”
One evening, while wandering among the alleys of Hindi Film Music, we came across a small office with a sign that says “Help for Troubled Relationships!” Curious, we went in. Mind you, not because our relationship was in trouble or anything … just curious! The office was empty except for a couple of comfortable couches and a high-end music system. We sat down on a couch and pushed Play.
The gorgeous notes of “Door Rehkar Na Karo Baat, Kareeb Aa Jao” played through the superb speakers, with every note highlighted, every nuance brought out, every subtlety emphasized. As the song ended, we couldn’t help but notice the special gamak on the “yeh” in “Yaad reh jaayegi yeh raat khareeb aa jao”. We exchanged glances …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMS6m6oCW_k
But before we could say anything, Rafi Saab started again with “Hui Shaam Unka Khayal Aa Gaya”. By the time “Ke chehre pe rang-e-malaal aa gaya”, we were on cloud nine, helped along by the trombones in the interlude that followed! It brought back memories of many shaams when we were indeed immersed in khayals of each other. Arms around one another, we eagerly anticipated the next magical number.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M62306smKZc
We were not disappointed … another superb masterpiece by Rafi Saab flowed out of the speakers – “Jaag Dil-e-Deewana”. Mental note .. need to get a good sound system .. I never ever want to miss all these fine notes anymore. “O mer dil .. ab khwabon se mooh mod le … beethi hui sab raathen yaheen chhod de” .. we looked at each other as if making an unspoken pledge to let bygones be bygones. Years of resentment seemed to melt away and we looked at each other the way we used to. As the song ended, we wondered what does Rafi Saab have for us next?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDOwVaY-9UM
The maestro exceeded all expectations with “Mehbooba Teri Tasveer, Kis Tarah Main Banaoon”. He has got to be the greatest singer on the planet, she said. “Nazaron se dekha hai tujhe, aata nahin phir be yakeen” .. I was reminded why I fell in love with my companion those many years ago. And there she was, by my side … “kyunki mere duniya ke log hothe nahin itne haseen” .. indeed!! We were in each other’s arms by then.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9njvPUtFtM
The evening continued with one relationship building number after another … “Tumhari Zulf Ke Sayen Mein”; “Ab Kya Misaal Doon Tumhare”; “Aap Ke Haseen Rukh Pe” and many many others! We walked out of that office more in love with each other than ever before. Rafi Saab had worked his magic, like the sign promised! Long live Mohammed Rafi, the relationship savior! Try this in the comfort of your living room … build a play list of these songs, gather your significant other, push Play and let Rafi Saab enhance your relationship!
This blog is dedicated to my wife and best friend, Rani, on the occasion of our 30th anniversary.
And a big thank you to the many talents went into the making of all of the above masterpieces, all of whom have been given Gaana Pehchaana’s top rating of 5 stars.
“
