Tribute to legends - Rafi & Shammi

Friends, I have given my tribute to the two legends who kept the world enthralled with their unique combination of vigor, naughtiness, cuteness and oomph!

I hope you like this rendition and will not deprive me of your valuable feedback. Thank you very much!

Movie: Pagla Khain Ka (1970)
Music: Shankar-Jaikishan
Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri
Singer: Mohammed Rafi
Picturized on: Shammi Kapoor and Asha Parekh


Tum Mujhe Yun (Download)

Mohammed Rafi - Sweetness Personified

Today is Rafi sahab's 31st anniversary! Anything that could be said about the legend has been said. I would be only be showing desperation if I said that I miss him tremendously. To me, the most amazing thing is that the sweetness of his voice grows more every time you hear one of his previously heard songs again!

Despite of my hectic schedule, I could not resist recording one of Rafi sahab's songs from the movie, Leader. Leader's music was scored by Naushad sahab and Dilip Kumar was the hero. Those who are fond of old Hindi movies know that this combination is the most lethal. Whether it is "Daagh", "Mela", "Deedaar", "Kohinoor, "Aan", "Ganga Jamuna", "Dil Diya Dard Liya", or "Raam aur Shyaam", most of the songs are unforgettable!


In my quest of learning, I learned a bit more about singing through Rafi sahab's song today and I am glad it was on his anniversary!

I like to thank Paras for providing the track of this wonderful song! I thank you all in advance for your time!

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Song: Hum Hi Se Mohabbat
Movie: Leader (1964)
Lyrics: Shakeel Badayuni
Music: Naushad Ali
Original singer: Mohammed Rafi
Picturised on: Dilip Kumar & Vyjayantimala


Download "Hum Hi Se Mohabbat"

Gum Hai Kisi Ke (Rampur ka Lakshman)

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"Gum Hai Kisi Ke Pyar Mein" is a beautiful song! A short tale of love and innocent feelings! It is written by Majrooh Sultanpuri, who was considered a dominating musical force and one of the finest lyricists of Hindi movie songs. When these lyrics are given to the giant singers like Lata and Kishore with a brilliant composition by RDB, the result can be nothing but pure delight! People love this song for its sheer simplicity and innocence! The short dialogs in between make this song even more loveable!

I have attempted this song with Deblina who is quite well known in the music blogging world for her excellent singing with emotions that carry depth and subtlety!

PS: "Gum Hai ..." video has been posted on my Facebook blog!

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Song: Gum Hai Kisi Ke
Movie: Rampur Ka Laxman (1972)
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: RD Burman
Original singer: Kishore & Lata
Picturised on: Randhir Kapoor & Rekha



Download "Gum Hai Kisi Ke"

Pehla Nasha (Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar)

I consider this as one of the most romantic duets from 90s. Even today, this song still holds the same charm as it did when it was originally created in 1992. Sung in soothing and calming voices of Udit Narayan and Sadhna Sargam, I present this to you with Sarada Bhagavatula. Sarada has done a wonderful job singing this in her enchanting voice and unique style.

Thanks in advance!

PS: "Pehla Nasha" video has been posted on my Facebook blog!

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Song: Pehla Nasha Pehla Khumaar
Movie: Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992)
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: Jatin Lalit
Original singer: Udit Narayan & Sadhna Sargam
Picturised on: Amir Khan & Ayesha Jhulka


Download "Pehla Nasha"

Sarmistha - A resounding voice

Sarmistha's name is not new to many Hindi music bloggers! She is a very well known name amongst bloggers at LaFango and recently at Muziboo! Sarmistha has an impeccable voice with bright and charming expressions and a unique style that is very mesmerizing! I have been quite impressed with her singing since I heard her the very first time. Hence, I am pleased to share her lovely voice with those who have not heard it yet.

Here, we are presenting a Hindi song with a touch of Western Country music! "Agar Main Kahun" is from the movie Lakshya! This is originally sung in the beautiful voices of Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik. Music is composed by the 3-and-only Shankar-Ehsan-Loy team, and lyrics by none other than Javed Akhtar. In terms of style and listening experience, this song belongs to the same group as "Jaane Kyun Log Pyar" and "Wo Ladki Hai Kahan" both from Dil Chahta Hai. A beautiful exchange of dialogs between the boy and the girl which start with an argument and ends in a make up. Besides the amalgamation of music genres, this song is also challenging since it contains many emotions and expressions that cover romance, naughtiness, complaint, acknowledgement, and everything in between! Sarmistha and I both realize these challenges during recording and had an increased appreciation for the original song and the team.

I thank Sarmistha for singing this with me and also thank you all in advance for your time.

PS: A video has been posted on my Facebook page!

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Song: Agar Main Kahun
Movie: Lakshya (2004)
Lyrics: Javed Akhtar
Music: Shankar Ehsan Loy
Original singer: Udit Narayan & Alka Yagnik
Picturised on: Hrithik Roshan & Preity Zinta


Download "Agar Main Kahun"

And the smile lives on ...

For some crazy fans like me, Rafi sahab's angel-like smile is perhaps enough to feel contented! I often wonder how his charisma would be for those who were lucky enough to have been in his presence! "Truly heavenly" is perhaps an understatement.

In one of the interviews, when I heard Naushad sahab saying, "Rafi sahab ka naam rehti dunya tak rahe ga", I smiled and ignored his sentence as over-emotional and overly-passionate! However, several years later, thinking about it tonight, I find myself believing it ... and believing it strongly. Rafi sahab's voice still possesses the same magic. The same magic that melts the hearts and minds of listeners! The same magic that makes you feel truly happy and smile from the bottom of your heart! The same magic that gives you hope and optimism on a gloomy day!

Happy birthday to you, Rafi sahab!

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Song: Pukaarta Chala Hun Main
Movie: Mere Sanam (1965)
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: OP Nayyar
Original singer: Mohammed Rafi
Picturised on: Biswajit Chatterjee & Asha Parekh


Download "Pukaarta Chala Hun Main"


Download "Pukaarta Chala Hun Main" (Remix version)

Munni Badnaam (Dabangg 2010)

Paras and I have recorded a duet from Salman's movie Dabangg. Paras has done a fabulous job of singing it. Please do visit her blog where the audio is posted with the video link!

Thank you very much in advance!

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Movie: Dabangg (2010)
Lyrics: Lalit Pandit
Music: Sajid-Wajid
Original singers: Mamta Sharma & Aishwarya Nigam
Picturised on: Malaika Arora Khan, Salman Khan & Sonu Sood

Ninna Nodalentho - exploring Kannada

After my attempt at "Panivizhum" in November of 2006, I wanted to sing more songs in other regional languages of the subcontinent. Last year, I had a chance to sing a Kannada song and felt comfortable with the language. The words and their pronunciation was relatively easy. When Sarada brought my attention to "Ninna noDalentho" I could not resist. Its a bautiful song and working on it with Sarada was a pleasure. Again, like Ramesh who helped my with Tamil, she was very encouraging and provided all the help possible ... lyrics, translation, and pronunciation! Thanks Sarada!

Ninna noDalentho is from the movie "Mussanje Maathu" which revolves around the life of a Radio Jockey, Pradeep (Sudeep), who runs a radio programme called "Mussange Maathu" for depressed people. Tanu (Ramya) is a depressed girl who comes to Bangalore to live with her friend (Anu) and to find a new life. One day she calls Pradeep's radio programme and becomes very impressed by his suggestion. (Read more...)

Sarada has sung this song beautifully! After I created the video I was able to appreciate her singing even more as it sounded as if the heroine on the screen is singing the song herself. As usual, I have posted the high quality audio and video on my Facebook page so please visit there if you wish. As always, please leave your valuable comments!

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Movie: Mussanje Maathu (2008)
Lyrics: Ram Narayan
Music: V. Sridhar
Original Singers: Sonu & Shreya
Picturized on: Sudeep & Ramya


Download "Ninna Nodalentho"

Pehle Pehle Pyar Ki (The Great Gambler - 1979)

This is a light, romantic song! Kishore and Asha has sung many such wonderful songs and this is indeed one of those fun songs that makes you smile and hum for no particular reason! I like it because of its expressions! When it comes down to expressions, duets of Kishore & Asha can be considered some of the best! Talking to Deblina, I once mentioned that these were the singers who even delivered dialogs in "sur". The ease with which both singers have provided expressions is amazing!

Although, challenging to imitate, here is a humble attempt by Deblina and I. Please listen and provide your valuable comments when time permits! Also, here is the video link to the song!

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Movie: The Great Gambler (1979)
Lyrics: Anand Bakhshi
Music: RD Burman
Original Singers: Kishore & Asha
Picturized on: Amitabh & Nitu Singh


Download "Pehle Pehle Pyar Ki"

Memoirs of a music junkie (continued)

A couple more old recordings! Shah Rukh Khan was giving one blockbuster after another in 1990s. "Yess Boss" was another one of those. I enjoyed recording these two songs quite a bit.

Thanks for your time in advance!


Download "Main Koi Aisa Geet"


Download "Maine Socha Na Tha"