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देश के लाखों
> जवानों की तमन्ना है
> रफी,
> ज़ख्म-इ-दिल
> के लिए ख्वाबों का
> मसीहा है रफी,
> इसके नगमों
> ने जगाये हैं हजारों
> जज़्बात,
>
> सिर्फ नगमा
> नहीं, नग्मात की दुनिया
> है रफी,
> इसके गीतों
> के है दीवाने ज़माने
> में सभी,
> जितने
> फनकार हैं इन सबमे में
> अनोखा है रफी,
>
> मैंने पूछा
> के कलाकार हमारा है
> कहाँ,
> इसके नगमों
> ने कहा "आज भी जिंदा
> हैं रफी".

RAFI HOLIDAY

तेरी आवाज़ की जादूगरी से, ना जाने किस जहाँ में खो गया हूँ।

By A S MURTY, Secretary,

RAFI FOUNDATION, HYDERABAD CHAPTER

PROLOGUE :
Rafi Foundation, Hyderabad Chapter conducts musical sessions for its members twice a month – on two Sundays for four hours on each occasion. Our members sing songs of Rafi Sahab as also of other legends like Manna De, Talat Mahmood, Kishore Kumar, Mukesh, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle and Geeta Dutt. Invariably these sessions tend to bring out the best among our singers while some of the forgotten tracks occasionally get heard. This has been going on uninterrupted for the last three years now and sometime in July this year, we had thought of making such musical get-togethers with Rafi bhakts from other centres to join us. Instant response from all our members gave us the idea to talk to our friends in Chennai and Bangalore and spend two days in the company of all the known Rafi Bhakts at one central place – calling the meet as RAFI HOLIDAY. Just as we had been setting our own house in order in Hyderabad, some sort of telepathy (or is it Rafi-pathy ??) developed between us and our friends in Bangalore when B G Raj of Baar Baar Rafi Fan Club, invited us to go over to Bangalore and that they would be too glad to host us. We then contacted our other friends of Rafi Foundation Chennai Chapter in Chennai and both Jagat Tarkas and K S Ramachandran (Chandan to most of us) applauded us for this unique idea and readily agreed to be with us. They assured that some more of their members would join us too and that we should now chalk out the detailed plans for the same. We decided that the month of November would give all of us sufficient time to prepare ourselves, book our rail/road/air reservations and also our accomodation arrangements. The uniqueness of the program was that all those travelling to Bangalore from outside will make their own travel and lodging arrangements, so that these should not consume the time and energy of our Bangalore friends. It would make their task that much more easier and would allow their resources to be utilized fully for the actual event – like booking of a suitable venue, arrangements for TV/Sound System/Music Systems, Mikes/Lunch and Tea/Snacks, etc.

ज़िन्दगी कभी ख्वाब है तो कभी सच्चाई। दो पहलु जो किसी मोड़ पर एक दूसरे के आमने सामने आ जाते हैं और ऐसी सूरत में ज़िन्दगी बेशुमार रंगीन और हसीन दिखने लगती है। हमने भी देखे हैं ऐसे हसीन और रंगीन ख्वाब जिन्हें सच्चाई में बदलते देर न लगी और देखते ही देखते कुछ हमारे सपने सच होने लगे। हैदराबाद में हमारी संसथान है Rafi Foundation और हर महीने के दो दिन हमारे सभी सदस्य चंद घंटे मिलजुल कर हिन्दी फ़िल्म जगत के वोह गीत गुनगुनाते है जो स्वर्ण युग से जुड़े हों – यानी की 1950 से लेकर 1980 के दशकों के। मशहूर गायक इस युग के रहे हैं मुकेशजी, मन्नाडे जी, तलत साहब, रफ़ी साहब, महेंद्र कपूरजी, लताजी, आशाजी, गीता दुत्त्जी वगैरह। हालाँकि हमारे इस छोटे से गुट का नाम रफ़ी साहब से जुड़ा है, फिर भी हम उन सभी कलाकारों का कद्र करते हैं जिन्होंने अनमोल गीतों से हमारी निजी ज़िन्दगी में लाखों उमंगें बिखेरी हैं, युगों से। कोई कलाकार किसी और कलाकार के मुकाबले का जरिया नही होता और हम ऐसी तुलनाओं से दूर ही रहे हैं। यह और बात है की रफ़ी साहब की अदायिगी और गायिकी ने हमारे दिलों को गहराई से टटोला है और हम रफ़ी साहब के गानों के दीवाने हैं। ज़्यादातर हम उनके गानों से प्रभावित हुए हैं और रफ़ी साहब हम सबके लिए वोह सूरज हैं जिनकी रौशनी में कभी कमी नही आती। इतना ही नही, इस रौशनी के आगे सभी की ऑंखें चका चौंध हो जाती हैं। अन्य शहरों में रफ़ी साहब के कई दीवानों से परिचित भी होते रहे और उन सभी से संपर्क भी करते रहे। पर इस सिलसिले को कुछ और आगे बढ़ाने की चाह दिल में लगातार चोट कर रही थी। क्या कर सकते हैं हम जिसके बलबूते पर रफ़ी साहब के दीवानों का किसी एक जगह पर मिलन हो और आपस में हम सुब एक दूसरे को और नज़दीक से जान सकें ? साल की शुरुआत में मेरी मुलाक़ात मनीष से हुयी जो बंगलोर के “बार बार रफ़ी फेन क्लब” के बेजोड़ सदस्य हैं। मैंने पाया की इनके विचारों और मेरे अपने विचारों में कोई दूरी नही, यहाँ तक की हम दोनों की सोच कई विषयों पर एकमत थी। मनीष भी एक ऐसा सम्मलन आयोजित करने की चाह रखते हैं जिसमे देश भर के रफ़ी भक्तों का समागम हो और कई विषयों पर चर्चा हो। और कई दोस्तों से इन्ही दिनों में हमने संपर्क बनाया और देखा की चाहे वोह चेन्नई से हों, या फिर बंगलोर से या हैदराबाद,दिल्ली, कोलकता, वगैरह। यकायक हमारे दिलो दिमाग में एक हसीन से ख्वाब ने जगह बनने की कोशिश की और फल स्वरुप, इसकी एक ऐसी तस्वीर उभर कर सामने आए जिसने ज़िक्र होते ही रंग जमा दिया। मैंने पहले तो हैदराबाद के रफ़ी भक्तों के सामने इसका उल्लेख किया और इन दोस्तों के उस्ताह पूर्वक प्रतिक्रियायों के बाद मैंने बार बार रफ़ी के द्वार पर दस्तक दी। मेरे अनुमान स्वरुप जिस जोश और हर्ष से इस प्रस्ताव का स्वागत किया गया, वर्णन कर पाना थोड़ा कठिन ही है। बेहेरहाल, बंगलोर के दोस्तों से संपर्क करने के उपरान्त हमने रुख किया चेन्नई की ओर जहाँ Rafi Foundation Chennai Chapter के भी रफ़ी भक्तों से हम खूब परिचित थे। निस्संदेह चेन्नई से भी हमें ज़ोरदार समर्थन मिला जिसने हमारे जोश को और बुलंदियों पर पहुँचा दिया। इन्ही दिनों, मेरे अजीज दोस्त – ज़रीफ़ अहमद ने भी मुझसे फ़ोन पर संपर्क किया और जैसे ही मैंने उन्हें भी इस कार्यक्रम का ब्यौरा दिया, उन्होंने भी तुरंत इसमे शरीक होने का ऐलान कर डाला। बस अब देर किस बात को ? हमने दिनों का कार्यक्रम निर्धारित किया और यह निश्चय किया की चेन्नई, हैदराबाद और दिल्ली के रफ़ी भक्त बंगलोर में एकत्र होकर वहां के रफ़ी भक्तो के साथ दो दिन बिताएंगे। उनकी इस यात्रा को नाम दिया गया – “रफ़ी यात्रा” और बंगलोर में इस जष्न का नाम रखा गया “RAFI HOLIDAY”. ख्वाब की ताबीर यह थी की इन दो दिनों में हम सभी इस जहाँ के बाकी सारे पहलुयों को भुला कर रफ़ी साहब के नगमों की मदहोशी में जा डूबें और इतना लुत्फ़ उठायें की हम अपने जीवन को और सार्थक बना सकें। आख़िर रफ़ी साहब की गायिकी और अदायिगी ही नही बलके उनके सरल स्वाभाव और स्नेह भरी मुस्कान ने भी तो हमको लुभाया है और मार्ग दर्शन दिया है।

Much before we set foot on Bangalore for this great event, came this savvy comment from Bina : “I must say that your amazing enthusiasm is very infectious. It is true we all belong to a universal group now, being as we are, a crazy bunch of fans of Rafi Saab”.

14TH NOVEMBER – BIRTH OF “RAFI HOLIDAY” :

It is just coincidence and no other relevance that the Children’s day was chosen to be the day when RAFI HOLIDAY would be born। The dates were discussed among the Rafi Bhakts of Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore almost three months before. Rafi Bhakts from outside Bangalore would have to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements. BAAR BAAR RAFI FAN CLUB, Bangalore (BBR) agreed to book the venue for our meet, arrange for tea/snacks and lunch and other infrastructure. We decided that we will spend the day by playing an Antakshri of Rafi Sahab’s songs, participate in a brain teasing Quiz on songs related to Rafi Sahab and also showcase our individual singing talents. Organizing these were entrusted to some very talented and very creative members of the BBR. We arrived in Bangalore on the morning of 14th November 2009 and BBR was at the Railway station to welcome us. Manish and Ashok came early in the morning with roses for each of us and plenty of warmth and guided us to our respective hotels before rushing off to the venue where they had arrangements to attend to. On dot of 10.00 a.m. we all started assembling at the Indian Institute of World Culture and after the initial greetings to one another, we went through the introduction session for the next half hour. In recent times hi-tech methods have been put to good use by BBR for Antakshri and what best then could we all ask for other than an absorbing and scintillating 45 minutes of non stop Antakshri of Rafi Sahab’s songs (audio clips of preludes, interludes, mukhadas, antaras, et el) all compiled by the ever charming Asha who was assisted by Manish. Eight or nine teams that took part in various rounds had a very entertaining session as eliminations after each round made them play it in a competitive spirit. Each of the teams had Rafi fans from Hyderabad/Bangalore/Chennai equally spread over, so that at the end it would could not be said that Bangalore won or Hyderabad won. Winning was not in anyone’s mind and it was the spontaneous participation by the ‘diggaj’ fans made the Antakshri very lively. More than the prizes to the winners, Asha and Manish seemed to take all the honours for such a wonderful presentation of a fun filled Antakshri. A perfect start to the RAFI HOLIDAY was what almost everyone seemed to remark.

Giving final touches are Asha,Manish & Ashok

Manish explaining rules of Antakshri to participants

And THIS IS THE SONG, says Bina while Sreesha & Shanti seem to agree

Next we had a very tough but once again an indepth Quiz prepared specifically by the storehouse of knowledge – Vinatha – and conducted this time by yet another charmer from BBR – Bina (many would know her from her various articles posted on websites in recent times). And here again, two more stalwarts of BBR – Manish and Mukund – so ably assisted her that it looked as though conduct of such programmes comes so vary naturally to them. So much co-ordination between the three made the three big teams (now we did have the Bangalore Team, Hyderabad Team and the Chennai/Delhi Team) compete, clue for clue, with all the knowledge and the knack of remembering at their command. Edge of the seat excitement was to follow as the each of the teams had some known stalwarts and some new finds. It was neck to neck for most of the rounds before Hyderabad and Bangalore were locked in a gruelling one upmanship in scoring all the right answers. Some of the questions were very tough for most of us, but not for the likes of Gurumurthy, Krishnamurthy/Narayanan on one side and Sanjay/Padmanabhan/Satyendra on the other. A see-saw battle for supremacy ensued to culminate in one last burst of round. Satyendra was the real find of the day here and bereft of being bodily lifted, I am sure he will remain in the hearts of everyone who was in the auditorium on that day. Still in his 20s, this young lad is a powerhouse of knowledge, taste and passion for Rafi Sahab’s songs.

Lunch time was quickly taken as we still had to see the singing talents of all our friends and some of them have been rated in music circles as some of the best Rafi-exponents. Manish took the mantle of a perfect host, managing to squeeze in almost all those who had desired to sing. Lack of enough time prevented him from offering the mike to some of the singers who had prepared for more songs, but that is not only understandable, it was also at the cost of Manish’s own songs. We have all known how good a singer he is, but his modesty and call of duty perhaps prevented him from taking to singing, despite our requests. He accommodated each and everyone who had wanted to sing on that and we got some of the best renditions possible from Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore. The highlight of the singing session was an exceptional man – Krishnamurthy.

No better dancer than him.

Now, Krishnamurthy deserves a special mention as he not only performs a perfect tango, but entertains everyone. He is such a cute that he can add lustre to any mehfil. And Snigdha could not have said no to him when she too joined him to present to us all a perfect (it takes two to tango in any case) vibrating and foot tapping dance. Great sight to watch such lively and forthcoming attitude from KM and Snigdha – HIP HIP HURRAY.

the dancing duo – Wow, what a sight

Jagat Tarkas too deserves a special mention among the Rafi Bhakts. From Chennai came this ‘whistling wizard” who plays the songs of Rafi Sahab to such fine perfection by whistling that one is struck in awe. This is a real class art. Whistling can be a tough proposition and would not come easy for all. It takes months of training and regular ‘riyaz’ (traits associated with Rafi Sahab again). It requires a lot of will power (lung power ?). Thanks Jagatbhai for your presentations. Then one more name required special attention – not just for his singing abilities, but much more than that. He is an adept sketcher and had started sketching Rafi Sahab on his canvass some months ago when we had asked him to send a soft copy which we can download and get laminated. We were dumbstuck when he presented not one, but three full size portraits of his immaculate work to Chennai/Bangalore and Hyderabad friends (all of 6′ x 6′). That is Hemanth Sharma from Bangalore. Generally it is believed that if one is good in one form of art, he would be good in most others too. But this young lad (again in his 20s maybe) is a perfectionist. Kudos, young man. Rafi Sahab is really proud to have fans of your ilk.

We missed out seeing the documentary of Rafi Sahab, as there simply was no more available time. We had to cut down on some of the songs of our singers too for this very reason. Nevertheless, the moment was celebrated also for the birth of the RAFI HOLIDAY on 14th November by cutting of a large cake, specially ordered, by Rafi Fans from Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Delhi. The evening was rung off by singing in rattling unison by everyone the BBR signature tune – BAAR BAAR DEKHO HAZAAR BAAR DEKHO YEH DEKHNE KI CHEEZ HAI HAMARA DILRUBA. We bid goodbye to all our friends around 7.30 p.m. with a promise to meet once every year for the RAFI HOLIDAY and to take this mega event to various other cities in the country.

15TH NOVEMBER 2009

As some more of our friends were in Bangalore whom we could not meet on the 14th, Hyderabad friends alongwith Zareef Ahmed from Delhi, Shailaja, and Srinivas Iyer (from Chennai but now in Bangalore) all met with these friends at the palatial flat of Anoop Kulkarni the next day. Again 10.00 was the appointed hour and most reach around that time. We were greeted by Ramesh and Padma Kurpad, Ravishankar, Anoop, his wife and CIYA (what a lovely baby – she soon became the darling of Sivaram, Elias and Satyendra) and other friends.

RAFI BHAKTS ENJOYING THE SESSION AT ANOOP’S HOUSE

Initial introductions were quickly gone through and we started the singing session in right earnest. Ravishankar opened the session with a devotional song on Lord Vinayaka, invoking the blessings of the almighty for the success of the continuing RAFI HOLIDAY. Turn by turn, then all of us took to singing with the MAGIC SING, Karaoke Tunes on CDs and now from meragana.com too. Sumptuous lunch and all the arrangements by Anoop and other friends left nothing to chance. Almost everything that we had needed was there. Then came the biggest shower of camaraderie from Suman. Each of those present were gifted with a set of 7 CDs of Rafi Sahab’s songs.

painstakingly prepared, Sumanbhai gifts set of 7 CDs of Rafi Sahab songs to each. What a tremendous effort.

What a painstaking effort Sumanbhai, listening to these songs will last a life time. Continuous singing gave all a good chance to present all their songs in abundance as on this day we dispensed with Antakshri and Quiz. No speeches were made and every one had only one thought, to sing and listen to the golden songs of Rafi Sahab. That Rafi Sahab can be such a binding thread was the silent feel each of us got.

Some of our friends in Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai were left on a very high note after this unique experience and some quipped as under :

M V Devraj : The Rafi Holiday programme was indeed a great event. It was a
pleasure and a privilege and I feel honoured to have met all the Rafi
bhakths from Hyderabad,Chennai and Delhi.November 14,2009 will remain in
memory for ever

A S MURTY : Wah Wah Wah Bina, kya baat hai. 14 November ke is jashn ko to hum waise bhi na bhula paate, aur ab aapka likha padhne ke baad is jashn ki rounak aur bhi badh gayi hai. Aap sabhi ka tahe dil se shukriya
ki hamari zindagi ka ek din aapne itna zyada khoobsoorat bana diya.

ALKA JAIN : We could meet lovely people from Hyderabad, Chennai,and Delhi.At the end of the day no one wanted to leave the venue though everybody was very tired. We knew that it was not an end but starting of a bigger group of
Rafi bhakts in various cities who will always look for oppurtunities
to meet each other.
Once again Hip Hip Hurray to ADABRAFI and RAFI HOLIDAY.

N R PADMANABHAN : The biggest takeaway from this Rafi Yatra has been that we have evolved as friends with direct interaction. So many perceptions have changed and so many angles have got added to our previous notions of people with whom we used to exchange mail with. It is surprising though that the perception in most cases is not at variance with the reality !!

ANANYA : I am proud to be a part of this talented
group……….and it was a real honour to have met in person Mr A S
Murthy, N R P, and all the members of Hyd, chennai and Delhi.

Wish Rafi Holiday is twice in a year Jai Ho BBR

SHANKAR DONGRE : Hello Bina,, Aap ka tho jawab nahi. you rocked the show. your presentation was excellent. we got introduced to all Rafi club members of Hyderabad, Chennai
& Delhi. *Thanks to the organisers of Rafi Holiday*. I am eagerly waiting
for next Rafi Holiday.

MV KRISHNAN (from a distant Mumbai) : It is our bad
luck to have missed such a wonderful opportunity to meet up with Rafi bhakts
from Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and of course the fulcrum of this
group-Bangalore. The way NRP and Murty have described the occasion, it was
indeed a Grand Success.

HV GURUMURTHY : Yes, it was a grand and as they say now very
often, ‘hatke’ evening, when Rafi Bhakts from Hyderabad, Chennai and Delhi
joined the Bangalore Bhakts and throughout the day were singing ‘gun-gaans’
of Rafi Saab. It was a SANGAM of Moosi, Coovam (I mean the river), Yamuna
and Cauvery. Our politicians are still talking about interlinking rivers,
but we Rafi Bhakts have already symbolically done that.

Others to send their comments were BG Raj, Ashok Dalmiya, Jagat Tarkas, Ravishankar, Satyendra, K S Ramachandran (aka Chandan), Suman Gupta, Achal Rangaswamy, Srinivas Iyer, etc. P Narayanan, the affable Rafi Bhakt known throughout the length and breadth of the country remarked that perhaps this was the only instance of fans of any legend organized such a grand event, just to be in the company of one another. S Chandar too sent in his comments though with a suggestion that we must have more time for singing and we must also maintain silence and listen to the songs when others are singing. Too many programmes resulted in lesser time for singing on the 14^th Nov 09 and yes, being the first time, we did have sometimes some extra noises when songs were going on. Many more have sent in their comments, sweet and short ones though. We could not accommodate the names of all our friends who were part of the RAFI HOLIDAY on the 14^th & 15^th November 2009 as also the complete list of songs rendered on these two days for lack of space here. The article has already become too lengthy and inclusion of all names, however much that we would have liked to do, would have resulted in this narration overshooting the space generally accepted for a brief article. Bina and Ramesh Kurpad have already aired their small write ups on this mega event wherein most of the names have been covered already. Zareefbhai has posted many photographs on this website which depict the various moods that the RAFI HOLIDAY presented on both the days.

EPILOGUE :

The stupendous success of RAFI HOLIDAY leads us to believe that we can have such events year after year and at many more centres in the country. Rafi Fans in other cities who get to read these may be interested in organizing such events within their area, so why not start now ? In the coming years we will be visiting you and also inviting you to be with us all. The concept of RAFI HOLIDAY is simple. It will be a congress of all the Rafi Bhakts with the sole intention of enjoying their holiday sinking in the depth of the most melodious of songs of Rafi Sahab. No speeches, no official functions, no garlandings. All the Rafi Bhakts are born equal and will remain so. That will be the forebearing principle on which such an exercise will be undertaken.

== हम दिल का साज़ बजाते हैं, दुनिया के होश उड़ाते हैं, हम सात सुरों के सागर हैं, हर महफ़िल में लहराते हैं. ==

रफ़ी साहब की पेश की हुयी इन पंक्तियों से मेरी इस व्याख्यान को विराम दे रहा हूँ और आपसे यही विनती है की भूल चूक को माफ़ कर, आप सभी हमारा साथ दे ताकि आने वाले वर्षों में देशभर के सभी रफ़ी भक्त वोह कार्य कर दिखाएँ जो रफ़ी साहब जैसी ही बेमिसाल और लाजवाब हो.

RAFI HOLIDAY

ADAAB RAFI TO ALL !!!

सभी रफ़ी भक्तो को स्नेह भरा "आदाब रफ़ी"

The curtains have finally come down for this year's RAFI HOLIDAY and wow !! what a stupendous start. Doston, we had always knew that it was going to be a big hit with all you folks, but the huge success of the event, with such active participation from one and all could not have been forecast to the last detail. The event is an eye opener in more than one sense. Yes, we are not ready to hold such meets of Rafi Bhakts and with each passing year we can also make several more innovations. Nothing can hinder our path friends, for we have seen that we have the will and the ways are aplenty ahead of us. Some of us have already started giving our feedback on adaabrafi (the e group). I had asked Guruji to write an article on the day's proceedings on 14th Nov itself but after discussing the same with him and Narayananji, the buck has fallen back on my doorstep. I would write certainly and write extensively on this very unique programme and just as the celebration of Rafi Sahab was executed with so much fun, galore, gumption - the bonds of friendship between the Rafi Bhakts from Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Delhi were cemented with the choicest of songs of Rafi Sahab. This is too good an omen and the future will see more and more friends from other centres too join all of us in celebrating Rafi Sahab in our own unique style, year after year.

Doston, I would like you all to recount your experience of 14th/15th November 2009 and give your feedback. This will help me in shaping the two "hatke" articles for both www.mohdrafi.com and www.rafi.co.in (in the latter website, the write up will be in Hindi and English). Also, if BBR/Zareefbhai can send us the photos/videos (soft copies) we will be able to incorporate in the articles that I will be sending in a couple of days to both the websites. Also, BBR may please send me the list of participants from Bangalore (though I remember most names). I have readily the list of participants from Hyderabad, Delhi and Chennai.

Finally friends, I could not broach up three topics as we were really short of time and they are too important for me to leave for some other time. About one of them I did speak very briefly - that of creating a new website of Rafi Fans which has a combination of the existing ones to post articles, to debate, etc and also other websites like www.midomi.com (or www.esnips.com) where one can record songs in our own voice. In the new website, we would encourage all to sing and record songs of Rafi Sahab so that all such Rafi-centric budding singers can be found on a single platform. We can also incorporate the "e book" of all the songs of Rafi Sahab that I think should be made as fast as possible (just the listing of songs, the movie from which it is taken, the year of release, lyricist, md, co-singers and the characters on whom the song is picturised on, etc.). Just by a click of a button, one should be able to locate these details in the same website.

The other two topics are : (1) Creating of Rafi-email id by all Rafi Bhakts. Many of us do have such an email id but many more do not. All of us must have such a distinct email id - it gives us a shade better introduction. Those of us who do not have such a Rafi-email id can easily create one and use your existing email ids for other purposes than topics on Rafi Sahab. Do give this a serious thought and get back to us with your new Rafi-email id. You can also then create your signature with a line or two from your favourite song of Rafi Sahab.

(2) Caller tunes on mobiles (I would look like a salesman for mobile companies, but I am insistent friends). When I dial some of you and am greeted by a lovely song of Rafi Sahab, it makes my day. So also, whenever even those not connected with Rafi Sahab's songs call me or some of you and find a song of Rafi Sahab greeting them, they would like to hear it more and would not want us to answer the call immediately. Invariably, I am told by many that I do have a wonderful caller tune. Downloading a caller tune is now so much in vogue that just plain ring tone looks too outdated and if it happens to be a song of Rafi Sahab - then it is "sone me suhaga".

By the time RAFI HOLIDAY knocks at our doors the next year, let us have more and more Rafi-bhakts joining us in our area and also in other cities where we have known friends.

Do come back with your feedback/experience of the RAFI HOLIDAY just gone by at Bangalore, which was full of enthralment to all of us.

ADAABRAFI once again,

A S MURTY

MUSICAL SESSION - 27TH SEPT 2009

Adaab Rafi to all,

Friends, the moment I logged on to my emails after we returned from our Musical Session, I found a message from Nitin Dhepe and before I proceed to detail today's musical session, I quote below the relevant portion of his email conveying greetings to one and all on the eve of Dusshera : QUOTE

Dear Murthy,

I was in mumbai from 23rd and arrived at hyderabad in the afternoon today. I am seeing your mails just now. I am feeling bad to miss the musical session today especially the magic sing karaoke. Next time we will meet.

WISH YOU AND ALL OTHER MEMEBERS OF RAFI FOUNDATION HYDERABAD VERY HAPPY DASEHARRA.

UNQUOTE Normally, the Dhepe's always convey to us their participation or their absence for any reason and I was wondering why there was no message from them this time around. But then as we can see from the message of Nitin, he sent the message towards the afternoon by which time I was already on the move to go to Marredpally.

And now about today's musical session : As informed to all, Satyendra had earlier informed me and NR Padmanabhan his inability to attend the Musical Sessions owing to his preparations for forthing exams. Nalin Ranjan too sent me an SMS just before the start of our Musical programme expressing his inability to attend today due to some personal work. VBG Krishnamurthy had called me up this morning from Varanasi (I had sent him an SMS as he does not have email/internet facility) and as he is away from Hyderabad, he would not be attending. Other than these few friends, others who did not attend our Musical Session today may have had their own personal engagements, etc. but we did not get any information from them.
Today, a total strength of 12 members attended - a rather thin attendance for the second time this month - something which should be treated as an exception rather than as a rule. Despite not being well, Mrs Prema Pannicker not only arranged for the booking of our venue, but also arranged the music system well before N R Padmanabhan and I reached the venue around 3.00 p.m. She also sat for a good two hours listening to our songs (she did not sing herself today as she was having fever) and later decided to go to her flat and rest while we were still halfway to go.
Besides her, the following attended the Musical Session today : S Chandar and Mrs Radha Chandar, K Sivaram, Mrs Sivaram and Ms Shanti, Mrs Padmaja, N R Padmanabhan, A S Murty, R Padmanabhan, S K Elias, Sanjay Deshpande and Sachin Deshpande.

Though the attendance was too thin, the almost four hours that we all spent was on quality singing and enjoyment. Lot of fun is to be seen these days with everyone's active involvement, commentary and the pun and the fun. Today most of us sang with the help of KARAOKE which was hitherto the forte of the Chandars. We had tried singing on Karaoke earlier too but were never as comfortable as today. Some of the songs were also rendered without the Karaoke music. Forty songs were thus rendered in today's musical session. Some of us even rehearsed some of our songs that we intend presenting at Bangalore during the RAFI HOLIDAY. Incidentally, the topic "RAFI HOLIDAY" was discussed every now and then during the Musical Session. The full list of songs is as under :

1.Pukarta Chala Hun Mein (On Karaoke) - A S Murty
2. Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki (On Karaoke) - A S Murty
3.Mujhko Is Raat Ki Tanhai(On Karaoke) - R Padmanabhan
4.Mere Tute Huye Dil Se (On Karaoke) - R Padmanabhan
5.Radha Na Bole Na Bole Re - Mrs Padmaja
6. Yun Hasraton Ke Daag - Mrs Padmaja
7. Chanda O Chanda Kisne Churayi (On Karaoke) - S Chandar
8. Chanda O Chanda Kisne Churayi - female version(On Karaoke) - Mrs Radha Chandar
9.Mehbooba Mehbooba Banalyo Mujhe Dulha (On Karaoke)- S Chandar
10. Baharaon Phool Barsao - K Sivaram
11. Mile Na Phool To Kanton Se Dosti Karli - K Sivaram
12. Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho - S K Elias
13. Saaw Ho Tum Awaaz Hun Main - S K Elias
14. Ae Maalik Tere Bande Hum - Ms Shanti
15. Yeh Mere Dil Pyar Ka Diwana - Ms Shanti
16. Bhooli Huyi Yadon Mujhe Itna Na -(On Karaoke) - N R Padmanabhan
17. Mujhko Is Raat Ki Tanhai - (On Karaoke) - N R Padmanabhan
18.Rang Aur Noor Ki Baraat Kise Pesh Karun (On Karaoke)- A S Murty
19. Jhilmil Sitaron Ka Aangan Hoga (On Karaoke) - A S Murty
20. Kaun Aaya Ke Nigahon Me Kasak Jaag Uthi(On Karaoke) - Mrs Radha Chandar
21. Thoda Ruk Jayegi To Tera Kya Jayega (On Karaoke) - S Chandar
22. Main Dil Hun Ik Arman Bhara - R Padmanabhan
23. Mujhe Bhool Jaana (from the film Taqdeer) - R Padmanabhan
------as is his trade mark, RP always comes up with atleast one very rare song --
24. O Sajna Barka Bahar Aayee - Bengali version - Mrs Padmaja
25. He Raam Vishwas Hamare (Bhajan by Lata Mangeshkar) - Mrs Padmaja
26.Zindagi Ke Safar Mein Guzar Jaate Ho Jo Makaam - K Sivaram
27. Mera Jeevan Kora Kagaz - K Sivaram
28. Koi Jab Raah Na Paye (On Karaoke) - S Chandar
29. Shaadi Ke Liye Razamand Karli - A S Murty (on personal request of Sachin)
30. Mere Dost Kissa Yeh Kya Ho Gaya - S K Elias
31. O Duniya Ke Rakhwale - S K Elias
32. Piya Piya Na Lage Mora Jiya - (On Karaoke) - Mrs Radha Chandar
33. Nazar Woh Jo Dushman Pe Meherban Ho (On Karaoke) - S Chandar
34. Kya Hua Tera Wada - Ms Shanti
35. Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas - Ms Shanti
36. Ae Chand Zara Chhup Ja -(On Karaoke) -duet by S Chandar & Mrs Radha Chandar
37. Badi Der Bhayi Badi Der Bhayi - K Sivaram
38. Dil Khush Hai Aaj Unse - A S Murty
39. Saranga Teri Yaad Mein (On Karaoke) - N R Padmanabhan
40. Darpan Ko Dekha Tune Jab Jab Kiya Singar - R Padmanabhan

While we were in the midst of our Musical Session, our friend from Delhi - Zareef Ahmed - rang me up to enquire what were the final decisions with regard to the RAFI HOLIDAY to Bangalore. He also informed me that he will take a flight into Bangalore on the 14th Nov and be with all of us for two days. He will cover the entire proceedings in his digital camera, video cameras and also upload periodically on the two days the files on "youtube" where a folder by the name of RAFI FOUNDATION has already been created by him.

The final entourage that will proceed on RAFI HOLIDAY from Hyderabad will have lesser number than visualized earlier. Mrs Shubada Deshpande and Sachin have had to opt out and Raghavendra Rao has also not confirmed his participation. The others have all paid up for booking of the train tickets which should be done in the next four to five days. About 15 of us will therefore by taking the RAFI YATRA on the 13th November to spend the next two days of RAFI HOLIDAY with fans of Rafi Sahab and other Music lovers from Bangalore, Chennai and Delhi (hopefully from Mumbai too). We all intend to return to Hyderabad on 16th November as no one has any plans to overstay in Bangalore or proceed anywhere else from there.

I will be finalizing a host of other programme details in the coming days with members of the BBR and other friends in Bangalore. I will keep you all posted with all the details on a regular basis, so that we are all fully informed of all the activities.

Some of us have also agreed to assemble at the house of the Sivarams next Sunday (4th Oct 2009) for further practice of songs on Magic Sing and Karaoke. Anyone else interested to join us too are most welcome. We will inform separately about the timings for the coming Sunday.

Until we meet again through emails and at our Next Musical Session, here is wishing each one of you and your family a very HAPPY FESTIVE SEASON and in particular a very HAPPY DUSSEHRA.

A S MURTY

RAFI HOLIDAY

Adaab Rafi to all,

Now that the dates of 14th and 15th November 2009 are set aside for the RAFI HOLIDAY at Bangalore by all the Rafi-bhakts and Music Lovers of Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore, some of the arrangements are being now attended to.

We at Hyderabad will be booking our to/fro rail tickets by the end of this month. Our members will also be arranging for their respective stay at Bangalore. Members are also busy selecting and practicing their choicest of songs. Now, let us be clear on one thing. We have no restrictions on the type of songs and when on holiday, we will all sing our hearts out. Hence, songs of any singer from the Hindi films are most welcome and although we have phrased the RAFI HOLIDAY, it does not mean that one has to only pick on songs by Rafi Sahab.

I have talked in recent times to :

BG Raj,Ashok Dalmia, Narayanan, Manish Jagirdar, Mukund Pandurangi, Asha and Bina, the main activists of the Baar Baar Rafi Fan Club, Bangalore.

They are all eagerly awaiting our visit to Bangalore to be with them all to spend two days of musical sessions. We are also informed that booking of a suitable hall at Bangalore has already been looked into by Narayanan. Bina will co-anchor the programme with me on these two days. Asha-Vijay, ace Antakshri programmer will make our brains rantle with her preludes, interludes, clues, mukhadas, antaras etc etc. Our friends in Chennai - K S Ramachandran (Chandanbhai), Chandrakant Boske and Jagat Tarkas too are finalizing their presentations. Chandanbhai has been performing on the stage for several years now and sings amazingly very high pitched songs of Rafi Sahab, and at ease. Chandrakant Boske too sings very well all the fast numbers of Rafi Sahab. Jagat Tarkas can whistle his way into our hearts presenting the songs of Rafi Sahab with his near perfect whistling.

R Padmanabhan will put us all to test with his Quiz on Hindi Films and he is already preparing how best to make it most absorbing.

I had thought of conducting the Antakshri myself, but as Asha is around, I think she will do a much better job and I can participate too.

After our travel tickets are booked by the end of the month, we will then chalk out the fineries of the programme, polishing the same on a day to day basis.

Friends, we intend to make this RAFI HOLIDAY an annual event and would like to host the same next year at Hyderabad. Those who are joining us to this wonderfultrip to Bangalore, will have a unique experience. As of now, the following are confirmed participants in this musical journey (RAFI YATRA) to be part of the RAFI HOLIDAY :

1. N R Padmanabhan ( total 3 members)
2. A S Murty (2 members)
3. S Chandar (2 members)
4. R Padmanabhan (2 members)
5. Raghavendra Rao (2 members)
6. Sanjay Deshpande (3 members)
7.Satyendra (1 - self)
8. K Sivaram (3 members).
9. S K Elias (1 - self)

this makes 19 as of now. Three more from Chennai and two from New Delhi are also coming.
Added to these 24 music lovers from outside Bangalore, the BBR will put up a show of a minimum of 25 members from their side. Thus a motely of close to 50 music lovers will be gathering at Bangalore for two days to know one another and to sing their choicest of songs.

In case any one else from Hyderabad wishes to join us all, then the decision will have to be taken real fast. In any case, on the 27th Sept 2009 we would like to collect the amounts towards travel arrangements so that the final rail bookings can be accomplished by the end of this month. Having come thus far, we would not like to be stranded for want of rail reservations and hence the deadline of 27th Sept 2009.

We will keep you all posted of other developments on this subject from time to time.

Here is wishing you all a wonderful FESTIVAL SEASON ahead and Musical tidings always.

A S MURTY
SECRETARY
RAFI FOUNDATION HYDERABAD CHAPTER

RAFI HOLIDAY

RAFI FOUNDATION

HYDERABAD CHAPTER

Have faith in your dreams and someday your rainbow will come smiling through. No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true.

“Cinderella”

THE RAFI HOLIDAY – A DREAM TO BECOME A REALITY

The Rafi Foundation, Hyderabad Chapter takes a great pride in announcing the launch of the RAFI HOLIDAY during October/November 2009 by visiting Bangalore and spending two days in musical company with members of the Baar Baar Rafi Fan Club and other music lovers.

Some of our members will leave Hyderabad on a Friday during the above period to reach Bangalore on Saturday morning. We will make our own travel and accommodation arrangements and request our friends in Bangalore to arrange a suitable hall for all of us to be together for two full days. The programme on Saturday and Sunday will begin by about 10.00 a.m. after breakfast and we will have singing sessions, quizzes, antakshri, group singing etc for the entire day. Lunch will be from 1.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. and there will be tea breaks around 12.00 noon and 4.00 p.m. on both days. On Saturday, the programme will continue upto 6.00 p.m. and then our members can go for sight-seeing/visit their relatives or friends etc. On Sunday, we plan to return to Hyderabad by the evening train so that we reach Hyderabad on the morning of Monday. Hence on Sunday, the programme will be wound up by about 5.30 p.m. Those leaving from Hyderabad will travel together (RAFI YATRA) in the same train. On our return though, our members may choose to stay back in Bangalore or visit any other place and return to Hyderabad after an extended holiday.

We had announced this RAFI HOLIDAY by email earlier and also discussed in our subsequent Musical Session on 17^th Aug 2009. Since our last email on the subject, we now have quite a big gathering of our members intending to take the plunge :

1. A S Murty & Mrs A Vijayalakshmi
2. S Chandar & Mrs Radha Chandar
3. N R Padmanabhan & Mrs Swaran Lata Padmanabhan
4. R Padmanabhan & Mrs Meenakshi Padmanabhan
5. S Raghavendra Rao & family
6. S Ramakrishna
7. Sivaram & family
8. Satyendra
9. S K Elias

Those of our other members who are not in a position to give their names immediately, may plan according to the above and confirm to us at a later date.

After discussing with most of our members, we have fixed the dates as under :

14^th & 15^th November 2009

Departure : Leaving Hyderabad by KACHIGUDA-BANGALORE EXPRESS on 13^th November 2009.

Return trip : 15^th November, 2009 by same train.

Friends from Chennai too may make similar arrangements to reach Bangalore on the morning of 14^th November 2009.

Mode of Travel on either side : 3-tier sleeper class.

We will book in group booking for our onward/return journey as per above dates. Those who do not wish to return as per above, may make their return ticket booking separately. Arrangement for our accommodation at Bangalore will also be attended to by us. However, those who need accommodation to be arranged at Bangalore by the BBR, may please let us know immediately.

Friends from BBR have been constantly talking to us and enquiring about the dates as they have to make some arrangements like hall booking etc. The above details will give them information on what needs to be looked after at Bangalore.

MUSICAL FIESTA AT BANGALORE FOR TWO DAYS

JASHN-E-RAFI

On two consequent days, the music lovers from Hyderabad and Bangalore and possibly also a few from Chennai would assemble at a hall arranged for this specific purpose from 10.00 a.m. We will have singing of songs by various members – solos, duets, group singing, etc, besides conduct of an Antakshri and also Quiz on Hindi film songs. The programmes will be co-anchored by Rafi Foundation, Hyderabad Chapter and the Baar Baar Rafi Fan Club, Bangalore. Simply stated : JASHN-E-RAFI by all counts.

At the hall, the following would be required to be arranged :

1. MUSIC SYSTEM WITH DVD PLAYER
2. SOUND AND MIKE SYSTEMS ( four cordless mikes )
3. ARRANGEMENT FOR WATER/TEA & SNACKS, ETC.
4. Placing of Banners of Rafi Foundation and Baar Baar Rafi Fan Club
5. Seating arrangement.
6. LUNCH ON THE TWO DAYS.

Since the duration of the singing on two days is very lengthy, our members would get maximum time to present their choicest songs. Hence it is imperative that we go there fully prepared – lyrics, music tunes in CDs, etc.

The duets should be also rehearsed extensively so that we get to hear the best renditions in a clinical manner.

Our members would do well to prepare their list of songs from now onwards and equip themselves with all the necessary ingredients like the lyrics, names of movies etc, karaoke tunes wherever necessary etc.

Since the programme will be co-anchored, we require the full list of songs of each of our participants in advance. This is a must so that meaningful announcements can be made and there is little loss of time.

We will get to meet and interact with the best of music lovers at Bangalore viz. Asha, Manish, BG Raj, Ananya, Hemanth Sharma, etc, to name only a few of them. There are many more of them. We will also get to meet some of the best enclopaedias on Hindi Films.

Those unable to sing with Karaoke tunes, will possibly be also assisted by some Tabla/Harmonium locally arranged at Bangalore. We will discuss these and many more issues with the BBR and send info to all our members through emails in the coming weeks.

The RAFI HOLIDAY must be made an annual event from now onwards. We at Hyderabad would like to host it the next year and extend invitation to Rafi-bhakts from Bangalore, Chennai and elsewhere to spend two days around the same time next year (2010) in Hyderabad. Chennai would get to host the same event in the year thereafter and so on and so forth.

Friends, dreams are made of thoughts and emotions. There is a certain aura of dreaming as long as they are all positive thoughts. And to achieve them takes only a little effort and will from us. There is no gainsaying in postponing such dreams for eternity – that will only leave us leading a life half-done. We certainly can never attain everything in life, for our dreams cannot be curtailed. But wherever possible and according to the needs and times and our own interests, we do tend to realize some of them every now and then. Also we all travel to go sight-seeing, pilgrimages, visits to relatives for functions and marriages etc and in all the focal reason has always been to ‘enjoy life’. Have any of us ventured into a musical journey earlier ? Perhaps yes, and maybe not in many cases. So why not utilize this opportunity to realize our cherished dream of being in the company of all like-minded music lovers – at least those known to us. We will all carry the memorable event for the rest of our lives in our memory. Photographs will be taken, video coverage will be made for all of us to re-live the occasion again and again in the later years.

We are sure many more from Hyderabad will opt for this upcoming and one of the most enchanting phases in our lives. We will try to make this a regular feature from next year onwards, but like it was said elsewhere above, postponement of our dreams can only dilute the fulfilment value attached to it.

ONWARD TO THE UPCOMING “RAFI HOLIDAY” – plan a trip that no-one would have thought of earlier. More on this subject through emails on a regular basis.

A S MURTY

SECRETARY

Rafi Foundation,

Hyderabad Chapter.

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MUSICAL SESSION - III FEB 8, 2009

Hello friends,

The third in the series of our Musical Sessions for this year was held at SMR Empire Complex, West Marredpally at the appointed time i.e. from 3.00 p.m. onwards. Today's gathering was rather thin, as many of our members had sent us information that they would not be available for various reasons. Santosh, Satyendra, Mrs Nirmala Dhepe and Nitin Dhepe had all informed us of their pre-occupations by mail/phone and we had known they would not be with us today. Yashwant had spoken to N R Padmanabhan and we were told that he too will not be joining us today. I could not get Raghavendra Rao on phone since yesterday and from what I could gather, he must have changed his mobile number and I was dialling the number that has been with me for sometime now. Sanjay Deshpande and family were to come, but their two mobiles were not working (Sachin Deshpande sent me a message on ORKUT conveying this).

R Padmanabhan and Mrs Meenakshi Padmanabhan joined us briefly for about one hour as Padmanabhan was to leave for Chennai by train.

Ramakrishna joined us for a brief period and spent some time with us.

However, D Subramanyam, Mrs Sethu Subramanyam, K Sivaram and Mrs Sivaram, N R Padmanabhan, Mohd Saleem, A S Murty, SK Elias, Brig. Jaikumar, S Chandar and Mrs Radha Chandar, Vinayak Bhumkar and Mrs Nabha Bhumkar all participated from start to the end and all of them rendered a total of 46 songs. As the gathering was smaller, those present could get chance to sing more number of songs. Today the Music system brought by Chandar also worked fine and they could sing with Karaoke tunes also.

The Session got going within minutes of assembling at the venue and the following songs were rendered :

1.Sivaram - Na jhatko zulf se paani (Shehnai), 2. Subramanyam - Agar Bewafa tujhko pehchan jaate (Raat Ke Andhere Mein), 3. Subramanyam - Aye Khuda Ret Ke Sehr Ko (private ghazal by Jagjit Singh), 4. Mohd Saleem - Rang Aur Noor ki baraat kise pesh karun (Ghazal), 5. Sivaram - Kisi Pathhar Ki Moorat Se - (Humraaz), 6. A S Murty - Zindagi Ke Mod Par (Bedaag), 7. A S Murty - Tujhko Pukare Mera Pyar (Neelkamal), 8.NR

Padmanabhan - Yeh Nayan Dhale Dhale (Kohra), 9. NR Padmanabhan - Mili Khak Mein Muhobbat (Chaudvin Ka Chand), 10. R Padmanabhan - Kahan Chal Diye Idhar Toh Aao (Jhuk Gaya Aasman), 11. R Padmanabhan - Ab Kya Misaal Dun Mein Tumhare (Aarti), 12. Jai Kumar - Yeh Zulf Agar Khulke Bikhar Jaye Toh Achha - (Kajal), 13. Jai Kumar & Mrs Sethu - Jhilmil Sitaron Ka Angan Hoga (Jeevan Mrutyu), 14. Jai Kumar & Mrs Sethu - Gunguna Rahe Hein Bhanwaren (Araadhana), 15. SK Elias - Khush Rahe Tu Sada Yeh Duwa Hai Meri (Khilona), 16. SK Elias - Tadap Tadap Ke is dil se Aah Nikal Rahi (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam), 17. S Chandar & Mrs Radha Chandar - Tere Mere Milan Ki Yeh Raina ( Abhiman), 18. S Chandar - Chookar Mere Man Ko (Yarana), 19.Subramanyam - Meri Muhobbat Jawan Rahegi (Janwar), 20.Subramanyam - Suhani Chandni Raten (Mukti), 21. Sivaram - Wafa Jinse Ki Bewafa Ho Gaye (Pyar Ka Sagar), 22. Sivaram - Dil Aaj Shayar Hai (Gambler), 23. Mrs Sethu - Mein Bewafa Nahin Hun Tere Pyar Ki Kasam (this is film: preet na jane reet (1966), singer: Rafi, actor: shammi Kapoor (& B. Saroja Devi), lyrics: Rajendra Krishan, Music: Kalyanji Anandji.

Reply

one small correction, if I may:
the lyrics are by Qamar Jalalabad)(Now this is what I found on youtube while searching for the name of the movie - such a lovely song and so beautifully rendered by Mrs Sethu today - pity it is an uncommon song and finding it on the web took a long time),
contd.. 24. Mrs Sethu - Ruke Ruke Se Kadam (Mausam), 25. Mrs Nabha Bhumkar - He Rom Rom Mein Basne Wale Ram (Neelkamal), 26. Mrs Nabha Bhumkar - Aadha Hai Chandrama Raat Aadhi (Navrang), 27. Mrs Nabha Bhumkar - Aa Laut Ke Aaja Mere Meet (Rani Roopmati), 28. S Chandar & Mrs Radha Chandar - Jo Wada Kiya Woh Nibhana Padega (Tajmahal), 29. Mrs Radha Chandar - Katate Hain Din Kaise Re Bin Tere Krishna Jaoon Mein Kahan Bolore (private bhajan by Runa Laila), 30. SK Elias - O Duniya Ke Rakhwale (Baiju Bawra), 31. NR Padmanabhan - Chham Chham Baje Re Payaliya (Jane Anjane), 32. NR Padmanabhan - Tum Kamsin Ho, Naadan Ho, Nazuk Ho, Bholi Ho (Aayi Milan Ki Bela), 33. Jai Kumar - Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki (Dulari), 34. A S Murty - Youn Rootho Na Haseena (Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhare), 35. A S Murty - Mere Mehboob Tere Dum Se (Bhai Bhai), 36. Sivaram - Nadiya Se Dariya (Namak Haram), 37.Sivaram - Na Mein Bhagwan Hun Na Mein Shaitan Hun (Mother India), 38. S Chandar - Diwana Leke Aaya Hai Dil Ka Tarana (Mere Jeevan Saathi), 39.S Chandar - Mein Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata Chala Gaya (Hum Dono), 40. Subramanyam - Dekhi Li Teri Khudayi Bas Mera Dil Bhar Gaya (Kinare Kinare), 41. Subramanyam - Jane Woh Kaise Log The Jinko Pyar Se Pyar Mila (Pyasa - I checked this up on web), 42.Sivaram - Jab Dil Hi Toot Gaya (Kundan - that is the name of the movie and singer also is Kundan Lal Saigal), 43.Mrs Nabha Bhumkar - Tumhi Mere Mandir (Khandan), 44. Mrs Nabha Bhumkar - Aaiye Meherban, Baithiye Jaanejan (Howrah Bridge), 45. Mrs Nabha Bhumkar - Tera Mera Pyar Amar (Asli Naqli) and 46. Mohd Saleem - Tum Mujhe Yun Bhula (Pagla Kahin Ka).

Chandar made the usual subscriptions collections from those assembled quickly and then we discussed on the next date of our Musical Session. I will send a detailed mail on this subject separately.

Friends, a very enjoyable Musical Session was held despite the smaller attendance. Our regular members will join us from the next musical session certainly and newer members too may join us from March 2009.

Watch out for my email on the subject of the date for our next Musical Session which will mostly likely be sent by tomorrow.

Friends, please give your mobile numbers, landline phone numbers, email ids, dates of your birthdays and anniversaries etc. to Chandar who has already prepared a complete chart and who will update the same. Rafi Foundation, Hyderabad Chapter would like to wish all our members on their birthdays and also on the dates of their marriage anniversaries etc. Let us make the year 2009 slighly different and much more eventful.

With the best of musical greetings to one and all.

A S MURTY
SECRETARY
RAFI FOUNDATION,
Hyderabad Chapter

93912 67272

MUSIC AND MORE MUSIC

BEMISAL GAYIKI, UFF!! KYA ADAYIGI

ANOOP - A GREAT SINGER

http://www.midomi.com/index.php?action=main.profile&recording_id=d5392af19f480e7d7e2074c9eccdaf0d

MUSICAL SESSION - 2 / 25TH JAN. 2009

Hello Friends,

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

that our new member Mohd Saleem came to know about our organization and had contacted me. Sanjay Deshpande has also been conveying to most of his contacts about our group and thus when Vinayak Bhumkarji contacted me yesterday in the morning, I was not very surprised about it while being pleased very much. Having guided him on how to reach the venue, I was thinking about how our members are spreading the word around about of our organization. Both Vinayak Bhumkar and Mrs Nabha Bhumkar had joined us for the musical session yesterday. Likewise, Subramaniam too had introduced to us Brig Jai Kumar earlier and had informed me that one more newer member would be joining us this time. And indeed, we had the pleasant company of Mr and Mrs Sivaram too joined us and it was a very healthy gathering of so many new music lovers, besides our own regular members.

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