Born on December 24, 1924, legendary singer Mohammad Rafi began his singing career by chanting the notes that Muslim Saints sang in his village.
Mohammed Rafi, the man with the golden voice, needs no introduction. His name is taken with utmost regard by music lovers and singers. He gave his voice to many soulful numbers that will be remembered till eternity. From romantic songs to sad songs to qawwalis, there was nothing that Rafi couldn’t sing. Rafi remains one of India's greatest singers who lent his voice to Bollywood megastars including Amitabh Bachchan, Shammi Kapoor, Dharmendra and Dev Anand in his career as a successful playback artist.
Working with music directors like OP Nayyar, Laxmikant Pyarelal and R.D Burman, Rafi delivered some evergreen hits. In a career spanning 35 years, Rafi has a wide range of songs to his credit, from classical to patriotic, mellow love songs to highly peppy numbers, qawwalis, ghazals and bhajans. Rafi trained under Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Ustad Abdul Wahid Khan, Pandit Jiwanlal Matto and Firoze Nizami.
He died of a heart attack in Mumbai on July 31, 1980. Rafi was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1967. He has numerous hit songs to his credit including several duets with famous playback singers Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle.
It is cliched to say that music is timeless, but when you listen to Mohammed Rafi’s songs, you know that, cliche or not, it is true. From bhajans to qawwalis and ghazals to romantic songs, Rafi explored every music genre under the sky and nailed them all. With a voice that the Gods did not give to angels, Rafi was the master of all trades! Even today Rafi’s songs resonate with us. You can see even millennials listening to his romantic songs and his bhajans like “Shirdi Wale Sai Baba” sounding off in temples. So what makes Rafi so relevant half a century after he was in his prime?
From romantic songs to peppy dance numbers; here are 10 of his most-loved songs from the man who gave Indian cinema 40 golden years of haunting melodies.
Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaaye - Pyaasa
Dekhi Zamaane Ki Yaari - Kaagaz Ke Phool
Kya Hua Tera Vaada - Hum Kisise Kum Naheen
Gulaabi Aankhein - The Train
Din Dhal Jaaye - Guide
Yun To Humne Lakh Haseen Dekhe Hein - Tumsa Nahin Dekha
Tumne Mujhe Dekha - Teesri Manzil
Ehsaan Tera Hoga Mujhpar - Junglee
Aaj Mausam Bada Beimaan Hai- Loafer
Patthar Ke Sanam Tujhe Humne - Patthar Ke Sanam