Yesterday, 14th June 2008 was again a very memorable day for all of us. We had our group's session at the house of R. Padmanabhan. Both he and Mrs. Meenakshi Padmanabhan and their two sons Kaushik and Raghu played perfect hosts and our initial thanks to them for organizing the session so well.
Being a Saturday, a working day for some of us, the attendance from our members was only half. Sunder Rajan had informed us beforehand that he is away to Vizag for a week and will not be attending. On checking, we found Raghavendra Rao too was at Adoni and would be back only on the 25th. Others were too occupied with their work that they could not make it. But for those who attended, the session was a very enjoyable. Besides the hosts and myself, A.V.Srinivasan, D. Subramaniam, S. Chandar and Mrs. Radha Chandar from our regular group were there. There were however many more invitees, some very eminent in the field of music and who sat through the entire session to make our time a very pleasant and musical one.
Dr. M. Chittaranjan (a house-hold name as far as Telugu people are concerned) a scholar in music for the last 50 years having closely worked with all the well known play back singers, music directors, film personalities of Telugu/Tamil cinema and who has known all of them from close quarters - Dr. Chittarajan has worked for over 35 years as Director (Music) of All India Radio in Hyderabad and continues to teach and inspire thousands till date. Dr Chittarajan sang a few songs and also explained the uniqueness of Rafi Sahab in conveying his "expressions" through his songs. Dr Chittaranjan who has done considerable research on Music in India, Hindustani, Hindi Films, Shastriya Sangee, Light Carnatic and also the classical Carnatic Music, knows his music. He rates Mohd. Rafi Sahab as the only singer who could give a "still" on the highest of pitch for a brief second or two and then continue with the other notes. He claims that many more better qualified singers lacked certain abilities of Rafi Sahab and told all of us that Rafi Sahab was the Numero Uno as long as he was there. He also told us that Ghantasala held Rafi Sahab in the highest of esteem when Rafi Sahab visited the former's house before recording some songs for Telugu movies.
Mrs. Shobha Raju - eminent and trained singer herself having worked and recorded some songs in the 'bollywood" of yesteryears and has even sung in a 'chorus' song with Rafi Sahab. She has seen Rafi Sahab sing and record songs. Presently she stays in Hyderabad and was one of our eminent guests yesterday. She too sang some three or four songs, all beautifully.
Dr. Anita Rani Muralidhar (eminent social and cultural organizer) heading several religious and cultural organizations in Hyderabad. Very active in musical sessions and one who will be on our side whenever we organize bigger events in Hyderabad.
Mrs. Manjula Kalyan (Director - Swayam Krishi - an organization to help mentally challenged children). The lady did not sing but sat through most of our programme yesterday.
Teachers from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan :
Mrs. Seshu Rao (a Hindi Teacher) sang some lovely melodies of Ashaji, Kishore Kumar and Rafi Sahab. Very interested in music of yesteryears.
Mrs. Sandhya Rathod (participated in Antakshri) but sat through the entire programme. She is hosting our next programme in her house on the following Sunday i.e. 22nd June 2008.
Miss Deepika Rathod (daughter of Mrs. Sandhya) sang just one song but is a keen music lover and is an aspirant for Indian Idol. Best of wishes to her from all of us. Her father Mr. Rathod also joined us briefly.
Mrs. Lakshmi Devi Rana also sat through the entire programme relishing the songs sung by all of us.
Our programme began at almost 6.00 p.m. Subramaniam was at Padmanabhan's house well before the appointed hour of 5.00 p.m., as is his usual practice. I came a little later at 5.20 and were soon joined in by Chandar and his wife Mrs. Radha Chandar. A.V. Srinivasan followed thereafter. We all sang the choicest of songs before breaking for a lovely dinner arranged by Mrs. Meenakshi. Soon after the dinner got over, while our guests took leave, we continued for the next hour or so with the Antakshri. We had made three teams and the Team B led by Chandar won the competition. We had given 5 "Rafi" for each correct answer (song/singing) and the Team B walked away with 70 "Rafis". Team A led by Padmanabhan was with exact half this score. Team C led by A.V.Srinivasan was placed "second runner-up" with 30 "Rafis". But the mood of all the participants was exuberant and the entire session went on superbly. Mrs. Meenakshi was found mostly in her kitchen and could not listen to all the songs or sing the songs herself. But she did sing one last song signalling the end of the session at almost 10.45 p.m.
Friends, our next session date is also finalised. Then and there, Mrs. Sandhya Rathod extended their family's invitation to all of us to hold the next such session in their house on Sunday 22nd June 2008 from 10.00 onwards. Lunch is being arranged by the Rathods. I will be leaving for Chennai on the same day by 4.00 p.m. train and hence I can be with all of you only upto 2.00 p.m. But since the information is given so well in advance, I am sure all of us will certainly participate on the coming Sunday. The Rathods stay in Venkatapuram colony and we can all be in touch with Mrs. Meenakshi Padmanabhan at 27965673 and reach the venue. 22nd June being a Sunday, let us reach the house of the Rathods well at the appointed time of 10.00 a.m. and have the best of time the entire day. A surprise element is in store for 22nd June 2008 for all of us, this time from the hosts themselves.
I shall again talk individually to each one of you towards the middle of this week to confirm the number of participants which I have to convey to the Rathods. But those of you who have already decided to be there 100%, can simply mail to me also.
Ok then, see you all, goodbye.
Meantime, enjoy this song ::
http://www.esnips.com/doc/dbdc4b0c-d16f-
2 comments:
Dear Mr.Murthy,
I have spent the last 4 hours on the net watching and listening to Rafi saab's video's and songs.As a finale, just before shutting down my computer, I searched for "tere pyaar ne ... " on Google and first hit your blog. Your June 14 get together report was refreshing and at the end... i listened to the song I wanted . What a melody, what a voice, what a langurous, romantic , nostalgic style. I just went mad listening, even as I listened to the shayari flowing from that heavenly voice, I blessed you . and Lakmikant Pyarelal and everybody who would have made this first song of Rafi saab for LP. I had not heard this song until 2 1/2 years back ( DEC 2005). The occasion which led to my listening to this song for the first time was unforgettable. We (Musicats- Muscat) were doing a prog in Nov 2005 commemorating 25 years after Rafi'saab's demise.The ever great Amin sayani Saab was our Master of Ceremony and Chief Guest in Muscat. Many days before the prog , when he was going thru the songs list, he suggested we should sing. ... "tere pyaar ne .. ". We had not even heard this song ( although great rafi fans), and his son sent us a sound clip. We could not learn the song in time and did not include, but since then I have been haunted by this song ! tODAY i HEARD IT AFTER MANY DAYS, ON YOUR BLOG ! Once again I bless you and your friends , may you have many more joyful days listening to and singing the Master's songs !!!
Venkat ( Dubai )
venky99@gmail.com
Thanks Venkat Krishnanji for your response. I am glad that you found the song that you had wanted. I am listening to the song once again myself now. This has been one of my all time favourites.
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