By Dr. Souvik Chatterji

On his 45th death anniversary, Mohammed Rafi Sahab is fondly remembered worldwide. From the ’40s–’70s, top composers and lyricists rose with his legendary voice.

On his 45th death anniversary on 31st July 2025, Mohammed Rafi Sahab is fondly remembered across the globe. From the 1940s to the 1970s, nearly every lyricist, music director, and composer rose to prominence through their collaboration with him.

Naushad Ali Sahab’s most iconic composition and Shakeel Badayuni’s greatest lyrical triumph came with the timeless song “O Duniya Ke Rakhwale” from the 1952 film Baiju Bawra. The soul-stirring rendition by Rafi Sahab elevated the track to legendary status, with actor Bharat Bhushan emotively lip-syncing it on screen. Notably, Naushad Sahab received his only Filmfare Award in 1953 for his unforgettable music in Baiju Bawra.

Naushad Sahab was honored with the BFJA Award for his exceptional music in the Dilip Kumar classic Ganga Jumna. In this film, Rafi Sahab delivered landmark songs like “Nain Lad Jaihe O Manwa Ma” and “O Chhalia Re Chhalia Re, Mann Mein Hamaar”, both penned by Shakeel Badayuni. These songs remain celebrated gems in the golden era of Hindi cinema, showcasing the magical collaboration between composer, lyricist, and singer.

Shakeel Badayuni ji received the Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist in 1961 for the timeless Rafi Sahab song “Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho“ from the film Chaudhvin Ka Chand. He followed it up with another win in 1962 for the Rafi classic “Husnwale Tera Jawab Nahin“ from the film Gharana. Both songs remain shining examples of his poetic brilliance and the magic of his collaboration with Rafi Sahab.

Hasrat Jaipuri Sahab won the Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist in 1967 for the evergreen Mohammed Rafi song “Baharon Phool Barsao“ from the film Suraj. This romantic classic, composed by Shankar-Jaikishan, remains one of the most beloved songs of Indian cinema and a defining moment in Hasrat Jaipuri’s illustrious career.

Sahir Ludhianvi ji received the Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist in 1964 for the iconic Rafi Sahab duet “Jo Wada Kiya Woh Nibhana Padega” from the film Taj Mahal. With music by Roshan, this timeless melody stands as a testament to Sahir’s lyrical depth and his unforgettable collaboration with Rafi Sahab.

Majrooh Sultanpuri Sahab was honored with the Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist in 1965 for the heart-touching Mohammed Rafi song “Chahunga Main Tujhe Saanjh Savere“ from the film Dosti. Set to music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, the song became an anthem of pure, selfless friendship and showcased the emotional resonance of Majrooh Sahab’s poetry through Rafi Sahab’s soulful voice.

Shailendra ji received the Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist in 1969 for the tender Mohammed Rafi lullaby “Main Gaoon Tum So Jao“ from the film Brahmachari. With music composed by Shankar-Jaikishan, the song beautifully blends Shailendra’s heartfelt lyrics with Rafi Sahab’s soothing voice, creating an unforgettable emotional moment in Hindi cinema.

Anand Bakshi Sahab received the Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist in 1979 for the philosophical Mohammed Rafi song “Aadmi Musafir Hai” from the film Apnapan.

With music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, the song poignantly captures the transient nature of life, brought to life through Bakshi Sahab’s introspective lyrics and Rafi Sahab’s soulful rendition.

Shankar-Jaikishan Sahab, the legendary composer duo, received a record 9 Filmfare Awards for Best Music Director. One of those wins came in 1961 for the film Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai, starring Raj Kumar Sahab in the lead role. A major highlight of the film’s music was the soulful Mohammed Rafi song “Jaane Kahan Gayi Dil Mera”, which played a significant role in earning them the award.

In 1963, Shankar-Jaikishan received the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director for the film Professor. The film featured several memorable Mohammed Rafi songs picturized on Shammi Kapoor ji, whose energetic screen presence was perfectly complemented by Rafi Sahab’s versatile voice. Iconic tracks like “Awaaz De Ke Humein Tum Bulao” and “Ae Gulbadan Ae Gulbadan“ remain standout examples of their legendary collaboration.

In 1967, Shankar-Jaikishan were honored with the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director for the blockbuster film Suraj, starring Rajendra Kumar. The soundtrack featured several landmark songs sung by Mohammed Rafi, including the evergreen “Baharon Phool Barsao“, the romantic “Itna Hai Tumse Pyar Mujhe”, the heartfelt “Kaise Samjhaoon”, and the playful “Gustakhi Maaf”—each showcasing the magic of Rafi Sahab’s voice paired with SJ’s unforgettable melodies.

Mohammed Rafi Sahab won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the Rajendra Kumar starrer Sasural in 1962, for the beloved song “Teri Pyari Pyari Surat Ko”. The song, composed by Shankar-Jaikishan, remains a timeless ode to beauty and romance, and stands as one of Rafi Sahab’s most cherished performances.

One of the most iconic songs composed by Shankar-Jaikishan was “Yeh Mera Prem Patra Padh Kar” from Sangam (1964), sung by Mohammed Rafi for Rajendra Kumar Sahab.

Roshanlal Nagrath Sahab received the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director in 1964 for the film Taj Mahal, starring Pradeep Kumar and Bina Rai. The film’s music is considered among Roshan Sahab’s finest, with Mohammed Rafi delivering several unforgettable performances. Standout tracks include the iconic “Jo Wada Kiya Woh Nibhana Padega”, the romantic “Jo Baat Tujh Mein Hai”, and the tender “Paon Chhoo Lene Do Phoolon Ko Inaam Mil Jayega”—each a testament to Rafi Sahab’s unmatched vocal range and Roshan Sahab’s melodic genius.

In 1964, Mohammed Rafi Sahab was honored with the Sur Singer Award for his deeply soulful rendition of “Man Re Tu Kahe Na Dheer Dhare” from the film Chitralekha, starring Pradeep Kumar. The song, composed by Roshan Sahab, is revered for its philosophical depth and classical elegance—cementing its place as one of Rafi Sahab’s most spiritually profound performances. This was one of the most acclaimed and spiritually resonant songs composed by Roshanlal Nagrath ji for Mohammed Rafi Sahab. Featuring Pradeep Kumar Sahab on screen, the song is a meditative masterpiece that blends deep philosophical lyrics with Rafi Sahab’s soul-stirring voice, making it one of the most iconic creations of Roshan-Rafi collaboration.

O.P. Nayyar Sahab won the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director in 1958 for the Dilip Kumar starrer Naya Daur. The film featured several landmark songs sung by Mohammed Rafi Sahab, including the energetic “Ude Jab Jab Zulfen Teri”, the romantic duet “Maang Ke Saath Tumhara”, the soulful “Aana Ho To Aa”, and the stirring anthem “Saathi Haath Badhana”—each a classic that contributed to the film’s musical legacy.

Among O.P. Nayyar’s most celebrated hits with Rafi Sahab is the unforgettable “Pukarta Chala Hoon Main” from the 1965 film Mere Sanam, where Biswajeet ji lip-synced on screen. The song’s haunting melody and Rafi Sahab’s mesmerizing voice continue to captivate listeners across generations.

Salil Choudhury Sahab received the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director in 1959 for the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack of Madhumati, starring Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala. Among the many memorable tracks, Mohammed Rafi Sahab lent his voice to two standout songs: the melancholic “Tute Hue Khwabon Mein”, which captured the film’s emotional depth, and the lively “Jungle Mein Mor Nacha Kisne Dekha”, showcasing Salil Choudhury’s musical versatility and Rafi Sahab’s vocal brilliance.

Ravi Shankar Sharma Sahab, popularly known as Ravi, received the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director in 1962 for the Rajendra Kumar starrer Gharana. One of the standout songs from the film was “Husnwale Tera Jawab Nahin”, sung soulfully by Mohammed Rafi Sahab with lyrics by Shakeel Badayuni.

Rafi Sahab also won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the timeless romantic ballad “Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho” from Guru Dutt’s film Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960), another iconic composition by Ravi Sahab. This song remains one of the most cherished love songs in Indian cinema history.

Madan Mohan Sahab received the National Film Award for Best Music Direction in 1970 for the film Dastak, starring Sanjeev Kumar and Rehana Sultan. Among the film’s gems was the soulful “Tumse Kahoon Ek Baat”, beautifully sung by Mohammed Rafi Sahab, showcasing the composer’s mastery in blending emotion with melody.

One of Madan Mohan’s most powerful and patriotic collaborations with Rafi Sahab was the stirring anthem “Kar Chale Hum Fida Jaan-o-Tan Saathiyo” from the 1964 war film Haqeeqat. Written by Kaifi Azmi, the song remains an eternal tribute to the spirit of sacrifice and national pride.

Laxmikant-Pyarelal ji received the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director in 1965 for the emotionally powerful film Dosti. The soundtrack became a milestone in Hindi film music, with Mohammed Rafi Sahab delivering several unforgettable songs, including the heartfelt “Chahunga Main Tujhe Saanjh Savere”, the philosophical “Rahi Manwa Dukh Ki Chinta”, and the soulful “Koi Jab Raah Na Paaye”.

Rafi Sahab’s rendition of “Chahunga Main Tujhe” was especially lauded, earning him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer in the same year. The film’s music remains a cornerstone of emotional storytelling in Indian cinema.

Mohammed Rafi Sahab received the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the song “Kya Hua Tera Wada” from the 1977 film Hum Kisise Kum Naheen, starring Rishi Kapoor. The song, composed by R.D. Burman Sahab with lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri, became a massive hit and is remembered as one of Rafi Sahab’s most emotionally charged performances. It beautifully blends heartbreak and nostalgia, showcasing the legendary singer’s unmatched vocal expression.

Several iconic music directors rose to prominence through their unforgettable collaborations with Mohammed Rafi Sahab, whose golden voice brought their compositions to life:

• Khayyam Sahab shot to fame with the poignant “Jaane Kya Dhoondti Rehti Hain Yeh Aankhen Mujh Mein” from Shola Aur Shabnam.
• Jaidev Sahab gained recognition with the philosophical gem “Main Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata Chala Gaya” from Hum Dono.
• Chitragupt ji became known for the evergreen “Chal Ud Ja Re Panchi” in Bhabhi.
• Kalyanji-Anandji rose to fame with the soulful hit “Pardesiyon Se Na Ankhiyan Milana” from Jab Jab Phool Khile.
• Ghulam Mohammad Sahab found acclaim with the hauntingly romantic “Chalo Dildar Chalo” from Pakeezah.
• Iqbal Qureshi Sahab stood out with the melancholic “Subah Na Aayi” in Cha Cha Cha.
• G.S. Kohli Sahab gained attention with the playful “Agar Main Poochhoon Jawab Doge” from Shikari.
• Sonik-Omi made their mark with the nostalgic “Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya” from Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya.
• Usha Khanna ji shot to fame with the youthful and catchy “Dil Deke Dekho” in Dil Deke Dekho.

These songs not only catapulted these composers into the limelight but also showcased the timeless magic of Rafi Sahab’s voice.

Mohammed Rafi Sahab’s timeless romantic ballad “Baharon Phool Barsao” was voted the most popular Hindi song in a BBC Asia Network poll held to commemorate 100 years of Hindi cinema. Composed by Shankar-Jaikishan and penned by Hasrat Jaipuri, the song from the 1967 film Suraj became a defining moment in Hindi film music, cementing Rafi Sahab’s legacy as the golden voice of Indian cinema.

In a CNN-IBN survey conducted in 2013, Mohammed Rafi Sahab was voted the Greatest Voice of Hindi Cinema, reaffirming his unparalleled impact on Indian music. Earlier, in 2001, he was honored as the “Best Singer of the Millennium” by Hero Honda and Stardust magazine, a title befitting his timeless appeal and unmatched versatility.

Despite such accolades, many of Rafi Sahab’s films and songs are in urgent need of restoration. As invaluable cultural treasures, these recordings—often preserved in fragile analog formats—risk deterioration with time. A large-scale, high-quality restoration effort is essential not only to preserve his legacy but also to allow future generations to experience the magic of his voice in its full glory. This initiative would ideally involve remastering audio tracks, restoring original film reels, and archiving performances with historical context.

This blog was published on Thursday, July 31st, 2025 at 2:27 pm and Last modified on Thursday, July 31st, 2025 at 2:27 pm and is filed under Meri Awaaz Suno. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.