Birth Date: 23 Dec, 1924, Age (55)

Occupation : Artist, Composer

Filmfare Awards : 6

National Awards : 1

Place of Birth : Punjab

Date of Death : 31 Jul, 1980

Mohammed Rafi

The man with the golden voice, Mohammed Rafi, 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 lamentations to qawwalis, there was nothing that Rafi couldn’t sing. The industry lost this gem on July 31, 1980. 

Born on December 24, 1924, legendary singer Mohammad Rafi began his singing career by chanting the notes that a 'fakir' (Muslim saint) sung in his village. 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 RD 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.