This duet by Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle is from the 1957 movie, "Nau Do Gyarah" and is picturised on Dev Anand and Kalpana Kartik, the lyricist being Majrooh Sultanpuri.
This duet is sung by Rafi in his usual soft flowing romantic voice but the piece de resistance of this song is the naughty voice of Asha Bhosle. The manner in which she says " So ja " is simply awesome and everytime she says this is in a different nuanced way. Both of them have done full justice to this signature SD Burman tune.
This classic song is from the 1957 film " Pyasa" and is picturised on Guru Dutt, the lyricist being Sahir Ludhianvi.
This masterpiece of song was sung by Mohammed Rafi by injecting tremendous pathos which shatters the conscience of every listener. The lyrics penned by Sahir Ludhianvi were revolutionary by any standard. "Jinhe naaz hai hind par woh kahan hain" was a satire on Nehru's India and on his quote "Mujhe hind par naaz hai".
The song was initially recorded in the voice of legendry singer Manna Dey but was ultimately recorded in the voice of greatest of all Mohammed Rafi. Manna Dey has himself acknowledged on record that the quality and range of Rafi's singing is better and unmatched.
Here are two videos, one by Mohammed Rafi [seen by clicking on the youtube link] and the other by Manna Dey, of the same song. Listen to both versions and decide yourself. One need not say anything!!
This classic song is from the 1959 film" Kagaz Ke Phool" and is picturised on Guru Dutt. The lyricist is Kaifi Azmi.
The intensity of the song along with its picturisation is classic, to which only Mohammad Rafi could do justic to. The great Rafi infuses pathos in the song, which is astonishing. This film was the first cinemascope film. The film although a superflop of its time is now considered to be a classic, which was way ahead of its times. Some say the film reflects to some extent Guru Dutt's own life story. The film was the last for Guru Dutt as director.
Apni to har aah ik toofan hai oopar wala jaan kar anjaan hai
The song is from the 1960 film " Kala Bazar" and is picturised on Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman. The lyricist is Shailendra.
The song is sung by Mohammed Rafi in a soft velvety voice and the tune is utterly hummable. Kala Bazar was perhaps the only film in which all three Anand brothers have acted together.
Greogory peck of Hollywood fame is also seen in the film as there is a clip of film Mother India's premiere in which he is seen along with many Indian stars who make a guest apperance. Dev Anand was also referred to as Gregory Peck of India.
Akela hoon main is duniya mein, koi saathi hai to mera saaya
This gem of a song is from the 1962 film "Baat ek raat ki" and is picturised on Dev anand, the lyricist being Majrooh Sultanpuri.
The film had three hit songs, one each by Mohammed Rafi, Hemant Kumar and Manna de. This song is picturised on Dev Anand, wearing a cap and riding a bicycle in a carefree manner, which only he could do and act. The song has a very hummable tune and Rafi's voice as usual is adapted perfectly to the picturisation. The song was quite popular with students in those days, while riding bicycles, commuting to their colleges.
This gem of a song is from 1965 film " Teen Deviyan", the song being picturised on Dev Anand and Nanda . The lyricist is Majrooh Sultanpuri.
The film was shot mostly in black and white with few scenes in color. It was made in Hindi as well as English. The english version was called "Oh boys and three girls", though this version never saw the light of the day. The music director in Hindi version was SD Burman and in the English version was RD Burman. This song has been sung by Mohammed Rafi in a very soft mellifluous romantic voice. Such is the modulation in his voice that one is awestruck by this quality. While in our younger days, we took this voice for granted, but now when we look back and hear his songs, one is really astonished as to how could he effortlessly sing such numbers. In fact he reduces the job of the performing artist to a considerable extent by giving emotions in the song itself.
This gem is from the 1960 film "Bombai ka babu" and the song is picturised on Dev Anand and Suchitra Sen. The lyricist is Majrooh Sultanpuri.
The film was based on the bold theme of incest relationship in those times. Although not a box office success, the film's songs and music got critical acclaim and is heard with pleasure even to this day. This song has been sung with a heavy heart and truly reflects the sad and forlorn feelings of the character. Such was the mastery of Mohammed Rafi in bringing out the emotions with the song, one could actually visualise the scene even without watching. This quality of Rafi was exclusive and has not been found in any singer till date.
Here is the video. Watch it by clicking on the youtube link. Enjoy!
This gem is from 1963 film " Tere ghar ke saamne", the song being picturised on Dev Anand and Nutan. Lyricist is Hasrat Jaipuri.
The singing by Rafi in the song is fantastic with so many voice variations, capturing the mood of the moment. The song has been shot at various angles with Dev Anand and Nutan speaking with their eyes. Composer SD Burman gave so many classy numbers for this single film.
Incidentally Tere ghar ke samne was the first and last film of actress Zarine Katrak, who later married actor Sanjay Khan in 1966 and quit acting. It has both happy and sad versions.
This gem is from 1963 film " Tere ghar ke saamne", the song being picturised on Dev Anand and Nutan. Lyricist is Hasrat Jaipuri.
The song is picturised at Qutub Minar and is perhaps the last song to be picturised in Qutub Minar as the entry inside was banned soon afterwards, following a stampede of school children. Although a part of the song is picturised outside the Qutub, main portion of the song is picturised as if inside the Qutub. As the inside of Qutub is too cramped , it was picturised in a set at Mehboob studio, Bombay. Director Vijay Anand is also seen in the song, inside the Qutub as a visitor.
The playful and romantic Dev Anand and coy Nutan are a treat to watch as Rafi's voice magically fits into Dev Anand's persona to create a magical song. The "oooooo" by Rafi in the song is too good to be true.
This gem of a song is from a lesser known film, made in 1964, by the genius Bimal Roy, called " Benazir". The song is picturised on Shashi Kapoor and Tanuja. I sincerely wish Shashi Kapoor could have performed better to do justice to Rafi's efforts. The lyricist is Shakeel Badayuni. The hummable melody of this song is exquisite, to say the least.
Here is the video. Enjoy by clicking on the YouTube link!
This gem of a song is from the 1965 film " Guide" and is picturised on Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman.
This was Dev Anand's first film in color, all the films before this being in black and white.The film is based on a book, written by R.K. Narayan, who incidentally is the brother of famous cartoonist R.K. Laxman. Interestingly the film was made in both english and hindi. The english version of the film was called "The Guide", was directed by American Tad Danielewski but the film never saw light of day till it was screened at 2007 Cannes film festival, 42 years after it was made. The hindi version on the other hand was a block buster and it remains till date one of the iconic Indian films.
This song has been sung by Rafi in a very fine romantic voice and has a pleasing melodious music to back it up. Waheeda Rehman gives classic expressions of a girl, who is confused, insecure , reluctant yet longing- a real treat to watch.
This gem of a song is from the 1965 film " Guide" and is picturised on Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman. The lyricist is Shailendra.
Chetan Anand , Dev and Vijay Anand's elder brother, wanted to cast Priya Rajvansh instead of Waheeda Rehman because she spoke better english as the film was being made in both hindi and english, but Dev Anand refused to cast anyone but Waheeda. Waheeda took some english speaking lessons for the english version. The performance and the dances of Waheeda Rehman later became iconic and are remembered till date as few of the finest ones.
The famous song " aaj phir jeene ki tamanna hai" was shot in Chittorgarh fort in Rajasthan. In one of the shots, her reflection is seen in the mirror, which was inspired by the legend of Alauddin Khilji catching a glimpse of Rani Padmini in the mirror.
The song has been soulfully sung by Rafi and has been exquisitely shot with lavish sets and elegant dance movemenets.
This gem is from the 1965 film "Guide" and is picturised on Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman.
The lyricist is Shailendra. The first line of the song "din dhal jaye" was written by Hasrat Jaipuri, the film's original lyricist. Dev Anand and Vijay Anand did not like the line and wanted Hasrat to drop it, which he declined. The brothers then asked Shailendra to take over as lyricist. Shailendra, unhappy with being the second choice quoted a very high fee to which both agreed and hence Shailendra wrote all the songs for the film. However ironically, he still kept the Hasrat Jaipuri's offending line and the song became an all time hit.
The music in this highly successful film is one of the best by SD Burman. Burman Da became sick while composing for the film, but Vijay Anand and Dev Anand opted to wait for his recovery, rather than taking someone else. The film though having some exquisite numbers, failed to get the best music filmfare award, which was given to Shankar Jaikishan for the film "Suraj". The film was India's official entry at Oscars in 1966. Rafi's melancholic voice with soft music in this song makes it an iconic song.
Here is the video. Watch it by clicking on its youtube link. Enjoy!
This gem is from 1963 film " Tere ghar ke saamne", the song being picturised on Dev Anand and Nutan. Lyricist is Hasrat Jaipuri.
Wow! What a song! The melody, the romance, the style, the mannerisms and foot tapping music. The ooyeee by Rafi in this song is intoxicating. Dev Anand, the quintessential romantic, carries the song like no other can. S.D.Burman has given maximum number of musical solo masterpieces with Dev Anand only.
This gem is from 1958 film "Kala Pani"and is picturised on Dev Anand. Lyricist is Majrooh Sultanpuri. The song has been sung by Mohammed Rafi in a soft rythmic style, which only he could do, with minimal soft music in background. The initial humming is impeccable. The modulation in Rafi's voice is heavenly. Its pure bliss when you hear this song with eyes closed and headphones on. The style and mannerisms of Dev Anand are exclusive and a treat to watch. Simply brilliant!
This one is the crowning glory of all the Rafi songs put together. The song is from the 1960 film " Kala Bazar" and is picturised on Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman. The lyricist is Shailendra. This song was created when all the planets in the solar system were in perfect alignment and heavenly blessings were being showered. Such a song is created once in a life time. In my opinion if you want to spoil the carrier of any new singer or for that matter any talented singer, ask him to sing this song on stage in front of an audience. And phew! he will be doomed because this is impossible to recreate. Dev Anand has done full justice to the song on screen.
MY CHOICE OF SONGS FOR THIS COLLECTION - A TRIBUTE TO MOHAMMED RAFI & MADAN MOHAN DUO
[1] Toon mere saamne hai teri zulfen hain khuli
My first gem is the ultimate romantic song from the 1964 film Suhagan. The lyricist is Hasrat Jaipuri and the song is picturised on Guru Dutt and Mala Sinha. Mohammed Rafi has sung this Madan Mohan gem with such smoothness, yet full of intensity, that one is completely mesmerized while listening to it. You can listen to it n number of times and the song still remains absolutely fresh.
Here is the video of this utter romantic song:
[2] Main nigahen tere chehre se hataoon kaise
This gem is from the 1964 film Aap ki parchhaiyan, picturised on Dharmendra and Supriya Chaudhary and the lyrics are by Raja Mehandi Ali Khan. This melodious song touches your heart and takes you to another world of blissful listening.
Here is the video. Enjoy!
[3] Tum se kahoon ik baat paron se halki halki
This gem of a song is from the 1970 film, Dastak. The song is picturised on Sanjeev Kumar and Rehana Sultan and the lyricist is Majrooh Sultanpuri. The song has been rendered by the great Rafi in a whispering tone, which was his unique speciality. The melody of the song is unmatched. The music director Madan Mohan was given the National award for the music of this film. This award was a belated recognition of a hugely talented music composer, who otherwise remained devoid of any major award prior to this.
Here are the videos, the first one without any picturisation and the second one with picturisation, seen by clicking on the youtube link, Enjoy!
[4] Ik haseen sham ko dil mera kho gaya
This gem of a song is from the 1967 film " Dulhan ek raat Ki" and is picturised on Dharmendra and Nutan. The lyricist is Raja Mehndi Ali Khan. Such is the melody of this song that one is taken into another world of serenity and blissfulness. The initial humming in the song sets the mood like nothing. The song is sung by Rafi in a soft velvety tone and was picturised in the forest research institute of Dehradun.
Here is the video. Enjoy!
[5] Main yeh soch kar us ke dar se utha tha
This gem is from 1964 film " Haqeeqat" based on Indo-China war and is picturised on actor Sudhir. The lyricist is Kaifi Azmi. The sadness of the character is reflected in the soulful voice of Rafi. The initial humming is one of the finest amongst dozens that he has done in his career. The violin in the songs is played by Pyarelal of Laxmikant Pyarelal combo. Speechless after listening to such a mellifluous voice.
Here we go, the fist one is audio and the second one is video, seen by clicking the youtube link!
[6] Rang aur noor ki baraat kise pesh karoon
This gem is from 1964 film "Gazal" and is picturised on Sunil Dutt and Meena Kumari. The lyricist is Sahir Ludhianvi, this being his second association with Madan Mohan after a 1955 film " Railway Platform". This gazal still haunts with its lyrics, rendition and music. The great Rafi has sung this song with emotions of sorrow and pain. The melody king Madan Mohan is unstoppable here. Really heart touching.
Here is the video with a tribute by the great Lata Mangeshkar as well as the female version of the song sung by her. Enjoy!
[7] Sawan ke maheene mein ik aag si seene mein
This song from the 1964 film " Sharabi" is picturised on Dev Anand. The lyrics are by Rajender krishan.The song is sung in a slow flow and absolutely unique style, which is one of its kind. The song is so melodious as if imbued with honey. Dev Anand has carried the song with elan.
An absolutely timeless creation.
The song has two versions, one happy and one sad.
Listen and enjoy, first the happy and then the sad version!
:
[8] Kabhi na kabhi kahin na kahin koi na koi to aayega
This gem is from 1964 film "Sharabi" and the song is picturised on Dev Anand. The lyrics are by Rajender Krishan. Only Mohammed Rafi knows how to put emotions into a song. In this song he has converted melancholy into tranquility. Madan Mohan, the king of melody has optimally utilised Rafi's talents.
Here is the video. Enjoy!
[9] Tum jo mil gaye ho to yun lagta hai
This gem is from the 1973 film "Hanste Zakhm" and the song is picturised on Naveen Nishchol and Priya Rajvansh. The lyricist is Kaifi Azmi. Kudos to Madan Mohan for sticking to Mohammed Rafi in 1970s when a large chunk of producers/directors had ditched him. The result is melody par excellence. Mohammed Rafi has done full justice to the faith reposed in him by Madan Mohan, in this song, which has vast variations of notes. Rafi has shown why he is given the pedestal no one ever has dreamt of even to this day. We are the lucky ones to listen as well as have his recordings for posterity so that the coming generations will also have the luxury of savouring his heavenly voice. The song has small part [mukhra] by Lata Mangeshkar as well.
Naveen Nishchol, to his credit, has performed admirably well for this song.
Here is the video. Enjoy!
[10] Tumhari zulf ke saye mein sham kar loonga
This gem is from 1967 film " Naunihal" and is picturised on Sanjeev Kumar and Indrani Mukherjee. The lyrics are by Kaifi Azmi. This song in the soft and mellifluous voice of Rafi has been perfectly sung for Sanjeev Kumar. The ability of Rafi to adjust his voice quality to the performing artist was his unique forte. This is the reason why he was towering above all.
Here is the video. Enjoy!
[11] Tujhe kya sunaoon main dilruba tere saamne mera haal hai
This gem is from 1958 film Aakhri Dao. The song is picturised on Shekhar and Nutan. The lyricist is Majrooh Sultanpuri. This song is one of the couple of plagiarised songs by Madan Mohan, the original song being "Yeh hawa yeh raat yeh chandni" sung by Talat Mahmood and composed by Sajjad Hussain for the film "Sangdil", but the voice of Mohammed Rafi in this composition makes all the difference. Rafi has sung the song with such elan that even after 62 years, the song has the fragrance of a fresh flower. Here is the video. Enjoy!
[12] Aap ke pehlu mein aa ke ro diye
This gem is from the 1966 film "Mera Saya". The song is picturised on Sunil Dutt and the lyricist is Raja Mehandi Ali Khan. The melancholy in Rafi's voice has no parallel. Such is the music and mood of this sad song that one is completely lost in tranquility. The song has been very well carried in the movie by Sunil Dutt.
Here is the video. Enjoy with your eyes closed!
[13] Chirag dil ka jalao bahut andhera hai
This gem of a song is from the 1969 film "Chirag", picturised on Sunil Dutt and Asha Parekh. The lyricist is Majrooh Sultanpuri. The rendition of this song by Rafi is so perfect that it actually casts a spell beyond description. The melody of Madan Mohan is par excellence. Listening to such music releases dopamine in the brain - a feel good hormone that relaxes the body and soul.
Here is the video. Enjoy!
[14] Yahi hai tamanna tere dar ke saamne meri jaan jaye
This gem is from the 1964 film " Aap Ki Parchhaiyan" and is picturised on Dharmendra and Supriya Chooudhry. The lyricist is Raja Mehndi Ali Khan. The romance and melody of this song is marvellous and one tends to start humming along. One of the many fine compositions by the master of melody Madan Mohan with effortless and honey sweet rendition by the greatest of all Rafi.
Here is the video. Enjoy!
[15] Kar chale hum fida jaano tan saathiyo
This ultimate patriotic gem is from 1964 film " Haqeeqat" and is picturised on Balraj Sahni, Jayant and unknown martyrs.The lyricist is Kaifi Azmi. Since the release of the film in 1964, this song has remained the topmost patriotic song even to this day. Rafi's voice has accorded it the place it truly deserves. Listening to this song fills everyone with emotional pride for the nation, the result being moist eyes and respect for the soldiers and martyrs.
Here is the video. Listen and feel proud with utmost respect for soldiers and martyrs.
Revered gazal king Madan Mohan inspite of producing plenty of soulful renditions, was sad during his last days, because he felt that he did not get the true rewards and awards for his work. He did not get to work under big banners and most of his films with top heroes like Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor flopped. Two of his big hits [Mausam and Laila Majnu] occured after his death and his recreations in Veer Zara were phenomenal. He took to heavy drinking and died of Cirrhosis liver in 1975. It is true that he received much of the acclaim and adulation after his death. Today we are singing paeans in his honour but in life, he remained unhappy. May god bless his soul for giving us such precious gems.
P.S.: The videos used in this blog have been taken from YouTube and used only for entertainment purposes. The copyrights of all the videos remain with the original owners.
This ultimate patriotic gem is from 1964 film " Haqeeqat" and is picturised on Balraj Sahni, Jayant and unknown martyrs.The lyricist is Kaifi Azmi. Since the release of the film in 1964, this song has remained the topmost patriotic song even to this day. Rafi's voice has accorded it the place it truly deserves. Listening to this song fills everyone with emotional pride for the nation, the result being moist eyes and respect for the soldiers and martyrs.
Revered gazal king Madan Mohan inspite of producing plenty of soulful renditions, was sad during his last days, because he felt that he did not get the true rewards and awards for his work. He did not get to work under big banners and most of his films with top heroes like Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor flopped. Two of his big hits [Mausam and Laila Majnu] occured after his death and his recreations in Veer Zara were phenomenal. He took to heavy drinking and died of Cirrhosis liver in 1975. It is true that he received much of the acclaim and adulation after his death. Today we are singing paeans in his honour but in life, he remained unhappy. May god bless his soul for giving us such precious gems.
Here is the video. Listen and feel proud with utmost respect for soldiers and martyrs.
Yahi hai tamanna tere dar ke saamne meri jaan jaye
This gem is from the 1964 film " Aap Ki Parchhaiyan" and is picturised on Dharmendra and Supriya Chooudhry. The lyricist is Raja Mehndi Ali Khan. The romance and melody of this song is marvellous and one tends to start humming along. One of the many fine compositions by the master of melody Madan Mohan with effortless and honey sweet rendition by the greatest of all Rafi.
This gem of a song is from the 1969 film "Chirag", picturised on Sunil Dutt and Asha Parekh. The lyricist is Majrooh Sultanpuri. The rendition of this song by Rafi is so perfect that it actually casts a spell beyond description. The melody of Madan Mohan is par excellence. Listening to such music releases dopamine in the brain - a feel good hormone that relaxes the body and soul.
This gem is from the 1966 film "Mera Saya". The song is picturised on Sunil Dutt and the lyricist is Raja Mehandi Ali Khan. The melancholy in Rafi's voice has no parallel. Such is the music and mood of this sad song that one is completely lost in tranquility. The song has been very well carried in the movie by Sunil Dutt.
Tujhe kya sunaoon main dilruba tere saamne mera haal hai
This gem is from 1958 film Aakhri Dao. The song is picturised on Shekhar and Nutan. The lyricist is Majrooh Sultanpuri. This song is one of the couple of plagiarised songs by Madan Mohan, the original song being "Yeh hawa yeh raat yeh chandni" sung by Talat Mahmood and composed by Sajjad Hussain for the film "Sangdil", but the voice of Mohammed Rafi in this composition makes all the difference. Rafi has sung the song with such elan that even after 62 years, the song has the fragrance of a fresh flower.
This gem is from 1967 film " Naunihal" and is picturised on Sanjeev Kumar and Indrani Mukherjee. The lyrics are by Kaifi Azmi. This song in the soft and mellifluous voice of Rafi has been perfectly sung for Sanjeev Kumar. The ability of Rafi to adjust his voice quality to the performing artist was his unique forte. This is the reason why he was towering above all.
This gem is from the 1973 film "Hanste Zakhm" and the song is picturised on Naveen Nishchol and Priya Rajvansh. The lyricist is Kaifi Azmi. Kudos to Madan Mohan for sticking to Mohammed Rafi in 1970s when a large chunk of producers/directors had ditched him. The result is melody par excellence. Mohammed Rafi has done full justice to the faith reposed in him by Madan Mohan, in this song, which has vast variations of notes. Rafi has shown why he is given the pedestal no one ever has dreamt of even to this day. We are the lucky ones to listen as well as have his recordings for posterity so that the coming generations will also have the luxury of savouring his heavenly voice. The song has small part [mukhra] by Lata Mangeshkar as well.
Naveen Nishchol, to his credit, has performed admirably well for this song.
Kabhi na kabhi kahin na kahin koi na koi to aayega
This gem is from 1964 film "Sharabi" and the song is picturised on Dev Anand. The lyrics are by Rajender Krishan. Only Mohammed Rafi knows how to put emotions into a song. In this song he has converted melancholy into tranquility. Madan Mohan, the king of melody has optimally utilised Rafi's talents.
This song from the 1964 film " Sharabi" is picturised on Dev Anand. The lyrics are by Rajender krishan.The song is sung in a slow flow and absolutely unique style, which is one of its kind. The song is so melodious as if imbued with honey. Dev Anand has carried the song with elan.
An absolutely timeless creation.
The song has two versions, one happy and one sad.
Listen and enjoy, first the happy and then the sad version!
This gem is from 1964 film "Gazal" and is picturised on Sunil Dutt and Meena Kumari. The lyricist is Sahir Ludhianvi, this being his second association with Madan Mohan after a 1955 film " Railway Platform". This gazal still haunts with its lyrics, rendition and music. The great Rafi has sung this song with emotions of sorrow and pain. The melody king Madan Mohan is unstoppable here. Really heart touching.
Here is the video with a tribute by the great Lata Mangeshkar as well as the female version of the song sung by her. Enjoy!
This gem is from 1964 film " Haqeeqat" based on Indo-China war and is picturised on actor Sudhir. The lyricist is Kaifi Azmi. The sadness of the character is reflected in the soulful voice of Rafi. The initial humming is one of the finest amongst dozens that he has done in his career. The violin in the songs is played by Pyarelal of Laxmikant Pyarelal combo. Speechless after listening to such a mellifluous voice.
Here we go, the fist one is audio and the second one is video, seen by clicking the youtube link!
This gem of a song is from the 1967 film " Dulhan ek raat Ki" and is picturised on Dharmendra and Nutan. The lyricist is Raja Mehndi Ali Khan. Such is the melody of this song that one is taken into another world of serenity and blissfulness. The initial humming in the song sets the mood like nothing. The song is sung by Rafi in a soft velvety tone and was picturised in the forest research institute of Dehradun.
