Let me first wish you all a very happy and prosperous Diwali!
I’m in the mood of celebrating Rafi’s birth centenary year! The yearly review of Rafi’s Hindi film songs will continue, but I wanted to dedicate a separate post for Rafi’s most celebrated association with Laxmikant Pyarelal. Today on the 87th birthday of Laxmikant Kudalkar, let’s listen to the gems sung by Rafi for the duo. As always, it will be a two part tribute, today’s post focusing on Rafi’s solos.
Rafi sang his highest number of Hindi film songs for the duo and right from their first film, Parasmani, he continued the journey till his last breath. His last recorded song was also for the duo. Rafi recorded 379 songs for the duo including 180+ solos.
The peak of their association was in 1969 when Rafi sang 46 songs in 15 films for Laxmikant Pyarelal. The latter composed for 17 films in that year, which means Rafi wasn’t a part of just a couple of films. It was followed by 36 songs for 13 films in 1970.
In the 70s as well, Rafi sang for the duo regularly.
Rafi was very impressed with their songs from Parasmani (1963) and furthermore by the songs from Dosti (1964). Barring the year 1965, Rafi sang for them continuously till his death in 1980. Rafi’s last released song with Laxmikant Pyarelal was for the film, Do Waqt Ki Roti (1988).
Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar supported the duo right from the beginning, keeping in mind the potential of the duo. Laxmikant Pyarelal was sincere, dedicated and respected Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar during their entire career. Laxmikant Pyarelal always dreamt of a grand orchestra like Shankar Jaikishan’s. And in the initial years LP followed their style of musical arrangement too. By the end of the 60s, Laxmikant Pyarelal were progressing at a fast pace and SJ witnessed a slow downfall. SJ’s loyal production houses were also now preferring LP.
Rafi sang songs of all the genres under their baton, from romantic songs to qawwalis. To choose from 180+ solos was one of the most difficult tasks for me, but I have tried to keep the post crisp and relatively short. Laxmikant Pyarelal’s most frequent association was with Anand Bakshi and Majrooh with Sahir and Rajendra Krishan in the second position. Bharat Vyas, who wrote for them in their initial years, however couldn’t find a place in their journey. I’ve tried to incorporate as many lyricists as possible, though Anand Bakshi prominently stands out on my list.
Let’s begin the list,
1. Roshan Tumhi Se Duniya – Parasmani (1963) / Lyrics by Indeevar
It was obviously the best song for opening the list. It’s said that Rafi was very much impressed with the composition. The song is very melodious and though the film wasn’t A grade, the songs were immensely popular and the duo came to limelight overnight. Their journey from musicians in other composer’s teams to independent music composers wasn’t easy at all. They must have struggled a lot. But fortunately their hard work paid off.
The next year the duo composed for Rajshahi production’s low budget film, Dosti. The film had no big stars, no big sets, but a simple story of two friends. Laxmikant Pyarelal offered Rafi five solos, all of which became immensely popular making the film a superhit. R D Burman played the mouth organ for the duo in all the songs of Dosti. And the story didn’t end here, the duo also received Filmfare best composer award for the film. That achievement was a real game changer.
2. Rahi Manwa Dukh Ki Chinta – Dosti (1964) / Lyrics by Majrooh
It was extremely difficult to choose one song among the five gems. I finally settled for an optimistic song. Rafi has sung all the songs with apt emotions and feel. What can one say about him? A true legend! Still I would also mention Janewalo Zara Mudke Dekho Mujhe as one of Rafi’s best and also great lyrics by Majrooh.
Their collaboration continued well in the late 60s. Actually it flourished so well that Rafi was the chosen voice for the majority of their films.
If we wish to put things statistically, the number of songs till 1964 was 10. And there was an increasing trend except in 1968. So the number of songs Rafi sang for Laxmikant Pyarelal,
1966 – 19 songs
1967 – 27 songs
1968 – 11 songs
1969 – 46 songs (the highest ever)
1970 – 36 songs
(No source of information can be taken as perfect, so I’m not claiming the figures to be exactly accurate)
Let’s have a look at a few of my favourites from this period.
3. Mere Dushman Tu Meri Dosti Ko – Aaye Din Bahar Ke (1966) / Lyrics by Anand Bakshi
If Rafi was a master in romantic and philosophical songs, here’s an unusual song! Rafi was said to be a person who would never hurt a fly. But when it came to singing this song, he sings it with apt expressions. I hadn’t listened to it for long and wasn’t exactly remembering the lyrics. Gosh! Quite a lot of बद्दुआ!
Not a song one expects to hear at a new year party! Dharmendra however sings it at such an occasion and curses Asha Parekh.
4. Kehne Ki Nahin Baat – Pyar Kiye Ja (1966) with Chorus / Lyrics by Rajendra Krishan
Pyar Kiye Ja was a romantic comedy movie, with three heroes. Rafi had a couple of solos picturised on Shashi Kapoor. Both the songs are very good to listen to, especially this fun song! The song has a jazzy orchestration. Rafi renders it so well! The song seems funny but the situation in the song is not! Shashi Kapoor and co on hunger strike till he gets his job back. A distressed and uncomfortable Om Prakash with Kalpana and Rajshree (from South) witness the entire event from their balcony. Shashi Kapoor dances throughout the song and all the performers seem to enjoy it a lot! So do we!
5. Mast Baharon Ka Main Aashiq – Farz (1967) / Lyrics by Anand Bakshi
Jumping Jack Jitendra had a couple of memorable solos by Rafi in this movie. A popular song at the birthday party of Sunita (played by Babita) and this energetic song that underlines Jitendra’s image. How cheerful and full of energy is Rafi here! A young and beautiful Aruna Irani accompanies him and I was shocked to see her performing the entire song with bare feet. Horrible!
6. Jab Jab Bahar Aayi – Taqdeer (1967) / Lyrics by Anand Bakshi
The song actually had three versions in the movie, but this could be its first appearance in the narrative. The song is picturised on Bharat Bhushan playing the piano. It’s a very popular song.
7. Patthar Ke Sanam Tujhe Humne – Patthar Ke Sanam (1967) / Lyrics by Majrooh
One more piano song! Manoj Kumar playing the piano and singing this song of repentance. The pain and feel in Rafi’s voice are so much more expensive than Manoj Kumar’s facial expressions.
8. Na Ja Kahin Ab Na Ja – Mere Humdum Mere Dost (1968) / Lyrics by Majrooh
What a beautiful composition! Great orchestration and lovely tune. Rafi’s voice showing his ability of voice modulation is the real hero of this song. What a delight to listen to Rafi in high octave as the verse ends with a crescendo. There’s just one word for the song, Marvelous!
9. Ek Banjara Gaye – Jeene Ki Raah (1969) / Lyrics by Anand Bakshi
The film also received best composer Filmfare trophy. It is a philosophical song and Rafi excels in his rendition.
10. Yeh Rashmi Zulfen Yeh Sharbati Aankhen – Do Raste (1969) / Lyrics by Anand Bakshi
While I am not a fan of the songs of this movie, this Rafi solo is good.
11. Shadi Ke Liye Razamand Kar Lee – Devi (1970) / Lyrics by Anand Bakshi
I’m very much fond of this song with a catchy rhythm. The tune is good, but Rafi’s energetic, fresh and joyous voice is the main attraction.
12. Khilona Jaan Kar Tum – Khilona (1970) / Lyrics by Anand Bakshi
One of my favourites. Heart touching rendition by Rafi. The film was a super hit and received best film and best actress Filmfare awards. The songs must have helped the film achieve popularity.
Even when the Kishore Kumar tsunami hit the Hindi film industry in 1969, Laxmikant Pyarelal continued their association well into the 70s. However, the number of songs per year were less.
Again if I put it statistically, the number of songs Rafi sang for Laxmikant Pyarelal,
1971 – 26 songs
1972 – 17 songs
1973 – 10 songs
1974 – 16 songs
1975 – 12 songs
1976 – 19 songs
(No source of information can be taken as perfect, so I’m not claiming the figures to be exactly accurate)
13. Sare Zamane Pe Mausam Suhane Pe – Aap Aaye Bahar Aayee (1971) / Lyrics by Anand Bakshi
Though the film couldn’t recreate the magic of Arzoo, starring the same pair, the songs were good. The title song of the movie is my favourite, though it took me a long time to start liking it. Beautiful use of guitar, violins, saxophone and flute in the song.
14. Ye Jo Chilman Hai – Mehboob Ki Mehndi (1971) / Lyrics by Anand Bakshi
The film is perhaps more remembered for Kishore Kumar solo, though Rafi had more songs to his credit. For me this song is the best, let that be less popular than other songs. Beautifully rendered by Rafi with utmost gentleness. And what a beautiful musical arrangement! Sarangi, Shehnaai, Santoor and violins.
15. Na Tu Zameen Ke Liye – Daastan (1972) / Lyrics by Sahir
The only song of Rafi for this movie, but again soulful and poignant. One of his memorable songs.
16. Ek Na Ek Din Ye Kahani – Gora Aur Kaala (1972) / Lyrics by Anand Bakshi
Rafi was a master of all genres. If we are impressed with his soulful songs of sorrow, his romantic numbers are equally popular. This song has a resemblance with Kaun Hai Jo Sapnon Mein Aaya and more so as the hero is the same. Quite a popular song! The song is adorned with guitar, saxophone, violins. Does the song have a waltz rhythm?
17. Aaj Mausam Bada Beimaan – Loafer (1973) / Lyrics by Anand Bakshi
One of Rafi’s most popular Hindi film songs. Picturised on Dharmendra and beautiful Mumtaz, the song is an audio-visual treat. Laxmikant Pyarelal completed ten years in 1973 and they were at the top by the end of the first decade of their career.
18. Mohabbat Hi Mohabbat Hai – Geeta Mera Naam (1974) / Lyrics by Rajendra Krishan
I wasn’t much familiar with the songs of the movie, but I liked it when I heard it several times during the research of this post. Again beautiful use of violins and guitar.
19. Zindagi Ab To Tere Naam Se – Shaandaar (1974) / Lyrics by Rajendra Krishan
The song is a combination of meaningful lyrics and excellent rendition by Rafi. The song has a ghazal like structure and use of violins and flute in the interludes intensifies the blue mood.
20. Aisa Na Ho Ke – Aakhri Dao (1975) / Lyrics by Hasrat Jaipuri
I wasn’t aware of this gem, but got to listen to it while I was researching for this post. What a beautiful musical arrangement! Violins, saxophone, guitar and such a magical use of Sarangi in the end of second interlude. The latter boosts the poignant mood of the song. Saxophone being played in the interludes as well as during the stanzas, creates a perfect aura for the song. And a rare combination of Hasrat Jaipuri with Laxmikant Pyarelal.
21. Main Jat Yamla Pagla Deewana – Pratigya (1975) / Lyrics by Anand Bakshi
If not for anything else, I like the song for Rafi’s energetic, exuberant voice. Doesn’t matter who is on screen! For a change his weird dance steps do seem cute, don’t you think! By the way, Dharmendra as a romantic hero in the 60s is more tolerable than his angry young man image in the 70s. At least for me!
There was again a turning point in Rafi’s career in 1977 when Laxmikant Pyarelal and R D Burman, both offered him songs in Amar Akbar Anthony and Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahi respectively. Rafi’s songs from both these films became roaringly popular. We can call it the beginning of the second innings for Rafi.
1977 – 22 songs
1978 – 20 songs
1979 – 31 songs
Laxmikant Pyarelal received Filmfare award for the best composer four times in a row, from 1978 to 1981, for Amar Akbar Anthony, Sargam, Satyam Shivam Sundaram and Karz. Three of these films had songs by Rafi. And let’s now visit the songs from these films.
22. Parda Hai Parda – Amar Akbar Anthony (1977) / Lyrics by Anand Bakshi
In the film, Amar Akbar Anthony, there are three qawwalis, all sung by Rafi and all picturised on Rishi Kapoor. I chose the one which I like the most. What a mind blowing rendition by Rafi! The one line lip synced by Amitabh Bachchan was sung by Amit Kumar, or so it is said! A very enjoyable qawwali. The songs from Hum Kisise Kum Naheen and Amar Akbar Anthony proved to be a comeback for Rafi who was somewhat overshadowed by the Kishore Kumar tsunami. But look at the freshness and power in his voice! Just unparalleled!
23. Hum To Chale Pardes – Sargam (1979) / Lyrics by Anand Bakshi
After Amar Akbar Anthony, Rafi was again chosen for Rishi Kapoor. Rafi sang all the 7 songs of this movie including 4 solos and 3 duets with Lata Mangeshkar. While all the duets became popular, the solos were no less. I chose this soulful song for today’s list.
24. Dard e Dil Dard e Jigar – Karz (1980) / Lyrics by Anand Bakshi
Rafi left his imprint with only one solo which was offered to him in this movie. It was again for Rishi Kapoor and a romantic song mixed with disco beats. Rafi’s voice sounds a bit older and strained to me, but still it’s Rafi after all. The song is still very popular.
25. John Johny Janardan – Naseeb (1981) / Lyrics by Anand Bakshi
The film was released posthumously and the song with its message still maintains popularity. I take it as an apt song for concluding today’s post.
A few of the films were released posthumously. Rafi’s songs continued appearing in the films in the 80s with the last song composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal in 1988 for the film, Do Waqt Ki Roti.
Before I sign off, let me add Rafi’s last recording which was for Laxmikant Pyarelal, for the film, Aas Paas.
Tu Kahin Aas Paas Hai Dost – Aas Paas (1981) / Lyrics by Anand Bakshi
It wasn’t actually a full song, but a snippet. It has been rendered with perfection of course. It’s said that after its recording Rafi asked “Achcha To Main Chalun?”, something he never did before. Laxmikant Pyarelal were perplexed. And after a few days Rafi was no more.
It was indeed very difficult to choose the songs from the ocean of solos.
If I’ve missed your favourite Rafi solo composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal, do add it in your comments.
Disclaimer –
Mehfil Mein Meri, claims no credit for any image, screenshots or songs posted on this site. Images on this blog are posted to make the text interesting. The images and screenshots are the copyright of their original owners. The song links are shared from YouTube, only for the listening convenience of music lovers. The copyright of these songs vests with the respective owners, producers and music companies.