Born: December 24, 1924, Kotla Sultan Singh, near Amritsar, Punjab, India
Died: July 31, 1980, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Mohammed Rafi, a maestro whose voice continues to resonate in the hearts of millions, was one of India’s most celebrated playback singers. Known for his unmatched versatility and vocal range, Rafi lent his voice to over 25,000 songs during a career spanning nearly four decades. His contributions to Indian music immortalized him as the voice of Hindi cinema.
Early Life and Musical Training
Born in a small village near Amritsar, Punjab, Mohammed Rafi’s journey into the world of music began at an early age. He showed an innate talent for singing and was deeply influenced by the qawwals (traditional Sufi singers) in his village. Rafi’s family recognized his gift and supported his musical aspirations.
He trained under Ustad Ghulam Ali Khan, learning the nuances of classical music. His first public performance came in Lahore when he was just 15 years old, where he caught the attention of composer Shyam Sunder. Impressed by his talent, Shyam Sunder invited Rafi to sing for Punjabi films.
Rafi’s debut song, a duet with Zeenat Begum titled “Soniye Ni Heeriye Ni”, was for the Punjabi film Gul Baloch (1944), composed by Shyam Sunder. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey in playback singing.
After relocating to Bombay (now Mumbai), Mohammed Rafi began working with leading composers of the era. His early Hindi songs included contributions to films like Gaon Ki Gori (1945) and Jugnu (1947).
Rafi’s big break came when Naushad, one of Bollywood’s most iconic composers, recognized his potential. Under Naushad’s guidance, Rafi sang “Tera Khilona Toota Balak” in Anmol Ghadi (1946). Another milestone was “Is Duniya Mein Ae Dilwalo” from Dillagi (1949), which cemented his place as a rising star.
The Golden Era of Mohammed Rafi
Rafi’s voice became synonymous with the golden era of Bollywood. His ability to adapt his voice to suit the character on screen was unparalleled. Whether it was the romantic allure of Dilip Kumar, the flamboyance of Shammi Kapoor, or the comedic charm of Johnny Walker, Rafi’s voice brought life to countless performances.
Some of his most iconic songs include:
“Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaaye To Kya Hai” (Pyaasa, 1957)
“Yahoo! Chahe Koi Mujhe Jungle Kahe” (Junglee, 1961)
“O Duniya Ke Rakhwale” (Baiju Bawra, 1952)
“Pukarta Chala Hoon Main” (Mere Sanam, 1965)
“Zindagi Bhar Nahin Bhoolegi” (Barsaat Ki Raat, 1960)
Rafi’s versatility extended to all genres, including romantic ballads, ghazals, bhajans, qawwalis, and even peppy dance numbers. His ability to match the nuances of actors like Bharat Bhushan, Biswajit, and Joy Mukherjee ensured their performances were remembered largely because of his soulful renditions.
Duets and Memorable Collaborations
Rafi’s duets with singers like Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle remain evergreen classics. His collaboration with composers like S.D. Burman, Madan Mohan, O.P. Nayyar, and Shankar-Jaikishan further elevated his craft.
Notable duets include:
“Dil Pukare Aare Aare” (Jewel Thief, 1967) with Lata Mangeshkar
“Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko” (Yaadon Ki Baaraat, 1973) with Asha Bhosle
“Teri Bindiya Re” (Abhimaan, 1973) with Lata Mangeshkar
The Man Behind the Voice
Apart from his musical genius, Mohammed Rafi was known for his humility and generosity. He often sang for struggling composers without charging fees. A notable instance was when he sang the title track of Aap Ke Deewane for Rakesh Roshan without payment, simply because he loved the song.
Rafi was a deeply spiritual and kind-hearted individual. His innate goodness reflected in his interactions and endeared him to colleagues and fans alike.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his illustrious career, Rafi received numerous accolades, including:
Six Filmfare Awards for Best Male Playback Singer
The Padma Shri in 1967, one of India’s highest civilian honors
Recognition as the “Best Singer of the Millennium” by Stardust magazine in 2001
In a CNN-IBN survey conducted in 2013, Rafi was voted the greatest voice of Hindi cinema.
The Final Note
Rafi’s last song, “Shaam Phir Kyun Udaas Hai Dost” from the film Aas Paas (1980), was recorded just hours before his untimely death from a heart attack. His passing left a void in the world of music, and his funeral saw one of the largest gatherings in Mumbai’s history.
Mohammed Rafi’s music remains a treasure trove for fans and music enthusiasts. Annual tributes on his birth and death anniversaries highlight his enduring influence. His songs, whether romantic, soulful, or playful, continue to captivate audiences across generations.
From being named in the British rock song “Brimful of Asha” by Cornershop to having his songs featured in global playlists, Rafi’s legacy transcends borders. As filmmaker Manmohan Desai aptly said, “If anyone has the voice of God, it is Mohammed Rafi.”
Celebrating 100 Years
As we mark the centenary of Mohammed Rafi, his voice continues to inspire and evoke emotions, reminding us of an era where music touched the soul. His songs are not just melodies; they are memories, emotions, and a timeless tribute to the art of playback singing.
This extended tribute honors the man, the artist, and the legend—Mohammed Rafi, whose voice will forever echo in the annals of Indian music history.
Credits
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