Welcome to Rafi Sahab's page!
Hi, It is my greatest pleasure to present you some facts about my favourite singer, M Rafi
Mohammed Rafi
A Great Singer
Md. Rafi was born on 24th December, 1924 in Kotla Sultanpur (presently in Pakistan after the separation). He was born in a middle class muslim family. His brother, Hamid, was the first to notice the divine gift in Rafi's voice. Hamid, then, decided to concentrate all his efforts in providing all the support needed by his younger brother to make it big in the music world. At a very young age Md.Rafi learned Hindustani classical music under the renowned Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. Rafi's great interest and dedication paid off and he was soon trained to be one of the greatest singers of all time.
Rafi had several opportunities to sing in public. His
first opportunity in films came under the music
direction of Shyam Sunder in Lahore, for the film
Gull-Balaach. The film was released on 28
February, 1944 and soon Rafi's first songs were
being hummed by people, children and adults alike.
During that time popular actor Nazeer heard of Rafi
and his songs, and realizing his potential invited him
to Bombay.
Md. Rafi arrived in Bombay, and was to live there
for the next 36 years. Again he had the opportunity
to sing under the baton of Shyam Sunder for the film
"GaoN ki Gori". Soon Rafi's fame spread far and
wide and several eminent music directors signed him
up. Rafi utilized these great opportunities and soon
carved a niche for himself in the Hindi film world by
singing for Naushad, Madan Mohan, S.D. Burman,
Hemanth Kumar, Vasanth Desai, Sardaar Mullick,
and others.
In 1948 on the death of Mahatma Gandhi, Md. Rafi
sang the song "Suno, suno ae duniya vaalon, bapuji
ki amar kahaani", written by Rajinder Krishan and
music scored by Husnlal Bhagatram. Rafi's voice
echoed the sadness of this great tragedy and
listeners soon had their eyes filled with tears. Such
was the magic in his voice and soon he became the
favourite of millions. With the start of the famous
"Binaca Geet Mala" in 1952, the program aired the
immortal songs of the film "Baiju Bawra" and this
really launched Rafi as a popular singer for all ages.
Thousands of request for Rafi's songs poured into
Sri Lanka Radio.
Md. Rafi easily became the favourite of many music
directors. His understanding and seriousness to give
his best was well appreciated. It is also well known
that several films with mediocre actors became hits
just because of his songs. Rafi is also known to help
young and upcoming music directors by singing for
them and helping them out in scoring the music.
Indeed he was loved by one and all his fans and
colleagues.
Rafi breathed his last on 31st July, 1980 in Bombay,
a couple of days after he recorded his last song for
the film "Aaspaas" (Too kahin aaspaas hain dost",
scored by Laxmikant-Pyarelal). He may be absent
from this world but his golden voice will echo for
generations to come.
I have provided one of my favorite Rafi songs below for your enjoyment. I intend to add more songs here. Please let me know your opinions. Thanks.
