By: Souvik Chatterji, Master of Law from Warwick University, Coventry,UK, Master of Law from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

Omkar Prasad Nayyar (better known as O.P.Nayyar) is known to be one of the trend-breakers of the traditional music in the Golden Age of Indian film music, in the 50s and 60s. During that period although the Film arena were glorified by Giants of different specialisations, namely Naushad with his Brilliant Ragas, Roshan with the use of Sarengi and providing immortal mujras and qawallis, Madanmohan with his everlasting Ghazals, the general trend of Hindustani classicals and folk songs were used by most of the music directors. Excepting Shankar-Jaikishan who worked on diversified subject matters like (more…)

This information is shared by Mr. Binu Nair

In the inagural function of Delhi Chapter of Rafi Foundation, the first biography of legendary singer Mohammad Rafi – Meri Awaz Suno was released by renownd singing actress Padmashree Puspa Hans and wellknown classical singer Padambhushan Shanno Kurana.

The function was held at Punjabi Bhawan (New Delhi) on the eve of 27th death annivarsary in which a number of personalities from the field of Music, Art and Culture and Media Participated. (more…)

This article is written by Mr. Souvik Chatterji, Master of Law, Warwick University, UK, Master of Law Case Western Reserve University, USA.

Shankar Jaikishan are probably the most versatile music –duos that hailed the music of Bollywood during the Golden Age of Indian Cinema, the 40s, 50s and 60s. The golden era of Indian film music can be associated with the musical giants of different capabilities and specialisations. The Legends include Roshan- the king of melody, Madanmohan- the shahenzah of ghazals, Naushad- the Genius of Hindustani classical ragas with a blend of Lucknow Gharana, Salil Chowdhury –the Master of Westernised chorus with Eastern folk and poetic excellence, O. P. Nayyar – the Master of Westernised Tunes with Eastern flavour, Jaidev – the Legend of Urbanised Folk and (more…)

This article is written by Ms. Sajdah. Source: Mr. Binu Nair and Pradeep.S.Kumar.

The rains are supposed to bring with it a feeling of joy and renewal. But not for everyone. For some it is time once again to go through that sense of indescribable loss – that refuses to fade away despite the many years that have passed.

The month of July has a special meaning for those who dwell in the music world. For it’s on this day, the 31st of July that Rafi sahab bid goodbye to the world, leaving us with a treasury of his songs as consolation. (more…)

The photos and writeup by Dr.Sumra Yunus

Photos from Mohd Rafi’s 27th Death Anniversary in Juhu Cemetery

Jahan-e-moseequee mayn aap sa rootba Rafi saheb
Na pehlay tha,na hai aur na kabhi hoga Rafisaheb (more…)

This article is written by Mr. Ramakrshna from Hyderabad. He mentions Professionally I am an Electrical engineer working at Hyderabad. I was at the Mazhar of RAFI sahab on 31st July. Mr Binu nair has started the RAFI foundation in mumbai and I am starting its Hyderabad limb.

31st July 1980 was the day when nature has snatched away our most dearest RAFI sahab from us. It was the day of his heavenly abode and the black day for all of us the RAFI lovers. I am a resident of Hyderabad and it was my heartfelt desire every time to visit the Mazhar of RAFI sahab and fortunately on this 31st july. I was probably permitted by RAFI sahab to visit his Mazhar. (more…)

By Mr. Naveen Zalpuri

Last year around the same time, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs was on the air and it was a delight to find contestants as young as 10 years old trying to attempt Rafi songs to showcase their talent. In last week’s episode on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007 where participants were asked to sing songs from the decade of 60’s and 70’s it was again our Rafi Sahib who emerged as the singer of choice. It is no co-incidence that more often than not at the crucial junctures in shows like these, the contestants revert to a familiar Rafi song to showcase their highest singing acumen. Whether they do justice to these songs or not is a different subject but they sure need to be complimented for the attempts they make. (more…)

This article is written by Mr. Biman Baruah from Sivasagar, Assam, India.

“Assomire Sutalate, Rudalire Senehate, Maramor Faku Khele, Rangate NachePakhili, Mate Muke Haath Bauli“. ( In the valley of Assam, Sunshine play with colures, Butterflies Dance in Joy and Call me with beck of Hands ) Remembering a Mohammed Rafi Assamese song under compositions of mumbai-based noted Assamese music director Jitu-Tapan. (more…)

By Mr. K.S.Ramachandran

I would like to call the 31st of July as “Mohd Rafi’s day” to commemorate the great work this singing legend has done for the musical film world!

Mohd Rafi richly deserves all praises from all corners of the world and by this note, I am requesting all Indians both in India and abroad, to please do something and organize some event to promote the greatness of Rafi Sahib both as a singer and also as a well spent life as a human being, on this memorable day. (more…)

This article is by Mr. Souvik Chatterji, Master of Law from Warwick University, Coventry, UK. Master of Law from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

Mohammad Rafi is a name which has galvanised the Indian firmament during golden age of Indian film music. As his dimension was as wide as the horizon of creative arts, various categories of his songs has been remembered by generations for the last 50 years, including ghazals, Hindustani classical songs, bhajans, folk songs, songs on the freedom movement of India, qawallis, najrul geeti and many more types of geet. Among them ghazal is one category where Rafi’s sweet voice has brought life into the sensational lyrics and outstanding music compositions of the Golden era. (more…)