When Manna Deysahab met Rafisahab in duets all of them remained masterpieces

Manna Dey and Mohammad Rafi’s duet songs were masterpieces.

Only genius singers have the capability of simplifying difficult ragas and Hindustani classical music simplified into the version which is understandable by the common mass. Both Manna Dey Sahab and Mohammad Rafi Sahab had the capability of making those complicated tunes simple, melodious and romantic. There were huge numbers of difficult songs composed for both of them in the 1950s and 1960s. Some of them had become immortal over the years. The greatness of Manna Dey and Rafisahab lies in simplifying these high voltage qawallis and classical songs in the language of the lay man. Every filmlover who had watched the films and heard the classical andaz in these songs in the beginning wondered about the brilliance of Manna Dey and Rafisahab, and then enjoyed them, clapped at the rhythm created by them and sang all the lines themselves. It was a revolution brought about by the 2 genius singers. It can be very well understood, had these singers not being born, the giant of giants Roshanlal Nagrath, Shankar Jaikishan, Naushad Ali, Madanmohan Kohli and others would not have composed the songs at all. Roshanlal Nagrath’s qawallies had the quality and the brilliance to overshadow the romantic songs and be the striking song of the film beating all other songs. In Barsaat Ki Raat, the qawalli sung by Manna Deyji and Rafisahab titled “Na to caarvaan ki talaash hai, na to humsafar ki talaash hai Mere shauq-e-khaana kharaab ko, teri rehguzar ki talaash hai”, was the lifeblood of the film. Sudha Malhotra and Asha Bhosle also made notable contribution in the song. The Roshan, Sahir Ludhiyanvi magic continued in the film Taj Mahal. Pradip Kumar played the role of emperor Shahjahan in the film. Rich urdu lyrics and khandani Hindustani classical songs mesmerized the audience in 1963. One of the brilliant qawallies titled “chandni ka badan, sone ka nazar” had classical contest of Rafisahab with Manna Dey. Again there was strong performances of Mahendra Kapoor and Asha Bhosle in the song. The Roshanlal Nagrath, Sahir Ludhiyanvi masterpiece continued in Bahu Begum in 1967. Again there were brilliant performances of Pradip Kumar and Meena Kumari. Rafi Sahab and Manna Dey complimented each other in the song “dhoond ke layun kahan se mai”. In that song in addition to the classical tans, both Rafisahab and Manna Dey Sahab, established the sufi andaz of the song as it was picturized in a dargah. The other duet song of Rafi Sahab and Manna Dey Sahab in the film titled “waqib hunk hub ishq ke” really made the musical bandits astonished. Perfection was very close to Manna Dey and Rafisahab’s uncomparable singing. Madanmohan Kohli did another good experiment in the film Haqeekat. In that film in 1964, Rafi Sahab, Manna Deyji, Bhupinderji and Talat Sahab had sung the song “hoke majboor usne bulaya hoga”. Everyone’s style was very different. Very significantly the pathos exhibited in the song was also very unique in respect of all the singers. Shankar Jaikishan composed a beautiful song “mehfil me shama chamki” in the film Gunahon Ka Devta in 1967. Here also Manna Dey and Rafisahab showed their own gayaki skills to make the song sound beautiful. Naushad Ali created a beautiful qawalli in Rajender Kumar’s film Palki in 1967 titled “mai idhar jayun yaah udhar jayun”. Rafisahab and Manna Dey reached the message of the lyricist to the audience through their excellent classical singing. In the film Chandi Sona in 1977, Rafisahab and Manna Dey sang the song “ek shokh haseena se”. The singing was notable again. Sonik Omi composed the song “mujhse nazren milaaneki” for Manna Dey and Rafi Sahab in the film Maan Gaye Ustad released in 1981. There were duet songs sung by Rafisahab and Manna Dey in light mood like “yeh do diwane milke” in Johar Mehmood in Hongkong, “dekho dekho madam” in Pyar Muhabbat, “aayo aaten kyun nahin”, but those had comedy andaz in respect of them. The list just goes. More than 100 articles can be devoted to the two giants Manna Dey and Rafisahab. Their songs and films require restoration.

On Rafisahab anniversary it is said he gave hit songs in greatest hits of superstars of India

Rafisahab is remembered all over the world on his 100 th birth anniversary on December 2025. Every actor between the 1940s to 1970s had one of their greatest hit songs sung by Rafisahab. Dilip Kumar Sahab’s greatest hit film was Mughal I Azam in 1960. Rafisahab had the song “Zindabad, zindabad, aye muhabbat zindabad”. Raj Kapoor Sahab’s greatest hit film was Sangam in 1964. Rafisahab had the song “ki tum naraaz na hona” in the film. Rajender Kumarsahab’s greatest hit film was Mere Mehboob in 1963. Rafisahab had the song “mere mehboob tujhe meri muhabbat ki kasam”. Dev Anandsahab’s greatest hit film was Guide in 1965. Rafisahab had the song “din dhal jaye hai”. Shammi Kapoorsahab’s greatest hit film was Jungli in 1961. Rafisahab had the song “ehsaan tera hoga mujhpar”. Biswajeetji’s greatest hit film was Mere Sanam in 1965. Rafisahab had the song “pukarta chala hoon mai”. Joy Mukherjeesahab’s greatest hit film was Love in Tokyo in 1966. Rafisahab had the song “le gayi dil guriya japanki pagal mujhe kar diya”. Pradeep Kumarji’s greatest hit film was Taj Mahal in 1963. Rafisahab had the song “jo wada kiya wo nibhana parega”. Bharat Bhushanji’s greatest hit film was Barsaat Ki Raat in 1960. Rafisahab had the song “zindagi bhar nahi bhulegi wo barsaat ki raat”. Dharmender Sahab’s greatest hit film was Mera Gaon Mera desh in 1971. Rafisahab had the song “kuch kehta yeh sawan”. Jeetenderji’s greatest hit film was Farz in 1967. Rafisahab had the song “baar baar din yeh aye”. Raj Kumarsahab’s greatest hit film was Neel Kamal in 1968. Rafisahab had the song “tujhko pukare tera pyar”. Sunil Duttsahab’s greatest hit film was Mera Saya in 1966. Rafisahab had the song “aap ke pehlu me aakar ro liye.” Guru Dutt Sahab’s greatest hit film was Chaudavi Ka Chand in 1960. Rafisahab had the song “chaudavi ka chand ho ya aaftaab ho”. Balraj Sahanisahab’s greatest hit film was Bhabhi in 1958. Rafisahab had the song “chal ur ja re panchi ki ab ye desh hua begana”. Sanjeev Kumarsahab’s greatest hit film was Mausam in 1975. Rafisahab had the song “chari re chari kaise gale me pari”. Rishi Kapoorsahab’s greatest hit film was Amar Akbar Anthony in 1977. Rafisahab had the song “sirdiwali saibaba aya hai tere darpe”. Dilip Kumar’s song “ wo dur ke musafir” in film Uran Khatola sung by Rafisahab always use to top the geetmala in 1956. Naushad Ali Sahab composed music for the film. Rafisahab is remembered all over the world on his 100 th birth anniversary on December 2025. Every actor between the 1940s to 1970s had one of their greatest hit songs sung by Rafisahab. Dilip Kumar Sahab’s greatest hit film was Mughal I Azam in 1960. Rafisahab had the song “Zindabad, zindabad, aye muhabbat zindabad”. Raj Kapoor Sahab’s greatest hit film was Sangam in 1964. Rafisahab had the song “ki tum naraaz na hona” in the film. Rajender Kumarsahab’s greatest hit film was Mere Mehboob in 1963. Rafisahab had the song “mere mehboob tujhe meri muhabbat ki kasam”. Dev Anandsahab’s greatest hit film was Guide in 1965. Rafisahab had the song “din dhal jaye hai”. Shammi Kapoorsahab’s greatest hit film was Jungli in 1961. Rafisahab had the song “ehsaan tera hoga mujhpar”. Biswajeetji’s greatest hit film was Mere Sanam in 1965. Rafisahab had the song “pukarta chala hoon mai”. Joy Mukherjeesahab’s greatest hit film was Love in Tokyo in 1966. Rafisahab had the song “le gayi dil guriya japanki pagal mujhe kar diya”. Pradeep Kumarji’s greatest hit film was Taj Mahal in 1963. Rafisahab had the song “jo wada kiya wo nibhana parega”. Bharat Bhushanji’s greatest hit film was Barsaat Ki Raat in 1960. Rafisahab had the song “zindagi bhar nahi bhulegi wo barsaat ki raat”. Dharmender Sahab’s greatest hit film was Mera Gaon Mera desh in 1971. Rafisahab had the song “kuch kehta yeh sawan”. Jeetenderji’s greatest hit film was Farz in 1967. Rafisahab had the song “baar baar din yeh aye”. Raj Kumarsahab’s greatest hit film was Neel Kamal in 1968. Rafisahab had the song “tujhko pukare tera pyar”. Sunil Duttsahab’s greatest hit film was Mera Saya in 1966. Rafisahab had the song “aap ke pehlu me aakar ro liye.” Guru Dutt Sahab’s greatest hit film was Chaudavi Ka Chand in 1960. Rafisahab had the song “chaudavi ka chand ho ya aaftaab ho”. Balraj Sahanisahab’s greatest hit film was Bhabhi in 1958. Rafisahab had the song “chal ur ja re panchi ki ab ye desh hua begana”. Sanjeev Kumarsahab’s greatest hit film was Mausam in 1975. Rafisahab had the song “chari re chari kaise gale me pari”. Rishi Kapoorsahab’s greatest hit film was Amar Akbar Anthony in 1977. Rafisahab had the song “sirdiwali saibaba aya hai tere darpe”. Dilip Kumar’s song “ wo dur ke musafir” in film Uran Khatola sung by Rafisahab always use to top the geetmala in 1956. Naushad Ali Sahab composed music for the film. On Rafisahab death anniversary it can be said he gave the biggest hits in the lives of composers. Rafisahab is remembered all over the world on his death anniversary on 31st July 2025. Every music director and composer between 1940s to 1970s rose to fame due to their association with Rafisahab. Naushad Ali Sahab’s greatest hit song was “o duniya ke rakhwale” in the film Baiju Bawra sung by Rafisahab in 1952. Bharat Bhushanji gave lips in the cult song. Incidentally Naushad Alisahab received filmfare award once in 1953 for the film Baiju Bawra. Naushad sahib received BFJA award for Dilip Kumar film music in Ganga Jumna. Rafisahab sang landmark songs like “nain lad jaihe o manwama”, “o chalia re chalia re man mei hamaar” to name a few. Shankar Jaikishansahab received 9 filmfare awards. Out of that they received filmfare award in film Dil Apna Aur Preet Parayi with lead role of Raj Kumarsahab in 1961 due to Rafisahab song “jane kahan gaye”. In 1963 SJ received filmfare award in film Professor. There were many landmarks songs of Rafisahab for Shammi Kapoorji like “awaaz deke hume tum bulayo”, “ae gulbadan ae gulbadan”, to name a few. In 1967 SJ received filmfare award in Rajender Kumar film Suraj. Rafisahab sang many landmark songs like “baharon phool barsao”, “itna hai tumse pyar mujhe”, “kaise samjhayun”, “gustaqi maaf” to name a few. Rafisahab won best filmfare male playback singer award for Rajender Kumar film Sasural for the song “teri pyari pyari surat ko” composed by Shankar Jaikishansahab. The biggest hit song composed by Shankar Jaikishanji was “ki tum naraaz na hona” in film Sangam sung by Rafisahab for Rajender Kumarsahab. Roshanlal Nagrath sahab received filmfare award for Pradeep Kumar film Taj Mahal in 1964. Rafisahab many landmark songs like “jo wada kiya ho”, “jo baat tujh me hai” “pao chul lene do” to name a few in the film. Rafisahab received Sur Singer award in 1964 for Pradip Kumar film Chitralekha. The music director was Roshansahab and song was “man re tu kahe na dhir dhare” The biggest hit song composed by Roshanlal Nagrathji for Rafisahab was “man re tu kahe na dhir dhare” in film Chitralekha where Pradip Kumarsahab gave lips. OP Nayyarsahab received filmfare award in 1958 for Dilip Kumar film Naya Daur. Rafisahab sang many landmark songs in the film like “ure jab jab zulfen teri”, “maang ke saath tumhara”, “aana ho to aa”, “saathi haath barana” to name a few. The biggest hit song composed by OP Nayyarsahab was “pukarta chala hoon mai” sung by Rafisahab in 1965 where Biswajeetji gave lips. Salil Choudhurysahab received filmfare award in 1959 for Dilip Kumar film Madhumati. Rafisahab sang the landmark song “tute hue khwabon me” and “jangal me mor nacha” in the film. Ravi Shankar Sharma sahab received filmfare award in 1962 for Rajender Kumar film Gharana. Rafisahab sang the landmark song “husnwale tera jawab nahi”. Rafisahab also won best male playback singer award for the song “chaudavi ka chand” composed by Ravisahab in Guru Dutt film Chaudavi Ka Chand. The biggest hit song of Ravi Shankar Sharmaji for Rafisahab was “Chaudavi ka chand ho” in film Chaudavi ka chand where Guru Duttsahab gave lips. Madanmohansahab received national award for Sanjeev Kumar film Dastak in 1970. Rafisahab sang the song “tumse kahoon ek baat”. The biggest hit song composed by Madanmohansahab for Rafisahab included “kar chale hum fida jaan o tan saathiyo” in film Haqeekat in 1964. Laxmikant Pyarellalji received filmfare award in film Dosti in 1965. Rafisahab sang landmark songs like “chahunga mai tujhe”, “rahi manwa dukh ki chinta”, “koi jab raah nap aye”. Rafisahab son best male playback singer award for the song “chahunga mai tujhe”. Rafisahab received national award in Rishi Kapoor film Hum Kisi Se Kam Nahi. The song was “kya hua tera wada” composed by RD Burmansahab. Khayyamsahab shot to fame with Rafisahab song “jane kya dhoonti rehti yeh ankhe mujhme” in film Shola Aur Shabnam. Jaidevsahab rose to fame with Rafisahab song “mai zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya”in film Hum Dono. Chitraguptji rose to fame with Rafisahab song “chal ur ja re panchi” in film Bhabhi. Kalyanji Anandji rose to fame with Rafisahab song “pardesiyon se na ankhiya milana” in film Jab Jab Jab Phool Khilen. Ghulam Mohammadsahab rose to fame with Rafisahab song “chalo dildar chalo” in film Pakizaa. Iqbal Qureshi sahib rose to fame with Rafisahab song “subah na ayi” in film Cha Cha Cha. GS Kohlisahab rose to fame with Rafisahab song “agar mai puchu jawab doge” in film Shikari. Sonik Omi sahib rose to fame with Rafisahab song “dil ne phir yaad kiya” in film Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya. Usha Khannaji rose to fame with Rafisahab song “dil deke dekho” in film Dil Deke Dekho. Rafi's Baharon Phool Barsao was voted the most popular Hindi song in a BBC Asia Network poll commemorating 100 years of Hindi Cinema. In a CNN-IBN survey in 2013, he was voted the greatest voice of Hindi Cinema. In 2001, Rafi was named as the "best singer of the millennium" by Hero Honda and Stardust magazine. Rafisahab films and songs require restoration.

On death anniversary of great composer Naushadji his landmark combination with Rafisahab is remembered

Remembering Naushad on his birth anniversary. 5th May, 2025. is the death anniversary of eminent composer Naushad Ali. The lovers of music in India remember his everlasting tunes on the death anniversary. The audience of film music in India remembered dignified composer Naushad Ali on his birth anniversary on 23rd December, 2025. He was a genius composer and shaped Indian film music with his classical gharana in the 40s from where it just grew with variety and innovation. Naushad Ali is remembered for his brilliant tunes over a period of 50 years down the memory lane. In the 40s, he composed music in many films including Anmol Ghari, but he stormed bollywood with romantic songs in Dulari, including “suhani raat dhal chuki” sung by Rafi, all the songs of Andaz, where he composed Rafi’s songs for Raj Kapoor and Mukesh’s songs for Dilip Kumar. In the 50s, Naushad’s composition in Baiju Bawra made the listeners speechless. He won filmfare award for the best composer for his brilliant classical presentation in songs like “o duniya ke rakhwale”, “man tarapata”, “tu gangi ki mauj”, etc., sung by Rafi and Lata. Rafi’s range was used to perfection and from that time the Rafi Naushad combination provided gems after gems. The different ragas and their timings were explained by Naushad in the film. Bharat Bhushan and Meena Kumari gave able lips in the songs composed by Naushad. Songs of Uran Khatula, like “wo dur ke musafir” sung by Rafi for Dilip Kumar also shook bollywood in the mid-50s. In the 60s Naushad was unstoppable. His composition in Kohinoor for Rafisahab titled “madhuban me radhika nachere” and “do sitaron ka zameen” picturised on Dilip Kumar displayed the brilliance of Hindustani ragas. Naushad’s composition in Rajender Kumar’s Mere Mehboob, Naushad displayed the ghazal culture of Lucknow and Aligarh. The songs “mere mehboob tujhe meri muhobbat ki kasam”, “ai husn zara jag”, etc. sung by Rafi and picturised on Rajender Kumar was per se excellent. Naushad composed light songs in Mughal-i-azam for Lata including “pyar kiya to darna kya”, “mohe panghat ke nandlal”, and again composed thumri sung by Bare Ghulam Ali Khan in the same film. Naushad also composed Bhojpuri music for Dilip Kumar in the film Ganga Jumna. The songs “nain lar jaihe” sung by Rafi was one of the examples of Naushad’s control of Bihari folk tune. Naushad was at his best in Dilip Kumar’s Leader. All the songs in the film sung by Rafi and Lata flabbergasted the listeners, including “ek shahenshah ne banwake haseen tajmahal”, “teri husn ki kya tareef karun”, “mujhe duniya walon”, etc. Naushad was excellent in Dilip Kumar’s Ram Aur Shyam. All the songs sung by Rafi and Lata in the film including “aye hai baharen dekho”, “yeh raat dulhan bangayi”, “mai hoon saki”, etc. Critics consider Dil Diya Dard Liya as one of the best creations of Naushad. All the songs in the film became superhit including Rafi’s “dilruba maine tere”, “koi sagar dil ko behlata nahi”. Naushad Rafi and Dilip Kumar continued with their level of excellence in the film Aadmi, with Rafi’s songs like “na aadmi ka koi bharosa”, “aaj purani rahon se”, etc. Besides, Naushad composed excellent music in Rajender Kumar’s Palki, Saathi, Ganwar, etc. Rafi’s hit songs in those films included “dil-e-betaab ko seene se lagana hoga” sung with Suman Kalyanpur. Naushad faded away from film music in the 70s, causing huge loss to the film industry. The classical gharana related to thumris, kajris, ghazals, etc., faded away with Naushad. Music became popular, but lost its class. Naushad received Dadasahab Phalke for his excellent contribution to bollywood music. His songs and the films should be preserved and restored.