.Updated on Rafi Saab’s 25th death anniversary, 31 July 2005.
Mohammed Rafi(24 December 1924 - 31 July 1980).
Rafi Saab was one of the greatest forces in the history of the Indian sub-continent culture. His Immortal Golden Voice still rules the hearts of millions of Indian music lovers the world over. Rafi Saab was famous for the way he put his heart and soul into every rendition. Rafi Saab was the greatest and his range, versatility and the awesome emotion that his golden voice always contained will always be unparalleled.
Mohammed Rafi was the voice of stark contrasts. From complex Guru Dutt and crazy Shammi Kapoor to romantic Rajendra Kumar and dashing Dharmendra and tragic Bharat Bhushan and funny Johny Walker. Believe it or not, the same voice which has rendered’Dukh Ke Sab Saathi’ for Dilip Kumar, has rendered’Main Jat Yamla Pagla’ for Dharmendra and’Pukarta Chala Hoon Main’ for Biswajeet right to’Sar Jo Tera Chakraye’ for Johny Walker and’Hum Kale Hain To Kya Hua’ for Mehmood!
Mohammed Rafi was known for his altruistic behaviour, which was exhibited on several occasions. He has been known to charge just a token amount as his fees for singing songs of music directors who could not afford his regular charges. Many a times Rafi Saab has sung songs without charging a single penny to the Music Directors. In his glorious career Mohammed Rafi won the coveted Filmfare Award of best playback singer no less than six times. He was also decorated with the Padmashri by the Government of India.
Rafi Saab’s Award Winning Tracks:
Chaudhvin Ka Chand(1960) - Chaudhvin Ka Chand - Ravi - for which Rafi Saab won the Filmfare Award in 1960.
Sasural(1961) - Teri Pyari Pyari Soorat - Shankar Jaikishan - for which Rafi Saab won the Filmfare Award in 1961.
Dosti(1964) - Chahoonga Main Tujhe - Laxmikant Pyarelal - for which Rafi Saab won the Filmfare Award in 1964.
Suraj(1966) - Baharon Phool Barsao - Shankar Jaikishan - for which Rafi Saab won the Filmfare Award in 1966.
Brahmachari(1968) - Dil Ke Jharokhe Mein - Shankar Jaikishan - for which Rafi Saab won the Filmfare Award in 1968.
Hum Kisise Kum Nahin(1977) - Kya Hua Tera Vaada - R.D.Burman - for which Rafi Saab won the National Rajat Kamal Award from President Sanjiva Reddy & the Filmfare Award in 1977.
My other favourite Rafi numbers(in chronological order):
Dulari(1949) - Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki - Naushad.
Baiju Bawra(1952) - O Duniya Ke Rakhwale - Naushad.
Madhumati(1958) - Toote Hue Khwabon Ne - Salil Chaudhury.
Kohinoor(1960) - Madhuban Mein Radhika - Naushad.
Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai(1961) - Teri Zulfon Se - Shankar Jaikishan.
Junglee(1961) - Ehsan Tera Hoga Mujhpe - Shankar Jaikishan.
Mere Mehboob(1963) - Mere Mehboob Tujhe - Naushad.
Tere Ghar Ke Samne(1963) - Dil Ka Bhanwar - S.D.Burman.
Kashmir Ki Kali(1964) - Diwana Hua Badal - O.P.Nayyar.
Haqeeqat(1964) - Kar Chale Hum Fida - Madan Mohan.
Sangam(1964) - Yeh Mera Prem Patra - Shankar Jaikishan.
Guide(1965) - Tere Mere Sapne - S.D.Burman.
Jab Jab Phool Khile(1965) - Pardesiyon Se Na Ankhiyan - Kalyanji Anandji.
Jhuk Gaya Aasman(1968) - Kaun Hai Jo Sapno - Shankar Jaikishan.
Prince(1969) - Badan Pe Sitare - Shankar Jaikishan.
Do Raaste(1969) - Yeh Reshmi Zulfein - Laxmikant Pyarelal.
Heer Ranjha(1970) - Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil - Madan Mohan.
Loafer(1973) - Aaj Mausam Bada Be-Imaan Hai - Laxmikant Pyarelal.
Karz(1980) - Dard-E-Dil Dard-E-Jigar - Laxmikant Pyarelal.
Abdullah(1980) - Maine Pucha Chand Se - R.D.Burman.
’So, when your eyes focus and your finger points to the Rafi album displayed on the colorful rack aligned along with Dhamakas and remixes, understand that it is nothing unnatural, just the triumph of voice over noise.’ - https://mohdrafi.com
No truer words were ever spoken:
’Dil Ka Soona Taar Tarana Dhoondhega, Mujhko Mere Baad Zamana Dhoondhega.’