Monday 30 / September / 2024
In the vast world of music, few names resonate as deeply as that of the late Mohammed Rafi, the iconic Indian playback singer. But why am I writing about him? Haven’t countless writers already sung his praises? What could I possibly add that hasn’t been said before? Perhaps, by sharing my personal connection and some lesser-known aspects of his life, I might offer a fresh perspective on this extraordinary artist.
First and foremost, I am a devoted fan of Mohammed Rafi. Though he left this world in 1980, to me, he lives on through his voice—a voice that transcends time. Every day, I find myself immersed in his songs, each one a testament to his unparalleled talent. But what is it that keeps him alive in the hearts of millions, even decades after his passing? Is it his voice? His humility and kindness? His interactions with musicians, actors, and everyday people? Without a doubt, it’s all of these and more.
Mohammed Rafi was not just a singer of Hindi songs; his repertoire spanned multiple languages, showcasing his incredible versatility. I was genuinely astonished when I discovered a video of him singing in Arabic on YouTube. The song, titled “Haeeyuli Sultan Qaboos,” was a tribute to the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos of Oman, performed in 1975 during Oman’s National Day celebrations. This performance not only highlights Rafi’s linguistic skills but also his ability to connect with audiences beyond Indian borders.
But let’s delve a bit deeper into his life and career. Through my research, I found that Rafi’s first song was “Hai Khaamosh” from the film “Gul Baloch” (1944).
Rafi’s first notable Hindi song was “Hindustan Ke Hum Hain” from the film “Pehle Aap” (1944), a patriotic number that helped him gain recognition in the Indian music industry. His voice became synonymous with the golden era of Bollywood, and he quickly rose to prominence, becoming the voice behind some of the most beloved actors of the time.
One story that particularly struck me involves the actor Shammi Kapoor, who was deeply associated with Rafi. It is said that when Rafi passed away, someone told Shammi Kapoor, “Your voice has gone, Mr. Shammi Kapoor.” Confused, Shammi replied, “No, I still can talk.” The man clarified, “Mohammed Rafi is not among us anymore, so your voice has gone.” This news left Shammi Kapoor speechless and in tears, a poignant testament to the bond between the singer and the actor.
Beyond his Hindi songs, Rafi was a multilingual maestro. He sang in over 20 languages, including Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Telugu, Kannada, and even foreign languages like English, Persian, Arabic, and Dutch. His ability to deliver each song with perfect p ronunciation and emotion was nothing short of remarkable. One of his famous English songs is “The She I Love,” which further demonstrates his versatility.
Rafi was not only a phenomenal singer but also a mentor to many aspiring artists. Mahendra Kapoor, one of his direct disciples, learned the intricacies of singing from Rafi and went on to have a successful career in his own right. Kapoor, known for his patriotic songs, often reflected the versatility of his mentor.
Shabbir Kumar, another singer deeply influenced by Rafi, admired him immensely and often emulated his singing style. After Rafi’s death, Shabbir Kumar became known for carrying forward the legacy of Rafi’s style, which resonated with countless fans.
Anwar, a playback singer whose voice closely resembled Rafi’s, was also guided by him. Rafi recognized the similarity and helped Anwar refine his singing. Anwar enjoyed a successful career in the 1970s and 1980s.
“Mohabbat Rang Layegi,” meaning “Love Will Bring Color,” is one of the most romantic songs and a personal favorite of mine, beautifully sung by the legendary Mohammed Rafi in the film “Poonam”.
In conclusion, Mohammed Rafi’s legacy is not just in the songs he sang, but in the lives, he touched, both through his music and his mentorship.
His voice, filled with emotion and depth, continues to captivate listeners around the world. For fans like me, he isn’t just a singer who passed away in 1980; he’s a timeless voice that lives on, day after day, in every note and melody.
