Overview
Mohammed Rafi, the “Voice of a Million Melodies,” cast a spell over Hindi film music for over three decades. With a breathtaking range and unmatched versatility, he breathed life into thousands of songs, evoking every emotion imaginable. From playful qawwalis to heart-wrenching ghazals, Rafi’s voice could mold to every character, amplifying their on-screen emotions. Rafi’s mellifluous voice transcends generations and his songs remain timeless classics even today. His humility and dedication cemented his legacy not just as a singer, but as an exceptional human being and as an icon of Indian music, forever cherished by millions.
Field of contribution: Playback singing
Years when active: 1945-1980
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Memorable movies
An Evening in Paris, Arzoo, Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke, Baiju Bawra, Barsaat Ki Raat, Dil Diya Dard Liya, Dosti,, Ek Musafir Ek Hasina, Guide, Hasina Man Jayegi, Hum Dono, Jab Jab Phool Khile, Jeene Ki Raah, Junglee, Kashmir Ki Kali, Leader, Mere Humdum Mere Dost, Mere Mehboob, Mere Sanam, Naya Daur, Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon, Professor, Suraj, Taj Mahal, Teesri Manzil, Tere Ghar Ke Saamne, Tumsa Nahin Dekha
Awards & recognition
Filmfare Awards
1960: Chaudhvin Ka Chaand Ho (Chaudhvin Ka Chand)
1961: Teri Pyaari Pyaari Surat Ko (Sasural)
1964: Chaahoonga Main Tujhe (Dosti)
1966: Bahaaron Phool Barsaao (Suraj)
1968: Dil Ke Jharokhe Mein (Brahmachari)
1977: Kya Hua Tera Vaada (Hum Kisise Kum Nahin)
National Film Awards
1968: Baabul Ki Duwaayen Leti Ja (Neel Kamal)
1977: Kya Hua Tera Vaada (Hum Kisise Kum Nahin)
Padma Shri (1967)
Frequent collaborators
Music Directors: Shankar-Jaikishen, Naushad, O.P. Nayyar, S.D. Burman, Laxmikant-Pyarelal
Co-singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Suman Kalyanpur
Actors (songs picturized on): Dilip Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar, Dharmendra, Johnny Walker
Did you know?
Rafi grew up idolizing K.L. Saigal and got a chance to sing a few lines at the end of one of Saigal’s last songs “Mere Sapnon Ki Rani, Roohi Roohi” in Shahjehan (1946).
Rafi and Lata had a feud which lasted for a few years (1963-1967) because of a disagreement over a royalty issue. During this period Rafi did not sing with Lata, which opened the door for Suman Kalyanpur to sing many wonderful duets with Rafi. The feud was eventually brought to an end because of the mediation of S.D. Burman, who brought the pair together again to sing “Dil Pukaare Aa Re Aa re Aa Re” in Jewel Thief.
Additional Information
Rafi’s biographies include the following:
Mohammed Rafi: My Abba – A Memoir, by Rafi’s daughter-in-law Yasmin Khalid Rafi (2012).
Mohammed Rafi: Golden Voice of the Silver Screen, by Sujata Dev, authorized by Rafi’s son Shahid Rafi (2015).