An endless feud between the fans of Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar..
Mohammed Rafi was born at Kotla Sultan Singh, near Amritsar . Rafi displayed his talent for singing at the tender age of 13. The lure of movies beckoned him to Bombay in 1944. His first hit was the Tera Khilona Toota Balak from Anmol Ghadi in 1946. India lost this jewel on July 31, 1980.
Abhas Kumar Ganguly, better known as Kishore Kumar was born on August 4, 1929 in Kandwa. Following the footsteps of his elder brother Ashok Kumar he too ventured into movies. But he soon realised that his heart was in singing. Under the patronage of RD Burman he soon flourished. He would at times compose and write songs himself. Sadly he passed away in October,1987.
The debate as to who was the greater singer carries on even today, even decades after their death. Both of them left an indelible mark in the world of Indian film music, a void that still cannot be filled today. No wonder that their fans are at constant feud with one another trying to prove that their hero was better.
It is a no secret that Mohammed Rafi was a trained classical singer and that Kishore Kumar had a natural talent. Hence Rafi’s fans feel that he was the more accomplished and skilful of the two. Kishoreda’s fans are of the opinion that though he may not have been trained, he had purity and sheer quality of voice. The fact that he wasn’t trained, and could still sing anything, both classical and non classical songs with equal magic rendered him more superior than Rafi.
Fans claim that Rafi was the most favoured singer for many veteran composers while Kishore Kumar was preferred by few and was a playback mainly for Dev Anand and later for Rajesh Khanna. Rafi on the other hand balanced his melodious voice for diverse stars like Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Guru Dutt, Rajendra Kumar and Shammi Kapoor.
In support of Rafi’s greatness, many of his fans say Rafi sang for Kishore Kumar in films that Kishore himself acted. They also draw the attention to Rafi’s song Darde Dil in Karz which was based on a single note and proved that he was indeed blessed with God-gifted melody. Mohammed Rafi’s fans also claim that Sonu Nigam and Udit Narayan who belong to the Rafi school are technically better than Kumar Sanu, Babul Supriyo etc.
On the other hand, Kishore Kumar’s fans remind people of songs which he sang by melodiously incorporating his inimitable yodelling. Those numbers are extremely popular even today. They further claim that in the 70’s and 80’s, it was he who sang for a number of heroes.
This debate can go on endlessly. However it must be stated that both were great singers of their times and each had his own distinctive style.
There was no feud between the two and the immense respect that Kishore Kumar had for Mohammed Rafi is clearly seen in the photo during Rafi’s funeral. A silent, sad and grief-struck Kishore in the newspapers portrayed very well that no one except him understood what an irreparable loss had taken place in Indian film music.
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February 4th, 2010 at 7:00 am
Rafibhakt 1674..
Have you gone out of your mind? It seems you are the same Baijunath singh who keeps on saying rubbish on all singers except Rafi. Hillarious points. You said:
1. //Saigal is one of great singers and at that time since there was no competition or there were no established singers, he could establish himself for a limited period./
At least think twice before what you are saying. Do you think Pankaj Kumar Mallick, K C Dey, R C Boral etc. were not established or did not have comment? Dont talk like a moron here.. Do you know who was K C Dey or for that matter how many songs of K C Dey have you heard.. For your kind info, he was the Guru of both S D Burman and Manna De. How many songs of Pankaj Mullick have you heard? Kundan Lal Saigal was praised personally by Gurudev Tagore himself…
Dont gabble like a moron here..
2. //Rafi would have easily overtaken saigal, whose voice had nasal effect, if saigal was there at the time of rafi.//
Most childish and biased comment. If you have not learnt music, then please go and learn. And if you want to learn film history properly, go to musical authorities to get a breathe of life. It was Rafi, Mukesh, Kishore and all who got their crucial breaks in their career because of Saigal’s untimely death. Give Saigal’s “Main kya janoo kya jadoo hai” to Rafi, the first thing Rafi would have done was to adjust the scale.. Give Saigal’s “Diya jalaao jagmag jagmag” to Kishore, the first thing he would have said is I wont sing this. That was Saigal, you moron…
And next time I see such childish and non-technical gabble of you Rafi fanatics-acting like an erudite music authority- be prepared for some bashing, as I promise, if you come to Saigal fans with technicality, your gabbling will only increase.
May god give you some wisdom.
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:24 pm
1670 - vivek vardhan
Saigal - guru of bollywood - Kab se ban gaye bhai. Saigal ke jamane me itna competition aur talent nahi tha, jo ki praja log anek talent ke bare me jankari prapt karein. Saigal is one of great singers and at that time since there was no competition or there were no established singers, he could establish himself for a limited period. Since he was the first established singer, subsequent legends, naturally have respect for him.
Rafi would have easily overtaken saigal, whose voice had nasal effect, if saigal was there at the time of rafi. Mohd. Rafi ji ka voice sabse melodious aur sundar hai hindi mein. Rahi kishore ji ki baat, agar sahi tara se sangeet ke bare me charcha kara jaye, to rafi ji technically kishore ji se badkar the, toh as a musician, kishore rafi ji se piche hai, or sangeet ke vishaya mein agar basha ka bhedbhav ka importance nahi diya ho to ghantasala ji sabse aage hai as a singer/musician.
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:25 pm
@Vithal Sir: I will be attending SPB Fans Annual Meeting with SPB on 21 Feb (in Chennai, at 10:30, Venue: SP Kodandpaani Studios) and will get an answer from him at that time. Will update here for sure.
@Vivek Vardhan: The reasons for those many number is entirely different and will require lengthy description. For sure, if you count quality songs per 1000 songs, this ratio won’t be too different for KK, Rafi or SPB. Besides, quality does not just depend on a singer. It depends on era, lyricists, music directors, co-singers, and a billion other factors. To further my argument, the quality per thousand songs in the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s was declining for Kishore Kumar and Rafi too. So comparison don’t really hold water.
@RafiBhakt: Are you sure by the contents of your post??? At least I am not
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Rafibhakt 1668.
Noone will feel jealous of SPB here for not mentioning Kishore Kumar, I promise you.. I also accept your logic that since Rafi was a greater singer than Kishore, that is why SPB praises him more..
And, now, brother, from next time onwards, be cautious of abusing legends like Lataji, Ashaji, R D Burman, Anandji bhai etc. who openly declare Kishore Kumar as the best playback singer.. Now, dont say that these are political games and SPB’s comments are artistic truth…
Better have a recheck..
Good Day.
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:37 pm
There are many people who have good classical knowledge here too. Surajit bose, Paramjeet , Srivas and others to quote. Can any body please clarify the following para in the above article ? What does it exactly signify ? Surajit Bose or paramjeet can clarify in a better way, I think, as it is a hindi song from film karz by mohd. rafi.
“They also draw the attention to Rafi’s song Darde Dil in Karz which was based on a single note and proved that he was indeed blessed with God-gifted melody”
If the song is on a single note as stated, It would also be very interesting if any kishore lover could state any song of kishore which is similarly sung by kishore.
February 1st, 2010 at 7:25 pm
What about saigal ? with only 185 songs, he is the guru of bollywood ? Lata, rafi, manna, talat, mahendra, hemant, mukesh all refer to him as the icon and base of hindi playback singing. The popularity of saigal in hindi cinema with only few songs - could anybody match. Is there any singer who with only few songs has become such popular.
Saigal’s experiment with music is very interesting to understand. He had become alcoholic and died very young. Otherwise, I do not think any other hindi singer could have achieved prominence if he continued.
Southern film singing is a different subject, which cannot be compared to bollywood, of course, sangeet ki duniya ek hi hai, we can enjoy music. Hats off to ghantasala fans for sharing his songs, what a voice he has and his presentation and skills are beyond anyone’s reach. It is surprising that this legend is unnecessarily being compared to mohd rafi in many sites, when rafi’s capability is totally limited in front of him. I hope ghantasala fans will avoid such unnecessary comparison and try to share his songs as ghantasala, the genius songs.
February 1st, 2010 at 7:13 pm
Prasad Sarma - post 1662
Kishore kumar’s popularity is beyond anyone’s reach. It is a voice which simply carries away anyone who hears it. SPB might be a nice singer in southern languages, but when it comes to comparison with kishore, only comparison will be kishore vs. kishore. Despite SPB singing 30,000 songs, yes, kishore is more popular with only 3000 songs. It is the quality that matters than quantity. Kishore’s quality is unique.
It doesn’t matter whether anyone praises kishore or not, but his songs will continue to inspire generations.
February 1st, 2010 at 3:38 pm
I do not know why people are so unhappy and feeling jealous about SPB worshipping Mohd. Rafi than Kishore Kumar. The reason is obviously simple - rafi was the greatest among all singers in hindi cinema, SPB knows this and that is why he adores him. Similarly Shri Ghantasala is equally adored by SPB, I have seen, why - because Shri Ghantasala is greatest in south and a unique singer like rafi. Shri Ghantasala voice was also very melodious and unique like rafi and his specialisation was also in a different league. That is why SPB praises both. There is nothing to feel jealous about SPB if he does not praise kishore kumar, because - reason being simple, both rafi and Shri Ghantasala are the greatest singers, and none can surpass them.
Can the songs of rafi, chaudvin ka chaand, yeh chaand sa roshan chehra etc, be similarly sung by any hindi singer. Rafi saab’s modulations and melody is beyond anybody’s reach. Rafi saab remains the greatest ever playback singer of bollywood.
February 1st, 2010 at 11:37 am
Prabhanjan ji,
I hope you will share the reply received from SPB for your mail (to SPB) in your post 1660.
February 1st, 2010 at 10:55 am
Prasad Sarma,
Yes, you are correct, SPB did imitate kishore kumar in his earlier days. And he generally does not mention about kishore kumar, similar to the way he praises ghantasala and rafi. SPB started singing in his own style after advise from ghantasala that if you do not develop originality, you will not get recognition. But, it was ghantasala who predicted in 1972 that SPB would rule the telugu industry after him and yes the prediction indeed came true.
February 1st, 2010 at 10:49 am
Rajagopal V,
I am really sorry to learn that your dream of becoming a playback singer has not been realised due to reasons quoted by you.
I too am aware of some tactics of SPB, which I do not want to discuss here, but I feel that SPB has positioned himself well and dominated the telugu industry for nearly 2 decades, mostly the break dance numbers of chiranjeevi, and some of popular illayaraja numbers have clicked well and admired by people. I agree with you that the 50’s & 60’s period of telugu industry is the “EPIC” of playback singing, which has no comparison for any age. But the 80’s (mainly) SPB was dominant in the industry. People could adjust with him and admire him.
By the way, the evergreen classic Mayabazar of 1957, in telugu
released just two days back, I have seen yesterday. The picture now revamped in colour, cinemascope, digital sound, modern technology with modern instruments used for music by ghantasala (music is same but now had been played with modern instruments in many places) , - ghantasala’s voice rocks in the latest release - When he hear it in today’s digital technology, I was convinced that this man can create monopoly even today, if he was born today, his talent is quite ahead of his times. I noticed that no singer of even today (with current technological techniques) comes even close to the legend, whose voice when put in digitalised format continues to mesmerise even greater than olden days. It was a memorable moment yesterday for me.
January 16th, 2010 at 9:18 am
S P Balu kaise insaan hai ya the, is se zyada zaroori hai yahan pe alochna karna ke woh kaise gayak hai aur unki gayaki mein kya kya baat hai. Mere khayal se is forum ka maqsad mahan gayakon ki gayaki pe alochna karna hai na ki unke charitra par.
Umeed hai is baat ko thoda dhyan diya jaye yahan par. Is forum ko sundar aur swasth banaye rakhe yehi meri vinamra vinati hai sabhi se.
January 15th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
@Rajagopal V, Prasad Sarma, and M. Krishna:
I am not going to respond any more for the only reason that this is not the right forum to discuss more about SPB, especially as its becoming more political and dirty too. Its already eaten more space.
Thanks and regards
January 13th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
SPB in early 70s and late 60s imitated Kishore Da in many songs and became familiar only with the imitated voice of Kishore Da. But I do not know why SPB is so disgraceful and so unkind towards Kishore Da, who (perhaps SPB may not like to agree), has inspired him so much, he never bother to make a mention about this legendary singer anytime anywhere on any platform. Even after singing over 30,000 songs in various languages in India, Kishore is much more popular than SPB. SPB is no doubt a great singer of our times with much mimicking talents to his credit, nobody will have any objection to his worshiping Mohd. RAfi, but he should also acknowledge the contribution of Kishore Da, one who can never be forgotten by Indian film industry. SPB and his ardent fans should be frantic in his views.
January 12th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Could not understand the part ‘ Darde dil being based on a ‘SINGLE’ note. What is this supposed to mean?
January 12th, 2010 at 7:33 am
Hi friends!
First a few songs of SPB.
SPB in a jolly mimicry mood: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MRc176Tkhw
SPB in a pathos mood: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YEub9Uj9zM
This masculine song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrejeAeqLjg
A song full of hatred: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI1Poz5pEUU
Please, please, please, don’t miss this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tqsEksVfdE
Now, back to the topic
Anilji: We have mostly agreed with each others opinion. If there were not some differences, one of us must stop posting
Further, about singer-song compatibility. My only tirade against this is the time-order biasedness (not saying that you are doing this). However, more often than not, we all think a singer from the past could have done better than the current singer. Just look at the sheer injustice: if a current singer is tipped to have bettered a song, its considered blasphemy. Except for this, I don’t have problem is this type of discussion.
Finally, my reply to M. Krishna. Yes, you say “[ how great he or his fans feel may be ]” Its not matter of what we feel, its about facts. Yes, we all know awards are manipulated, but six national awards in four different languages, one for classical carnatic (sankarabharanamu), one for pathos (tere mere bich mein), one for drunkard (thakati thadimi), one with social message (chapalanai undi), one in hindustani classical (umandu ghumandu), and one seducing song (thanga thamarai magale) is not a JOKE either
. In this regard, no singer even comes any closer to him. Like it not, or hate it, but you can’t ignore it.
When you say “It is surprising that SPB is discussed in this forum.”, ask any senior members, not on any single occassion, we (his fans) have never brought SPB here for dirty comparison, just for clarification. There is no surprise here. Don’t think you will ever get the catch here
Further, “he consciously avoids a good word on Ghantasala, and tries to dwell more on Rafi.”
This has been explained to death, and no point in repeating it again.
“His liking towards Rafi is no fault.”
Thanks for the generosity
“He has his own reasons not to speak much on Ghantasala.”
Spell them out, or u want to do a la “Sandeep Nadkarni”???
“Probably many a people never considered him great along with Ghantasala in his early days.”
List out how many of those people have won even a single national award, or how many of them even achieved 1% of what he did. Similarly, you will find those many people who don’t consider Rafi, Kishore, Lata or Asha great. Does that count to anything?
“If it is so or a point ?am not interested.”
Yes, you are a classic example of “hit-and-run” bravery
“SPB cites himself one of the Maha gayakulu and even suggested an upcoming songster to keep a photo of great singers of yesteryears including his own(SPB) while practicing.”
This indeed looks serious. So, what I decided is to write about this to SPB himself. I have received many replies from him, and I have already sent a mail to him the matter below between “======” and ending with “======”. If there was no humility as appears in that scenario, he would have never bothered to reply to his fans. For your benefit, and many others, I am providing here SPBs email id: spbindia@yahoo.com Except for trivial mails, he does personally respond to as many mails as possible. Not just that, I am also giving here his residence phone number: 044-28172757. Any person can call their home and if he is available, he will answer you. Not only that, anybody can walk in his home and will be welcome. How many fans can boost that their idols are that OPEN? Now, if you want to take apart him for that thing, its our turn not to CARE about you.
Of the three questions, I guarantee reply for the first two. If I don’t get reply (he can’t reply to each of his mail through blackberry at the age of 65), I will surely get the reply when I meet him on the first occasion this year. Third one, he need not reply at all.
“No other great singer ever said so. It is fine as long as we discuss on greats Rafi, Ghantasala, kishore etc. ”
Are you sure? There has been a great senior singer in south who never complemented KJY or SPB. Guess his name? Similarly, you will find many acclaimed musicians who never appreciate an artist not named them self? Btw, will you call Dr.M. Balamuralikrishna egoistic because he named one new raaga after himself
Surely, you have a lot of grounds to cover
“Let us limit this in this forum.”
Oh! Its not that simple, its not that simple
===================================================================
Dear Guruji:
Hope that this mail finds you in the best of health
I write this mail with three requests. Recently I have been interacting a lot with Ghantasaala, Rafi, and Kishore Kumar fans. Its been a lot of pleasure to know how they praise their idols and how much they also appreciate you and Yesudas.
My first request is to tell us how do you look up to Ghantasaalaji? Yes, you have said a lot about him. But one more time please
You and Kishore Kumar have sung a beautiful song in Saagar “Yun hi gaate raho”. That song is highly energetic and a highly competitive and sportive song. Did you record that song along with Kishore Kumar? If yes, how was that experience? Can you also say a few things about Kishore Kumar for my dear Kishore Kumar fan friends? Please.
Thirdly, it seems that during one of your TV programs, you suggested an upcoming songster to keep a photo of great singers of yesteryears including your own. Of course, there is no shadow of doubt about your humility (I can’t be writing this to you if I had any doubts about this), but this statement of yours has been not taken in the right manner by many. If you had said about yourself in a sarcastic manner, no explanation is required. Can you tell a bit more about this situation?
Thanks for the patience to read this mail. Expecting your reply.
==================================================================
January 11th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Post 1648 - Sri vas ji
Excellent post on music. Thanks.
Arghya and paramjeet bhai,
Please comment on my posts 1649 & 1650.
January 11th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Mr. Krishna,
moreover in hindi too SPB had tried in late 70’s ek duje ke liye etc. But with kishore kumar around, he could not taste much success, as kishore kumar could not be easily surpassed in Hindi, who incidentally was another legend in hindi, and further who too equally enjoys admiration of many ghantasala fans, I have seen.
Thus, if the situation would have reversed i.e SPB, if born in hindi and tried there and achieved position there, surely he would have praised ghantasala more than rafi. Because rafi was top in hindi, and by no chance he could get a click there, again the “games” used to be continued there and what not ?
These are all absolute facts Mr. Krishna ji, and no one can dispute them.
I just do not want to post anything here and I may not also respond to further posts. As something was going beyond facts, I just wanted to pen one post here.
January 11th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
Mr. Krishna
another point, which i was reading through one of the posts of Mr. Prabhanjan, when he says SPB was top singer after ghantasala passed away. This I “Strongly Disagree”, as Mr. Ramakrishna Das, a relative of P suseela was preferred in many movies. NTR film Daana veera soora Karna, in 1976 all the padyams were sung by Mr. Ramakrishna Das. With great difficulty SPB got one padyam in the film and after that padyam got recorded, SPB was advised - do not ever think of singing padyams again. Ramakrishna was given rest of padyams. Virata parva, another movie in late 70’s some 50 padyams were rendered by ramakrishna das, SPB was very much available, why he was not preferred ?
In 1979, Sanakarabharanam, was due to sheer luck SPB songs got a break, though after great struggle and continuous advise from classical musicians, SPB tried to sing classical numbers. Moreover, since movies laying classical thrust were not there for long time after passing away of ghantasala, sankarabharanam picture could get boost by people, as people were looking for some change. What happened after sankarabharanam - As Mr. prabhanjan says, many crap songs SPB had rendered - since correctly he only was fit for those numbers.
I should certainly admire SPB for his “games” by which he could position himself. Once A R Rehman brought change, in mid 90’s everything was over, many other singers have got chances.
January 11th, 2010 at 10:59 am
Mr. Krishna,
I did not want to post a comment here strictly, because I am myself a carnatic musician, and talking on SPB does not simply make “any sense” when discussions are on particularly on classical singing and particularly when discussions are on between stalwarts such as ghantasala or rafi etc.
I know SPB pretty well, as a person who can make only “politics”
& nothing else. I was also one of the victims. In 60’s I had associated with the great telugu music director, S Rajeswara Rao, who tried to give me chances in telugu film playback singing, (though i knew that with ghantasala around there, none can even try for singing but I was trying for some songs) but SPB who used to mainly sing tracks those days mainly through chamchagiri, ensured that I do not get chance. SPB was not adept in classical singing and had no talents in any way to bring traditional music style beauty. He started learning from music directors and mostly from ghantasala himself, how to sing songs. He used to frequently fell on the feet of N T R and SP Kodandapani and used to get some “minimum chances” - even he tried for grabbing some songs from ghantasala (for which many producers asked him to simply get out) and S P Kodandapani made SPB to sing many tracks only, which were ultimately sung by ghantasala. SPB tried many songs (under the guidance of music directors) and had sung in track in late 60’s in telugu and through chamchagiri influence tried to put them in films, all were simply rejected by the producers and music directors and ultimately ghantasala had to sing them again.
SPB very well knew that he cannot play his games, as long as ghantasala was alive, and many people even used to say that SPB waited for ghantasala to pass away, so that his “games” can continue. I knew these facts pretty well. SPB very well knew that he was no match for the “colossus ghantasala” in any way, rather he was no match even for P B Srinivas also in telugu.
But for his politics, SPB would have been washed away long back.
Ghantasala had given chances to many other singers, including in his own music direction, this itself simply implies what he was. Since ghantasala had a “Divine unique talent, majestic and mellifluous voice, classical expertise, none could ever compete with him and he was unchallenged numero one”. On the other hand SPB never gave chances to anybody, since he knew very well of his own limitations, and if had he given chance to anybody, he had doubt about his own existence.
The above facts are the main reasons, SPB praises rafi more than ghantasala (though SPB knows very well that rafi is also no match for ghantasala) SPB had praised many times ghantasala as “na Bhooto Na Bhavishyati” - i.e past and present such singer cannot be there - Most of these comments come when stalwarts associated with ghantasala are present there. SPB has no option but to again play “politics” - understood. At least, in such “politics” though not intentionally, SPB has spoken truth about ghantasala.
Ghantasala, had he not become legendary playback singer, would have been a great competitor for M Balamuralikrishna, the great classical legend of the south and considered as the greatest among the carnatic musicians in the south. That is enough to say about ghantasala, the outstanding genius of playback singing.
Today, SPB advises many people to sing songs in that manner or this manner, surprisingly, in my view, SPB still is not perfect even today in songs, First he should know what he is and then start advising.
Please music lovers, do not try to bring a rakshasa into discussion, when you are discussing about divine beings.
While my due respects are outstanding for ghantasala, the ever incomparable genius of playback singing, I also feel jealous about this man some times, because personally I feel, that he had such a unchallenged rule for almost 30 years, (of course he alone deserves that by his multifaceted talent) and due to which singers like me could not get chances in playback singing ?
January 11th, 2010 at 9:59 am
Mr. Anil Ji,
Who is the favourite singer comment in your previous post ? This is a absurd statement.
My favourite is Maruthi Alto Car. Can I Argue, it is greater than mercedes benz in any way. What do you say ?
January 10th, 2010 at 7:07 am
It is surprising that SPB is discussed in this forum. It is not bad that he considers Rafi a great singer.
The problem with SPB is: [ how great he or his fans feel may be ] in any interview or a program, he consciously avoids a good word on Ghantasala, and tries to dwell more on Rafi. His liking towards Rafi is no fault. He has his own reasons not to speak much on Ghantasala. Probably many a people never considered him great along with Ghantasala in his early days. If it is so or a point ‘am not interested. SPB cites himself one of the Maha gayakulu and even suggested an upcoming songster to keep a photo of great singers of yesteryears including his own(SPB) while practicing. No other great singer ever said so. It is fine as long as we discuss on greats Rafi, Ghantasala, kishore etc. Let us limit this in this forum.
January 2nd, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Vitthal ji, & Anil ji to be specific,
It will be correct to respect legends “as they are” and keeping in view their unique contributions in their own fields. I have seen many telugus saying “Mohd rafi as the ghantasala of bollywood” and similarly, many hindi people saying “ghantasala as the Mohd rafi of the south” and both of them quote their own reasons stating that since ghantasala was elder than rafi and was unique in the field of playback singing and moreso since rafi had himself stated that he could not sing like ghantasala on ocassions, many telugus support their view that rafi is ghantasala of bollywood. On the other hand, hindi people say that since national language has got more importance than the regional language, ghantasala, however great he might be, can be hence called as mohd. rafi of the south.
This was the trend in the 60’s sure, since only aged people who have closely seen their eras can alone confirm this fact and the younger generations, who continue to get mesmerised by ghantasala and rafi even today similar to 60’s, cannot know the greatness of both the legends. Both were unique in their own way in terms of their contribution. While it is true that ghantasala was more technically qualified and virtually was a emperor for nearly 3 decades without competition and had ventured into “more special genres such as padyams, hari kathas, devotional sanskrit renderings” etc. as compared to rafi, yet no body can undermine the truth that in terms of influence these two legends have cast on the masses, is certainly of much significance, and it is not a exaggeration to say that such influence, perhaps, has not been made by any other playback singer in their respective fields. Both were simply great and continue to win admiration of the younger generations as well. That is their greatness.
Anil,
It will not make any difference, if one tries to devalue any of the said legends in any way, as it simply goes waste, as somebody says here, as both were badshah’s of music in their own areas.
January 1st, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Ref: my previous post
Please read my sentence- “On the other hand I’ve seen this very statement from both, sometimes as response to direct querries (to who is your most favorite singer)” as “On the other hand I’ve seen this very statement from both about Rafi sahab, sometimes as response to direct querries (to who is your most favorite singer)”
January 1st, 2010 at 3:41 pm
To Vithal
This is possibly my last post here on the subject too.
I am not under any mis-conception at all and Prabhanjan (who writes brilliantly BTW and I have personally complimented him sometime back for his skills with words) doesn’t say anything contrary to what I posted. Perhaps he differs on my point about ‘SPB speaking about Ghantasala on demand’; but then it is more on account of my not expressing things clearer and his views on the ‘Shankara..’ song matches with mine.
Let me make it clear that I didn’t try to sell Ghantasalaji short, rather I mentioned that he was a great musician and I didn’t compare him with Rafisahab. The link that you’ve provided doesn’t contain anything I already didn’t know about except IR’s statement. The KJY article also I’ve read before. The point I wanted to stress is only this- Both KJY and SPB consider Rafisahab as their BIGGEST IDOL. They also think that RAFI IS UNMATCHED AS A TOTAL PACKAGE. I have many articles (hard copies) and some internet links to substantiate this. If you are interested I can post it in a site of your choice (not here, it is not relevant here and there are other reasons). These two singers have very high regards for Ghantasalaji too, I admit I erred in not highlighting this aspect in my posts. But then they have very high regards for other South Indian greats as well- TMS for instance. It is also true that the two have learned a thing or two from the master (especially SPB). However I am yet to see an interview of either of the two wherein they say “Ghantasalaji is my MOST FAVORITE SINGER”. Please provide me any such articles/links and I would be happy to change my views. On the other hand I’ve seen this very statement from both, sometimes as response to direct querries (to who is your most favorite singer). Let me re-iterate I’m not trying to under-sell Ghantasalaji in any manner, I respect him as much as SPB and KJY respect him and I am not trying to prove Rafisahab’s superiority. My only point (to repeat) is this- KJY and SPB ABSOLUTELY ADORE RAFI and this make them part of the group people generally call Rafi fans. Whether it is a big deal or not is another issue which I am not trying to address.
Wishing you a happy 2010.
To Prabhanjan
Agree mith most of the points.. beg to differ slightly on the song-singer compatibility thing. ‘Ek ladki….’ would have sounded better in SPB’s (among all the active singers of HFM in that period) vocals. Imagine the SPB specials (which some brand as gimmick) in that song which gave ample room for the stuff. Also try imagining ‘mein shayar to nahin…’ in Rafisahab’s voice. Shailendra Singh did a commendable job and his fresh voice was a highlight but what all vocal histrionics Rafisahab would have brought into that one. I really wish they made two versions of the song- one by Shailendra Singh on a young Rishi and another by Rafisahab on someone else.
The tendency to downplay the prized possession was especially spot on. It happens with ‘Duniya ke rakhwale..’ too.
Happy 2010.
To all Ghantasala fans
I would be happy to discuss with you all on Ghantasalaji. Could you suggest some forums where we can do it? This may not be the platform since we have to talk more about South Indian classical singers, Manna Dey and Rafi more than Kishore Kumar.
Happy 2010.
To all
Wishing a happy 2010.