INVINCIBLE Laxmikant-Pyarelal and EUPHONIC Mohammad Rafi (Few Black & White “Romantic Songs”)

INVINCIBLE  Laxmikant-Pyarelal and EUPHONIC  Mohammad Rafi

(Few Black and White  “Romantic Songs”)

24 December is the Birth Anniversary of legendary singer Mohammad Rafi.

“Parasmani”  marked the beginning of a long association between Mohammad Rafi Saab and Laxmikant-Pyarelal.  When filmmaker Babubhai Mistry signed Laxmikant-Pyarelal to compose music for the low-budget costume drama Parasmani in 1963. Laxmikant-Pyarelal began thinking of which singers to choose. LP’s  natural choice was Mohommad Rafi.  Two songs of Mohammad Rafi “Woh Jab Yaad Aye, bahut yaad aye” and “Roushan tumhi se duniya” brought fame for the musical duo.

Laxmikant, Pyarelal and Rafi Saab, in 1969. 

Success was not easy for Laxmikant-Pyarelal, since they had no Godfathers to promote them. They both started with B grade films, which were never released. Their first breakthrough came via film Parasmani.  Dosti established them as full flagged music composers. The most unique aspect of these two films was that they had unknown actors for whom Laxmikant-Pyarelal and Rafi Saab gave A grade performance. The song ‘Chahunga mein tujhe‘ for which Rafi Saab and lyricist Majrooh Saab won Filmfare awards was to be scrapped from the soundtrack. It was Rafi Saab who insisted Laxmikant-Pyarelal to retain the song and what a momentous decision that was from Dosti where there was no looking back. Rafi was so impressed with the compositions of Laxmikant Pyarelal that he had taken just one rupee for singing the song because it was the custom of a singer to take something in return for a professional song. The film became a huge success.

Laxmikant-Pyarelal were the staunch Rafi loyalist throughout their life. Their greatness lies in their simplicity, commitment and the quality of unconquered versatility gave Laxmikant-Pyarelal a supreme staying power of 35 years in the Hindi Film Music.

Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s s association with Rafi Saab continued till his last day, 31st July, 1980. During Rafi Saab’s lean years in the early 70s apart from Madan Mohan it was Laxmikant-Pyarelal who stood by him. Both were instrumental in bringing Rafi Saab comeback in the year 1977.

Mohammad Rafi has sung as many as 379 numbers of the songs, including 183 solo, under Laxmikant-Pyarelal. This is the highest numbers of the songs sung by Mohammad Rafi under any music directors in Hindi Film Music.

It is very difficult to select the best of Mohammad Rafi with Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Here I have selected few “Black and White” era’s Romantic songs, from Rafi-LP combo. Most of these songs are of the period when Laxmikant-Pyarelal were relatively new. Just listen to it. They are just amazing in all respect.

1. Abhi Kamseen Ho Nadan Ho …”Aaya Toofan” 1964. 
This song is a “landmark” for Rafi-LP combo, just before “Dosti”. Extremely ‘tender’ song, delicately rendered by Rafi in his own style. The way Rafi Saab takes off and renders “ABHI KAMASEEN HO"... is just a mesmerizer. Apart from western style orchestra arrangements using VIOLINS and ACCORDION  in all the “interludes”, it has ear-pleasing “prelude” of MANDOLIN. Another beauty of this song is the “pauses” given in between.  It is an addict song for all RAFI FANS. Asad Bhopali have written this lovely romantic words.

                                       

2. Tauba Ye Nazare …”Dillagi” 1966

“Prelude” of 44 seconds is  very melodious, Rafi Saab’s humming, ACOUSTIC GUITAR and VIOLINS. Flawless ‘romantic’ rendering, beautiful BONGO DRUM fast rhythm. First and last ‘interludes’ are orchestrated with ACCORDION and GUITAR. Second “interlude” Rafi Saab have repeated the humming. The song is written by Majarooh Sultanpuri.

3. Mera Yaar Bada Sharmila ..”Milan Ki Raat” 1967

This song is effortlessly sung by Rafi saab on a "ROCK N ROLL" style, synchronizing his rendering with BONGO DRUMS  ‘rhythm'.  Another beauty of the song is that it is completely woven around the glimpses of GUITAR, in the 'interludes' and as 'filler' to create a romantic feel through the orchestra. This song is written by Anand Bakshi.

HIT song of 1967 at "right" moment…When late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi Playing Test Cricket at Leeds (UK), “proposed” Sharmila Tagore, by scoring brilliant Century (148 runs).

                                     

4. Jab Jab Bahar Aayee ..”Taqdeer” 1968

One of the most lovable song from the combo of Rafi-LP. Entire song is orchestrated by using PIANO and solo VIOLIN (played by PYARELALji himself) with mellifluous DHOLAK/TABLA ‘rhythm’. This song has many versions, sung by various singers but solo sung by Rafi Saab is the best. This songs beautiful words are written by Anand Bakshi. 

  

5. Aayee Baharon Ki Sham ..”Wapas” 1969

Western style composition with rhythm on ACOUSTIC GUITAR mesmerizes the musical ears. Beautiful song with sweet & soulful lyrics. Rafi sab is always at his best when he sings soft, soothing romantic songs.Here too he has succeeded to spread magic with his extremely melodious singing…..lovely composition. Majaroooh Sultanpuri has written the song.

Long Live Laxmikant-Pyarelal Music. 

Ajay Poundarik

Atlanta (Georgia)

USA