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| [December 24, 1924 to July 31, 1980 (pic courtesy: http://www.last.fm/music/Mohammed+Rafi)] |
I have always been in awe of Mohd. Rafi. No amount of adjectives can do justice to the quality of his voice. So I'l avoid them and just say that his voice touches my heart like nothing else. He transformed mundane even poor lyrics into beautiful songs and if the poetry was good, he would just do magic with it. His versatility amazes me. He could sing for different types of actors in different roles and portray what the story wanted just right. There are many examples where the actor has in fact failed to do justice to the emotion in the song but its Rafi's voice which talked to the audience. I have laughed, cried and been inspired by his songs innumerable times. His soul shone through his voice which was what set him apart from his contemporaries. His was known to be a shy man of few words even within his family. He rarely talked about his feelings or lost his temper. People who were fortunate enough to have been close to him say that he withdrew into his shell if hurt or angry but could never talk it out. But when he sang, you not only listened to the lyrics but the story behind the choice of those words too. In fact, he was the greatest actor ever if acting means portraying a character other than yourself. His humility is legendary even now. While some singers wanted a share in the profits if a certain song became a hit, he felt that the composer had chosen him to sing without asking for any guarantees so the fee for it couldn't be tampered with later. He felt it was extortion. He maintained this opinion even if it meant alienation from a sector of the Indian film industry. He was an icon for many exemplary singers and the "Voice of God" for the audience.
If I had to recommend just 5 songs for somebody who wants to reacquaint himself with his voice, this would be my list.
1) Ye duniya agar mil bhi jaye to kya hai (Pyaasa -1957)
2) Tum mujhe yu bhula na paaoge (Pagla kahin ka - 1970)
3) Din dhal jaye (Guide - 1963)
4) Aana hai to aa raah me (Naya daur- 1957)
5) Jo vaada kiya vo nibhana padega (Taj Mahal - 1963)
(Please search for these in YouTube because I'm unable to insert links for whatever reasons.)
Even as a voice actor for many years, and in possession (by grace of God) with a fine voice, I was still in awe of certain other talents. I'm not familiar with the man you speak of here, but anyone who can inspire one to call him "Voice of God" must certainly be tremendous. I will try to look up some video.
ReplyDeleteHe was an institution in himself. The fact that you want to look him up makes me (just a little) proud of myself. I don't know how much of the emotional intonations you will get, because of the alien language, but you can feel the range of his voice. For this, I will recommend the second and fifth songs. Because the tune is simple and touching in both and his voice presents it beautifully.
ReplyDeleteHey Absolut.... Here's the links... my good deed of the day/week/year/life....Shane. X
ReplyDeleteYe duniya agar mil bhi jaye to kya hai
Tum mujhe yu bhula na paaoge
Din dhal jaye
Aana hai to aa raah me
Jo vaada kiya vo nibhana padega
O Shane! Thanks a lot for the links. In fact, more than me, you helped the people who would like to listen to my list. I'm touched by your gesture.
Delete