Overview
Mohammed Rafi, the legendary playback singer of Hindi films, possessed a voice that could convey a vast spectrum of human emotions. His career spanned over four decades, during which he recorded thousands of songs in various Indian languages, primarily Hindi. Rafi’s versatility was unparalleled; he could effortlessly transition from soulful romantic ballads to energetic dance numbers, patriotic anthems to heart-wrenching melodies, and classical compositions to playful tunes. This adaptability made him a favorite among numerous music directors and actors, and he became the voice for many iconic Bollywood stars like Dilip Kumar as well as comedic actors like Johnny Walker.
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, Brahmachari, 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, Pyaasa, Rajkumar, 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’s family owned a men’s barbershop in Lahore. It is said that his interest in music began when he would imitate the chants of a fakir who frequented their street. This led to him being nicknamed ‘Pheeko’ for his imitations.
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).
The story goes that before Rafi, Naushad’s favorite singer was Talat Mahmood. Once Naushad found Talat smoking during a recording. He was annoyed, and hired Rafi to sing all the songs of the movie Baiju Bawra. The rest is history.
Rafi was a huge fan of the boxer Muhammad Ali. Once, during a concert tour of the US, a friend of Rafi’s who also happened to know the famous boxer, arranged for Rafi to meet him. It was a dream come true for Rafi, and he was thrilled even further when Ali suggested that they take a photo with the two of them playfully punching each other.
Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar 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” 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).
In addition, we also have this video commentary on Rafi by the incomparable Javed Akhtar: