Unheard story of Mohammad Rafi and Guru Dutt: When Mohammad Rafi came on Guru Dutt, he was very angry.

Mohd Rafi had promised to visit Guru Dutt’s home in Pali Hill for a song rehearsal. The recording was scheduled for the next day. Director M. Sadiq, composer Ravi and Guru Dutt were waiting. Rafi didn’t reach on time.

Finally, Guru Dutt sent his brother a Rafi’s home in Bandra. Rafi’s wife informed him, Rafi sahab is not home and is currently recording at Film Center, Tardeo. Dutt’s brother returned home.

Guru Dutt was angry when his brother informed him that Rafi is busy recording for another film. Dutt said “Rafi has an appointment with me. He had promised” and sent his brother to Tardeo to get Rafi back with him in his car.

On reaching Film Center, Rafi waved to Dutt’s brother from the cabin and asked him to wait. After the recording was completed, Rafi apologised for the delay. “The makers, who have to return to Madras today, made a last minute request, so I had to finish this today” said Rafi.

Guru Dutt’s brother said “no problem, let’s go now”. Rafi said, “you go ahead, I will follow you in my car”. On reaching Dutt’s home, Rafi apologised again. Guru Dutt was quiet, didn’t say a word. Director M. Sadiq said to Rafi, “looks like a lot of work is keeping you busy”.

Rafi said “nothing like that, but this film is a big one. Sasural. And the song I recorded today is really good”. M. Sadiq and composer Ravi said “really? Is that so?” and insisted Rafi sings this song from Sasural.

Rafi sang “teri pyari pyari surat ko kisi ki nazar na lage ..”.
Rafi then asked them, “did you like it?”

They said “very nice song. But our song is much better” Rafi smiled and said “if you give your best, every song is nice” Finally, the rehearsal began.

Song was “chaudavin ka chand ho ya aaftaab ho..”.

After the rehearsal Mohd Rafi agreed and said “this song is definitely better”.

As scheduled, the song was recorded the next day.

“chaudavin ka chand ho
yaa aftaab ho ,
jo bhi ho tum khudaa ki kasam
lajawaab ho ...”

Mohd Rafi, lyricist Shakeel Badayuni & composer Ravi (l to r)