Chhaayaageet #223 - "Why are you interrupting the recording?"
The singer is at the recording studio. Everything seems to be lining up perfectly. The rehearsals went fine few weeks back and the entire crew is now waiting for the recording to begin. The composer discusses few final things with the filmmaker before he can give the green light. The singer looks around as he stands in front of the mic and feels really comfortable. This may be one of those days when he can wrap up early.
The composer gives the go ahead and the singer begins with the song. The recording finishes. The composer and filmmaker quickly look at each other. When you work closely with someone for months together, the facial expressions say everything without saying anything. This seems to be one of those moments.
They call the singer outside. The composer decides to deliver the message. “You sang well. But I think we should try once again. It feels like you could do better.” The singer is a people pleaser. He has no grudges or complaints. He happily obliges and walks back into the recording booth.
He begins with the song. As soon as he is done with the mukhda, the composer and filmmaker exchange the same glances and tell the orchestra to stop. The composer calls the singer to begin again. The singer is a bit disturbed this time but decides not to question.
The singer is back again ready to start. The orchestra begins, the singer follows with the mukhda. It’s the same drill. The composer commands the orchestra to stop playing.
The singer is now unable to hold himself. He comes out of the booth and walks to where both composer and filmmaker are sitting. “What is wrong here? This is the same song that we rehearsed together and agreed to move forward. Why are you interrupting the recording?”
The composer is struggling how to communicate. “You are singing perfectly. There are no flaws.”
The singer cannot believe it. “But then why are we doing so many takes and interrupting in between?”
The filmmaker feels that he has to show rank and explain it himself. “Well you have been quite busy lately and doing several recordings but all for this one actor. The audience doesn’t even have to see the film sometimes but can still visualize this actor even if they just hear your voice.”
The singer is still confused. “So what is the problem?”
The filmmaker feels that he may have missed sharing a critical piece of information here. “This film has a different cast with a different lead male actor.”
Mohammed Rafi sang Kaun Hai Jo Sapnon Mein Aaya for the film Jhuk Gaya Aasman. The music was composed by Shankar Jaikishan, and the film was directed by Lekh Tandon. The song was written by Hasrat Jaipuri and picturized on Rajendra Kumar and Saira Banu.
During the 60s, Shammi Kapoor was very popular and delivered several hits. Mohammed Rafi was his defacto voice. With his busy recording schedule, Mohammed had adapted to Shammi Kapoor’s lively and comical style during singing his songs since that’s how he acted on the screen. They were perfect together.
When Rafi showed up for the recording of songs for Jhuk Gaya Aasman, he continued to sing in Shammi Kapoor’s style. The director, Lekh Tandon had to advise him to change his style since the lead actor in the film was Rajendra Kumar. Rafi quickly realized his mistake and updated his style to deliver one of his best performances.
The song Kaun Hai Jo Sapnon Mein Aaya was based on Elvis Presley's Marguerita from the film Fun in Acapulco.
Singer: Mohammed Rafi
Music: Shankar Jaikishan
Lyrics: Hasrat Jaipuri
*ing: Rajendra Kumar, Saira Banu
Director: Lekh Tandon
Film: Jhuk Gaya Aasman (1968)