When Kishore took singing lessons from Rafi

Well there are enough examples that debunk the rivalry myth between the Indian film industry’s tallest legends in singing - Mohammad Rafi and Kishore Kumar.

This rarest of rare and incredibly unique incident when Kishore took singing lessons from Rafi tops it all.

The incident took place during the recording of the song “wada tera wada” from the movie Dushman (1971) starring Rajesh Khanna, Meena Kumari and Mumtaz. Produced by Premji and directed by Dulal Guha, Dushman was based on a novel by Virendra Sharma.

While the fans of Rafi and Kishore get involved in debates on who was better amongst the two. In reality Rafi and Kishore admired and complimented each other whenever either of them sang a soulful number.

Coming back to the Dushman incident, Kishore was supposed to record the qawwali “wada tera wada” and was struggling to begin.

Qawwali is not the genre of Kishore Kumar and we all know how masterly Rafi has excelled with "Na To Karvaan Ki Talash Hai" (Yeh Ishq Ishq Hai) with Asha Bhosle, Sudha Malhotra, Mohammed Rafi, Manna Dey, S. D. Batish from ‘BARSAAT KI RAAT’ to “Parda Hai Parda” from ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’.

So, Kishore got in touch with Rafi and asked him for tips. Kishore had hardly sung a qawwali. Rafi in all his goodness showed him how to start with his style and then take control with his known trademark style.

Kishore like an obedient student tried and the magic got created. Those who are better versed with Bollywood music will find out that the wonderful qawwali “wada tera wada” written by Anand Bakshi and composed by Laxmikant–Pyarelal begins with signature Rafi style and slowly Kishore’s magical voice takes over and makes its own.

Both Mohd. Rafi and Kishore Kumar had high regards for each other. When Rafi heard Kishore’s “Mere Nidon Mein Tum” with Shamshad Begum in ‘Naya Andaz’ in the middle 50s, he went emotional and complimented Kishore for the soulful rendering.

Kishor Kumar has openly expressed his inability to sing “Na Kisi Ki Aankh Ka Noor Hun” the way Rafi has done in ‘Lal Quila’.

At today’s times when people/artiste indulged in groupism and are uncomfortable in appreciating fellow colleagues work honestly, this example of trust and respect between Rafi and Kishore is a heart-warming to our souls.

Listen to this fantastic “wada tera wada” as we salute the immortal legends - Mohammad Rafi and Kishore Kumar.