Rafi Sahab never touched alcohol and was a god-fearing person, content with his singing and family life. Despite never drinking, he masterfully sang numerous intoxication-themed songs in Hindi films, unmatched in his mystical modulation and diction. His voice defined an era from the late 1950s to the 1970s, and his deep understanding of lyrics and music remains unparalleled. — By an intoxicated fan – A S MURTY – rafimurty {a.t} gmail.com

Rafi Sahab never touched alcohol? Did he not ever take any drinks ? Unbelievable, many would say. But most know that Rafi Sahab stayed clear of any kind of alcohol.  A god-fearing person that he was, Rafi Sahab was content with his singing and loved to be back with his family after his recordings and did not give any time to partying.  His only other outings would be for live programmes around the globe and at the altar of the borders of India, giving succor the embattled and fatigued Indian soldiers who gave their all for the country’s safety.

By Sanjeev Kumar Dixit

Temple of Rafi Sahab

I am sending few pictures of the TEMPLE of our honorable MOHD. RAFI SAHAB in my room. Statue of RAFI SAHAB was established on 6/2/11 (Ravivar means RAFI-VAR) with sweets & fruits.

In the 2nd floor of temple, Holi soils from the birthplace, Amritsar of Rafi Sahab & from his grave are kept to right hand side & left hand side respectively of the statue.

In the ground floor of the temple there are the pictures of my respected FATHER & MOTHER with pictures respected RAFI SAHAB. (more…)

By Jagat Kant Choudhary

Filmfare

The Filmfare Awards, since its inception in 1953 has been one of the most coveted awards in the Hindi Film Industry. It was at the Regal Theatre in South Mumbai (then Bombay) on March 21, 1954, that the first awards were handed over to the winners. Hollywood star Gregory Peck, who was the guest of honour at the inaugural Awards ceremony, was delayed on a flight from Colombo and could only attend the banquet at Willingdon Sports Club later on.

Incidentally the Awards were called Clare Awards in the beginning, named after Clare Mendionca, the well known film critic of the Times of India in the 1940s and 50s. A couple of years down the line, however, the Awards began to be known as Filmfare Awards instead. (more…)

By: H.A.K. Walijah

Mohd Rafi with Mukesh, Talat Mohd and others

“Tere Jaisa kaun hain, Tere Jaisa Koi Nahin,” (who is there like you, no one is like you !) when we come to think of Mohammad Rafi Saab and his legendary status in Hindi Film Music, then I must say yes, it is true that no one is like Rafi Saab. Nevertheless this is the opening line of the song on which my write-up is based on. In fact, this is one of the most beautiful and romantic numbers ever rendered by the Melody King Mohd. Rafi Saab in the movie “Tamanna” (1969). That song was picturised on romantic actor of 60’s Biswajeet who always lucky in getting great songs, got his cream with Rafi Saab under a host of composers in Mere Sanam, Sagaai, Shehnai, Do Dil, Night In London, Jaal, Aasra, Pyar Ka Sapna, April Fool etc. and the then ravishing beauty Mala Sinha, penned by Anand Bakshi and class music composed by Kalyanji-Anandji – what a marvelous composition of  Kalyan?ji Anandji –  an absolute magic and lilting music. (more…)

By Srinivas Gudimella

Mohd Rafi

Jitnaa bhi suno lage na kaafi …. aawaaz hai aisaa Md. Rafi !

Aawaaz ki duniyaa kaa Raja hai tu
Khudaa ki sadaa kaa doojaa hai tu !

Sangeet ki duniya ka naayak hai tu
Naa koi tujhsaa aisaa gaayak hai tu
Sabke abhimaan kaa laayak hai tu ! (more…)

By Souvik Chatterji

Rafi Sahab with O.P.Nayyar

The musiclovers had remembered legendary composer Omkar Prasad Nayyar, popularly known as OP Nayyar on his birthday on 16^th January, 2011. He had died few years back, but his tunes had remained immortal for the audience of bollywood films for years. Whenever the name of OP Nayyar appeared in the minds of the audience, the name of immortal singer Mohammad Rafi had come together, without whom OP Nayyar was incomplete. OP Nayyar started his career with the film Kaneej in 1949.

Guru Dutt had created his image in bollywood films in different categories being a thoughtful director and producer, dynamic actor, good choreographer. One of the numerous reasons for which his films became super hit in the 50s and 60s included the brilliant songs sung by Rafi during the golden age. (more…)

By Ramesh Narain Kurpad – Rafiaarenkay / rameshkurpad (gmail)

Rafi Sahab with his awards

Dear Rafi fans / bhakts from near and far away land – I have voiced myself vehemently in my own country through this beautiful dedicated Rafi website, but in vain – the Indian fans in India are meekly whispering “ alas Rafi Sahab cannot be conferred Bharat Ratna since he is no more and he cannot be given posthumously.” – says who?

Now this letter is being addressed to all international fans / bhakts who are not living in India they may be Indians – Pakistani’s – Bangladeshi’s – Afghani’s – from UAE – Saudi – America – Canada – UK – Europe – New Zealand – Australia – Germany – France anywhere. (more…)

By Sarah Modi

Mohd Rafi

Rafi is certainly my sweetheart and I bet yours as well.  If you are a romantic at heart, Rafi saab’s voice is the eternal sound of love.  And if you are not a romantic, you will become one at the mere touch of his mellifluous voice.  His intoxicating and honey-soaked vocals can woo any hard hearted person.   The warmth in his voice can thaw and melt anything frozen — be it a thing, human being, thought or an emotion.  If you don’t believe me,  listen to the songs I have listed below and be prepared to be hypnotized by his mesmerizing and soulful renditions.

If you want to praise your girlfriend or wife, or express your love to them, or if you want to embark upon a beautiful journey of courtship, you can begin with any of these wonderful songs, and Lady Love will surely be your Valentine! (more…)

By Mr. D.P.Bijoor & Mr. Milind Bijoor

Mohd Rafi and Madhubala

The Almighty has created 2 of the most wonderful & cherished personalities on this Universe, one with that ultimate velvet touch of voice which automatically became the Shehenshah of Taranum  and the other with that ultimate beauty who came to be known as the Mallika-e-Husna and above all both thy names starting with that magical alphabet M = Mohammed Rafi and Madhubala. Both these personalities contributed their individual credibility in the Hindi Film industry and by virtue became immortal legends.

Kudrat Ke Do Anokhe Shakahar aur do Anmol Ratn – Mohammed Rafi – Madhubala. “Zindagee bhar na bhulegi woh barsaat kee raat ek anjaan hasina se mulaqat kee raat” (more…)

Compiled by: Mr. Biman Baruah

Rafi Sahab and Naushad Ali

Naushad Ali and Mohammed Rafi both were the legends of Hindi Film Music, former one is one of the greatest Music Directors of Indian Cinema and later one is one of the greatest playback singers of Indian Cinema who made for each other and born on 25^th and 24^th December respectively. Both the legends are almost forgotten man today. But the immortal songs created by them still continue to live on in the minds of all music lovers and the songs are the undying treasure of Hindi Film Music. On their birth anniversary in December, they were more or less ignored in Film Industry, to which both the maestro devoted their life.

Naushad Ali was born on 25^th December 1919 in Luchnow, a traditional city famous for refined North Indian Culture. From early childhood in Luchnow he was a keen listener to the live orchestras accompanying silent films. Before coming to Bombay, he used to repair harmoniums and composed for amateur theatricals such as the Windsor Music Entertainers. (more…)