Celebrating Mohammad Rafi: 100 Years Of The Maestro Who Shaped Indian Music

Mohammad Rafi, arguably the greatest singer to ever walk the earth, is a man whose legacy remains unmatched. Born a century ago today, on 24th December 1924, in Kotla Sultan Singh near Amritsar city in Punjab, India, he developed a deep interest in singing from a very young age. He was inspired by the chants of a Fakir who roamed the streets of his village, which led him to imitate the sounds. This passion for music eventually drove him to learn classical music under the guidance of masters such as Ustad Abdul Wahid Khan, Pandit Jiwan Lal Mattoo, and Firoze Nizami.

He finally made his playback debut with a duet Goriye Nee, Heeriye Nee with singer Zeenat Begum in the Punjabi film Gul Baloch, recorded in 1941, later released in 1944 and his Hindi film debut came with the song Aji Dil Ho Kaaboo Mein in the 1945 film Gao ki Gori. It did not take much time for him to mesmerize millions, his unreal versatility ranging from classical music to ghazals to romantic numbers to sad songs is unmatched even today. He has sung around 7000 songs across genres and languages, including 4500 songs in just Hindi/Urdu. Due to this, he is considered the most versatile singer, not only during his time but even today. He has been a source of inspiration for many modern-day greats like Udit Narayan and Sonu Nigam, including legends like S.P. Balasubramaniam, Mahendra Kapoor, etc.

Collaborating with several legendary music composers, such as Naushad, O.P. Nayyar, and S.D. Burman, lyricists like Shailendra, Sahir Ludhianvi, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Anand Bakshi, and many more, as well as fellow singers like Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosale, Suman Kalyanpur, Mukesh, Manna Dey, and Kishore Kumar, he has truly contributed to the creation of the golden era of the Indian Music Industry. 

Unfortunately, he passed away at the age of just 55 due to massive cardiac arrest on 31st July 1980 leaving his immortal voice recorded across thousands of songs in various languages and genres for generations to come. Given his immense contributions, it's undeniable that the history of the music industry will be marked by two distinct eras: the period before Mohammad Rafi and the period after him.

In honor of his immense contribution, here’s a list of some of his most iconic songs (disclaimer: This is not a ranking, just a collection of his best works).

• Main Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata Chala Gaya, Hum Dono (1961)

An evergreen classic featuring Dev Anand and the timeless Mohammad Rafi. Composed by Jaidev and penned by Sahir Ludhianvi, this song holds the power to inspire you to live life amidst all its struggles.  

• Tumne Mujhe Dekha, Teesri Manzil (1966) 

Rafi and Shammi Kapoor make an iconic duo, blending legendary vocals with Kapoor’s unforgettable dance moves. Composed by R.D. Burman and with lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri, this song grabs your attention both as a listener and a viewer.  

• Kya Hua Tera Wada, Hum Kisise Kum Nahi (1977)

Another remarkable collaboration between R.D. Burman and Majrooh Sultanpuri. This song is considered by many as Rafi's comeback hit, earning him both a Filmfare and National Award for Best Playback Singer.  

• Abhi Na Jaao Chod Kar, Hum Dono (1961)

Another gem from the Dev Anand-starrer Hum Dono, composed by Jaidev and written by Sahir Ludhianvi. Even six decades after its release, this song continues to mesmerize listeners.  

• Deewana Hua Badal, Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)

Last but not least, and my personal favorite; this O.P. Nayyar composition with lyrics by S.H. Bihari will take you on a heavenly journey, one that will continue to captivate hearts for eternity.

As Mohammad Rafi's voice continues to echo through the corridors of time, leaving an indelible mark on the music world, we celebrate his legacy, filled with timeless melodies, that will forever inspire generations to come.

Image Credits: Facebook/@Imprints and Images of Indian Film Music