इंडिया हैबिटैट सेंटर में सुजाता देव के साथ एक यादगार मुलाकात
On a warm, bustling evening, I had the immense pleasure of attending an event at IHC, where I met the distinguished author Sujata Dev. This meeting was nothing short of a delightful milestone, especially given my deep admiration for her work and our shared passion for the legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi.
Sujata Dev is the acclaimed author of the book Mohammed Rafi: Golden Voice of the Silver Screen, a meticulously crafted tribute to one of India’s most iconic musical legends. Her book is not just a biography but a heartfelt exploration of Rafi Sahab’s unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema. It captures the essence of his soulful voice, which continues to resonate across generations, evoking nostalgia and admiration. The book delves into his versatility, his ability to breathe life into songs across genres—be it the soul-stirring melancholy of “Kya Hua Tera Wada” or the exuberant joy of “Yahoo!.” Sujata Dev’s work stands out for its depth, weaving together anecdotes, historical context, and insights into Rafi’s personal and professional life, making it a treasure for music lovers and cinephiles alike.
Meeting Sujata Dev in person was a moment of pure joy. She exuded grace and humility, her passion for Mohammed Rafi palpable in every word she spoke. During our conversation, I had the privilege of presenting her with a copy of my own book, Meri Awaaz Suno, which I had written nearly fifteen years ago. This book, too, is a tribute to Mohammed Rafi, exploring his life, his music, and the profound impact he had on Indian cinema. Gifting this book to Sujata Dev felt like a meaningful exchange—a bridge between two writers united by their reverence for the same legend.
The India Habitat Centre (IHC) in New Delhi has always been a vibrant hub for intellectual and cultural exchanges, where artists, writers, and enthusiasts converge to share ideas and celebrate creativity.
Meeting Sujata Dev in person was a moment of pure joy. The India Habitat Centre, with its lush greenery, serene ambiance, and cultural vibrancy, provided the perfect backdrop for this interaction. The event was abuzz with discussions about Indian cinema and music, and Sujata’s presence added an air of intellectual warmth. She exuded grace and humility, her passion for Mohammed Rafi palpable in every word she spoke. As we conversed, I was struck by her deep knowledge of Rafi’s oeuvre and her ability to articulate the nuances of his vocal prowess. She shared fascinating stories about her research process, including interviews with Rafi’s contemporaries and her efforts to unearth rare archival material to enrich her narrative.
Our discussion naturally gravitated toward Rafi’s extraordinary career. We spoke about his ability to adapt his voice to suit the distinct personas of actors like Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, and Shammi Kapoor. Sujata shared an anecdote about how Rafi would meticulously study the character and context of a song before recording, ensuring his voice perfectly complemented the on-screen emotion. I, in turn, recounted my favorite Rafi songs, including the timeless “Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho” and the energetic “Aaja Aaja Main Hoon Pyar Tera,” marveling at how his voice could convey both tenderness and exuberance with equal finesse.
The India Habitat Centre, with its open-air amphitheater and cozy conference rooms, fostered an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared passion. As the evening progressed, other attendees joined our conversation, turning it into a lively exchange of memories and insights about Rafi’s music. We discussed how his songs, even decades later, remain a cornerstone of Indian popular culture, played at weddings, festivals, and quiet moments of personal reflection. Sujata’s book, with its rich documentation, and my own, with its personal reflections, seemed to complement each other, each offering a unique lens on the same towering figure.
This encounter was not just about meeting an author I admired but also about celebrating the timeless legacy of Mohammed Rafi. It was a reminder of how art, in its many forms, can bring people together, sparking conversations that transcend time and space. As I left the India Habitat Centre that evening, clutching a signed copy of Mohammed Rafi: Golden Voice of the Silver Screen, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment. The meeting reaffirmed my belief in the power of music and storytelling to connect hearts and preserve legacies.
In the days that followed, I found myself revisiting Rafi’s songs and flipping through the pages of Sujata’s book, each chapter reigniting my love for his music. The memory of that evening at IHC remains etched in my mind—a cherished moment of connection, inspiration, and shared admiration for the golden voice that continues to echo through the silver screen and beyond.
इंडिया हैबिटैट सेंटर (आईएचसी), नई दिल्ली में मेरी मुलाकात प्रख्यात लेखिका सुजाता देव से हुई जिन्होंने मोहम्मद रफी: गोल्डन वॉयस ऑफ द सिल्वर स्क्रीन नामक पुस्तक लिखी है, जो भारत के सबसे प्रतिष्ठित पार्श्व गायक मोहम्मद रफी को एक सुंदर और गहन श्रद्धांजलि है। उनकी यह पुस्तक केवल एक जीवनी नहीं है, बल्कि रफी साहब के भारतीय सिनेमा में अतुलनीय योगदान की एक भावनात्मक और गहन खोज है। यह पुस्तक उनकी मखमली आवाज के जादू को समेटती है, जो आज भी पीढ़ियों को जोड़ती है। सुजाता देव से व्यक्तिगत रूप से मिलना मेरे लिए एक अनमोल खुशी का पल था। हमारी बातचीत के दौरान, मुझे अपनी पुस्तक मेरी आवाज सुनो की एक प्रति उन्हें भेंट करने का सौभाग्य प्राप्त हुआ, जिसे मैंने लगभग पंद्रह साल पहले लिखा था। यह पुस्तक भी मोहम्मद रफी को एक श्रद्धांजलि है, जिसमें उनके जीवन, उनके संगीत और भारतीय सिनेमा पर उनके गहरे प्रभाव का जिक्र है।
