of us mentioned this information in the article on ‘Naseem Banu’. And till then that was the information available to us. In course of my search to find out, if this pair had scored music for any other movies, I came across the information that actually they were Vasant Pawar and Ramchandra Wadhavkar. The infor mation was provided by none other than Arunji, in the Atul Song a Day’ site on 23rd July. I am providing the link below;
https://atulsongaday.me/2020/07/24/nazron-ka-khel-khele-koi-kis-tarah-akele/
Akji,
Today is Kishore Kumar’s 91st Birth Anniversary. Paying tributes to KK, posting a solo composed by Chitragupt from an unreleased film ‘Rahnuma’ (early 1970s)
It is a typical situational song of Kishore Kumar.
Ladkiyon Ko Chahiye woh college mein seekh lein
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qT1xHG5N_9k
Venkataramanji @ 94
I have seen this information in the article of Arunji, which I read in the link posted by him in a comment in Naseem Bano post. If he has changed that information then, he must have come across some new facts. Thanks for the info.
Now some stats which are based on HFGK as available with me upto 1980.
Chitragupta composed 137 duets in which Rafi was involved. Of these 114 were male-female duets, 11 male-male and 12 songs involved three or 4 singers. He was paired with 11 female singers for male-female duets and 3 other females (other than those 11) accompanied him in multiple singer songs. Three male singers were used for male-male songs and 4 others participated in multiple singer songs. Of the females Lata had 32 MF songs. Asha had 30 MF and one song where there were 4 singers. Geeta was next with 21 MF and 6 multiple singer songs. It is clear Geeta was Chitragupta’s preferred choice for multiple singer songs where a female was coopted. The next in line were Suman 13 (12+1) and Shamshad 12 (11+1). Rest were just trickles. Barot and Sudha 2 MFs each, Usha M with 1MF and 2 triads. Laxmi Rai, Krishna Kalle and Chandrani Mukherjee were given one MF each. Ameerbai, Uma Devi and Anuradha Paudwal were part of 1 each multiple singer songs.
Of the males, as I said earlier, Manna Dey was his favourite to go with Rafi and he had 9 MM and 3 MSS. Chitragupta was there in 1 MM and 2 MSS. Mukesh was used for just one MM song. Balbir was in 3 MSS songs and Mirza Musharraf in 1. In a later era film Gyaniji, Jaspal Singh and Pascal Paul were used in 2 MSS songs.
Dr Deshpande @91,
All the songs of Chaalbaaz are very interesting. Our OP Nayyar expert Mr Kelkar, who seems to be off SoY for quite sometime, would have said #1 is inspired by OPN style. Generally it’s music is atypical of Chitragupa.
Hans @92,
Thanks. So we are all on one page that the music of Ali Baba and Forty Thieves was jointly given by SN Tripathi-Chitragupta.
@93,
I enjoyed your analysis of Ana hai to chale aao and Jab ghadi bole chaar. Sometimes men too are quite flexible in setting time so that the lady does not think that she is being pushed. In Ana meri jaan, meri jaan Sunday ke Sunday, the guy is quite patient in waiting the whole Sunday whenever she chooses to come. Even though it is off day for him, this kind of uncertain waiting can be quite painful, yet he is gracefully willing to endure it. But I find some intra-contra in Juma chumma de de. Amitabh Bachchan is not willing to wait, he barges and demands, Aaj Jumma hai, Jumma ko milne ka vada tha.
@97,
This is stupendous statistics. It appears from your stats that Geeta Dutt’s total duet songs for Chitragupta is marginally less than Lata Mangeshkar’s and Asha Bhosle’s.
Venkatramanji @94,
Hans @96,
Regarding Vasant-Ranchandra, Arunji in his latest article on ASAD dated 24.7.2020 (link given in @94), has revised his earlier information of 2011 based on new publications. Now he is position is that Vasant-Ramchandra pair which was erroneously thought to be Vasant Desai-C Ramchandra was actually Vasant Pawar and Ramchandra Wadhavkar who gave music for three films (see para 5 of Arunji’s latest article). That means Vasant Desai and CR never gave music together. That sets the record straight.
Venkataramanji @95,
The YT uploader has mentioned Madan Mohan as the music director. Anyway, KK sang something terrific songs for Chitragupta. Ajanabi to ban ke karo na kinara and Machalti hui, hawa mein chhamchham, hamare sang sang chalein Ganga hi lahrein are my eternal favourites. I pay my tribute to Kishore Kumar.
AKji @ 101,
Yes, that adds one more to my mistakes.
I had saved the link for posting at Madan Mohan’s article and forgot about it.
Yesterday when I was looking for the link for posting, I thought the MD was Chitragupt. Thanks for the correction.
The song Jabse hum tum from Main Shadi Karne Chala (1961) tuned by Chitragupta had two versions : one with Mukesh and Kamal Barot and the other was with Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur.Both were immensely popular. I forgot to mention it earlier..May kindly be included as a non Lata duet tuned by him and one of the most popular duets of the year!
KB,
Jab se hum tum bahaaron mein: It is a very nice duet which has a twin version in the voice of a different pair of singers. We discussed this earlier @37 and @44.
KB @103 & AK @ 104
The same duet in the voice Mukesh and Kamal Barot from the film
https://youtu.be/BEOpUkcpn-U?t=149
Sorry AK for two full days I was out of station without any data with me, therefore I could not continue with this post. About 70 songs have already been posted, but still there is lot of scope. First I am giving a few of Suman from the 60s.
Zinda hai zinda humse – Ramu Dada.
https://youtu.be/AhlO-UFH3kM
Samne rakh len tujhe – Main Shadi Karne Chala.
https://youtu.be/P4sRTf1xqSs
Jajba e dil jo salamat hai – Main Shadi Karne Chala.
https://youtu.be/4nFM_RZVRcc
Ek main hoon ek tum ho, mausam hai mastana – Rocket Girl
https://youtu.be/lATDxuXbQK0
AK
Your posting Chitragupta’s duets was a masterstroke. It has shown clearly what a powerful composer he was and importance of his duets have come in the fore front. Posting his solos first would have overshadowed the duets, given his great run of melodious songs with both Lata and Rafi.
The stats have shown the high impact of Lata-Rafi duets. They had just 32 duets, but their impact in the hfm spectrum is manifold. 24 of their duets have already been posted, which shows the preference of readers for this pair. Posting here some of Lata-Rafi duets from 60s.
I remember Bhatiaji posted a unique set of songs in which the word(s) ‘vai vai’ were used. This one took pride of place there.
Tujjhko main jaan gayi maan ya na maan vai vai – Zabak 1961.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRONr9c3Q2M
Next is ‘sajna sawan aaya’ from Band Master 1963.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOdgmMAmEtU
Arman tha humen jinka wo pyar ke din aaye – Aulad 1968.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui8xhbsL6Hs
Remaining songs from the 60s.
‘Teri taqdeer ka sitara kamal hai’ is a triad from Zabak for the commonplace situation in our films where hero wants to get the heroine free and a song is sung – mostly duet – in the street to divert the darbaan. Here the durbaan himself joins the song in the voice of Balbir in a funny situation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H7p0yuQgWY
Now songs of two singers who were used only for 3 songs. First Kamal Barot who had two duets with Rafi. One from Tel Malish Boot Polish has already been posted. The other was from film Saat Samandar Paar – 1965.
Andaz haseenon ke duniya se nirale hain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=galckp3htKw
And now the sole Rafi, Krishna Kalle duet from film Bank Robbery – 1969.
Rafi says ‘sau sau ke note pe na ja, meri jaan ulfat badi cheej hai’ to which Kalle answers ‘pehle tu cheque book dikha, meri jaan daulat badi cheej hai’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orq4ZyvNpFc
With this the 60s duets are covered, barring some hidden one.
Hans,
Thanks for adding these songs, all were new to me. Saamne rakh lein tujhe is such a nice song, I don’t know why it remained hidden. And another evidence of Chitragupta’s talent – the film had super popular twin duet, Jab se hum tum bahaaron mein
The qawwali Zinda hain zinda humse is a very nice qawwali. Suman Kalyanpur takes the lead, and made me think that in many songs, especially duets, she sounds almost indistinguishable from Lata Mangeshkar, but in this qawwali and many other songs she sounds very different. Is there any method in this, say in the tune, type of song, or her own subconscious effort?
Ek main hun ek tum ho is pitted against Mukesh-Kamal Barot‘s extremely melodious duet, Na jane chaand kaisa hoga. Again full marks to Chitragupta who routinely created A-grade songs in B-grade movies.
Hans ji;
I am unable to find an old western based fast song of the mid 50s which is most different from the likes of chitragupt simple orchestra. It is the likes of Naushad’s famous Lara loo song from Jadoo.
S N Tripathi too made a long deviation from his style giving one of the Rock and roll number from a fantasy movie….just a sampler …as a recall to chitragupt western song…
Haule Haule Dole Dheere Dheere Bole Geeta Dutt Film Paristan Music S N Tripathi Raja Mehdi Ali Khan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGTDepW7Lis
Bhatiaji
I will be focussing now on 50s. May be we may find it.
Now three songs from Raj Kanya – 1955. The first two are with Asha and the third with Shamshad. All the songs are eminently enjoyable.
Tasveer nayan men thi jinki &
Is dorangi duniya men are both with Asha and have a common link.
https://youtu.be/KLbTOvmBwag
Ek hath men talwar – Shamshad.
https://youtu.be/lETrxQVBlSE
Three songs have been posted from Hamara Ghar, the film from which Chitragupta-Rafi association started. There were two more duets pending, I am posting them.
Chupke chupke mere dil men aane wale – Geeta – lyrics Rammurty Chaturvedi.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ac2-1Cz2fwU
Teri tirchhi nazar teri patli kamar – Shamshad – lyrics Bharat Vyas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKqBgw9dD4U
The next year i.e. 1951 there was a film Hamari Shaan in which Rafi had two duets both with Geeta Dutt. Both of these sweet songs were written by Anjum Jaipuri.
Hum tumse poochhte hain sach sach hamen batana – Hamari Shaan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRmewSYVhD0
Ye taron bhari raat hamen yaad rahegi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzMoqSa2I9E
Hans @112, 113,
I heard all the six songs you have added, all were new to me. They are all delightful, and enjoyable. But would they linger in my memory? I have to be frank and say, no. This must be individual choice. There are many songs which I hear first time today, or heard 40 years ago, but remained embedded in my heart. I still remember when and how I heard those songs, they were not even from records or radio, but from a friend who was by no means a ‘singer’.
AKji@74
Yes, the actor lip-synching on the song from Ramu Dada is Indeed Salim Khan, father of Salman Khan.
He also played a negative role in the film Kabli Khan mentioned @67.
As an actor, his moment of fame was playing Shammi Kapoor’s friend in Teesri Manzil. He fills in for Shammi as the drummer in the song O hasina zulfon wali.
Another of his film for which Chitragupta composed music was Police Detective 1960. Lyrics – Prem Dhawan
Here are Rafi duets from the film:
1. With Geeta Dutt
Ae ae ae mera dil churane wale
dhoke mein nahin hum to aane wale
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0g7fMme5-4
2. With Lata
Nazar ne luta hai ada ne maara hai
hasinon ka ye dhokha bhi bada hi pyaara hai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLIkcFIcDhs
3. With Suman
Saiyyan dekh dekh dekh main hoon lakhon mein ek
mera jee na jalao takrar se
meri jaan jaan jaan maine pakde ji kaan
jo bhi bologi manoonga pyar se
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk8yMwuukYQ
Dr Deshpande,
Thanks a lot for confirmation and additional information on Salim Khan. Now I will watch Teesri Manzil more closely.
The most melodious of the three duets you have posted from Police Detective (1960) is Sainya dekh dekh dekh main hun lakhon mein ek by Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur.
AK @ 109
You may remember I had told in one of my comments that Suman Kalyanpur was absolute favourite of my elder sister. So I followed her songs with increased interest from the start and after the internet era, have heard most of her songs. She came with her own voice and intended to remain so. In the earlier songs she sounds like herself. In fact, most of my favourite songs of her are where she has kept her voice. Shama and Shagoon always come to mind. It was only after the Lata-Rafi spat of 3 years, some MDs who could not forget Lata or in their mind wanted to upstage her, started rehearsing Suman to sound like Lata, which she did reluctantly but agreed mostly due to the fact that Lata had always tried to hurt her professionally. This is the reason that similarity with Lata’s voice is found mostly in the duets of that time. In the later period she sounded more like Lata because she became habitual. Even Lata tried to sing like her which we discussed in Lata-Chitragupta post. This is the summary of my opinion on the matter.
@ 114
Nobody can know or explain the reason of this phenomenon of remembrance. But, I am surprised you are listening so many songs for the first time, given that Chitragupta was your favourite composer from quite early life. Could this be related to the partner of Rafi. Surely you would not be discovering any from the 32 duets he had with Lata, who is your favourite female singer.
Regarding early life memories, I remember a team mate from my cricket team from school days singing ‘mubarak ho sabko sama ye suhana’ as if he is singing it before me today. He was our stock singer when we toured for matches out of station and he never sang any song except Mukesh’s and his voice resembled him perfectly. I dont remember his other songs, but remember this one which I heard him sing first time. I think school days memory is sharper. I remember faces and names of many a class mates with whom I had not even talked.
To supplement Dr Deshpande, Salim was also there in a small role in Professor. I dont know if he had some friendship with Shammi Kapoor which was the reason for him appearing in his films for so small roles.
At the end of my comment 108, I had said that 60s duets are covered. One Rafi/Suman duet from Rocket Girl was left, because I was looking for a different mukhda. Here it is. A very nice song.
Dekho sham dhali jaye faile zulfon ke saye.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTOkNuVjVgg
Now a Rafi/Suman duet ‘aji thoda sa gulaal tu bhi le le le’ from Shri Krishna Bhakti. This is a nice holi chhed-chhad song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyEUfdK9MEg
This is the last duet of this combo of Rafi/Suman. ‘Gokul men chhaya ujiyala’ from Neel Mani – 1957.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-hB660VdrE
With this all of Suman Kalyanpur duets with Rafi, 12 male female and one triad, have been posted.
Now four Lata/Rafi duets which would complete the Lata tally of 32.
Kali ik tumse poochhoon baat – Sakshi Gopal 1957
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HsKFu98H1o
I am surprised why this sweet song has not been posted yet.
And this one remained in the shadow of ‘lagi chhoote na ab to sanam’, being from the same film Kali Topi Lal Rumal. ‘Gori odh ke mal mal nikli’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABrd0mkDtpc
In ‘Nache Nagin Baje Been’ Chitragupta created such magic that AK had to include 3 songs from this film in his selection. I think friends did not look for a song from this film thinking this is all. No, the magic continues.
Chale hain kahan sarkar hamen bekaraar karke.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CRopVA39g4
The last one is well known duet ‘koi bata de dil hai jahan’ from Main Chup Rahungi. Thsi song was mentioned by Srivastavaji @ 5 but since the link was not given I am giving it here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhGaJ0B1UDs
Now the three remaining songs of Rafi with Shamshad.
Zindagi sanwar gayi – Sindbad The Sailor – lyrics Shyam Hindi.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SPMJteNcd4
Laxmi Pooja came in 1957 and Bharat Vyas wrote lyrics for the film. The first song is a funny song the female calling male for love saying ‘thodi si zindagani, raja beeti jaye jawani’ and male responding with ‘kyon na govind ke gun gaye re’. We can call it ulta-pulta song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtlqzH3goj0
The second song is a philosophical song, the female invoking god, and male teaching patience. Almost change of position between male and female as opposed to their stand in ‘jise banana use mitana kaam tera’ in Shiv Bhakta. Very beautiful song.
‘Itni si meri hai pukar prabhu’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki1vEsQTMDo
Hans,
Thanks a lot for adding the three Rafi-Shamshad duets, all three are very good. I am sure you must have noticed that in all the three Shamshad Begum starts and Rafi follows. This is not a coincidence. Any famous duet with hers I try to recall randomly, Shamshad Begum took the lead. You are a Master of data, and you can give an accurate analysis. If it is true, it was not without a reason. Her voice had metallic clarity, and you immediately noticed the song.
I especially liked Thodi si zindagani, Raja beeeti jaaye jawani. Rafi’s reply Kyon na Govind ke gun gaaye re is in a matter-of-fact style. He must be singing for a serious bhakta. Therefore, to me it didn’t sound funny. But nice observation that it is an ulta-pulta song. Isn’t that intra-contra, the term we have created recently?
In Itni si meri hai pukar Prabhu both are devotees of Murari/Gopal. Incidentally, in this song Shamshad Begum at the start sounds somewhat unlike her.
Now some from Asha-Rafi combo.
Ae saba unse kah jara kyun hamen bekarar kar diya – Alibaba and 40 Thieves. This was mentioned by Srivastavaji but link was not posted.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4NztuhGLJQ
Chori chori chandani men chakori chali aaye – Maha Sati Savitri 1955 – lyrics GS Nepali.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4UBHL8Pl3c
Ambe tu hai jagdambe kali – Navratri 1955 – Bharat Vyas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YktbDnp0Hls
Sindhu ki hunkar le – Navratri 1955.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxZtk0Mhaas
In the 1958 film Maya Bazaar there were 3 Asha Rafi duets. One of them ‘har phool men masti hai’ has been posted. I am giving the remaining two here. The lyrics are by Gopal Singh Nepali.
Ankhon men samate ho, dil na chura lena.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hJ7JwP2t2Q
Gore gore gulabi gaal re, hue mare sharam ke laal re.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFxuoNtWu6c
Talk of Kali Topi Lal Rumal and ‘lagi chhote na ab to sanam’ comes to mind. I have posted the other Lata/Rafi duet filmed on Agha and Kumkum. This film had two Asha-Rafi duets too, one filmed on the lead pair and the other on Agha/Kumkum just like the Lata/Rafi duets. I post both of them here.
O kali topi wale zara naam to bata.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0_0PVBKTSM
‘Yaron ka pyar liye nakhre hazar liye’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Btor1abd10E
Hans,
Thanks a lot for posting these songs. Ankhiyan mein samaate ho dil na chura lena is a superb song. It has all the melodious touches of Chitragupta. O Kali topiwaale zara naam to bata was a very well-known song, this and Yaaron ka pyar liye nakhre hazaar liye is an outstanding song.
AK @ 121
You have a valid point about Shamshad. But, I do not look at this in the same manner. Some of the MDs who deserted her, highlighted this aspect of her singing, for their own defence, as if she could not sing soft songs. It is true that some of the songs where she comes first up became very popular, but the same is true about the vice versa songs. If this metallic voice of hers was such a speciality, then why the non-metallic voice of Lata took precedence. Look at Dulari songs The sole Rafi solo and both the Shamshad solos were way above Lata’s 7 solos in impact. But, did that stop Naushad from going Lata way. One or two attributes is not always the criteria in selecting singers. That was the reason Lata became favourite. And that was the reason Rafi became what he was, in preference to limited attributes singers.
As for data, it is very hard to get that over the whole career and know which songs had what impact. But, here in this Chitragupta post, there are 12 Rafi-Shamshad duets, out of which one had 4 singers. In that multiple singer song she came at no.3. Even if we ignore that, in the other 11 songs, Shamshad came first in 5 and Rafi in 6. That proves nothing.
In my view, in old times lyrics were written as per situation and in a duet, whose lines came first depended on the situation. In most of the duets, male and female were given different mukhda. So the matter depended on the situation.
Look at ‘milte hi ankhen dil hua deewana kisi ka’. In that song, Dilip Kumar is teaching singing to Munawar Sultana, so Talat comes first, though mukhda lines are the same. Even in one of the most famous duets of Shamshad, ‘mere piya gaye rangoon – where she comes first, because of the situation – we cannot imagine the song without ‘hum burma ki galiyon men aur tum ho dehradoon’ or ‘lungi bandh ke karen guzara bhool gaye patloon’. In the two most famous all female duets, ‘reshmi salwar kurta jali ka’ and ‘kajra muhabbat wala’, Asha coming first did not have any impact on the popularity of the song.