There was a period when Hindi film music was a rage all over the world, not because of the actors, but on account of the exceptionally talented singers, music composers and lyricists. The late Mohammed Rafi, who had carved a niche with more than 7,000 songs in different genres, belonged to that golden era. Anantara and Sky Kommercials recently organised a musical evening, ‘Phir Ek Baar,’ a tribute to Rafi, in aid of RMD Pain and Palliative Care Trust. It was held at the TN Rajarathnam Auditorium with Prassan Rao from Indore rendering the solos, and a few duets, with Shifa Ansari. They were supported by an eight-member orchestra led by Rajinikandh.

As the host Josyula Shekar confessed it was an unenviable task to select the best from the numerous melodies of Rafi Saab. Yet around 25 songs were presented. Prassan Rao’s voice sounded amazingly close to Rafi’s.

All-time hits

The show opened with ‘Aaj ki raat mere’ from Ram aur Shyam, a popular number from Dilip Kumar starrer. Rafi was always the favorite of music composer Naushad and the lyricist was always Shakeel Badayuni. The concert ended with the emotional number, ‘O Duniya ke rakhwale’ (from Baiju Bawra) that left the audience asking more from the singer. Prassan didn’t miss out on the other favourites such as ‘Mere mehboob tujhe’ from Mere Mehboob and the classical-flavoured ‘Madhuban mein radhika’ from Kohinoor.

Rafi Saab’s unique voice endeared him to each and every music director of that time, who made the most of it. For instance, the famous duo Shankar Jaikishen came up with immortal songs such as ‘Ramiah vastavayya’ (Shree 420), ‘Yeh mera prema patra’ (Sangam), ‘Rukh se zara naqab’ (Mere Huzoor), ‘Gar tum bhula na doge’ (Yakeen) and ‘O mere shah-e-khuban’ (Love in Tokyo). Rafi shows are incomplete without these. Rafi was also a favourite of SD Burman who gave gems such as ‘Tere mere sapne’ and ‘Din dhal jaaye’ (Guide), which were part of the show. Even RD, whose protégé was Kishore Kumar, opted for Rafi for the lilting ‘Kitna pyaara wada’ (Caravan) and Prassan rendered it with panache. He accorded a lion’s share to Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s songs, including ‘Bane chahe dushman’ (Dostana), the title song of Pathar ke sanam, ‘Yeh dil tum bin’ (Izzat), ‘Mujhe teri mohabbat ka’ (Aap Aaye Bahar Ayi), ‘Itna to yaad’ (Mehboob ki Mehandi), ‘’Nazar na lag jaaye’ (Night in London), ‘Yeh reshmi zulfen’ (Do Raaste) and ‘Na Jaa Kahin’ (Mere Humdum Mere Dost).

Shifa emulated well Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle . Two songs that featured Kishore Kumar’s voice were lent by Shekar himself. Shekar kept up the tempo with interesting anecdotes such as O.P. Nayyar neglected Rafi for two years because the singer came late for his recording .

Prassan Rao is a classically trained singer . The highlight of his singing was that he did not refer to a paper throughout the show. Also, he did not miss the subtle touches and nuances of Rafi’s renditions, proving his passion for his idol’s music.

It was really touching when on the request of a senior music lover Prassan sang the last stanza of ‘Suhani raat dhal chuki’. The audience surely left asking ‘Phir Ek Baar’.