Rafi to Remember…
An article remembering Rafi Sahab Mr. K.S. Ramachandran
Mohd Rafi a great legend who passed away on the 31st July 1980 is still remembered by genuine music lovers across the globe. His voice had it all – be it melody, range, expression, depth, lilt or what have you. I have had no personal interactions with this great singer but somehow unconsciously have grown with his music all throughout my life. I try and sing like Mohd Rafi but then he is par excellence! Today, when we listen to his songs they seem to be more melodious amidst the noicy jazz, rock and all other types of modern numbers.
There have been many articles on Mohd Rafi over the years but then it is important to realize that he was not only a great singer but also a great human being. It is a well known fact that he has sung for music directors without taking any payment. He was more a great human being, besides being a true artist.
I obviously cannot list down his great and unforgettable contributions to the bollywood (as the list would never end!) but I can only say that the music directors of yesteryears like Shankar Jaikishen, Naushad, OP Nayyar, Roshan, Laxmikanth Pyarelal, Kalyanji Anandji, Madan Mohan, Salil Choudhary, Khayyam, Igbal Qureshi, Jaidev, Ravi and many others have really exploited his talent and his powerful dexterity as a playback singer. It seems he used to even watch and observe film artists to playback for them.
It is amazing to even realize that he was always seen with a smiling face. Has anyone seen a Rafi’s snap with a grim or serious face? I am sure not!
I vividly remember a full night entertainment in Netaji Stadium in Kolkata in the 70’s when I was in college. Kishore Kumar performed from 730PM till about mid night followed by Mohd Rafi from midnight till next day early morning! It was winter and also the stadium was open air! We were all shivering but then we were really mesmerized by this great man singing all throughout night. I remember Mohd Rafi starting the program with a song which he sang for Kishore Kumar as a hero in the film! (Manu Mora Bawra…)
Lataji had very well said Eise Gayak Baar Baar Janam Nahi Lete, to which I would say Eise Gayak Kabhi Janam Nahi Lenge. I think the Rafians would agree if I say that atleast we are all blessed to have heard Mohd Rafi live, in our youthful days.
We still remember you Rafi Sahab…you are our music even for years to come and beyond…….unending…
On this day 31st july 1980…most sad day of my life…i question GOD why did HE snatch our farishta rafisaab from this music world…leaving all his billions fans in tears…….but at least his golden voice is a great medicine for all of us soothing ur nerves….as we get peace by worshipping god in watever form…as god is one….hence rafisaab is also only ONE….NUMBER ONE
Click on this link and enjoy Rafi’s Kya se kya ho gaya from Guide!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMMHDuaJls4
tears
mohammed rafi we miss u allah apki rooh ku sukoon ata farmaye
The songs of the great Mohd Rafi, were always at the very top on my wishlist. Even when I was 8-9 years of age, my favourite song used to be “Maine Poocha Chaand Se….” Back then, I was not much aware as to who had sung the song, but later on, as my list of favourites began to overflow, there was only one name that stood out, Mr Mohd Rafi….
As time passed, his songs became very much part of my daily routine. There was hardly a day which passed without me humming atleast one of his wonderful songs. There was a sense of satisfaction that I got, when I sang his songs.
But suddenly one fine day, while I was just checking some songs of his songs on the internet, I came across this date, “31-07-1980” and a feeling of immense uneasiness crept into me….
31st Of July 1980, the day I was born, the day I celebrated each year with soo much joy and happiness, why did it had to me this day, I kept on wondering…. Since then, my birthdays are never the same….