Rafi’s duets with different music directors over the years

A tribute to Rafi with his duets concluding his centenary celebrations (24 December 1924 to 31 July 1980) and wishing Merry Christmas to all

Rafi would have been a hundred years old today. His life was cut short at a young age of 56 years, but in this short span he gave joy to millions of music lovers all over the world and established himself as the undisputed most versatile male playback singer. I greeted the new year 2024 with a tribute to Rafi with his solos from A to Z. That was about his solos starting with different letters of alphabets (25 songs with ‘X’ not feasible). That gave ample idea of his diversity, but with the emphasis on alphabets there was some imbalance in music directors. Since my selection was spontaneous, i.e. I put in my most favourite song starting with a particular alphabet that first came to my mind, some music directors were overrepresented, and a great music director, SD Burman, was inadvertently left out. Some readers rightly pointed out this omission.

Rafi was already the most covered singer on the blog with his solos and duets with different music directors. Plus, there have been several articles in this centenary year – some by guest authors – which throw ample light on different aspects of his singing. I conclude the series with his duets over the years in his career as a singer. Why duets? Because I find duets very charming. His voice with different female singers added another aspect to his variety; with some music directors, such as Chitragupta and OP Nayyar, you would remember Rafi’s everlasting duets more. Every great music director who gave the best songs for Rafi included a good number of duets too, in which they gave chance to some of their less favourite female singers, but the combination turned out to be superlative. In a TV programme Daastan-e-Rafi, I heard Mubarak Begum saying her range was less than other famous singers, so she requested Rafi to adjust his range in a duet she was singing with him. Rafi did so, and he helped turn out a great duet, Mujhko apne gale laga le ae mere hamrahi (Hamrahi, 1963, Shankar-Jaikishan). A great human being and a great singer.

My criteria is one duet from a year which is my most favourite. If in a year my most favourite happens to be by a music director already covered I have looked for an equally worthy replacement. With Rafi there is never a dearth of choice. In many years the problem is of plenty, as if several music directors by some unknown force decided to create their best duets for Rafi in that year. Thus I have chosen not only one duet a year, it would be one duet by a music director. Here I go with my tribute to Rafi with his duets over the years as a culmination of his centenary (24 December 1924 – 31 July 1980) celebrations in the current calendar year. This is also wishing Merry Christmas to all.

How it all began

Rafi debuted with a duet Soniye nee heeriye nee teri yaad ne bahut sataya in the Punjabi film Gul Baloch (1944) in Lahore, composed by Shyam Sundar. In Bombay his first film Pahle Aap (1944), composed by Naushad, had a duet with Shyam Kumar, Tum Dilli main Aagre, in which Rafi seemed to be following Shyam Kumar who was Naushad’s favourite singer about that time. Village Girl (1945) had a duet, Jab dil ho kaabu mein to dildar ki aisi taisi (with GM Durrani), composed by Shyam Sundar. This is supposed to be his first recorded song in Hindi films, but its release was delayed. The year 1945 had some more Rafi duets, though not much known today.

In the year 1946, Rafi fulfilled his dream of singing with his idol KL Saigal, Roohi meri roohi (Shahjahan). There are some more proper duets in the year. One I especially like is Rookhi sookhi main kha lungi paas bula lo more raja (with Hamida Bano) from the film Insaaf. This is a fun song I discovered during year-wise review of the best songs of 1946. I start Rafi’s journey of his duets with different music directors over the years with this song.

1. Rookhi sookhi main kha lungi paas bula lo more raja Rafi and Hamida Bano from film Insaaf (1946), lyrics DN Madhok, music HP Das

This duet is far ahead of its times as the lady asks the man to send for her in saawan. He demurs because the moody daroga who is a Hitler of anger would not agree, but she persists she would be able to convince him.

The last song may not be well-known, but Rafi burst upon the scene with at least two everlasting duets next year. One was Kisko sunaaon hal-e-dil… Humko tumhara hi aasra tum hamaare ho na ho – with Lalita Deulkar from the film Saajan (1947), composed by C Ramchandra. This film and Rafi has an important place in the history of male playback singing. It is said that the hero Ashok Kumar dropped hints that he would like to sing his own songs, as he had done so many times in his career. C Ramchandra was quite curt that he should no longer harbour such dreams, now was the era of professional playback singers. Rafi did not disappoint him; he had already sung some exquisite solos for C Ramchandra a year earlier in Safar (1946). I have earlier remarked that to C Ramchandra should go the credit of creating some great songs at early stages of Rafi’s career, though it was Naushad who later took him big time despite some initial spectacular songs with Mukesh and Talat Mahmood.

We are likely to meet C Ramchandra again, therefore, I choose the other great duet from the year which is also of historical significance. Noorjehan was the leading female actor-singer of her times; Rafi got to sing a superb duet with her in the film Jugnu (1947), composed by Firoz Nizami.

Soon both Noorjehan and Firoz Nizami migrated to Pakistan after the Partition. Noorjehan became a national icon there, known as Malika-e-Tarannum. And talking of historical significance, lovers of old film songs know that Rafi had a brief screen appearance in the film in the song Wo apni yaad dilane ko ek ishq ki duniya chhod chale. And Rafi had his fist duet with Lata Mangeshkar in the year, Chalo ho gayi taiyyar from the film Shadi Se Pahle.

2. Yahan badla wafa ka bewafai ke siwa kya hai by Rafi and Noorjehan from Jugnu (1947), lyrics Asgar Sarhadi, music Firoz Nizami

I believe this is the only duet of Rafi-Noorjehan. In an eerie coincidence Noorjehan’s death anniversary (21 September 1926 – 23 December 2000) falls a day before Rafi’s birth anniversary. With this song I also pay a tribute to Noorjehan on her 24^th Remembrance Day. Another great film personality Shyam Benegal passed away yesterday 23 December 2024. Did Rafi sing any song in his film?

3. More raja ho le chal nadiya ke paar by Lalita Deulkar and Rafi from Nadiya Ke Paar (1948), lyrics Moti BA, music C Ramchandra

We didn’t have to wait long for C Ramchandra. The very next year among many solos and duets by Rafi, this composition by C Ramchandra is quite the front-runner and its popularity is not going to dim ever.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99F4QcTx7f0

4. Ae mohabbat unse milne ka bahana ban gaya by Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar from Bazaar (1949), lyrics Qamar Jalalabadi, music Shyam Sundar

1949 was the year of flowering of Rafi just as it was a great year for Mukesh. Lata Mangeshkar also caused quite a Tsunami in the year. Among several superb duets of Rafi-Lata, this has long been my special favourite.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhDhIeGkJus

5. Kah do humein na beqaraar kare wo jise mera dil pyar kare by Surinder Kaur and Rafi from Sabak (1950), lyrics DN Madhok, music AR Qureshi (Allah Rakkha)

Surinder Kaur was a big name in Punjabi films and folk songs. She had a brief foray into Hindi films for about 3-4 years from 1948, but whatever she sang left an indelible mark. She starts this duet and Rafi joins late, therefore, she leaves quite an imprint. The music director is the famous tabla maestro and the father of another legend Ustad Zakir Hussain, who passed away a few days ago. This duet has long been my favourite and was quite popular in the radio era.

6. Ho..yaad aane lagi, dil dukhane lagi, chaandni raat ab sataane lagi by Lata Mangeshkar and Rafi from Daaman (1951), lyrics Ehsan Rizvi, music K Datta

By 1951, Lata Mangeshkar was oozing honey from her voice. Rafi was by now firmly in Naushad fold (Deedar). He had become a favourite of other music directors too, such as Hansraj Behl, Ghulam Mohammad and Husnlal-Bhagatram. Among his many famous duets, I especially like this ditty by now a little known music director, K Datta. One interesting bit about K Datta (Datta Koregaonkar) I remember is he was among few who were enraptured by Noorjehan and, compared to her, had disdain for Lata Mangeshkar. But hear this song for her sweetness.

7. Akeli mat jaiyo Radhe Jamuna ke teer… Ho ji ho..Tu Ganga ki mauj main Jamuna ka dhara by Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar from Baiju Bawra (1952), lyrics Shakeel Badayuni, music Naushad

With two magnum opus in a year – Aan and Baiju Bawra – Naushad had clearly secured his position at the peak of music creativity. This diamond jubilee film fetched him the inaugural Filmfare Award for the best music director. The respect the film brought him for his prowess in classical music was immeasurable. It also skyrocketed Meena Kumari’s career fetching her the Filmfare Award for the best leading actress.

8. Sun more saajna re, dekhoji mujhko bhool na jana by Lata Mangeshkar and Rafi from Aansoo (1953), lyrics Qamar Jalalabadi, music Husnlal-Bhagatram

This ethereal duet has a haunting quality which stays with you for long. An everlasting song if there was one. Combination of great composition and two great singers at their peak.

9. Muhabbat kar lo ji bhar lo aji kisne roka hai by Rafi and Geeta Dutt from Aar Paar (1954), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri, music OP Nayyar

OP Nayyar had debuted in 1952, but Aar Paar’s music created a sensation. Shabab by 1954 was a great score by Naushad, many reckon as his best. But Naushad is already included, so I choose this OP Nayyar composition for a different flavour.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1BsXULRl-U

10. Bhula nahin dena ji bhula nahi dena, zamana kharab hai by Lata Mangeshkar and Rafi from Baradari (1955), lyrics Khumar Barabanqvi, music Nashad

Please note the music director is not ‘Naushad’. The story of this deliberate sound-alike name is one of personal pique. Two years earlier, Naqshab Jarachavi, director of the film Naghma (1953) had first approached Naushad to compose the music for the film. Naushad declined, perhaps because he thought it was beneath him. Felt slighted, Naqshab asked the music director Shaukat Ali Dehlavi to change his name to Nashad and the name stayed with him forever. The year 1955 had many superlative scores, such as Mr and Mrs 1955 (by OP Nayyar) and Urankhatola (by Naushad). But I must say I have no hesitation in choosing this duet among several famous songs in the year.

11. Aa ja ke intezar mein jaane ko hai bahar bhi by Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar from Halaku (1956), lyrics Shailendra, music Shanar-Jaikishan

OP Nayyar was on a roll with CID, but since he is already covered, I include another very worthy song. Shankar-Jaikishan in this outside-RK Studios film have composed great music. It is nice to hear this beautiful Arabic tune from them.

12. Vrindavan ka Krishna Kanhaiya sabki aankhon ka tara by Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar from Miss Mary (1957), lyrics Rajendra Krishna, music Hemant Kumar

1957 was a big year for several top music directors such as Naushad, C Ramchandra, OP Nayyar, SD Burman, Madan Mohan, Chitragupta, SN Tripathi, Hansraj Behl etc. Amongst these here is a perennial favourite composed by Hemant Kumar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTvZuQ2-bYk

13. Sambhal ae dil tadapane aur tadapaane se kya hoga by Asha Bhosle and Rafi from Sadhna (1958), lyrics Sahir Ludhiyanavi, music N Datta

It is one of the quirks of fate that BR Chopra fell wholesale for Ravi in place of N Datta after some initial films. Datta Naik was an outstanding composer and he had a pronounced bias for Asha Bhosle compared to Lata Mangeshkar. And she did deliver superbly. Rafi was always tops.

14. Bheegi palkein utha meri jaan gham na kar by Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar from Do Gunde (1959), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri, music Ghulam Mohammad

Once in a while a song comes that towers above reputations and ranking. If I look at the names of great music directors who gave superb music in 1959, I am awed, but this song by Ghulam Mohammad removes all my doubts. One of the greatest duets of Rafi-Lata Mangeshkar.

15. Deewana mastana hua dil jaane kahan hoke bahar aayi by Asha Bhosle and Rafi from Bambai Ka Babu (1960), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri, music SD Burman

SD Burman’s absence in my inaugural post riled some readers. This duet can make up for many omissions. The song has a haunting music. I have earlier remarked that Lata Mangeshkar’s hiatus with SD Burman did not seem to affect him one bit at least as far as duets are concerned. Chitragupta had some great compositions in the year. I hope he makes a worthy appearance later.

16. Teri duniya se door chale hoke majboor humein yaad rakhna by Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar from Zabak (1961), lyrics Prem Dhawan, music Chitragupta

You can’t keep a talented person down for long. Every year since 1957, Chitragupta was composing something big. Ignore the banner and cast, Teri diniya se door is one of the everlasting Rafi duets composed by Chitragupta. Rafi’s duets by Chitragupta are exceptional and I have written a post on this earlier.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGuHno7cHFk

17. Baar baar tohe kya samjhayein payal ki jhankar, tere bin saajan laage na jiya hamaar by Lata Mangeshkar and Rafi from Aarti (1962), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri, music Roshan

In the 60s Roshan gave the best songs for Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar. Aarti’s music is transcendental. Aapne yaad dilaya to mujhe yaad aya is a typical Roshan-duet. This one is slightly different. The shy lovers come upon a group of villagers, the dancer pirouettes at a fast pace with equally fast Baar baar tohe kya samjhayein. Meena Kumari can’t resist tapping her feet. She lowers the tempo and then starts this beautiful duet.

18. Wo jab yaad aaye bahut yaad aaye by Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar from Parasmani (1963), lyrics Asad Bhopali, music Laxmikant-Pyarelal

Rarely a music director has debut like this. In 1949 Shankar-Jaikishan created a storm with their debut in Barsaat. That was an RK movie. Laxmikant-Pyarelal debuted with a B-grade fantasy film, and what a sensation they caused! They went on to displace SJ from their pedestal and became the top duo, and in due course demolished all records. This duet shows their talent.

19. Tu shokh kali main mast pawan, tu shamm-e-wafa main parwana by Rafi and Asha Bhosle from Main Suhagan Hun (1964), lyrics Kaifi Azmi, music Lachhiram Tamar

Rafi gave his all even if the music director was not in the top bracket. A great duet from a forgotten composer. I have written a post on him in the series on Forgotten Composers. Ajit in his hero roles got to sing many memorable songs.

20. Thahariye hosh mein aa lun to chale jaiyega by Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur from Mohabbat Isko Kahte Hain (1965), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri, music Khayyam

A signature Pahadi from Khayyam. Humming by Suman Kalyanpur adds to the beauty.

21. O haseena zulfonwali jaan-e-jahan by Rafi and Asha Bhosle from Teesri Manzil (1966), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri, music RD Burman

This crime thriller, centred around a music band in a night club, gave RD Burman full scope to experiment with different percussions and sounds. A great night club song with loud music and dance. Asha Parekh who has come to avenge her sister’s death still suspects Shammi Kapoor.

22. Kabhi raat din hum door the din raat ka ab saath hai by Rai and Lata Mangeshkar from Aamne Saamne (1967), lyrics Anand Bakhshi, music Kalyanji-Anandji

When you think of Kalyanji-Anandji, the top playback singer that comes to mind is Mukesh, thereafter, one recalls Mahendra Kapoor. But when you hear Kabhi raat din hum door the they appear equally comfortable with Rafi. (The centenary series has revealed KA composed about twice the songs for Rafi than Mukesh.)

23. Mohammad Shah Rangeele re by Lata Mangeshkar from Nadir Shah (1968), lyrics Majrooh Sultanpuri, music SN Tripathi

SN Tripathi was as adept with mythologicals as with court music of Muslim rulers. Mohammad Shah was one of the declining Mughals; his obsession with music and dance earned him the epithet of ‘Rangeela’. In this duet Rafi has a minor role. Some sources mention that in the film the female part was sung by Suman Kalyanpur, but the record was cut in the voice of Lata Mangeshkar. This is a video clip, but to me it sounds like Lata Mangeshkar. A beautiful duet.

24. Ye parda hata do zara mukhada dikha do by Rafi and Asha Bhosle from Ek Phool Do Mali (1969), lyrics Prem Dhawan, music Ravi

This was quite a popular song in its time, a radio era favourite.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR2aUbFkrW0

25. Sun sun sun O gulabi kali, teri meri baat ab aage chali by Rafi and Asha Bhosle from Sawan Bhadon (1970), lyrics Verma Malik, music Sonik-Omi

This was the debut film of Rekha. She has a lot of chubby fat and the film exploited her physical attributes. Much later she would grow into a respectable leading lady. The music directors are a duo comprising Manoharlal Sonik and his nephew Omi Sonik. They had a great debut in the film Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya (1966). Sun sun O gulabi kali was a superhit of its times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fww3Ql6BJZw

Twenty-five years, 25 songs, one each year, 25 music directors, one song each MD, each song superb, hats off to Rafi. Readers must also have noted that my filter of selection did not affect the superlative quality of the duets -what a plethora to choose from! I wish to thank the readers and guest authors who made Rafi’s centenary celebrations grand.

Note:
There is a saying it is not over until it is over. I had meant it to be the concluding article in Rafi’s centenary celebrations. But Rafi-fans can’t have enough of him. Some known Rafians have sent me their articles quite late, therefore, the celebrations would be extended for a few months in 2025 too.

Acknowledgement and Disclaimer
The songs links have been embedded from the YouTube only for the listening pleasure of the music lovers. This blog does not have any commercial interests. It does not claim or suggest any copyright over these songs which vests with the respective rights-holders.