Mohd Rafi and Statue of Mahatma Gandhi

So friends I am doing one thing from my side, I am renaming Mohd Rafi Sahab to Mr. Rafi Gandhi, I am hopeful after this change our government will listen to us as Gandhi surname is the synonymous of being patriot and every Gandhi automatically qualify to get a Bharat Ratna,

Bharat Ratna awards has to be given to people who has done something substantial in their life which may have impacted country or people around them. But history has proved that it normally given based on your birth location, your community belongings and yes for the people who may not be so so popular because popular means ‘cheap’ in our intellectual class.

Just went through the list of Bharat Ratna award holders from history and I was surprised to see so many names which are there for just ‘academic’ purpose…. and for the information I saw Lata Ji’s name in the list, I was again wondering what Lata ji has done to music industry which Mohd Rafi has not done during his around 30 year career (cut short due to sudden demise)… upon some research I found that Shiv Sena and NCP was the main force behind that government decision at that time.

I must clarify that I am not questioning why it has been given to Lata ji, She deserve it (Not hate campaign please)… but I am asking a question why it was not given to Rafi Sahab who is still one of the most ‘played/listened’ singer even after 31 years of his death.

Do you know Rafi, Kishore, Mukesh trilogy still rules the radio and around the world Indian music still known by them (Lata ji includes in this but I am not including her in my list because she already got this award)….

ON this website, I decided that I will never ever write any controversial things but today I am not able to hold myself. so instead of doing bad mouthing about system, I am resorting to this trick.. currently Congress lead government is ruling country, may be a ‘Gandhi’ name can ‘awake’ them.

… But at the same time I am getting little worried as Next govt may not be of congress in that case a Gandhi name can be a ‘Ajaab’….. Lets see.

(Sorry for my bad language as it just came unplanned and I am not a native English speaker)

Names of rafi bhakts ( our esteemed guests )  may be a bit difficult to remember and mention, hence please excuse.

The time available with us was murderously to little to aquaint, interact and convert it into a great remembrance, however, rafi bhakts as we all were, gelled beautifully from the word go and by the dawn of the evening ( shockingly wound up at 1630 hours – due to the guests train schedule at 1820 hours ).

The time factor was so much playing upon my personal mind that, I for one could not interact with all the people gathered, so much so that after the initial greet of hi hello – there never was another moment we could exchange a word accepting a smile.

Rafi Bhakts are just Rafi Bhakts wherever you go ( simple at heart – lovers of music ) and our dear rafi sahab has taught us in his own way that we should play it simple and be truthful whenever we meet music lovers especially rafi bhakts.

With this short ( self styled ) introduction, I will now try to arrange my jumbled mind to put down some of my impressions of the lovely get together.

As if I was Emperor Ashok, I sprang to the microphone to utter “ A classic example of National Integration “ after the spell binding rendition of the famous song of Shankara Bharanam by none other than “ Ilyaasbhai “ ( rf-hyderabad ). I actually felt it was rafi sahab who has come down and sang this song for us ( being a muslim he gave us some of the best bhajans ) and the next thing that spontaneously came out from me – “ Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavantu “.

Ilyaasbhai made a lasting impression on all of us present and will never forget the way he sang and his sheer selection of the song. It speaks a lot in the present times and the lesser said – impact would be telling.

Iyaasbhai, was an instant hit in our minds just by his personality and mannerisms.

R.Padmanabhan, has a beautiful voice and can really sing very well. With every occasion, he is bound to improve and make people happy as he did on this day.

Mrs & Mr.Chander, make a very good singing couple and do present themselves in a duet as a composite package. Both have a very good voice quality and can sing really well. Their song selections were very good and in a way a good talent from rf-hyd.

Now coming to my dearest friend, NRP bhai, ( invest with padmanabhan ). Another interesting person who speaks chaste hindi with a north ascent and immaculate hold on the English language.

Nrpbhai, really impressed me in particular with his smooth voice, selecting some delectable songs of talat mahmood and hemant kumar Mukherjee. The last one he sang with the computer ( I think hemant song ) was so perfect and extremely well sung, he kept me spell bound.

Nrpbhai, is a huge “ Chupaa Rustom “. A man full of surprises – ( still waters run deep )
Nrpbhai – is there anything you cant do ? – I sincerely doubt it.

He is an asset to rf-hyd and any where he chooses to associate. A hallmark of a successful banker.

I can now safely repeat loudly : investwithpadmanabhan – bravo sahab – tussi great ho – merey liye. I am your fan from bengaluru.

Now coming to my next friend from rf-hyd none other than the Sutradhaar – a man behind the entire rafi holiday in its entirety starting from the embryo stage to its finish

None other than the erstwhile “ Murthygaru “ ( as we fondly address him ). His baritone voice and lithe personality brings him close to how the big b appeared in his early days.
Murthygaru’s voice tonal quality itself is a great plus when he sings and boy does he sing well – an understatement.

I will require to write a few pages to cover murthygaru, hence, at this juncture, I would stop myself to say, you were very much in control of the entire proceedings helping us in your own way for celebrating the day in a nice way. My special thanks to you for bringing rafi bhakts from various places.

Sreenivsan – a sauve – sleek – and a smooth singer – great voice quality – sings with all the emotions – the greatest high point is his “ song selection and his rendition “ makes one very happy contented and applaud sincerely. Rafi bhakts like sreenivassan are an asset considering their age and involvement in retro music – its quite heartening. I took an instant liking to his levels – class and style of singing. Gifted.

Sivaram – and family – really a great contribution by their sheer presence – what an interest even at this age. He is highly talented, has a great control over his voice, his kishore renditions were truly sincere and correct, enjoyable and inspirational. His daughter sang a very soothing song ( humko manki shaktee dena ) which brought me to tears.

Now, I, would be doing a great dis-service to the whole gathering and the event if I do mention the  name of a  gentleman called “ Jagat Tarkas “ who “ whistles “ his way through to steal our hearts with rafi songs. Try doing it – it will screw the winds out of you. It was a rare privilege to hear him in person. Otherwise normally such performances one has to pay and hear them professionally. An artist really worthy of what he has achieved and truly simple and most unassuming with a large smile.
Yet another great talent.

I may be missing out on many names as my memory may not help me and I am sure ravibhai, sumanbhai and anoopbhai will cover me up on that count.

Now coming to the local talent, madame shailaja, sings like a “pro” and she regaled us with her songs. I personally feel, she should attend all functions, snatch the mike and sing many songs, as permitted. I may sound a bit different, but, I felt we definitely would have wanted to hear more of her – had we had, time on our side.  Keep it up madame, you have it in you and will make a great singer for all occassions.

Mahaveer Nahaar and family – a simple, sauve and serene family but a bundle of talent in the father and son duo. Gifted with a natural voice suitable for singing and sing really well.

Mahaveer’s great sense of timing and mere mention of a song made him momentarily loose his “ suddh buddh “ and got into impromptu ( leaving all of us in awe and open mouthed ) – the great song from Chengiz khan was responsible for this.

Mahaveer sahab you were a picture of perfection considering your preparedness and tonal quality. I am given to understand that you sing in all forums and are quite popular – keep it up sir. You can really impress an audience with your presentation style.

Nikhra Deshpati ( sahab I feel – you have some very close connection with rafi sahab )
A one time pro ( as per his own admission – used to sing in his own orchestra – long long back ) – I truly admire his choice of songs. Being a pro long time back is one thing – but – to retain the old charm even now and keep us spell bound is yet another gift of the god.
Nikhra sahab – you are an asset to any musical evening – what with your small but meaningful speeches with anecdotes – advises on singing etc.

It would be apt to say here that many of our guests too required to share the mike for many more songs with their kind talent. Time was the spoil sport on 15th. If  we could conclude say by 2000 hours we could do full justice to the entire gathering.

Ravibhai, ( I am his fan ) I know has a good voice, but his song of invocation had me close my eyes an concentrate as it was truly divine. What a nice gesture on his part to select such a lovely song and fitting welcome to all the guests. Ravibhai is a Pandora;s box, probably he himself does not know his capabilities. Ravibhai, please get into some serious singing in every get to gethers – as atleast, I would like to hear you sing, just because of the simplicity of your presentation.

Sumanbhai was very graceful and sang a song for all of us. A doctor by profession but never makes anyone feel his weight in terms magnanimity. Thanks a lot sumanbhai for the momentos you personally arranged for our guests from other cities. Sumanbhai is always found to be quiet, a man of few words ( like nrpbhai-rf hyd ) but a highly resourceful doctor with a zeal to serve the underprivileged. CCK says a lot.

Now coming to our own charming, flamboyant, silky voiced, software engineer ( the chief host, moderator and a singer par excellence ) ANOOP KULKARNI.

Since the venue was his own dwelling and the entire arrangements with regard to seating arrangements, food and beverages and the entire works were his bastion – anoopbhai was weighed down heavily by these works and responsibilities. It was quite visible and unknowingly our guests too would have noticed that he never sat down even for a while, like the way we all did – in a relaxed manner and enjoyed ourselves.

Anoopbhai ( sorry – I could not be of much help to you that day – as you always asked me to relax and enjoy – now nice of you and it shows your good nature ) was all responsible and composed diligently carrying out all required works periodically.

The times he took up the mike and sang – it was sheer magic – and it left me saying – ramesh maangey more. Our guests ( like murtygsru/nrpbhai ) may have heard anoopbhai via midomi or through egroup you-tube etc. but we in bengaluru have the privilege of hearing him in person, whenever we wish to.

Anoopbhai – great show – great turn out – keep it up – play host all the time – especially the choice of venue according to me was the icing on the cake – ask me why – we all sat close to each other hosts and guests freely mixing all the time – and the event – marked off very well – etched in our memories – never to be forgotten – as happy experiences – meeting some fantastic rafi bhakts – highly talented.

We also had the proud company of our own encyclopedia “Gurujee”. A wizard in technical knowledge with regard to music, anecdotes, trivia and a many faceted man, simple and a star attraction in all our musical meets. A must for all musical gatherings as he has the capabilities in making such events a great success. Gurujee too chipped in and helped in transportation of our esteemed guests.

We also had the presence of Mr.Shreeshaa ( a hotel management consultant and a friend of murtygaru since 1977 ) amidst us and was a great help in looking after our guests and their transportation.

A special mention has to be made of  Zareef  Bhai, ( administrator of www.rafi.co.in ) from delhi, who used his personal equipment of handycam and captured the entire event, with a promise to send us all a copy after other formalities of editing etc. He is a bundle of   “ quips “,  chutkulas, slap stick comedy, one liners and generally regales the gathering with his sheroshayaris.

I felt the events as they unfolded would have been much better, had I not been pushed to the mike and making an a…e, jacking the proceedings. If I have succeeded in making people laugh by being the joke of the day, I am happy.
My wife Padmaja and yours truly were honored to have spent some quality time with truly sincere, simple and serene rafi bhakts on this day the 15th of November 2009.

May we have more such events frequently in all cities of India and even Overseas in time to come. Let this movement become a raging success and our get-together as the premier one.

Wishing all rafi bhakts, all the best, and closing with melodious regards,

Padmaja and Ramesh Kurpad.

1)For  the song “Man mora bawra……” in film RAGINI Kishore Kumar requested to Rafi Sahab to sing this song for him because this song was a semi classical and Kishore kumar said that-”RAFI SAHAB CAN SING THIS SONG BETTER THAN ME” and really Rafi Sahab did a true justice with this song as listeners know.

2) The song “ajab hai dasta teri ae zindagi…” was first given to Kishore Kumar to sing and he sung the first half of antara very well but in the second half he faced some trouble and after  many retakes he unabled to give the effect that Shankar Jaikishan wants, and finaly song given to Rafi Sahab to sing and he again did full justice with this song.

Rafi Sahab sang 6 songs for Kishore Kumar!

Rafi Sahab had lent his voice to Kishore da for the following songs:

1.”Hame Koi Gham Hai,Tumhe Koi Gham Hai, Mohabbat Kar, Zara Nahin Dar hai…”

Film:Bhagam Bhag(1956)
Producer- Bhagwan Brothers
Director-Bhagwan
Music Director- O.P.Nayyar
Lyrics- Majrooh Sultanpuri
Singers- Rafi and Asha

2.”Maseeha Ban Ke—Chale Ho Kahan Kar Ke Zee Beqarar….”

Film:Bhagam Bhag(1956),
Producer- Bhagwan Brothers
Director- Bhagwan
Music Director-O.P.Nayyar
Lyrics- Majrooh sultanpuri
Singers- Rafi and Asha

3. “Man Mora Banwara, Nis Din Gaaye Meet Milan Ke….”

Film: Raagini(1958)
Director- Rakhan
Producer- Ashok pictures
Music Director-O.P.Nayyar
Lyrics- Jan Nisar Akhtar
Singer-Rafi

4.”Ajab Hai Daastan Teri Yeh Zindagi,kabhi hansa diya rula diya kabhi….” (Fast)

Film: Shararat(1959)
Producer- Roshni films
Director- H. S. Rawail
Music Director-Shankar Jaikishan
Lyrics- Shailendra
Singer- Rafi

5. “Ajab Hai Dastaan Teri Yeh Zindagi…” (Slow)

Film:Shararat(1959)
Producer- Roshni films
Director- H. S. Rawail
Music Director-Shankar Jaikishan
Lyrics- Shailendra
Singer- Rafi

6.”Apni Aadat Hai Sab Ko Salaam Karna…”

Film:Pyaar  Deewana( 1972)
Director- samar chatterji
Producer- Jaideep pictures
Music Director- Lala Sattar
Singer- Rafi

Both the Rafi-Asha duets from Bhagam Bhagh (1956) mentioned above are very nice ones, especially the Song No. 1.Hame Koi Gham Hai, Tumhe Koi Gham Hai. In this duet, O.P.Nayyar makes good use of duet beats of Flute and Harmonium to very good  effect!

Next, both  solos composed by OP Nayyar and Shankar Jaikishan from Raagini(1958) and Shararat(1959) respectively are indeed very great ones!

The  solo of the film “Raagini”, Man Mora Banwara Nis Din Gaaye Meet Milan Ke, composed by OP Nayyar  is a semi-classical composition written by Jan Nisar Akhtar. A great, divine rendition by Rafi Saab indeed!

The Next one from the Film:Pyaar Deewana(1972), composed by Lala Sattar is quite a nice composition.

Shakti Samanta produced Aradhana with Rajesh Khanna where he played double role of father and son, both as Air Force pilots. The film became a golden jubilee hit.

Movie : Aradhana (1969)
Director : Shakti Samanta
Singers: Mohd Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar
Music Director : Sachin Dev Burman
Lyricists: Anand Bakshi
Cast : Rajesh Khanna, Farida Jalal

Well, I’m not trying to confuse the readers by using the word ‘Kurukshetra’. No! Neither it has anything to do with a war, nor is it any competition.
It’s all about the story of a “Rang-Bhoomi” not a “Ran-Bhoomi”!! It’s all about a musical exhibition of talent under the firmament made up of the “God’s blessings”. Again, to make things clear, I must tell you that the word “God” here doesn’t mean a religious figure. My statement points to an Indian God who has followers/disciples belonging to all religions. Yes! I’m talking about the “God of Singing”, the maestro “Sir Mohammad Rafi”! Hope I made my statement clear, so let’s move on..
I was talking about the “Rang-Bhoomi” which was arranged in the outskirts of Hyderabad, a place called “Dhola-Ri-Dhani”! Musical warriors and disciples set themselves towards the aforementioned destination, in their respective chariots.

• Chandar sir and Radha ma’m holding their divine weapons (Karaoke Cds/DVDs) stepped into their chariot named “Swift” and carried Santosh (me) along with them

• N.R.Padmanabhan sir boarded his chariot named “Maruti 800” and headed towards the destination. Satyendra and Yashwant joined him.

• Other musical warriors like Ramakrishna sir (with his nuclear weapon ‘Harmonica’), Padmanabhan couple, Subhrammanyam duo, the great commander in chief (A.S.Murty sir and his consort) and spectators headed towards the “Rang Bhoomi” in a Pushpak Viman otherwise known as “Bus” arranged by the management of Dhola-Ri-Dhani.

Assemblage at Dhola-Ri-Dhani
Chandar sir and his troupe were the first to reach the destination. They directly went towards the venue and started to test the auditorium and the weaponry (Sound boxes, sound system) and started fine-tuning them when we, the youngsters – Satyendra, Yashwant and Elias – stepped inside the open air auditorium. Soon everybody dispersed to have a survey of that beautiful place. That was around 3:30 PM. Soon other members arrived at the venue.

Soon decoration of our God’s idol, (read “Rafi Saab”) begun, and few people started to make necessary arrangements on stage. Meanwhile everyone was waiting with bated breath for one more army, the “orchestra troupe”.
I want to mention one important thing here; which is, despite the existence of security checks at the main gate, none of us were scrutinized. One single word, “Rafi”, worked wonders, and made a smile run across the faces of the security personnel. “Rafi Saab”, this word could do such a magic, I never knew that!

( the garlanded photograph of Rafi Sahab )

the birthday of a Shahanshah (Rafi Sahab) being celebrated by cutting of the cake.

“Birds of a feather tend to flock together!!”
This section header seems weird isn’t it? We’re discussing about a musical event and we’re not supposed to divert the topic to discuss/learn English idioms, phrases and proverbs!! Hold on a minute!
It’s very much sync with the current narration and no way deviates us away!

Well, we’ve been hearing this proverb for ages, but on 25th Dec’08 I could see it practically! When all of us were hanging around the stage doing something or the other, two ladies, out of whom Mrs Sumitra Shastry, was a septuagenarian, the mother of Bhanumati ji (name of the lady accompanying her), entered the venue. The elderly lady was not even able to walk properly. They were just gazing around at the strangers when Murty sir went forward and talked with them. Bhanumati ji was holding a cutting of a news paper in her hand.

It was a very pleasant awe mingled surprise for everyone when we heard the following words from the mouth of Bhanumati ji, who is a teacher in Kendriya Vidyalaya. She said, “Hum logone is programme ke bare mein ek newspaper mein padha aur yahan chale aaye. Hum log Rafi Saab ke bahut bade chahne waale hain, hum log to bachpan se unke hi gaane sunkar bade hue hain! Humare ghar mein unke hi gaane sune jaate hain aaj bhi”

Those sweet words filled everyone with utmost happiness as like as the sweet sound of cukoo ripens mangoes.
They were humbly welcomed inside by Murty ji and they were asked to be seated and enjoy the programme.
Meanwhile Orchestra troupe made their entry and they started fixing up their systems.

Mortal Combat Begins
Again there isn’t any combat among the musical warriors. All were set to combat today’s noise polluted environment by releasing their divine weapons in the air, which were designed by our god, Rafi saab long back. Each weapon released, made uncanny positive effects on the audience and the foreign crown present near the vicinity started getting mesmerized, and got themselves gravitated and pulled towards the Rang-Bhoomi under a divine trance of Rafi saab’s weapons (read Songs).
The first Rafi-enthusiast to exhibit his devotion towards our God was Yashwant who took the stage by storm when he rendered a beautiful, soulful and divine Bhajan of Rafi Saab – Duniya Na Bhaye Mohe Ab To Bula Le” from the film Basant Bahar .

THE FULL CACHE OF WEAPONERY
1. Duniya Na Bhaye Mohe _ Basant Bahar YASHWANT
2. Dil Mein Chhupa Ke Pyar Ka – AAN – Subramanyam
3. Jaiye aap kahan jaayenge – MERE SANAM – Mrs Radha Chandar
4. O Duniya ke rakhawale – BAIJU BAWRA – Sheikh Elias
5. Maine Rakha Hai Muhobbat – SHABNAM – Santosh
6. Mujhe Kitna Pyar Hai Tumse – DIL TERA DIWANA – ASM & VIJAYA
7. Tere Bin Soone Nayan Hamare – Meri Soorat Teri Ankhen – N R P
8. Pukarta Chala Hun Mein – S Chandar
9. Likhke jo Khat Tumhe – R Padmanabhan
10. Hum Ko Man Ki Shakti Dena (Guddi) – Mrs Meenakshi Padmanabhan
11. Parda Hai Parda Hai – AMAR AKBAR ANTHONY – Yashwant
12. Badan Pe Sitare Lapete Huye – PRINCE – Satyendra
13. Choudvin Ka Chand Ho – Chaudvin Ka Chand – Subramanyam
14. Tumhi Mere Mandir – KHANDAN – Vijaya
15. Ude Jab Jab Zulfe Teri – NAYA DAUR – S Chandar & Mrs Radha
16. Jaane Walon Zara – DOSTI – Harmonica recital by Ramakrishna
17. KOI SAGAR DIL KO BEHLATA NAHIN (D D D L) – N R P
18. Rang Aur Noor Ki Baarat – GHAZAL – Sheikh Elias
19. Jaane Wale Zara Hoshiyar – RAJKUMAR – A S Murty
20. Ik Na Ik Din Yeh Kahani – GORA AUR KALA – Santosh
21. John Jani Janardhan – NASEEB – Sheikh Elias
22. Huyen Hai Hampe Ashiq Hum – MERE SANAM – Harmonica – S R K
23. Yeh Parbaton Ke Dayre – VAASNA – R Padmanabhan & Mrs Meenakshi
24. Ankhon Se Jo Utari Hai Dil Mein – P W D L H – Mrs Radha Chandar
25. Hum Intezar Karenge – BAHU BEGUM – S Raghavendra Rao
26. Aajkal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche – BRAHMCHARI – S Chandar & Mrs Radha Chandar
27. Yesh Desh Hai Veer Jawano Ka – NAYA DAUR – ASMurty, Yashwant,S Chandar & Shaikh Elias
28. Bole Re Papihara – GUDDI – Mrs Radha Chandar
29. Chhup Gaye Sare Nazare – DO RAASTE – Ms. Sheela & Krishnamurthy
30. Dance by NARSING (a dwarf dancer of Dhola Ri Dhani) on the song HUM KALE HAIN TO KYA HUYE DILWALE HAIN. He was accompanied by Naresh (dressed up as a lady) for this wonderful dance item.

Excellent rendition by our members was interspersed with compering by A S Murtyji. He has abundance of ammunition under his belt, what with innumerous sher-o-shayari to describe almost every song.

Within no time, entire auditorium was almost filled with spectators. It would be surprising to note that the no. of external visitors was greater than the members of this event. That was again mostly due to the trademark associated with the event, “Mohammad Rafi”!!
It was around 10 in the evening when the musical talent exhibition culminated. But that wasn’t the end, there were two guest warriors who proved to be above all of us by releasing nuclear weapons mesmerizing all of us. They were Dhola-re-Dhani staff viz.,

• Naresh, who dressed like a girl and danced fabulously. She (read He) was accompanied by a little artiste, a dwarf -NARSING . They danced on a famous Rafi number, “Hum kale hain to kya hua dilwale hain”

• Next was the turn of another hero – Bhati. He exhibited his superb skills of physics. He was a master of Newtonian mechanics. He danced with 2 cycle wheels in his hand and circled them on various parts of his body; with such an ease and expertise, that had there been Newton in the vicinity, he would have been taken aback at that spectacular act of balancing object movements

no further detaild are available to me as of now, I will soon provide the more details about it.

( posted from mobile)