Tuesday, January 27, 2009
ANOOP - A GREAT SINGER
MUSICAL SESSION - 2 / 25TH JAN. 2009
On the first Anniversary of Rafi Foundation, Hyderabad Chapter, we held our second Musical Session of this year at SMR Empire Complex, West Marredpally from 3.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. and the session was enjoyable for many reasons. First and foremost was that we were meeting on the 1st Anniversary of our organization, but equally important was the fact that we had newer members who participated in the musical session by singing and enjoying the musical session. We welcome these new members (1) Mohd Saleem, (2) Mr Vinayak Bhumkar and Mrs Nabha Bhumkar, (3) Mr K Sivaram and Mrs Sivaram. Readily they all agreed to be our permanent members. A total of 51 songs were rendered at the lively evening by almost all our members.
It was through the pages of www.mohdrafi.com
Some of our regular members however could not participate and we were informed about absence of some of them. AV Srinivasan had gone to Chennai, R Padmanabhan is on a visit to Kolkata, Srinivas Joshi had to go to Gandhi Gyan Mandir to attend a session with the Baba Ramdev Yog pratishtaan. Mrs Prema Pannicker has gone to Bangalore and Mrs Nirmala Dhepe had some urgent work.Santosh too had urgent work to attend to. Thus the above were not in a position to attend yesterday. We missed out on Ramakrishna whom I tried to contact even when the Musical Session was in progress.
As is our practice, we do not add the "Ji", or "Sahab" or "Mr" while mentioning names as these prefixes become more formal. Yashwant, Satyendra, SK Elias, N R Padmanabhan, Subramaniam,Nitin, Chandar, Jai Kumar, Sivaram, Vinayak, Mrs Sethu Subramanyam, Mrs Radha Chandar, Mrs Nabha Bhumkar and Mrs Sivaram all attended today's session besides myself.
Friends, the quality of singing is rising by the day. We have seen almost all our singers now performing much better than we used to when we had started and this is one big achievement of our organization. With the joining by newer members and good singers amongst us, the standard of our musical sessions is certainly of a top order today. The initial hesitation of some of our members is now replaced with abundant confidence and that clearly shows on their singing too.
Friends, for a long time now, some of our members are not attending the musical sessions and this was a cause for worry for sometine now. But today a stage has come when we have to ask whether we can even think of some of them as our members. A member may not be able to attend one or two musical sessions or atleast may inform about his/her absence for a few sessions. But neither any information reaches us, nor do some of these old members attend any musical sessions. Those of us who are regularly attending are also contributing our monthly subscriptions, but some of our members are neither paying up their subscriptions, nor do they attend the musical sessions. I have been discussing this important aspect with Ramakrishna and Chandar for quite some time now and we had decided to atleast replace two of our existing Executive Committee 'members' who have not attended even a single musical session since the time we decided to opt for a body. Also they have not paid up any subscription since then. What do we do with such members ? It was decided by the three of us to atleast replace these Executive Committee 'members' with those who are not only very regular in attending the Musical sessions and paying up their subscriptions, but who are very active also in almost all our activities. Consequently, at our Musical Session yesterday, we have co-opted N R Padmanabhan and Santosh Kumar as Executive Committee Members in the place of Sahil "Sunil" Sharma and Gopal Sunder Rajan. Sunder Rajan had sent me a mail only a few days back that this time he will attend our Musical Session. Sunil Sharma has not been responding to our mails, phone calls for a long time now.
Apart from this one decision, we have collected the subscriptions yesterday from those who had to pay up for this month and also from our new members who all paid up.
Well friends, I had for a long time been thinking of asking you all one question. Are our reportings at the end of each Musical Session becoming lengthier by the day ? Are they getting too descriptive and also possibly a bit too stretching ? Yesterday at the Musical Session I had wanted to ask this of all, but then somehow it skipped from my mind when the time of reckoning came. Anyway, please do let me know on this point also.
Here is the full list of songs that were rendered yesterday, on the eve of the 60th Anniversary of the Indian Republic and the 1st Anniversary of our very own organization. Most of you know that I am not good at remembering names of the movies and make it a point to jot them down at the Musical Session. However, every now and then I tend to miss out on asking from our members about this. Members may please pardon me for this.
(1.) Yashwant - Badi Der Bhai Badi Der Bhai (Basant Bahar), (2) Satyendra - Yadon Ki Baraat Nikali Hai Aaj Dil Ke Dware (Yadon Ki Baraat), (3) A S Murty - Apni Azadi Ko Hum Hargiz Mita Sakte Nahin (Leader), (4) Mrs Nabha - Ae Malik Tere Bande Hum (Do Ankhen Barah Hath), (5) N R Padmanabhan - Mein Yeh Soch Kar Uske Dar Se Utha Tha (Hakeeqat), (6) Sivaram - Diye Jalte Hain Phool Khilte Hain (Namak Haram), (7) Subramanyam - Is Bhari Duniya Mein Koi Bhi Hamara Na Hua, (8) Subramanyam - Deewanon Se Yeh Mat Poocho (Upkar), (9) Chandar - Baar Baar Dekho Hazar Baar Dekho (China Town), (10) Chandar - Roop Tera Mastana Pyar Mera Diwana (Aradhana), (11) Sivaram - Jane Walon Zara Mudke Dekho Mujhe (Dosti), (12) Elias - Duniya Na Bhaye Mohe Ab Toh Bula Le (Basant Bahar), (13) Mrs Radha Chandar - Garjat Barsat Sawan Aayo Re (Barsat Ki Raat), (14) Jai Kumar - Ehsan Tera Hoga Mujhpar (Junglee), (15) Jai Kumar - Jhoom Barabar Jhoom Sharabi (private ghazal by Aziz Nazaan), (16) Nitin Dhepe - Chaudvin Ka Chand Ho (Chaudvin Ka Chand), (17) Mrs Sethu Subramanyam - You Hasraton Ke Daag Mohabbat Mein Dho Diye (18) Mrs Sethu Subramanyam - Tere Mere Beech Mein Yeh (Ek Duje Ke Liye), (19) Mrs Nabha Bhumkar- Ehsan Tera Hoga Mujhpar (Junglee), (20) Mrs Nabha Bhumkar - Aapki Nazron Ne Samajha Pyar Ke Kabil Humen (21) Satyendra - Jane Bahar Husn Tera Bemisal Hai (Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya), (22) Satyendra - Rimjhim Ghire Saawan (Manzil), (23) Sivaram - Na Kisi Ki Ankh Ka Nor Hun (Lal Quila), (24) Nitin Dhepe - Tumse Acha Kaun Hai (Title song), (25) Yashwant - Zindabad, Zindabad, Ae Mohabbat Zindabad (Mughal-e-Azam) (26) Yashwant - Bane Chahe Dushman Zamana Hamara, (27) N R Padmanabhan - Aansoo samajh Ke Kyon Mujhe (Chhaya) (28) N R Padmanabhan - Jayen Toh Jayen Kahan (Taxi Driver), (29) A S Murty - Kya Ajab Saaz Hai Yeh Shehnai (30) A S Murty - Na Jhatko Zulf se Paani (both these from Shehnai), (31) Subramanyam - Zindagi Dene Wale Sun (Dil-e-Nadaan), (32) Yeh Nayan Dare Dare (Kohra), (33) Mrs Radha Chandar - Dil Ke Halaat Ko Koi Kya Jane (Private ghazal by Runa Laila), (34) Mrs Radha Chandar - Yeh Sama, Sama Hai Yeh Pyar Ka (Jab Jab Phool Khile), (35) Chandar - Ik But Banaunga Teri Aur Puja Karunga (Asli Naqli), (36) Nitin Dhepe - Koi Sagar Dil Ko Behlata Nahin (Dil Diya Dard Liya - DDDL) (37) Elias - Dil Ke Jharokon Mein Tujhko Bithakar (Brahmachari), (38) Elias - Yeh Zindagi Ke Mele (Mela), (39) Sivaram - Mile Na Phool Toh Kanto Se Dosti Karli, (40) Jai Kumar - Aane se uske Aaye Bahar (Jeene Ki Raah), (41) Mrs Nabha - Mujhko Apne Gale Lagalo (Humrahi), (42) Mrs Nabha - Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon (private patriotic song of Lata Mangeshkar), (43) Chandar - Yeh Chand Sa Roshan Chehra (Kashmir Ki Kali), (44) Subramanyam - Jeevan Hai Madhuban (Jasoos), (45) Subramanyam - Dil Mein Ik Lehar Si Uthi Hai (private ghazal by Ghulam Ali), (46) Subramanyam - mouthorgan recital - Jawaniyan Yeh Mast Bin Piye, (47) A S Murty - Jaane Bahar Husn Tera Bemisal Hai (Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya), (48) A S Murty - Mehka Mehka Roop Tumhara (49) Chandar & Mrs Radha Chandar - Tere Husn Ki Kya Tareef Karoon (Leader), (50) Elias - Devotional song in Telugu and finally (51) Jai Kumar - Akela Hun Is Duniya Mein Koi Saathi Na Koi Manzil.
One Duet song of Subramanyam and Mrs Sethu was also rendered (I actually was beating the table playing tabla), but had forgotten to jot down the song and now I do not remember the same too. With this song, there were 52 songs in all - a record of sorts.
Friends, a very lively session by all counts and our new members too seem to have enjoyed the evening just as much as we all had done. We hope these new members will be with us for ever and that the spread of Rafi Foundation, Hyderabad Chapter reaches many more music lovers in Hyderabad.
Finally friends, we are a very cohesive group and come to sing songs and enjoy music, twice a month and be friends with all like minded persons. Sometimes however when organizing bigger programmes a few decisions that are taken are not to the liking of some of us. We will try not to repeat these things. However, criticism of anyone should not be resorted to in public and whatever is to be aired, should be done in the musical sessions. I do feel pained at what has been written about me and sometimes I feel that perhaps I am not the right person for leading the organization and that someone more capable, more hospitable and more receptable to all should be the Secretary.
With the fond hope that we will be a better organized group and that each and every member will enjoy all our activities to their fullest, I hope the organization will not suffer due to the abrupt remarks of some of us.
I will be out of station for three days from the 29th to 31st (I am going on a training) although am available on my mobile during the evenings. We had also planned for the next Musical Session on the 8th February 2009 and once the same is more concrete, I will send you information like always.
HERE IS WISHING EACH ONE OF YOU A VERY HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY.
Goodbye for now and happy Musical Time till then.
A S MURTY
SECRETARY
93912 67272
Sunday, January 25, 2009
sirisha
चिलमन बस हटते ही दोनों फिर एक हो जाना है
रौनक थी मेरे घर की, घर रोशन करेगी उनका
जो अभी तक यहाँ थी अब इसे अपने घर जाना है
मंगल हो इन दोनों का बंधन, सभी का आशीर्वाद हो इन्हे,
युगों युगों तक सिरिशा और प्रमोद की जोड़ी शास्वत रहे,
चिलमन के हटते ही वर और वधु बंध जाएँ पक्के डोर से,
आकांक्षाओं और सफल्तायों से इनकी झोली सदा भरी रहे
हटे
Thursday, January 15, 2009
MUSICAL KURUKSHETRA
Musical Kurukshetra at Hyderabad
The following write-up is by Santosh Kumar (one of the most ardent fans of Rafi Sahab ever) and only briefly edited by Mr. A.S. Murty with insertion of the list of songs and names of the Rajasthani folk dancers from Dhola Ri Dhani, and the photographs.
Well, I’m not trying to confuse the readers by using the word ‘Kurukshetra’. No! Neither it has anything to do with a war, nor is it any competition.
It’s all about the story of a “Rang-Bhoomi” not a “Ran-Bhoomi”!! It’s all about a musical exhibition of talent under the firmament made up of the “God’s blessings”. Again, to make things clear, I must tell you that the word “God” here doesn’t mean a religious figure. My statement points to an Indian God who has followers/disciples belonging to all religions. Yes! I’m talking about the “God of Singing”, the maestro “Sir Mohammad Rafi”! Hope I made my statement clear, so let’s move on..
I was talking about the “Rang-Bhoomi” which was arranged in the outskirts of Hyderabad, a place called “Dhola-Ri-Dhani”! Musical warriors and disciples set themselves towards the aforementioned destination, in their respective chariots.
- Chandar sir and Radha ma’m holding their divine weapons (Karaoke Cds/DVDs) stepped into their chariot named “Swift” and carried Santosh (me) along with them
- N.R.Padmanabhan sir boarded his chariot named “Maruti 800” and headed towards the destination. Satyendra and Yashwant joined him.
- Other musical warriors like Ramakrishna sir (with his nuclear weapon ‘Harmonica’), Padmanabhan couple, Subhrammanyam duo, the great commander in chief (A.S.Murty sir and his consort) and spectators headed towards the “Rang Bhoomi” in a Pushpak Viman otherwise known as “Bus” arranged by the management of Dhola-Ri-Dhani.
Assemblage at Dhola-Ri-Dhani
Chandar sir and his troupe were the first to reach the destination. They directly went towards the venue and started to test the auditorium and the weaponry (Sound boxes, sound system) and started fine-tuning them when we, the youngsters - Satyendra, Yashwant and Elias - stepped inside the open air auditorium. Soon everybody dispersed to have a survey of that beautiful place. That was around 3:30 PM. Soon other members arrived at the venue.
Soon decoration of our God’s idol, (read “Rafi Saab”) begun, and few people started to make necessary arrangements on stage. Meanwhile everyone was waiting with bated breath for one more army, the “orchestra troupe”.
I want to mention one important thing here; which is, despite the existence of security checks at the main gate, none of us were scrutinized. One single word, “Rafi”, worked wonders, and made a smile run across the faces of the security personnel. “Rafi Saab”, this word could do such a magic, I never knew that!
( the garlanded photograph of Rafi Sahab )
the birthday of a Shahanshah (Rafi Sahab) being celebrated by cutting of the cake.
“Birds of a feather tend to flock together!!”
This section header seems weird isn’t it? We’re discussing about a musical event and we’re not supposed to divert the topic to discuss/learn English idioms, phrases and proverbs!! Hold on a minute!
It’s very much sync with the current narration and no way deviates us away!
Well, we’ve been hearing this proverb for ages, but on 25th Dec’08 I could see it practically! When all of us were hanging around the stage doing something or the other, two ladies, out of whom Mrs Sumitra Shastry, was a septuagenarian, the mother of Bhanumati ji (name of the lady accompanying her), entered the venue. The elderly lady was not even able to walk properly. They were just gazing around at the strangers when Murty sir went forward and talked with them. Bhanumati ji was holding a cutting of a news paper in her hand.
It was a very pleasant awe mingled surprise for everyone when we heard the following words from the mouth of Bhanumati ji, who is a teacher in Kendriya Vidyalaya. She said, “Hum logone is programme ke bare mein ek newspaper mein padha aur yahan chale aaye. Hum log Rafi Saab ke bahut bade chahne waale hain, hum log to bachpan se unke hi gaane sunkar bade hue hain! Humare ghar mein unke hi gaane sune jaate hain aaj bhi”
Those sweet words filled everyone with utmost happiness as like as the sweet sound of cukoo ripens mangoes.
They were humbly welcomed inside by Murty ji and they were asked to be seated and enjoy the programme.
Meanwhile Orchestra troupe made their entry and they started fixing up their systems.
Mortal Combat Begins
Again there isn’t any combat among the musical warriors. All were set to combat today’s noise polluted environment by releasing their divine weapons in the air, which were designed by our god, Rafi saab long back. Each weapon released, made uncanny positive effects on the audience and the foreign crown present near the vicinity started getting mesmerized, and got themselves gravitated and pulled towards the Rang-Bhoomi under a divine trance of Rafi saab’s weapons (read Songs).
The first Rafi-enthusiast to exhibit his devotion towards our God was Yashwant who took the stage by storm when he rendered a beautiful, soulful and divine Bhajan of Rafi Saab - Duniya Na Bhaye Mohe Ab To Bula Le” from the film Basant Bahar .
THE FULL CACHE OF WEAPONERY
1. Duniya Na Bhaye Mohe _ Basant Bahar YASHWANT
2. Dil Mein Chhupa Ke Pyar Ka – AAN - Subramanyam
3. Jaiye aap kahan jaayenge - MERE SANAM - Mrs Radha Chandar
4. O Duniya ke rakhawale – BAIJU BAWRA – Sheikh Elias
5. Maine Rakha Hai Muhobbat – SHABNAM – Santosh
6. Mujhe Kitna Pyar Hai Tumse – DIL TERA DIWANA – ASM & VIJAYA
7. Tere Bin Soone Nayan Hamare – Meri Soorat Teri Ankhen – N R P
8. Pukarta Chala Hun Mein - S Chandar
9. Likhke jo Khat Tumhe - R Padmanabhan
10. Hum Ko Man Ki Shakti Dena (Guddi) - Mrs Meenakshi Padmanabhan
11. Parda Hai Parda Hai – AMAR AKBAR ANTHONY - Yashwant
12. Badan Pe Sitare Lapete Huye – PRINCE - Satyendra
13. Choudvin Ka Chand Ho - Chaudvin Ka Chand – Subramanyam
14. Tumhi Mere Mandir – KHANDAN – Vijaya
15. Ude Jab Jab Zulfe Teri – NAYA DAUR – S Chandar & Mrs Radha
16. Jaane Walon Zara – DOSTI - Harmonica recital by Ramakrishna
17. KOI SAGAR DIL KO BEHLATA NAHIN (D D D L) - N R P
18. Rang Aur Noor Ki Baarat - GHAZAL - Sheikh Elias
19. Jaane Wale Zara Hoshiyar – RAJKUMAR – A S Murty
20. Ik Na Ik Din Yeh Kahani – GORA AUR KALA - Santosh
21. John Jani Janardhan – NASEEB - Sheikh Elias
22. Huyen Hai Hampe Ashiq Hum – MERE SANAM – Harmonica – S R K
23. Yeh Parbaton Ke Dayre – VAASNA – R Padmanabhan & Mrs Meenakshi
24. Ankhon Se Jo Utari Hai Dil Mein – P W D L H – Mrs Radha Chandar
25. Hum Intezar Karenge – BAHU BEGUM - S Raghavendra Rao
26. Aajkal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche – BRAHMCHARI – S Chandar & Mrs Radha Chandar
27. Yesh Desh Hai Veer Jawano Ka – NAYA DAUR - ASMurty, Yashwant,S Chandar & Shaikh Elias
28. Bole Re Papihara – GUDDI – Mrs Radha Chandar
29. Chhup Gaye Sare Nazare – DO RAASTE – Ms. Sheela & Krishnamurthy
30. Dance by NARSING (a dwarf dancer of Dhola Ri Dhani) on the song HUM KALE HAIN TO KYA HUYE DILWALE HAIN. He was accompanied by Naresh (dressed up as a lady) for this wonderful dance item.
Excellent rendition by our members was interspersed with compering by A S Murtyji. He has abundance of ammunition under his belt, what with innumerous sher-o-shayari to describe almost every song.
Within no time, entire auditorium was almost filled with spectators. It would be surprising to note that the no. of external visitors was greater than the members of this event. That was again mostly due to the trademark associated with the event, “Mohammad Rafi”!!
It was around 10 in the evening when the musical talent exhibition culminated. But that wasn’t the end, there were two guest warriors who proved to be above all of us by releasing nuclear weapons mesmerizing all of us. They were Dhola-re-Dhani staff viz.,
- Naresh, who dressed like a girl and danced fabulously. She (read He) was accompanied by a little artiste, a dwarf -NARSING . They danced on a famous Rafi number, “Hum kale hain to kya hua dilwale hain”
- Next was the turn of another hero - Bhati. He exhibited his superb skills of physics. He was a master of Newtonian mechanics. He danced with 2 cycle wheels in his hand and circled them on various parts of his body; with such an ease and expertise, that had there been Newton in the vicinity, he would have been taken aback at that spectacular act of balancing object movements
Sunday, January 11, 2009
PADHARO SA
PADHARO SA
(ARTICLE AS PUBLISHED ON www.mohdrafi.com)
(traditional welcome address in Rajasthani)
Article by A S Murty, Rafi Foundation, Hyderabad Chapter
PADHARO SA
A S Murty as the Anchor of the programme informing the assembled music lovers of the activities of the Rafi Foundation, Hyderabad Chapter and elsewhere
Thus when the management of Dhola-Ri-Dhani, a Rajasthani fun-n-frolic resort on the outskirts of Hyderabad invited the Rafi Foundation, Hyderabad Chapter to hold a musical show in their exquisite and sprawling resort, we jumped at the offer without even as blinking an eyelid. We were provided with transport from a central point in Hyderabad, an exclusive open-air theatre, sound system and mikes, etc. The arrangement for the Birthday Cake cutting was impeccable again. The banner of Rafi Foundation, Hyderabad Chapter was placed prominently on the stage by the staff of Dhola-Ri-Dhani. Dinner was served to all our members at the end of the show. Advertisements were placed in prominent dailies by the Dhola-Ri-Dhani for general public to take notice of our programme.
Banner of the Rafi Foundation welcoming all the music lovers to the show
We reached the picturesque location at around 4.00 p.m. and a good half hour was devoted for arranging the stage, sound system, banner, etc before the start of our actual programme. After garlanding the photograph of Rafi Sahab, we had to celebrate the 84th Birth Anniversary of Rafi Sahab by cutting of the cake.
Mrs Sumitra Shastry, one of the visitors and an ardent Rafi-fan was invited to ‘cut’ the Birthday cake. Cheering her are Chandar, Ramakrishna, Subramanyam, A S Murty, Raghavendra Rao and Mrs Meenakshi
The Birthday Cake
The first of the visitors who had seen the advertisement in an English daily of Hyderabad were two ladies with the newspaper in their hands. The septuagenarian lady and her daughter, it was learnt later, were fans of Rafi Sahab for all of their life. They had traveled quite a distance to reach Dhola-Ri-Dhani to enjoy the celebration of Rafi Sahab’s Birthday and enjoy his songs. We invited this elderly lady to cut the cake on behalf of Rafi Foundation. Once this got over, the singing of songs were taken up by our members. Soon more music lovers still enjoying the lovely locates within Dhola-Ri-Dhani outside the open-air theatre started spilling in. These are the days of intense security checks at all public places and Dhola-Ri-Dhani enforces them like any other event holder. However, words like “Rafi” or “Rafi Programme” or “Rafi Foundation” had a mystical and magical effect on the security staff and they permitted everyone inside if they had anything to say on Rafi Sahab. All visitors to Dhola-Ri-Dhani are given traditional welcome at the entrance in typical Rajasthani style. There are these Rajasthani folk artistes too to join us in our entertainment programmes.
Traditional Rajasthani dhol being sounded while the Birthday Cake was being cut
Our programme started with the famous “Duniya Na Bhaye Mohe Ab To Bula Le” from Basant Bahar and the impact of this songs reverberating the surroundings saw many visitors (holiday enjoyers) rushing towards our venue - Jhumar Ghumar (the name of the Open Air Auditorium). Soon members of Rafi Foundation, Hyderabad Chapter, belted out scores of songs in all classes - solos, duets, quawwalis, bhajans, romantic moods, etc. The two ladies sat through the entire four hours, relishing the sweetness of Rafi Sahab’s songs to their heart’s content. Braving the somewhat cold conditions at the Open Air Auditorium, these ladies declared that they will join Rafi Foundation and be our regular members. Our members presented close to 30 songs to the enjoyment of all. The small orchestra band accompanying us too gave a professional helping. The last song - Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawanon Ka from Naya Daur was rendered by a group of our singers and all the members and visitors came upto the stage to dance and cheer and clap to the beats of this rustic but very patriotic fervor song. This was sung as a tribute to the motherland’s martyrs who have defended our country against all evil forces from time immemorial.
Members of Rafi Foundation, Hyderabad Chapter, enjoying the programme on the steps of Ghumar Jhumar at Dhola-Ri-Dhani
Traditional Rajasthani delicacies were served in a sumptuous dinner to all our members and transport provided for us to reach Hyderabad late in the night. The success of the programme could not have come on a better occasion than the 84th Birth Anniversary of Rafi Sahab and we felt very elated. It was as though Rafi Sahab himself was welcoming all the music lovers of Hyderabad in typical Rajasthani style - PADHARO SA.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
MUSICAL SESSION-I JAN 2009
I had informed to you all that our first Musical Session of 2009 would be held on Jan 4, 2009 at our regular venue - SMR Empire Complex and we did assemble today to greet one another a very Happy New Year and also to enjoy a few hours by way of singing. This Musical Session today was also close on the heels of our recently held programme at Dhola-Ri-Dhani and members were very interested to have the Musical Session as soon as possible. They were also very eager to see the DVDs of the programme of 25th Dec 2008.
Some of our members could not attend today due to various reasons. Yashwant was busy and Satyendra informed us that he would be unable to attend. Srinivas Joshi was to have come but perhaps was held up in some other work and he too could not come. Nitin Dhepe and Mrs Nirmala Dhepe checked up my message only today evening and rang me up when we had wound up our Musical Session for the day. Some mis-communication this time, else they would be the first to check their mails and respond. Raghavendra Rao too has not telephoned this time and tomorrow I will check up from if he has seen his mails recently or not. As informed to you all, my computer was down for nearly three days and I was also attending a training programme and had to switch off my mobile during the day. Hence I too could not telephone to most of our members, other than having sent them NEW YEAR greetings on Jan 1, 2009.
Otherwise, all our regular members attended once again today and we had some guests too. Members would recall Mrs Sumitra Shastry and Ms. Bhanumati Shastry who had attended our programme at Dhola-Ri-Dhani on the 25th Dec 2008 after spotting the advertisement of the same. They had then promised that they will attend our Musical Session and as they do not have access to internet, I had telephoned to Ms Bhanumati Shastry twice and confirmed their participation. They came at prompt 3.00 p.m. Also through the good offices of Subramanyam, we had a newer guest - Brig. (Retd.) G Jai Kumar who is himself an avid music lover.
Members present today :
1. A S Murty
2. D Subramanyam
3. Mrs Sethu
4. N R Padmanabhan
5. R Padmanabhan
6. Mrs Prema Panniker
7. S Chandar
8. Mrs Radha Chandar
9. Mrs Sumitra Shastry
10. Ms Bhanumati Shastry
11. Santosh Kumar
12. Satyendra
13. Shaikh Elias
14. Brig. Jai Kumar
15. S Ramakrishna
After only briefly discussing our programme of 25th Dec 2008 and collection of the monthly subscriptions etc by Chandar, we began our musical session. The opening Bhajan song was rendered by S Ramakrishna - Sukh Ke Sab Saathi (from the film Gopi). Forty three more songs followed today and the full list is as under :
2. Subramanyam - Man Re Tu Kahe Na Dheer Dhare (Chitralekha)
3. Subramanyam - Aaja Ke Bulate Hain Tujhe Ashq Hamare (Pathan)
4. N R Padmanabhan - Aapne Yaad Dilaya Toh mujhe yaad aaya (Aarti)
5. N R Padmanabhan - Yaad Na Jaaye - Dil Ek Mandir
6. Mrs Radha Chandar - Saraswati Dayaniti (Devotional Song - Tamil)
7. Mrs Prema Pannikar - O Basanti Pavan Paagal (Jis Desh Mein Ganga...)
8. S Chandar - Kal Ki Daulat Aaj ki khushiyan (Asli Naqli)
9. S Chandar - Musafir Hun Yaaron (Parichay)
10.A S Murty - Ishq Ki Garmiye - (Ghazal)
11.A S Murty - Ab Kya Misal Dun (Aarti)
12. Mrs Sethu - Lagja Gale se phir yeh (Woh Kaun Thi)
13. Subramanyam & Mrs Sethu - Yaad Kiya Dil Ne Kahan Ho Tum (Patita)
14. Mrs Sethu - Aapki Nazaron ne samajha (Anpadh)
15. R Padmanabhan - Zamane Mein Maare (Baharon Ke Sapne)$$
16.R Padmanabhan - Kaliyon Ne Ghunghat Khole
17. Satyendra - Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar Ke Dil Abhi Bhara Nahin
18. Satyendra - Aaja Ke Intezar Mein (Halaku)
19. Satyendra - Wadiyan Mera Daman (Abhilasha)$$
20.Santosh Kumar - Mein Gaaon Tum So Jaao - (Brahmachari)
21.Santosh Kumar - Mere Dushman tu meri - (Aaya Sawan Jhum Ke)
22.Santosh Kumar - Hum Tumse Juda Hoke (Ek Sapera Ek Lutera)
23.Brig Jai Kumar - Ik Haseen Shaam Ko
24. Brig Jai Kumar - Chhu Lene Do Nazuk Hoton Ko (Kajal)
25.Shaikh Elias - Tujhe Kya Sunaun Mein Dilruba (Aakhri Daav)
26.Subramanyam - Mein Paagal Mera Manwa Pagal (Ashiana)
27. Subramanyam - Jalte Hain Jiske Liye (Sujata)##
28.Subramanyam - Jaane Kahan Gaye Woh Din (Mera Naam Joker)
29.Subramanyam - Hai Apna Dil Toh Awara (On mouthorgan)
30.Mrs Prema Pannikar - Devotional song in Malayalam
31.Mrs Prema Pannikar - Sayonara, Sayonara (Love In Tokyo)
32.Mrs Radha Chandar - Gaja Vadana Beduve (Devotional song - Kannada)
33.Mrs Radha Chandar - Kahe Tarsaye Jiyara (Chitralekha)^^
34.N R Padmanabhan - Huyi Shaam Unka Khayal (Mere Humdum Mere Dost)
35.S Chandar & Mrs Radha Chandar - O Mere Sona Re (Teesri Manzil)
36.S Chandar & Mrs Radha Chandar - Chura Liya Hai Humne(Yaadon Ki Baraat)
37.S Chandar - Hame Tumse Pyar Kitna ( Kudrat )
38.A S Murty - Bhari Duniya Mein Akhir Dil ( Do Badan )
39.A S Murty - Zara Sun Haseena Aye Nazneen (Kaun Apna Aur Kaun Paraya)
40.R Padmanabhan - Dekha Hai Sabhi Ne Chaand - (Dil Ne Pukara)
41.R Padmanabhan - Rangat Teri Soorat Ki (Tumse Achha Kaun Hai)
42.Sheikh Elias - Dard-e-dil (Karz)
43.Satyendra - Mujhe Ishq Hai Tujhi se (Umeed)
44. Santosh Kumar - Telugu song by Rafi Sahab from the film Aaradhana -
O Priyatama (the Hindi version of this song is from
the film Geet - Mere Mitwa Mere Meet Re)
Now you would be wondering what the specific emotics for some of the songs above are:
$$:: Today was the death anniversary of R D Burman and R Padmanabhan informed us about this. This was the reason for him to sing this composition by the great music director and the song was by Rafi Sahab. Satyendra too sang the song with the same emotica as a tribute to R D Burmanda.
## : This emotica is for a song on special request. The request was from Ms Bhanumati Shastry for Subramanyam to sing this particular song.
^^ : Today Mrs Radha Chandar had rendered only two devotional songs until this song. On enquiring about it, she and Chandar informed us that just for deviation from the regular song she had thought it best to sing these classic devotional songs. But realising our quest for a film song, Chandar asked Mrs Radha to sing this particular song - Kahe Tarsaye which binds them in an eternal union for ever.
Soon we glanced through the DVD on the laptop that Chandar had brought along, but only briefly as it was also getting late. After distributing the DVDs to some, we all wound up the days proceedings.
Earlier, we had all discussed about our next get together by way of a picnic and after finalising some of the matters it was decided to have a picnic for all our members and their families on 25th January 2009. The exact venue, timings and all other details will be worked out shortly and also informed to all our members. However, it was decided that we shall all bring along some food by ourselves.
Mrs Sumitra Shastry and Ms Bhanumati Shastry assured us that they enjoyed the musical session a lot and that they would certainly be with us from our next musical session onwards also. Brig Jai Kumar also enjoyed the programme and promptly gave his contact numbers and email id and the same is now in the mailing list too.
Friends, we had envisaged that our group should be a very focussed one, a very pro-active one and that it should rank as one of the best organized musical groups in the twin-cities. I have seen quite a number of such musical groups but have realized now that ours is indeed a very unique and healthy organization, where we all enjoy to meet one another and spend some musical time together. RAFI FOUNDATION could not have asked for a better membership.
Every once a while, some of our members will keep sending you all positive and thought provoking emails, like in the recent past some of our members have been very active doing that. We appreciate this very much and would like more and more of our members participate in inter-active communication with one another.
We will keep you all posted with the arrangements with regard to the proposed picnic, but do keep in touch through mobiles and emails, with whatever news that we all can share.
Until next time then, here is goodbye.
A S MURTY
SECRETARY 93912 67272