By: H.A.K. Walijah

Mohd Rafi

John Keats once wrote: “A thing of beauty is a joy forever”, today I can pretty much say “A song of Rafi is a joy forever”.  Even 30 years after his death – I am sure Rafi’s popularity did not go into oblivion. Millions of million Rafi lovers pay their respects and tributes everyday which alone is the strongest proof that Rafi still rules and his chair did not occupied yet, no replacement so far!!!. Could anybody ask for a grander memorial than that?  Rafi Saab’s voice has given us a song for every emotion and mood. Rafi’s voice will always be with us, and considering how popular he still is.  As for Rafi’s memorial being his voice, that was exactly why I thought versatility of character that makes him so special. Mohammad Rafi was a superb vocal actor and could bring a range of emotions into the limited time (usually about 3 minutes, back then) a song allowed him. From romantic to sensual, angry to soothing, loving to despairing, or outright joy and laughter, there isn’t a single emotion that his wonderfully fluid voice did not express, and express beautifully. (more…)

By Ravi Kumar

Mohd Rafi

The depth of ocean, the expanse of the space and the greatness of Rafi Saheb cannot be measured by any means. At the bottom of an ocean many precious pearls remain undiscovered and many a shining star remains obscure due to the immensity of the space. Similarly a number of great songs sung by Rafi Saheb could not be popularized or were underrated due to one or the other cause. But the melody, greatness and appeal of these little known songs is as eternal as the gloss of the undiscovered pearls and the shine of the distant stars, only because they were sung by Rafi Saheb. (more…)

By Santosh Vishwanath

Bed decorated by Umesh Makhija

Umesh Makhija the name doesn’t sound popular, does it? But the moment you add Rafi saab’s name with it, the name rings a bell in our ears. Yes, it is true as true is the temple of love for Rafi Saab in this man’s heart. You will have to see it to belive it. Narayanji from Banglore and myself have been fortunate enough to have seen it. So I thought it would be nice to write about Umeshji who has done so much to keep our Rafi Saab’s memory live here in Ahmedabad. (more…)

By Mr D.P.BIJOOR & Mr MILIND BIJOOR

Mohd Rafi and Naushad Ali

In the year 1967 when the Colossal & Classic film Ram Aur Shyam was released, I was at my tender age of 10 and considered myself fortunate enough to witness the sheer magic of Dilip saab. The scene which really captured my mind and of course the minds of millions of fans was the song “Aaaj kee raat mere dil kee salami lele kal tere badmase diwana chala jayega shamma rahe jayegi parwana chala jaega” enacted by Dilip saab with great ease and confidence. A film I cherish all my life.

No doubt it was the sheer magic of Dilip Saab. But no less was the contribution of the other three great maestros Rafi Saab, Naushad Saab & Shakeel Baduyuni Saab. Their contribution, though not visible to the eyes, can be noticed whenever this great evergreen hit is played or heard. It sounds like pure magic pouring out and which has mesmerized millions of music lovers till date across the world. And will continue to do so for the next generation too. Truly a terrific combination of the greatest artists & performers which the film industry has ever seen (more…)

By Ramesh narain kurpad

BHAKTON – THIS IS A SEQUEL TO MY ARTICLE OFF 24 DECEMBER 2010, BASICALLY TO SOOTHE THOSE BHAKTS WHO MAY HAVE BEEN ANGERED WITH MY FORTHRIGHT VIEWS ON ACTING LENGENDS, FILM FRATERNITY, POLITICIANS. HERE IS THE TRUTH AS IT ROLLED OUT IN FRONT OF THE WORLD. 

Mohd Rafi

I am of the personal opinion, that, the lord came down to the earth, in the avataar of Rafi sahab purely more due to necessity than compulsion.

There was an era in the world, when the human beings and their minds were being stressed and over burdened with the modern age going to unleash in all its glory and with all its wares.

The lord then felt that with Rafi sahab’s presence and divine influence, the story writers, the film makers, the lyricists, the music directors and all in the making of films should be put to a frame of mind, where in peace, tranquility, love, romance and extreme happiness was to overflow. (more…)

By Achal Rangaswamy

Mohd Rafi

The singer with a complete range of songs

December is the month when I celebrate two birthdays – my own and that of my biggest idol – Mohd Rafi Saab. There is a difference of exactly two weeks between our birthdays, but I am in a celebratory mood right from the 1^st of the month!

The other day I happened to try and list out Rafi Saab’s songs alphabetically by picking up Only 1 song beginning with each of the alphabets. What turned out as a result of this exercise was something truly profound- Rafi Saab’s songs encompassed every emotion, every mood and every kind of expression a singer could display. (more…)

By Ramesh Narain Kurpad

Mohd Rafi

Sanjeevbhai’s visit to Rafi Sahab’s hometown and his childhood environs, has once again triggered my pent up feelings with regard to our avataar not getting his due even after so many years.

After seeing the photographs of his home, school and the living areas of Rafi Sahab – I felt probably – his past – his childhood – his poor ( humble ) beginning’s – could have been his main un-doings.

The simplicity of Rafi sahab always made every one feel nice – every one feel warm – every one to love him – every one to adore him – but none to HONOUR him. (more…)

By Mr D P Bijoor

Mohd Rafi

Today on his 86^th Birthday we all his fans & admirers get together to wish our beloved King of Melody Mohammed Rafi Sahab Many Happy Returns of the Day.

On this day all these years long I always admired as to what would be the gift if presented to the Legend would be appropriate but always would be in a fix as to whether to present him the same or not, mainly since any valuable gift on this Earth would automatically turn out to be the least when compared to the charisma & sheer greatness of our beloved King of Melody. (more…)

By Souvik Chatterji

Mohd Rafi

The listeners of music all over the world wish happy birthday to Mohammad Rafi on 24^th December, 2010. The noble soul had left his admirers 30 years ago. Yet he is alive in numerous everlasting hit songs which are heard and cherished for generations.

Very significantly he was associated with all the leading actors of bollywood industry in the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s, which starts with Bharat Bhushan, Pradeep Kumar, Dilip Kumar, Rajender Kumar, Raj Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Joy Mukherjee, Biswajeet, Guru Dutt, and extends upto Big B, Rishi Kapoor, Sanjeev Kumar, Jeetender, etc. Even comedians like Johnny Walker, Mehmood were indebted to the maestro for his modification of the voice in favour of them which entertained the audience to a big extent. (more…)

By Nasreen

Sketch of Rafi Sahab – by Nasreen