Rafi Sahab is remembered all over the world
By: Dr Souvik Chatterji (Associate Professor in Law and Head of Department, JIS University, Kolkata)
Rafi Sahab is remembered all over the world on his death anniversary on 31st July 2022. Every music director and composer between 1940s to 1970s rose to fame due to their association with Rafi Sahab.
Shankar Jaikishan Sahab received 9 Filmfare awards. Out of that they received Filmfare award in film Dil Apna Aur Preet Parayi with lead role of Raj Kumar Sahab in 1961 due to Rafi Sahab song “Jane Kahan Gaye”.
In 1963 SJ received Filmfare award in film Professor. There were many landmarks songs of Rafi Sahab for Shammi Kapoor ji like “Awaaz Deke Hume Tum Bulayo”, “Ae Gulbadan Ae Gulbadan”, to name a few.
In 1967 SJ received Filmfare award in Rajender Kumar film Suraj. Rafi Sahab sang many landmark songs like “baharon phool barsao”, “itna hai tumse pyar mujhe”, “kaise samjhayun”, “gustaki maaf” to name a few.
Rafi Sahab won best Filmfare male playback singer award for Rajender Kumar film Sasural for the song “teri pyari pyari surat ko” composed by Shankar Jaikishan Sahab.
Naushad sahib received Filmfare award in 1954 for composition of music in Bharat Bhushan film Baiju Bawara. Rafi Sahab showed over all excellence in classical oriented songs like “O Duniya Ke Rakhwale”, “Man Tarapata Hari Darshan Ko Aaj” to name a few.
Naushad sahib received BFJA award for Dilip Kumar film music in Ganga Jumna. Rafi Sahab sang landmark songs like “Nain Lad Jaihe Toh Manwama”, “O Chalia Re Chalia Re Man Mei Hamaar” to name a few.
Roshanlal Nagrath sahab received Filmfare award for Pradeep Kumar film Taj Mahal in 1964. Rafi Sahab many landmark songs like “Jo Wada Kiya Woh”, “Jo Baat Tujh Mein Hein” “Paon Chu Lene Do” to name a few in the film.
Rafi Sahab received Sur Singer award in 1964 for Pradip Kumar film Chitralekha. The music director was Roshan Sahab and song was “Man Re Tu Kahe Na Dheer Dhare”
OP Nayyar Sahab received Filmfare award in 1958 for Dilip Kumar film Naya Daur. Rafi Sahab sang many landmark songs in the film like “Uden Jab Jab Zulfen Teri”, “Maang Ke Saath Tumhara”, “Aana ho to aa”, “Saathi Haath Badhana” to name a few.
Salil Choudhury Sahab received Filmfare award in 1959 for Dilip Kumar film Madhumati. Rafi Sahab sang the landmark song “Tute Hue Khwabon Ne” and “Jangal Me Mor Nacha” in the film.
Ravi Shankar Sharma Sahab received Filmfare award in 1962 for Rajender Kumar film Gharana. Rafi Sahab sang the landmark song “Husnwale Tera Jawab Nahi”. Rafi Sahab also won best male playback singer award for the song “Chaudavi Ka Chand” composed by Ravi Sahab in Guru Dutt film Chaudavi Ka Chand.
Madan Mohan Sahab received national award for Sanjeev Kumar film Dastak in 1970. Rafi Sahab sang the song “Tumse Kahoon Ek Baat”.
Laxmikant Pyarellalji received filmfare award in film Dosti in 1965. Rafi Sahab sang landmark songs like “Chahunga Mai Tujhe”, “Rahi Manwa Dukh Ki Chinta”, “Koi Jab Raah Na Paye”. Rafi Sahab son best male playback singer award for the song “Chahunga Mai Tujhe”.
Rafi Sahab received national award in Rishi Kapoor film Hum Kisi Se Kam Nahi. The song was “Kya Hua Tera Waada” composed by RD Burman Sahab.
Khayyam Sahab shot to fame with Rafi Sahab song “Jane Kya Dhoonti Rehti Yeh Ankhe Mujhme” in film Shola Aur Shabnam. Jaidev Sahab rose to fame with Rafi Sahab song “Mai Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata Chala Gaya” in film Hum Dono. Chitragupt ji rose to fame with Rafi Sahab song “Chal Ud Ja Re Panchi” in film Bhabhi. Kalyanji Anand ji rose to fame with Rafi Sahab song “Pardesiyon Se Na Ankhiya Milana” in film Jab Jab Jab Phool Khilen. Ghulam Mohammad Sahab rose to fame with Rafi Sahab song “Chalo Dildaar Chalo” in film Pakizaa. Iqbal Qureshi sahib rose to fame with Rafi Sahab song “Subah Na Aayi” in film Cha Cha Cha. GS Kohli Sahab rose to fame with Rafi Sahab song “Agar Mai Puchu Jawab Doge” in film Shikari. Sonik Omi Sahib rose to fame with Rafi Sahab song “Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya” in film Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya. Usha Khanna ji rose to fame with Rafi Sahab song “Dil Deke Dekho” in film Dil Deke Dekho.
Rafi Sahab’s Baharon Phool Barasao was voted the most popular Hindi song in a BBC Asia Network poll commemorating 100 years of Hindi Cinema.
In a CNN-IBN survey in 2013, he was voted the greatest voice of Hindi Cinema.
In 2001, Rafi was named as the “best singer of the millennium” by Hero Honda and Stardust magazine.
Thank you Souvik Ji highlighting the global influence and legacy of Mohammed Rafi. The article showcases how Rafi Sahab’s music and voice continue to resonate with people across generations and borders.
The article begins by discussing the unique qualities of Rafi Sahab’s voice, such as his versatility and ability to infuse emotions into his songs. You also touched on the cultural impact of Rafi Sahab’s music, and how it transcends geographical and linguistic barriers.
Rafi Sahab’s music has had a significant impact on people in countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Middle East, where his songs continue to be popular and beloved. Thank you for citing examples of how Rafi Sahab’s music has been celebrated and commemorated in these countries, such as through musical tributes and concerts.
This also highlights how Rafi Sahab’s music has been appreciated by people outside of South Asia, such as in the United States and Europe. The notes how his music has been featured in Hollywood films and how it has influenced Western musicians such as the Beatles.
One of the highlights of the article is the personal anecdotes and stories shared by fans of Rafi Sahab from around the world. These stories showcase the enduring impact of his music and how it continues to resonate with people across generations and cultures.
Overall, it is a testament to the global influence and legacy of Mohammed Rafi. The article showcases how his music and voice continue to inspire and move people across borders and generations, and how his unique qualities as a singer and artist continue to be appreciated and celebrated around the world.