A tribute to Rafi on his 39th death anniversary (24 December 1924 – 31 July 1980)
Rafi being undoubtedly the most versatile playback singer of the Golden Era, he sang a number of great songs for many music directors. For most composers, he was their leading singer. Who gave the greatest songs for Rafi? I put Naushad, SD Burman, OP Nayyar, Roshan and Shankar-Jaikishan in the Elite Five. Immediately in the next level would be a number of composers, such as Madan Mohan, Chitragupta and Ravi, and if you go further in time, Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Ravi’s output for Rafi songs (250, including duets) was huge, outnumbered only by Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Shankar-Jaikishan, who were hit machines. It is comparable to Chitragupta’s 259 songs for Rafi; and it is comfortably ahead of other music directors, including those in the elite group. But is it only about quantity? Where would these figure among Rafi’s most iconic and greatest songs. (Note: Hans mentioned in comments on my first post on Ravi that he gave 234 songs for Rafi, but I am going by the detailed Excel sheet of Rafi songs prepared by Muveen, which I have shared with many readers earlier.)
The answer is not far to seek. Chaudahvi ka chaand ho ya aaftaab ho is a milestone song for praising the beauty of a lady. It rightly got Filmfare Award for Rafi. Ravi was a master of composing ghazals for Rafi, and if you only consider his ghazals, he would be shoulder to shoulder with the best. In mushaira style singing, Jo kothon ki raunak badhaye huye hain, wo aaj apani mehfil mein aye huye hain is a matchless song. Chhu lene do najuk hothon ko; Ye zulf agar khul ke bikhar jaaye to achcha; Na jhatko zulf se paani ke moti toot jayenge – you can go on counting one after the other. I have mentioned in my opening post that Ravi was a many-splendoured genius. With the versatile Rafi, Ravi gave a wide variety of songs, and, as it happened in the first post, you would be left wondering, ‘O this too is composed by him!’
Ravi’s ambition was to become a singer, and Rafi was his idol. On Rafi’s encouragement, he went to Bombay where he got some singing assignments, but he found his true calling as a music director. Outside the limelight, he kept giving hits after hits, often surprising us as a silent giant killer. Let me present some of the best songs of Rafi by Ravi, as a tribute to the former on his 39th death anniversary (24 December 1924 – 31 July 1980).
1. Wo aaj apni mehfil mein aye huye hain by Rafi from Menhdi (1958), lyrics Qamil Rashid
As the shair Ajit recites in tarannum, Jo kothon ki raunak badhaye huye hain/ Jo dukaan apni sajaye huye hain/ Wo aaj apni mehfil mein aye huye hain, the men boisterously revel, oblivious of the myriad emotions flitting on the face of the tawaif’s face. Only one of the patrons appears to be sensitive to the inner anguish of the lady. Superb rendering by Rafi, great composition by Ravi, and extremely well picturised. I can’t have enough of this song. Though, it is a repeat on this blog, it is a befitting song to start this post with.
2. Zindagi ke safar mein akele the hum mil gaye dil ko tum to sahara mila from Nartaki (1963), lyrics Shakeel Badayuni
Everyone composes romantic songs. This can be a trite category, but Zindagi ke safar mein akele the is right up there among the best. Sunil Dutt canoeing in the river, with Nanda as the companion, is at peace with the world. The two are alone by themselves. He expresses his gratitude to Nanda for becoming an anchor in his life; she looks at him lovingly. It couldn’t be more romantic. I have not used this song in any of my post, but its appearance in the comments section from time to time shows I am not the only one thoroughly enamoured of this song.
3. Ye jhuke jhuke naina ye lat balkhati to dil kyun na mera deewana ho tera from Bharosa (1963), lyrics Rejendra Krishna
Expanding his variety, here is another romantic song, now between a rural couple, but amidst hills and water bodies. As Guru Dutt sings this playful song, Asha Parekh dances. And I am sure everyone remembers, this film had another extreme, a sad song, Is bhari duniya mein koi bhi hamara na hua.
4. Bhala karnewale bhalaai kiye ja from Ghar Sansaar (1958), lyrics SH Bihari
In my last post on Ravi, I discussed how he had a special empathy for composing beggar songs. Here is a beggar song with a difference; as Blaraj Sahni, with Nargis and their daughter, is leaving their home with a suitcase (evicted?), they see a beggar with his begging bowl stretched towards him. This deeply philosophical song is not sung by the beggar, but comes from the background. Even in this condition Balraj Sahni dips into his pocket to give something to the beggar. ‘Keep on doing good, and wish the best for even those who are not good to you’ – a difficult message to follow, but the sincerity in Rafi’s voice makes it believable.
5. Kitni jawan hain zindagi kitni jawan bahaar from Shehnai (1964), lyrics Rajendra Krishna
I mentioned Na jahtko zulf se paani ke moti toot jaayenge (Shehnai), which has appeared earlier in my post on zulf songs. But Ravi often composed several super songs in a film. Shehnai also had the title song, Kya ajab saaz hai ye shehnai, and Rafi-Asha Bhosle duet, Sadiyon puraani apni kahaani, and this absolutely enjoyable song, Kitani jawaan hai zindagi. At the beach party, guys and girls have fun together, dancing to an infectious beat. Melody combines with rhythm in the supreme voice of Rafi.
6. Raha gardishon mein hardam mere ishq ka sitara from Do Badan (1966), lyrics Shakeel Badayuni
Creating three gems of the same mood in a film is a tough call, but Ravi-Rafi combination give us three masterpieces: Is bhari duniya mein aakhir dil ko samjhaane kahaan jaayein; Naseeb mein jiske jo likha tha; and Raha gardishon mein, a song of shattered love as the lady gets married to the other guy.
7. Itni haseen itni jawan raat kya kare from Aaj Aur Kal (1963), lyrics Sahir Ludhiyanavi
Ravi seems to have something about Sunil Dutt; he has given his most memorable songs either by Rafi or, his next preferred singer Mahendra Kapoor, for him. And there is Nanda, too, as she was in Zindagi ke safar mein akele the hum, but she seems to be conflicted in reciprocating because of her physical condition. This film also had another great romantic song in Rafi’s voice, Ye waadiyan ye fizaayein bula rahi hain tumhein.
8. Zara sun haseena-e-naazneen from Kaun Apna Kaun Paraya (1963), lyrics Shakeel Badayuni
Hills in the background, valley and flowers, and a typical romantic song of Bollywood of the 60s – Ravi’s tune and Rafi’s singing are so good that you don’t care if it is picturised on an unknown actor Vijay Kumar. Lucky him to lip-synch this excellent song for Waheeda Rahman.
9. Jaan-e-bahaar husn tera bemisaal hai from Pyar Kiya To Dara Kya (1963), lyrics Shakeel Badayuni
Chaudahvin ka chaand ho ya aaftaab ho has reached an iconic status as a song praising the beauty of a woman. Ravi creates another good song in the same genre. Ravi had earlier composed Baar baar dekho hazaat baar dekho for the Rock singer Shammi Kapoor in a night club in China Town (1963). Now he does praise-the beauty of the lady-song for Shammi Kapoor serenading to B Saroja Devi.
10. Kal chaman tha aaj ek sehra hua from Khandaan (1965), lyrics Rajendra Krishna
After outstanding ghazals and romantic songs, Hers is a very different type of song to show the diversity of Rafi-Ravi. Pran succeeds in his machinations to manipulate the gullible younger brother of the hero. As the joint family gets ruptured, the good guys – Sunil Dutt, Manmohan Krishna and Om Prakash – are devastated at the pots and pans being divided and carted away, and wall being raised in the courtyard. This sad background song perfectly describes the pain of the situation.
11. Chhu lene do naazuk hothon ko from Kaajal (1965), lyrics Sahir Ludhiyanavi
Though Ravi got the Filmfare Award for the best music for Khandaan, his score for Kaajal and Waqt seem to be much better. Ravi’s songs for Rafi would be remembered most for his superb ghazals. Let me end with another of Ravi-Rafi’s iconic songs. Meena Kumari has fallen into a bad marriage with Raj Kumar, who persuades her to let the glass touch her lips as it is nothing but a peg of wine. Sahir Ludhiyanavi lets his imagination soar as he describes the liquor as the most beautiful blessing that the nature has bestowed upon mankind. “The world’s favourite pastime is to malign good things; though alcohol has got a bad name, consider it as a very मुबारक चीज़ and take it.”
Acknowledgement and Disclaimer:
The song links have been embedded from the YouTube only for the listening pleasure of the music lovers. This blog acknowledges that the copyright over these songs rests with respective owners, such as Saregama India Limited and others.
{ 93 comments… read them below or add one }
A very beautiful presentation on this anniversary . Who would not want to listen to great songs by Rafi on 31st of July ? With this one write up two of the all time greats of the golden era of Hindi film music have been remembered . Wonderful songs collection .
AK ji,
A timely tribute to arguably the most versatile singer our nation has seen
You rightly mention CHAUDHAVIN KA CHAND in the very beginning. Apart from the immortal title song the movie had other evergreen numbers:
Mera yaar Bana hai dulha…
Ye duniya gol hai..
Ye Lucknow ki sarzameen…
Mili khak mein mohabbat..
What variety! Every emotion being represented!
We have to see and listen to the two songs from this movie to appreciate the versatility of Rafi.These two songs are in entirely different situations . Am giving the links …
‘ Chaudhvin ka Chand ho …’
https://youtu.be/DLvipJeH01o
‘ Mera yaar Bana hai ‘
https://youtu.be/NHwEMEvwOWU
Some highly popular ones:
DUS LAKH, 1966
Prem Dhawan.
Aa lag jaa gale dilruba…
EK PHOOL DO MALI, 1969.
Prem Dhawan
O nanhe se farishte
Tujhse ye kaise naata..
AMAANAT, 1977.
Sahir Ludhianvi.
Door reh kar na karo baat
Kareeb aa jaao..
Matlab nikal gaya toh
Pehchante nahin …
AADMI SADAK KA, 1977
Aaj meri yaar ki shaadi hai
I would nave included “Sau baar janam lenge” from Ustadon Ke Ustad-lyrics Asad Bhopali.
Any tribute to Mohammad Rafi can never be complte without reference to his songs composed by Ravi.
The present post does make the amends by presenting a very wide-ranging bouquet of Ravi-Rafi songs.
A very cursory look at the excel sheet referred to in the post shows that Chaudahavi Ka Chand seems to have been the game-changer in their collaborative output.
We look forward to more of Ravi-Rafi relationship on SoY.
Akji,
What a lovely post and great collection of songs. It’s rightly said, Rafi’s greats list can’t be ended without Ravi’s songs.
Rafi-Ravi made a hit pair and offered songs of all the moods.
As you say in the post, it’s difficult to compose three songs in the same mood and still make them memorable! He did it excellently in Do badan
The post focuses on Rafi’s solos, are you planning to follow with a duet post?
That would be wonderful! Would it not?
And, thanks for the statistics in the beginning of the post. It gave an idea about Rafi’s contribution to the major composers. Though actual numbers are mentioned with Ravi and chitragupt.
Thanks for the wonderful audiovisual treat.
Anup
🙂
AK
I was expecting it. When I saw the list, I thought what a list. But, I could say the same thing even if you present 5 more such lists. Such is the quality of this combo. Ravi’s best habit was that he tried to produce variety in each film, and Rafi as you say was master of variety and versatile to the core, was the fittest singer for Ravi to work with. Ravi had more jubilee hits than Naushad and most of them were with new faces unlike Naushad who worked mostly with famous heroes in 50s and 60. His hit ratio was also comparable to Naushad and SJ. Would you still not rate Ravi among the greats after your posted songs as well as those mentioned. If not, we hope you would convert by the time the series on Rafi ends. 🙂
Regarding the stats, Muveen’s excel sheet has many discrepancies. When you mailed it to me I had praised it too and rightly so, because he has put in a lot of effort and the list is really useful to those who do not have time to collect their own data. As I always mention, my stats are based on HFGK and only from listed movies and only hindi movies. I do not include songs from movies that have not been realeased. And I have HFGK volumes upto 1980, so I include only films upto that period. Even if I know about some songs after that I do not include them in the data I mention here because that is not final data. But from films upto 1980, if I come to know any songs in addition to HFGK, I include them, but for them I rely on either a video or some authentic info.
I will give here some examples from Muveen’s list. There is a song ‘ye haseen raat ye bahar ye saman’ in film Girls Hostel. He has included this song at two more places besides that film. One is film Gangu (1962) and the other is film Tower House (1962). Similarly, the song ‘tumhen paake humne jahan pa liya hai’ from Gehra Daag has been included at another place under the film Faulad (1963). Of these films Ravi did not even give music for Gangu and Faulad. Another common error he makes is in the songs which have a recital alaap prior to the proper song. Such songs he sometimes includes with lyrics of both the alaap as well as the song. In Grahasthi you would find the song ‘agar sansar men aurat na hoti’ listed twice, under this mukhda as well as the alaap mukhda ‘wo aurat hai’. He also lists in the songs some instances where just two lines are recited to provide special effect. In the Kaajal list he has made three entries for the two lines ‘is husna mujassim ki kahin neend na toote’. These are only examples and not all the errors.
I can not rely on such stats. So my present stats are 235 for this combo, 134 solos and 101 duets.
An excellent collection and tribute! Perhaps song from UMMEED (1962)which is perhaps less known could have been included. I also feel that songs by other singers for Ravi can also be compiled. What about songs of Rafi by N Dutta who is one composer who brought about the best in the fifties and sixties.
S Joseph @1, 3,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. You have rightly pointed out Ravi’s talent of composing songs of diverse moods in the same film.
Dr Shetty @2, 4,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation and for mentioning additional songs. As Hans has mentioned @8, Ravi has a very high rate, and with a large number of songs he gave for Rafi, the list is endless.
R Nanjappa @5,
Sau baar janam lenge is indeed a very nice song. Thanks for mentioning it. I had to break somewhere. Even with twenty songs many superb songs would have been left out.
Ashokji @6,
I know your special affinity for Rafi. I am happy that you liked the post.
Anup @7,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. I am always impressed by Do Badan songs. That requires courage to create three songs of the same mood, and all three going on to become everlasting. Yes, there has to be a post on Rafi’s duets by Ravi.
As to the songs they just come rushing from memory. As Vaishnavji mentioned that CKC was the game changer for this combo. But they had great songs from the start. Two have been posted by AK. ‘Maike se aaja beewee ri’ from 1958 film Devar Bhabhi has been mentioned more than once at SOY. Narsi Bhagat had ‘darshan do’ and ‘vaishnav nan to’ which became more famous, but there was a great Rafi solo ‘jai govinda gopala’ in that movie. This bhakti genre later produced songs like ‘badi der bhayi’ and ‘ajab teri kaaarigari re kartar’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPZDFCB5yMc
In the same year there was a film Ek Saal which had the great Talat solo ‘sab kuchh luta ke’. But that also had a great solo by Rafi ‘ kiske liye ruka hai’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaCNVExE2s0
Ravi composed a number of comic songs, especially for Johny Walker. But here is a song picturised on Agha from Dulhan (1958) ‘mooliram aur bhindimal ka nikal gaya hai diwala’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXsohoTl0Uc
Now here is a song ‘ruk ruk chamke jhuk jhuk chamke’ from Pehli Raat (1959), which has all the ingredients of a great song which should have been in the all time popularity lists. But, because of the film being a flop, the song did not carry the full distance, though in its days it was quite popular.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MRcUSduNMw
Hans @8,
First about data. I was aware about discrepancies in Muveen’s list. In some songs there is misattribution. You know my general approach. I use data for understanding general pattern, and I recognise +/- 5% as the acceptable error margin. Ravi is a major composer for Rafi, in numbers, and, as we see closely, in quality too. I was expecting your ‘greatness’ question. I would bypass that. As we analyse Ravi’s combination with other singers, we can’t but admire him unreservedly.
KB@9,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. And thanks a lot for mentioning Ummeed. I am sure you mean Mujhe ishq hai tujhi se. This is my great favourite too. This was a miss, I should have included it. Thanks for mentioning N Datta, a great composer. He has to be covered on SoY.
GHARANA, 1961.
Shakeel Badayuni.
Husnwale tera jawaab nahin..
DOOR KI AWAZ, 1964.
Shakeel Badayuni.
Husn se Chand bhi sharmayi hai..
SHAHNAI, 1964.
Rajinder Krishen.
Na jhatko julf se paani
Ye moti toot jaayenge..
NEELKAMAL, 1968.
Sahir.
1.Babul ki duwayen leti jaa..
2.Tujhko pukare mera pyar..
Sharma ke yun na dekh ada ke muqam se..
AK JI
Ravi is one composer whose nearly all the tunes I find easily hummable without loss of any melody. And his tunes for Rafi are just like Sone Pe Suhaga. ……And then a post on this duo with each song selected with so perfection is simply superb. My sincere appreciation on this post !!
Although all good songs have been covered in the article and comments thereon, I would like to add following which are also my preferences:
A. Beggar Songs
Ravi was an expert in and famous for Beggar songs. Following though chorus and duets exhibit his skill in this category with Rafi
1 Apna Ghar–Aankhen Badi Hain Nemat Baba
2 Dus Lakh–Ajab Teri Karigari Re Kartar
3 Dus Lakh–Aulad Walon Phoolon Falo
4 Vachan–O Jaane Wale Baboo Ek Paisa De De
5 Ek Phool Do Mali–Aulad Walon Phulo Phalo
B.Songs OF Remorse and Despair
1 Gehra Daag–Bhagwan Ek Qasoor Ki Itni Badi Saza
2 Nazarana–Bazi Kisi Ne Pyar Ki Jeeti Ya Haar DI
3 Ghunghat- Haye Re Insaan Ki Majbooriyan
4 Modern Girl-Nazar Uthne Se Pahle Hi Jhuka Leti
5 Bahu Beti–Jiyo To Aise Jiyo Jaise Sab
6 Nai Maa–Gham Hon Ke Sitam Tum Kabhi Aansoo Na Bahana
7 Bombay Ka Chor-Hai Bahar e Baag Duniya Chand Roz
8 Ek Saal–Kis Ke Liye Ruka Hai
C Songs Of Joy
And the list is endless……..
Regards
Ravi’s comedy songs with Rafi are , like their beggar songs, very popular. Mostly picturised on Johnny Walker.
Lyrics, unless specified,are by Rajinder Krishen.
JAWANI KI HAWA, 1959.
Parody.
Kaise aaoon nadiya ke teer
Tere kutte ki khulee zanjeer..
PEHLI RAAT, 1959.
Majrooh Sultanpuri.
Dilbar pe ho na khaboo
Photo khincwale Babu..
GHAR KI LAAJ, 1960.
Laila ki ungliya bechoon
Majnu ki pasliyan bechoon..
TRUNK CALL, 1960.
Qamar Jalalabadi.
Kanna Munna turr
Mere firki bole furr..
DOOR KI AWAZ, 1964.
Shakeel Badayuni.
Ek musafir ko duniya mein kya chahiye?
Sirf thodi si dil mein jagah chahiye..
SHEHNAI, 1964.
Sharma ke na jaa, tadpa ke na jaa
Nagin ki tarah balka ke na jaa..
( Johnny Walker in a romantic mood.)
SAGAAI, 1966.
O Paape na sharma
Kuch garmi sardi kha
Aaj khushi ka din hai pyare
Jhappi Whappi Paa
PHOOL AUR PATHAR, 1966.
Shakeel Badayuni.
Tum kaun? Mamul.
Main kaun? Aamil.
Dr Shetty,
Your song machine runs unabated. Congratulations.
Rakeshji,
Thanks a lot for your generous words. I am happy you liked my song selection, choosing ten from about 240 is a difficult task.
AK,
THANKS.
You have picked some of their very best .
One song I would like to be there is.
Koi mujhse se poonchhe from Yeh raaste hain pyaat ke
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVnf7o8_szw
I will add one more that I thing is very well rendered
Yeh Lucnow ki sarr zamin
https://youtu.be/3JvZ3Otvs48
Mumbaikar8,
You are welcome. I am happy you liked the songs. Thanks for mentioning two very nice songs.
AK,
An excellent post on two of my favorites. All the songs chosen by you are very good, though as you have said choosing only some from a long list is difficult. I wanted to add Amanat songs but Dr.Shetty,being quick on the draw, beat me to it. I will, however, would like to add”Deewana leuke aaj mujhe” from Mulzim
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TDuQcRX6hXg
One more thing: you have mentioned only Ravi and Rafi for the Do badan songs. I think you have to add Shakeel Badayni’s name also to it. In fact, part of the credit for successful Ravi songs should go to the lyricists also. It may be due to the fact that Ravi always set the tunes to the lyrics.
One song from ‘ Waqt ‘ ,1965
‘ Waqt se din aur raat…’
Rafi , Ravi
https://youtu.be/GWpJjA0Oszw
AK ji ;
You have hit the nail right on target . Its a time for passion’s rebirth…..time to turn back the clock and watch…. not wrist but pocket watch.
The human voice is the most perfect instrument of all, expressiveness, quality, control, contrast and context, and that’s what counts . Ravi composed a number of high pitched songs and Rafi hitting those high notes with such ease and purity,….. never shrill or nasal like some, and could sustain them longer than most……and probably reaching the highest notes that ever produced by a human . The human voice is the most beautiful instrument of all, but it is the most difficult to play. But for Rafi , Ravi composing the songs was never an uphill tasks. Reversed side of the coin showed Ravi’s soft numbers as good as high pitched ones.
Most of my favorite songs already covered by bombardment of songs by our comrade Dr. Shetty ji ; but still I would like to include songs where links deserves to be added . Secondly My choice again matches with Hans ji….again finding difficult to look for more.
Ak ji , two of my favorite songs from Nartaki you have already included. What more could I dream for !! Still a few songs …high pitched one are here…..
Ajab Hai Maalik Tera Jaha – Mohd. Rafi….Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9te_-G2XYw
Hay Re Insaan Ki Majbooriyan – Mohammed Rafi, Ghunghat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3zFeQBG46Q
hai bahar-e-baag-e-duniyaa chand roz..Rafi-rajinder krishan- Ravi-bombay ka chor 1962
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrbzAYhV_PY
Ya meri manzil (rakhi)rafi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rj8po0BG_-Q&t=34s
….to be contd.
Giriji,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Diwana kah ke aaj mujhe phir pukariye is my great favourite. Now I realise I should have included twenty songs. Thanks for mentioning it.
You hit the nail on its head – Shakeel Badayuni is an important element of the great Rafi solos of Do Badan. Ravi-Shakeel Badayuni combination is very important worth exploring in the series on Ravi.
S Joseph,
Waqt ke din aur raat held its place though Ravi gave more prominence to Mahendra Kapoor in Waqt.
KS Bhatiaji,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. Nartaki Songs are my eternal favourites. Rafi deserved Filmfare Award for Zindagi ke safar mein akele the hum. Among the songs you have added I like Hai bahaar-e-baagh-e-duniya chand roz a lot. Thanks.
AKji
Another great post from the pen of blogmaster with such lucidity and ease of composition from his boundless reserve akin to a glacier. Constant but slow melting and down flows post after post. Hope the glacier would constantly swell with fresh snow. Listened to all the songs and I have seen most of the movies and enjoyed them. With two gladiators in constant joust, there is no end to fresh songs of this genre.
Mr Rangan,
Thanks a lot for your very generous words.
One song from ‘China Town ‘ , 1962
‘ Baar Baar dekho…’
MD … Ravi ,
Singer… Rafi
https://youtu.be/k6pYkSh2NcA
AK
You said Ravi had something special about Sunil Dutt. It means you have studied Ravi quite deeply. Ravi gave Rafi 9 Sunil Dutt songs, leaving aside back ground songs. And in Gumrah and Hamraaz it was all Mahendra Kapoor. Sunil Dutt was also much impressed by Ravi, because when he decided to launch his younger brother Som Dutt in Man Ka Meet, he gave the music to Ravi, but he used Mahendra Kapoor in that film. That film was a flop in other parts of India, though it did well in Panjab and Haryana.
I have analysed Ravi-Rafi in terms of songs picturised on actors. The most number was back ground songs -28. Of these 8 were in films in which the BG song was the lone Rafi solo, which shows the love and reverence Ravi had for Rafi. The next category was the comic songs on comedians. In all Ravi composed 28 songs in this category. The lion’s share went naturally to Johny Walker who got 14 of them, Mehmood had 7. OP Ralhan had 3 and the rest went to others. In proper heroes, after Sunil Dutt, Joy Mukherjee and Manoj Kumar got 8 each, Raj Kumar and Biswajeet got 5 each and Shammi Kapoor, Guru Dutt and Pradeep Kumar got 4 each.
S Joseph,
In China Town, Ravi gave an entirely different music for the theme and Shammi Kapoor. ‘Baar baar dekho’ is a great song package.
Hans,
Wow! Do you also remember all this data in your head? My observation on Ravi-Sunil Dutt was, of course, not based on statistics, but on so many iconic songs, in the voices of both Rafi and Mahendra Kapoor. Thanks for the hard confirmation.
Hans ji @34 ;
The two among the four left over comedy songs are here. Both are from Devar Bhabhi [1958].
This movie is special for me as for the first time I saw how filmi shooting takes place . In one of the song ….yeh kaisi ritu aayi…Mala Sinha was supposed to sing the song with duppata in her hands . The location was Hamuyun Tomb of Lodhi Gardens Delhi. The photographer needed white duppata for contrast as Mala Sinha was wearing dark flowerish suit. My sister ‘s white dupatta was offered for the shot and shooting resumed . After the completion of the song Rajendra Kumar gave a number of retakes shots getting slapped from Mala Sinha till the scene was O K by the Director.
The film flopped but this song remained for ever in our memories .
Tasvir teri dil mera bahla na sakegi – MOHD RAFI -FILM-DEVAR BHABHI(1958)….This song was picturised on famous comedian….Radhekrishna….and how closely is Rafi’s redemption .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtyENcQvkw8
Devar Bhabhi (1958) – zamana najuk hai – Rafi…..I think this song was filmed on Jeeven..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNE2wy11npo
….to be contd.
Great list, of unarguably most versatile male playback singer ever on earth, I would definitely have included “Ye Wadiyan Ye Fizayen Bula Rahi Hain Tumhe, from AAJ AUR KAL.
Naghma,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. I have included another song from Aaj Aur Kal – Itni haseen itni jawan raat kya kare – and mentioned Ye wadiyan. You must have realised I had a really difficult choice between two great songs.
Hans ji, ksbhatia ji,
More Comedy songs:
KAUN APNA KAUN PARAYA, 1963.
Shakeel Badayuni.
Ashok hoon apne pyar ka johar dikhaoonga
Najre mila ke dil mein tere Ghar banaoonga
( Johnny Walker singing to Shammi.)
Two songs picturised on Mehmood:
1. ISI KA NAAM DUNIYA HAI, 1962.
S H Bihari.
Ye Mehfil, Ye botal, Ye rangeen paani
Isi mein hamari hai saari kahani..
2. RAKHI, 1962.
Rajinder Krishen.
Ae ishq teri Jai Ho
Ek pyar bhare dil do
Har pyar ke dushman ko…
One on O P Ralhan:
AURAT, 1967.
Sahir Ludhianvi.
Mera Gaadi udan katola
Koi kahe Raja ka Rath
Koi kahe Dulhan ka joda..
An observation …
When I listened to the song mentioned by Dr Shetty ji , … ‘ Mera yaar Bana hai …’
In the prelude section of this song I am sure nobody will miss the group clapping rhythmically alongwith an instrument similar to a Dholak . If I am not mistaken , this is something very similar to what you hear in bhajan groups in some parts of the country.
The link…
https://youtu.be/NHwEMEvwOWU
Everyone knows that right from childhood Ravi started participating in bhajans in his neighbourhood . I am of the view that Ravi used his knowledge of bhajan music in the prelude section of this song and it is done very nicely.
To my knowledge the only other instrument used in this song sequence is the Shehnai.
Our system does not let us know the names of these individual musicians.
I am aware of another song where Ravi has used this similar kind of music very effectively in the prelude section of the popular composition of his…
Film… ‘ Waqt ‘ , 1965,
‘ Din hai bahar ke…’
MD… Ravi
Singers … Mahendra Kapoor , Asha
https://youtu.be/Ow_RBVQQBHE
Bahu beti song ‘jiyo to aise jiyo’ was mentioned by Rakesh Srivastava. I have seen this mentioned many times. But, the other song picturised on Joy Mukherjee ‘sab men shamil ho’ has always fascinated me more. It is a rare creation by Sahir. To write on the physical appearance of the heroine ( and not the beauty) and relate it with her inner thoughts, is not an easy job and Sahir has done a marvellous job. This must be unique. Its picturisation resembles ‘maine shayad tumhen pehle bhi kahin dekha hai’ another Sahir song subject of which was different. I am giving here the lyrics also.
सब में शामिल हो मगर सब से जुदा लगती हो
सिर्फ हमसे नहीं खुद से भी खफा लगती हो
आंख उठती है न झुकती है किसी की खातिर
साँस चढ़ती है न रूकती है किसी की खातिर
जो किसी दर पे न ठहरे वो हवा लगती हो
ज़ुल्फ़ लहराए तो आँचल में छुपा लेती हो
होंठ थर्राये तो दांतों में दबा लेती हो
जो कभी खुल के न बरसे वो घटा लगती हो
जागी जागी नज़र आती हो न सोई सोई
तुम जो हो अपने ख़यालात में खोयी खोयी
किसी मायूस मुसव्विर की दुआ लगती हो
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyKfvTbW0hM
Johnny Walker
WANTED, 1961.
Shakeel Badayuni.
1. Hum bhi kaash kunware hote
Duniya bhar mein jitne haseen hote
Sab ki nazar mein pyare hote…
2. AADMI AUR INSAAN
Sahir Ludhianvi.
Watan ka kya hoga anjaam
Bacha le ae Maula ae Ram…
Mehmood
1. GRIHASTHI, 1963.
Shakeel Badayuni.
Aaj mili ek ladki
Jise dekh tabeeyat bhadki…
2. BAHU BETI, 1965.
Sahir Ludhianvi.
Meri Jaan na sataa tu
Meri jee na jalaa tu…
PYAR KIYA TOH DARNA KYA, 1963.
Shakeel Badayuni.
Picturised on whom?
Aa meri Jaan mujhko laga le gale
Varna de doonga jaan teri khidki tale..
In the same movie, there is a song picturised on Agha ( & Shubha Kote)…
Dil tumko de diya Jaan E Jigar
Kahin phenk na dena idar udar….
But, it is a duet with Asha Bhonsle.
AK
It is a lot easier than it looks. Rafi’s singing and the lyrics reveal most of the songs. Ravi’s films are from a later period so many of them are available on youtube. You can check the video in case of doubt.
In this type of calculation there is also more likelihood of mistakes of counting. I have found that I have not taken into account two songs each of Joy Mukherjee and Raj Kumar, from Bahu Beti and Neel Kamal.
Bhatiaji @37
This is a real anecdote. Unfortunately there is no video of the song from Devar Bhabhi, otherwise we would have seen the dupatta of our sister. She must have kept it as a souvenir. I remember in those days white and black dupattas were a must for any girl/women in the areas where they wore salwar-suits because they could match with any suit and the time for the colourful dupattas had not yet arrived.
I did not know on whom ‘zamana nazuk hai’ was picturised, so I have kept it out of the stats. The other three are ‘sun le chhoti se arajiya hamar’ on Maruti in film Nai Maa; ‘aa meri jaan laga le tu mujhko gale’ on Agha in film Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya and ‘jisko mile padosi achha’ on Dhumal in film Padosi. If you are sure the song ‘zamana nazuk hai’ was on Jeevan, I would write his name against it, otherwise it would remain among four songs for which I dont know the actor. There are 3 other songs which were picturised on minor actors whose name I dont know.
Hans ji,
Arre! I was typing Jisko mile PADOSI achha when I saw your comment!
Dr Shetty
You have covered most of the comic songs. ‘Watan ka kya hoga anjaam’ is perhaps the best satire on corruption in our country, presented in a comic form by Sahir/Ravi/Rafi/Johny Walker combo. ‘Aaj mili ik ladki, jise dekh tabeeyat fadki’ are the correct lyrics. This song was about 40 seconds, but the song had ‘fadki’ effect on Shobha Khote. But, if it was ‘bhadki’ like you wrote, it would have been ‘bhadki’ effect on her and Mehmood would have been in further trouble. 🙂
Dr Shetty
You can still type that. Lekin shart ye hai ke link dena hoga.
There was another song on Mehmood in Bharosa ‘yaro ye jo duniya hai’ which was a combo of comic plus gyan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKHTFqK6Gjo
S Joseph @41
What a great observation. There is similarity in the prelude music. Actually dholak is very commonly used in Panjab, Haryana, Rajasthan Delhi and the adjacent areas. And in folk songs some beats of the dholak are very popular so they look repetitive.
Now, a few more statistics. Rafi did sing the 134 solos in 68 films. The phase wise distribution is 26 solos in 15 films between 1955-60; 61 solos in 27 films from 1961-65; 32 solos in 16 films from 1966-70 and 15 solos in 10 films from 1971-80. In addition he had duets in 8 films. In the remaining 16 films he did not have any song. In the first phase he did not have songs in 4 films. Three were in the first two years and the fourth was Dilli Ka Thug, a KK film. In the whole of the 60s, out of the 53 films, Rafi was songless in only 5, 4 of which had Mahendra Kapoor and 1 Mukesh as the male singer. Mukesh was also the main singer in Pyar Ka Sagar but Rafi had a duet in that film. Of the 17 films in 1971-80, Rafi was songless in 7 films.
In the 1962 Kishore Kumar starter BOMBAY KA CHOR , Rafi has a beggar/ philosophical song….
Hai bahar e bag e Duniya chand roz chand roz…
Lakh Dara aur Sikander ho gaye
Aaj dekho woh kahan sab kho gaye
Aayee hichki maut ki aur so gaye
Har kisi ka hai Basera chand roz chand roz…
Good lyrics by Rajinder Krishen…
Dr Shetty
Rajendra Krishan was one of the greatest contributors in the matter of lyrics. He wrote simple and striking lyrics. He also wrote stories, scripts and dialogues in a number of films.
Hans ji @45 , S Joseph ji;
My brother took fotos of the shooting and we have at least two of them in our retro album. One foto shows Mala Sinha singing the song with udtaa
duppatta in both hands and second one showing Rajendra Kumar with Director Kidar Nath . Some how H S Rawail was also there in discussion.
I think Ravi was the one MD who used Shehnai extensively in quite number of films ….which mostly were social in content with quite number of melodramatic scenes . Shehnai always enhanced the sad effects to great extent . In later years Ravi and Rajendra Krishan were most favoured combo for south indian movies . Biswajit , Mala Sinha made quite a number of movies together .
To continue scoring , here are a few more songs ……again these are the one which have been mentioned but without links . So enjoy Shehnai songs along with funny songs too…..
DIBAR PE NA HO KABOOBY MOHD.RAFI,M.D RAVI-PEHLI RAAT-1959.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FygFsWqIYr0
Ruk Ruk chamkey jhuk jhuk chamkey…Pehli raat—-M RAFI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MRcUSduNMw
ghoda pishori mera tanga lahori mera..Rafi_Sahir L _Ravi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vkkxunFP-g&t=70s
Mohammed Rafi, Aaj Udta Hua Ek Panchi Zindagi Ki, Gehra Daag
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5egbu8RWto
…..to be contd.
Hans ji @45 , S Joseph ji;
In continuation some more songs…..
AAJA TUJHKO PUKARE MERA PYAR- RAFI- FILM- NEELKAMAL(1968) MD- RAVI LY-SAHIR LUDHIANVI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Js904ASxr8
Ye jhuke jhuke naina.. Rafi – Rajinder Krishan – Ravi – Bharosa1963
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOpLIP6UE6Q
Bhagwan ek kassoor ki itni badi saza …FILM, GEHRA DAAG, SONGS,RAFI, MUSIC, RAVI, LYRICS, SHAKEEL BADAYUNI,1963
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oDC-RY1fOY&t=156s
……to be contd.
Hans ji @45 , S Joseph ji;
Some more songs……
Ek Musafir Ko Duniya Me Kya Chahiye – Mohd.Rafi Songs | Johnny Walker | Door Ki Awaaz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNBUBNHqy1k&t=5s
Kya Ajab saaz hai…..Mohd. Rafi……Shehnai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tdk0q7y6Tw
Na Jhatko Julf Se Pani – Viswajeet, Rajshree-Shehnai1964
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsxWzoY1iOY
kaun apna kaun paraya….kaun apna kaun paraya….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IECcfilGJ18
KITNI JAWAN HAIN ZINDGI&’BY MOHD.RAFI,M.D-RAVI-SHEHNAI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KOtoaOmuxc
…..to be contd.
Ksbhatiaji @ 27
zikr us parii-vash kaa aur phir bayaa.n apnaa
ban gayaa raqiib aaKHir thaa jo raaz-daa.n apnaa
Zikr Rafi ka aur bayan aapka.
I was completely floored by the subtlety of your description.
Keep showing your skill frequently 🙂
This song from Aankhen reflects the essence and Sahir’s lyrics icing on the cake
https://youtu.be/PJxS_j5I7TE
Mumbaikar8
You have chosen the right words and the right sher for describing Bhatiaji’s description. He is not only an engineer otherwise, but he is engineer of words also.
The Ankhen song is my top favourite. You give a topic and Sahir would deliver. Ravi composed it in panjabi tappa format. Six meaningful couplets fitted in two minutes and 40 seconds.
One song from ‘ Ye Raaste Hain pyar ke ‘ ,1963
‘ Tum jispe Nazar dalo… ‘
MD … Ravi
Singer… Rafi
https://youtu.be/CzLI0iNF22s
AK:
You may consider including some of his songs from Guide composed by S. D. Burman. S.D. Burman always used Kishore Kumar before he moved on to Rafi and he was able to get the best out of Rafi. I think Naushad and S.D. Burman got the best out of Rafi
Ms. Mumbaikar 8, Hans ji @ 56 , 57 ;
Thanks for your nice words . Some time I am taken away by thoughts and respect for MDs and singers who made my life a reason to enjoy the best of art in any form .
In last article on Ravi……The silent giant-killer and the man of many-splendoured talents: Ravi……I addressed him as Gentleman of Music . It takes work to be a man with respect, ambition, and etiquette…….and for this both Rafi and Ravi scored over many …….without any ego . Gaining respect is a great security and I think Ravi , Rafi showed it a lot to the film Industry.
Here I am reminded of the period when Gentlemen were addressed as …..Esquire [ Esq ]….as prefix or suffix for Mr….. used so common now . My brother used to get letter from Pen friends from UK….addressing him as Esq. B S Bhatia and I used to wonder what that mean ? He just roughly told me that its a system of addressing a gentleman of an higher status in UK. For me it was like a polite way of addressing good people . Again for me…Willow is a better substitute of a Bat . Willow sounds good while Bat make you run .
….will come back with some songs.
Ms. Mumbaikar 8, Hans ji ;
In continuation some more songs ……
Kis Tarah Jeete – Nai Roshni ….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iom0JI3ZAME
Ae Mere Dost – | Mohammad Rafi | Meharbaan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_c5DqL1XpQ
Teri Aankhon Ka – Nai Roshni
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RT5lIPDP5vA
Garibon Ka Jeena Bhi – Nai Roshni
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd8Q9weHOWo
….to be contd.
AK jee,
Nice post, very good songs. I do feel and share your genuine difficulty in picking 10 or 20 best songs from so qualitative a repertoire as that of Ravi. Our stalwart comrades have lavishly supplemented the songlist in the comments.Thank you and our respected commentators for the melodious songs of different genres.
I, however, feel thirsty with respect to your prologue in the post. I expected it to be more elaborate. Mr. D P Rangan echoed my regard for your adroitness in writing creative articles when he gave a simili of a Glacier. Just recall how you had impressively described Chalo el baar phir se in your post long back. You even gave a lovely translation of the song.
This is not a complaint but submitting that my thirst is not quenched. Bear with me if I am wrong.
Shachindraji,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation and also for your high expectations from SoY. It is axiomatic that different themes will attract me differently, but I appreciate your feedback.
Hans ji;
I hope some parody songs are listed in your excel sheets . After scouting I have found one.
Hum yaar ki gali mein pukare chale gye….RAFI SAAB IN MOVIE(GIRLS HOSTEL)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lg0gecCGMjE
Hans ji;
Black and White era was truly a struggling time for any one to sustain and exist in fast urbanization . Topics like misery, defeat, heartbreaks ….were the common themes in movies and songs as well. Sensitivity to such Ups and Downs …..and an understanding of life….was the one which attracted the story and song writers . Coming out of such situation was the gain that every one felt.
BHOLE BHALE INSANO IS DUNYA MAIN KAAM NAHI….TU NAHI AUR SAHI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_mGFR9xMXs
Bojh Utha Le Saathi Bojh Uthale| Pyar Ka Bandhan | Mohd Rafi Ravil| Sahir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KejYSoIE6vQ
…..to be contd.
Hans ji;
A few more songs from B & W era before switching to Coloured one…..
Isi Ka Naam Duniya Hai Yeh Mehfil Yeh Botal Mohd Rafi…ISI KA NAAM DUNIYA HAI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlqyEf-M0tE&t=89s
हसीनों से तो बस साहब सलामत दूर की अच्छी – उस्तादों के उस्ताद
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSGqgt-DQ3w&t=75s
Jahan Jayenge Deewane – Mohammed Rafi – Isi Ka Naam Duniya Hai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEXNAP_INCI
Meri Jaan Na Sata Tu (Mohammad Rafi)….Bahu Beti (1965)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C73SDqWXAwA
…..to be contd.
Rajesh Kumar
Posts on best songs of Rafi by SDB and Naushad are already there on SOY. You can search them under the head Rafi.
Your comment that SDB was able to get the best out of Rafi sounds a bit negative with respect to Rafi, though you may not have intended or mean that. SDB should thank his stars that Kishore started throwing tantrums and had a tiff with Lata, thus forcing him to use Rafi for 7-8 years. This Rafi era is his best output, which brought him among the greatest. Otherwise he would have been among a number of others.
Rafi was the one singer who changed the complexion of careers of a number of composers and actors.
Shachindraji
I agree with you that this post needed something more. But, I may tell you that AK is, at present, awfully busy. In that context, his post signifies his respect for this combo. And you would agree that despite all this he has selected from amongst their best songs and his song description is superb as usual.
Bhatiaji
The way you summarise things shows your comments are a combo of experience and thinking.
By your selection of songs you are bringing out the variety of this combo. You posted three songs from Nai Roshni, leaving only one solo ‘jitni likhi thee muqaddar men hum utni pee chuke’. Two of them are on Raj Kumar, playing a drunkard, but both of them are different. One is a romantic song on Sailesh and one is on Anwar Hussain the rickshawala.
The excel sheet you have is not mine, it is Muveen’s.
Ms. Mumbaikar 8, Hans ji;
There is no age limit to enjoy music . Prem Dhawan , Rajindra Krishan, Shakeel, Sahir……they all lived in ….Poetry World . Mixing powerful lyrical content with soulful and melodic tracks is not an easy job …..but all of them came together in harmony and allow the listener to experience a poet’s journey.
Power of music is measured by emotions it carries …..be it happy ,sad , romantic . Cohesive forces between lyrics and composition is an art where they get balanced .
Close your eyes and feel how close is music to your heart and soul. Here is master class that touched me emotionally. Song sung by Ravi himself . Original song was used as theme song in …Ek Phool Do Mali ….but here is Ravi singing in his own voice in a Musical Show held in Srilanka in 2010. You have to hear full song and see for yourself that even sitting in a chair Ravi’s voice stand out for many for his soulful singing .
GEETH MADHURI MUSICAL SHOW 2010 …. EK PHOOL DO MALI – KISMAT KE KHEL [ RAVI Sing a Song.]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l4Uon4Mfhw
Ms. Mumbaikar 8, Hans ji;
Continuing with some more songs…..
Main akela ja raha tha kiya khabar thi mere pechhe hai gamo ka karwan…..Gauri
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdkFOEd2r6s
Husn Se Chand Bhi Sharmaya Hai….Door Ki Awaaz (1964)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NKKIdTcCkY&t=40s
Dil Mera Aaj Kho Gaya Hai Kahin….Door Ki Awaaz (1964)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY9eKDeMhqQ
Dil Mera Tumhari Adayen – Mohammad Rafi……Gauri
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr5IFxFxJTA
…..to be contd.
Ms. Mumbaikar 8, Hans ji;
In continuation some more songs. I think Sunil Dutt , Biswajeet, Joy Mukeerji and few more…. were all lucky to get most of best songs .
Mashalla Tum Jawan Ho ….Yeh Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXNIWNFALqk
Muqaddar Aajmana Chahta Hoon, Tumhe apna banana (Door Ki Awaj )
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozH3x-W5o5c
Mohabbat rang layegi…….Yeh Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPUEeUoofmE
Kya yonhi rooth ke jane ko mohabbat __FILM__Door ki Aawaz I1964
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA2pcwIfxLY&t=56s
…..to be contd.
Bhatiaji
Since the songs you are posting are also my favourites, I hardly have a need to post songs. But, I would point out a thing which I noticed. Ravi gave music in 5 Dharmendra films Kaajal, Phool Aur Patthar, Ankhen, Aadmi Aur Insaan and Ek Mahal Ho Sapnon Ka. But, there is only one Rafi solo on Dharmendra in these films. In Kàajal he had 2 and in AAA he had 1 solo which all went to Mahendra Kapoor. In Phool Aur Patthar the 2 Rafi solos went to OP Ralhan and in Ankhen it was a back ground song. In EMHSK he got 2 solos, one was by Rafi and the other by Kishore. I have seen that of his contemporaries Dharmendra did not insist on songs and he was not even choosy about the singer.
Hans ji;
I know your charms about Ravi and Chitragupt . Both were the class of their own and contributed tremendous melodies for us to cherish. Yes. I have tried to cover the songs where links were not provided by some SoY members ; but surely quick succession of posts showed the passionate following of Ravi songs. . So for full enjoyment I did took this route and found three songs already in AK’s main listings. My apology to AK for jumping the bound .
There are few more songs which I am looking for. Besides few semi Mythological films , Ravi did some songs for Stunt and Fantasy films too . I am on telescope for those songs too , but i am sure there may not be many solos ….but duets are there.
Yes; I have found Mala Sinha’s foto taken while shooting ….Devar Bhabhi song….Yeh kaisi rut aayi. I am now on look out for Rajendra Kumar foto. I will send you on your watt sap as soon as possible.
It is great you found the photo. Normally such photos are lost in house changes, transfers etc. Ravi did mostly social films. Chitragupta was the one who did the kind of films you suggest.
You posted songs from Ye Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai. In that film there was a Rafi solo ‘nange bajoo nangi tangen husn ka ye mayyar nahin’. I am posting that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgFe75NCHeo
The picturisation of the song is exactly opposite of the philosophy of the song and a lot of nange bajoo, nangi tangen and nangi many things are shown. There was a time when our bollywood walas took the locations to foreign countries for this purpose only. In Sangam a simple pilot has his honeymoon in Europe and RK took full advantage of the scenario and also had BOLD FOR THOSE DAYS picturisation of ‘main ka karun ram mujhe budha mil gaya’. And the film was a hit.
Hans ji @75;
I knew this song….. but left it intentionally. Lots of movies ran for foreign locations after Sangam . The story writers mold there ways to turn and twist their screenplays to attract people to see the world without ticket. This ….. over exposure and over exploitation….. slowly diminished to values of no return .
In one of Doordarshan interview ….Dada Bhagwan compared present day scenario with that of 50s ….he said that during his times the camera was always focused on heroin faces to catch the right expressions during intense and sensitive scenes . Not only that during lip sync song sequence the camera was always focused on full face to get best of expression ….sad or happy . The interludes were left for camera catching long shots for both dance as well as stage sets . As time passed camera started moving and roaming about figures ……from whereon ….first the whistle blower audience of front benches…. then to general audience ….the taste of true cinema started loosing their shine . Shailendra truly brought this fact in his song in Anari….kapre ghatange malik hi jjaane kitne rahenge , duniya sabun tel…
Symbolism , I think , is best way to convey such feelings ….. and that can be beautiful if handled by the Director in a very right way . I recall here a perfect shot in Teesri Kasam when Raj Kapoor gave a sudden cool expression seeing Waheeda Rehman’s ankle for a second or two. Now where are those film makers gone …..khuda ke paas jaana hai .
Bhatiaji
It is just a coincidence that the lines you mention ‘kapde ghatenge’ were on Raj Kapoor, who later went on reducing clothes from his heroines till there was nothing left. Similarly, Manoj Kumar in Yaadgar song ‘ek tara bole’ sang ‘jo fashion badhta badhta gaya, aur kapda tan se ghatta gaya’ and later picturised songs like ‘haye haye ye majboori’ and ‘paani re paani tera rang kaisa’ leaving behind the tax-free days of Upkar. They very well knew ‘khuda ke paas jana hai’ but added their own words like सात पीढ़ी के लिए कमाना है उसके बाद खुदा के पास जाना है. And what a coincidence that RK’s next peedhi is selling his RK Studios, though they have enough for 7 peedhis.
AK ji
A superlative post indeed.
You have rightly stated that you could have included 20 songs of Ravi-Rafi team. Bhatia ji talked about the ease with which Rafi rendered songs whether touching very high pitch notes or lower octave notes.
I remember there was a song in Ramanand Sagar’s film ‘Aankhen’. It was a background song during the time the titles were appearing:
Har tarah ke jazbaat ka elan hain aankhen….
Us mulk ki sarhad ko koi chhoo nahi sakta
His mulk ki sarhad ki nigehban hain aankhen
Great lyrics and great rendition by Rafi. The last stanza was sung at a very very high pitch.
Thanks
AK ji
Sorry, read Jis mulk for his mulk
Tyagiji,
Thanks a lot for your appreciation. I remember O duniya ke rakhwale for very high and very low notes.
Tyagi ji @78, Mumbaikar 8 , Ak ji;
The song from Aankhen was earlier mentioned by Mumbaikar ji @56 . Earlier , another high pitched song ….yeh laknow ki saar jameen….was posted by her @23 . One thing more to note that quite a number of high pitched notes songs had a couplet or a sheer as prelude ….and that was a trade mark of Ravi’s sad songs . Sahir and Shakeel were the most writers of such songs .
Here is one of my liking which was earlier mentioned by Dr. Shetty@2……
Mili Khaak Mein Mohabbat – , Mohd. Rafi, Chaudhavin Ka Chand
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zoUoixvRMg
ksbhatiaji,
आप SOY की आँखें है 🙂
Ms. Mumbaikar 8 @ 82 ;
I think this quote should go to Dr. Shetty …..besides Stethoscope he is having Telescopic Eyes that reaches to the songs at lightening speed !
The best part of music is….one can not take out from it…..but one can pick…..happiness, excitement, and joy from it ! for ever. To sing along and tap your feet to the beat is a real stress buster. A table or a thick bounded book is best for accompanying rhythm and beats. And when feeling low just take refuge in music and see what wonder it can do ! For calorie conscious …..dimming the lights , turn on the slow waltz number and enjoy your meal in slow motion…..and make your fork and knife dance to the tune…la chaplin style !!! ….Modern Times ?
And when lost in thoughts ….try to sumerise story or song of a movie you have seen and admired . This is a good exercise for brain as two way journey from mind to soul.
Inspired from one of Shelly’s poem…..here is one journey that I have attempted…….
There is a time for Eyes to sparkle ,
There is a time for Tears to start ,
There is a time for Tears to fall,
There is a time for Tears to take refuge on cheeks,
There is a time for free fall on soil ,
There is a long time for tears to get absorbed in good earth,
….and finally meeting fellow tears to get recycled .
This one I just attempted to go by my thoughts on old Movie…..R K’s Barsaat .
Now for continuity of the main theme here is one of Rafi’s song when Ravi , though old , still was composing for little known producers.
-rafi-song-jise mile padosi achcha
movie–padosi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmHsZmwXdWY
….to be contd.
Bhatiaji
I think even Dr Shetty would agree with what has been said by Mumbaikar8.
Your mention of table being used as tabla or dholak, reminded me of your elder brother and my friend IS Bhatia, who used to do it when he was in the mood. This is the usual recourse in Panjab and Haryana. Women use the dholak like tabla in folk songs and use a spoon or any hard thing for variety by hitting dholak on top with it. Haryanvi ragini singers use a earth pot by fixing a rubber on its mouth and beat it like tabla and also hit its sides in various rhythms. The use of dholak like tabla by women was shown in detail in ‘jogi hum to lut gaye tere pyar men’ in film Shaheed.
And what a poem or tears. Rajendra Kumar in Hamrahi told us ‘ye aansoo mere dil ki zuban hain’, Biwajit called his beloved’s aansoo ‘tukde hain mere dil ke’ but Sunil Dutt in Chhaya degraded aansoo by saying ‘ aansoo samajh ke kyun mujhe mitti men tune mila diya’. But you have sent the ‘aansoo’ to the ‘mitti’ with a lot of dignity.
Bhatia ji and Hans bhai
Poore shaiyarana aur(nostalgic) andaaz main ho. Good for you and all of us.Do carry on.
You have included some lovely songs of Rafi-Ravi combo. I agree that a list of Rafi saab’s repertoire would be deplete and less adorned without the mention of Ravi’s contribution. Their music gives immense “sukoon” to my mind like no other combination does.
Ravi has often acknowledged Rafi saabs importance in his success right from his first film Vachan (1955), ik paisa de de O babu. Their other songs in the same vein: Garibon ki suno (1966, Dus Lakh) and Aulad walo (Ek phool dou mali, 1969), if you listen carefully have been sung by Rafi saab with such amazing sincerity that they bring tears to your eyes.
A mention of Sunil Dutt and Ravi/Rafi teaming up: I particularly like the haunting and at times eerie “koi mujh se pooche, ke tum mere kya ho” from Ye Raste hai pyar ke.
salaam to this pair who have enriched our lives
SK,
Welcome to SoY. Entirely endorse your views about Ravi-Rafi combination.
Ravi had no choice in b r films as b r chopra had a dispute with rafi saaheb and he had a taken a vow that rafi would not sing for his films. So it was a blessing in disguise for mahender kapoor. Credit goes to ravi saaheb that he convinced b r chopra for the song waqt se din aur raat and rafi saaheb sang this song. Rest is history.
Indian marriage starts with ‘aaj mere yaar ki shaadi hai…:’ and completes with ‘ babul ki duaaye leti ja…’
Rakesh Mohan Verma,
Welcome to SOY and thanks a lot for your comments.
Rakesh Mohan Verma,
So true.
Thank u very much sir.ur detailing about Ravi&Rafi saheb is goid informational mirror for us..Thanks again
Sanjay Vanital Bhavsar,
Welcome to SOY and thanks a lot for your appreciation.