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He started learning music from the famous Hindustani singer Chotte Gulam Ali Khan. Later he became the disciple of Firoze Nizam. When Firoze was appointed as a music director in Lahore Radio Station, Rafi got an opportunity to sing in the radio. It was a turning point in his life.
He sang first for a Punjabi movie. Then in Nazeer Khan’s ‘Leila Majnu’, Rafi began his career as a singer in the Hindi film field. But as a singer he succeeded for his songs in the film ‘Gavom ke gori’. His songs in films like ‘Jugnu’ and ‘Baiju Bavra’ made him very popular. He also used to sing in various other languages. More than 26,000 songs are recorded in his name. Famous music director Naushad and Rafi had a remarkable relationship. Their team work created many hit songs.
He was very punctual and faithful to his profession. He encouraged and welcomed new comers. His famous songs are ‘oh duniya ke rakwale’ (Baiju Bavra), ‘ghun ghuna rehe hai’ (Aradhana), ‘kya hua tera vaada’ (Hum kise se Kum nahin), ‘yaham badla vaham kya he’ (Jugnu) etc. He has performed in around thirty eight musical concerts abroad.
He got Padmashree Award in 1965 from India Government and National award twice. He also got Film fare Award for the best singer several times. His last recording was on May 26, 1980. He died on July 31, 1980.
Mohammed Rafi: Biography
Mohammed Rafi (December 24, 1924 – July 31, 1980) was an Indian playback singer of Hindi cinema, also known as Bollywood. His voice has been referred to as “the most exquisitely pleasant voice with a divine grace and splendor.”
Mohammed Rafi’s songs ranged from traditional classical melodies to patriotic songs, artistic Ghazals, sad and romantic melodies, traditional qawwalis, ghazals and bhajans.
Mohammed Rafi: Life & Career
Mohammed Rafi was born on 24 December 1925. He was born at Kotla Sultan Singh, a town near Amritsar in Punjab, to an orthodox Muslim family. His family had shifted from Lahore to Amritsar, during his early childhood. His elder brother Mohammed Hameed was aware of Mohammed Rafi’s love for music and encouraged it. Mohammed Rafi started taking music lessons from Ustad Abdul Wahid Khan and he also learned Indian classical music from Ghulam Ali Khan. One day Rafi and his brother Hameed went to attend a performance by K. L. Saigal. But the legendary singer refused to sing because there was a power failure at the venue. Hamed went up to the organizer to ask whether his brother could sing to keep the audience quiet. That was Rafi’s first public performance, at the age of 13. Among the audience sat noted composer Shyam Sunder, who invited Rafi to Bombay.
Rafi’s first song was in Punjabi for the film Gul Baloch – it was a duet with the singer Zeenat Begum. The song was Soniye nee, Heeriye nee, composed by Shyam Sunder. Shyam Sunder was impressed with his voice and gave Rafi seven songs in another film Bazaar.
In 1944, Rafi decided to move to Bombay, where Naushad gave him a break in Pehle Aap (1944). Rafi sahab’s joy was immense, when Naushad sahab gave him a chance to sing in a chorus for a song that was sung by the Legendry K. L. Saigal. The song was: “Mere sapnon ki rani” from the film “Shahjahan (1946)”. Rafi made his mark with Tera Khilona Toota Balak in Anmol Ghadi (1946). Rafi sahab’s song: Yahan Badla Wafa Ka from the film: Jugnu (1947), was instrumental in the creation of a new superstar of the fifties, the one and only Dilip Kumar, who became a legend in his later years. The film also had songs by Noor Jehan, composed by Feroz Nizami. After listening to his voice, the producer of Amar Raj, J B Wadia, insisted that only Rafi sahab must sing songs for his films.
Rafi has the distinction of being the first playback singer of all times to be featured in the pioneering list of the Guinness Book of World Records, for having sung the highest number of songs, which is a total of 26000 songs, in Hindi and other languages.
Rise to Fame
Rafi’s first song for late Naushad was Hindustan ke hum hain (We belong to Hindustan) for the film Pehle Aap in 1944. The first hit for the duo was the soundtrack of Anmol Ghadi. At the time, Naushad’s favorite singer was Talat Mahmood. It is reported that once Naushad found Talat smoking during a recording. Annoyed, he hired Rafi to sing for Baiju Bawra. After the Partition of India, Rafi and Naushad decided to remain in India. Whenever Naushad required a male voice in the songs composed by him, he would approach Rafi and nobody else. Naushad used Rafi’s voice for almost all actors of that time including Bharat Bhushan and Dilip Kumar.
Soon, Rafi became the favorite singer of other composers too, notably O. P. Nayyar, Shankar Jaikishan and Sachin Dev Burman. Rafi became the voice of Dev Anand with soul-stirring songs composed by S. D. Burman. Rafi sang songs for Burman that ran the gamut of emotions – the romantic dil ka bhanwar, the drunk hum bekhudi mein, the free-spirited khoya khoya chaand. Rafi and S. D. Burman teamed up with Dev Anand’s Navketan production house to produce hits in many movies – Kala Bazar, Tere Ghar Ke Saamne, Guide among others. S. D. Burman also got Rafi to sing for Rajesh Khanna in Aradhana and Amitabh Bachchan in Abhimaan. Rafi and S. D. Burman also produced soulful songs for Guru Dutt’s Pyaasa, C.I.D. and Kaagaz ke Phool.
O. P. Nayyar used Rafi and Asha Bhosle for most of his songs. Together they created music in the 1950s and 1960s. O. P. Nayyar was once quoted as saying “If there had been no Rafi, there would have been no O. P. Nayyar”. He and Rafi created many songs together including Yeh hai Bombay meri jaan. O P Nayyar was so impressed with Rafi that he got Rafi to sing for singer-actor Kishore Kumar – Man mora baawara for the movie Raagini. The team is also known for the songs picturized on Shammi Kapoor. The song Jawaaniyan yeh mast mast and the title song Yun to humne lakh hansee dekhe hain, tumsa nahin dekha (Although I have seen a lakh beauties, but never saw one like you) of the film Tumsa Nahin Dekha became instant hits. They were followed by hits like Taareef karoon kya uski jisne tumhe banaya (How should I praise the one who created you), He Duniya Usi ki, zamana Usi ka both from Kashmir ki Kali.
Shammi Kapoor himself credited a large part of his success to Rafi. The Shankar-Jaikishan and Rafi team will be remembered for the songs picturized on Rajendra Kumar – Baharon phool barsaao – for which Rafi won the Filmfare Award – and other innumerable hits like Dil Ke Jharokhen ke Mein (Brahmachari), Tumse Achha kaun Hain etc.
Rafi was also composer Ravi’s first choice for playback singing. This team produced some award winning songs. Rafi’s first Filmfare Award came for the love song Chaudvin Ka Chand Ho (Chaudvin Ka Chand, 1961 ) penned by Shakil Budayuni. Ravi got Rafi to sing the famous Rock-n-Roll number from the movie China Town Baar Baar Dekho, picturized on Shammi Kapoor. Other songs by Ravi and Rafi included Choo Lene Do (Kaajal 1965), Raha Gardishon Mein Hardam and Naseeb Mein Jiske (both from the film Do Badan 1966), Aaja Tujhko Pukare and Babul Ki Duaen Leti Ja (Neel Kamal, 1968, for which Rafi won the National Award) and Mujhe Ishq Hain Tumhise (Ummeed, 1972).
Madan Mohan was another composer whose favorite singer was Rafi. They teamed up to produce many ghazals including Teri Aankhon ke Siva, the sad Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil and the romantic Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho. Madan Mohan used Rafi’s voice in many films like Chirag and Laila Majnu.
The composer duo Laxmikant Pyarelal (“L-P”) also used Rafi as their male voice in 1960s and 70s. When L-P were new in the industry, Rafi sang for them, although he was the numero uno singer in Bollywood at that time. They got Rafi to sing for their first hit film Paarasmani. Both Rafi and L-P won the Filmfare Awards for the song Chahoonga main tujhe shaam savere from Dosti. The tune was originally meant to be sung by a female singer, but Majrooh Sultanpuri the lyricist suggested that it would sound better in a male voice, L-P agreed and had the song sung by Rafi.
In 1965, Rafi was honored by the Government of India with the Padma Shri award.
Career Revival
Rafi came back with a host of hit songs in the mid seventies. One of Madan Mohan’s last film Laila Majnu was released on 1976. He used Rafi as the singer for newcomer Rishi Kapur. Tere Dar Pe Aaya Hoon and Barbad-E-Mohabbat Ki Dua were huge hits.
In 1977, Nasir Hussain released Hum Kisise Kam Nahin. R D Burman got Rafi to sing for Rishi Kapoor and others in the movie. Songs like Kya Hua Tera Wada, Chand Mera Dil, Hum Kisise Kam Nahin and Yeh ladka (with Asha) were chartbusters. The song Kya Hua Tera Wada gave Rafi his sixth Filmfare Award, putting him right back on top. He also won the National Award for the song, his second National Award.
Hits continued, like Pardah hai pardah (Amar Akbar Anthony, 1977) by LP and Pal Do Pal Ka Saath (The Burning Train) by RD. The LP-Anand Bakshi team stuck with Rafi for the song Aadmi Musafir Hain in Apnapan (1978). It was followed by the Rishi Kapur films Sargam (1979) and Karz (1980) which saw LP and Rafi.
Last Years
Rafi reigned along with Kishore Kumar in the early 80s. The film Dostana was a musical hit and songs like Mere Dost Kissa and Bane Chahe Dushman (with Kishore Kumar ) became very popular. In the film Abdullah, the solo Meine Poochha Chand Se was nominated for the Filmfare Award of that year. Rafi was nominated for three songs in 1980. Rafi continued to produce hit songs like the duet “Kya Dekhte Ho” in Kalyanji Anandji’s Qurbani.
On Friday, July 31, 1980 after composing a song for the movie Aas Paas, Shaam phir kyun udaas hai dost with L-P, Rafi asked “Should I leave?”. L-P were surprised because Rafi had never said anything like this before. While leaving, Rafi said once again “OK. I will leave.” Rafi died at 10.50 p.m. on the same day due to a massive heart attack.
Personal Life
When partition occurred in 1947, Rafi chose to stay in India. Rafi married Bilquis and had four sons and three daughters. He was a religious teetotaller. Once, when a lesser-known composer, Nisar Bazmi (who migrated to Pakistan in early 1960s), did not have enough money to pay him, Rafi charged a fee of one rupee and sang for him. He also helped producers financially. As Laxmikant (of the Laxmikant-Pyarelal duo – L-P ) once observed – “He always gave without thinking of the returns”. It was Rafi who supported L-P during their initial days. Rafi was also famous for his various humanitarian efforts. Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar had a major debate over the issue of royalties in 1960s. Rafi believed that once a recording was over and a singer has been paid, he or she should not ask for more. Lata, on the other hand said that singers should be paid royalties for their works, over and above the amount given for the singing. This led to a fall out between them. They refused to sing songs together. At the insistence of Nargis they finally made up at a stage concert and sang Dil Pukare from the film Jewel thief, composed by S D Burman.
He encouraged and helped other artists all the time by all means including finance. It was he who suggested that Kishore Kumar conduct stage shows when he was in economic difficulties. When Kishore Kumar rose to fame on the strength of the Aradhana songs, originally to have been sung by Rafi, Rafi is reported to have said that “Kishore is singing well and the time is changing”.
He sung for Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand. He also sang for Guru Dutt, Bharat Bhushan, comedian Johnny Walker, Rajendra Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor and Jeetendra and many more. Shammi Kapoor credited a large part of his success to Rafi. Rafi also gave playback to actor Raj Kapoor in the films: Barsaat (1949), Andaz (1949), Dastan (1950), Paapi (1950) and several others. He also sang for singer-actor Kishore Kumar in a several movies such as Raagini, Baaghi Shehzaada, and Shararat. Rafi also sung for Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor. He also sang well known duets with Lata Mangeshkar, Geeta Dutt and Asha Bhosle.
Filmfare Nominations and Awards
- 1960 – Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho (Film: Chaudhvin Ka Chand) – WON
- 1961 – Husnwale Tera Jawaab Nahin (Film: Gharana)
- 1961 – Teri Pyaari Pyaari Surat Ko (Film: Sasural) – WON
- 1962 – Aye Gulbadan Aye Gulbadan (Film: Professor)
- 1963 – Mere Mehboob Tujhe (Film: Mere Mehboob)
- 1964 – Chahunga Mein Tujhe (Film: Dosti) – WON
- 1965 – Choo Lene Do Nazuk Hothon Ko (Film: Kaajal)
- 1966 – Baharon Phool Barasao (Film: Suraj) – WON
- 1968 – Mein Gaaon Tum Sojaao (Film: Brahmachari)
- 1968 – Babul Ki Duayein Leti Ja (Film: Neel Kamal)
- 1968 – Dil Ke Jharoke Mein (Film: Brahmachari) – WON
- 1969 – Badi Mastani Hai (Film: Jeene Ki Raah)
- 1970 – Khilona Jaan Kar (Film: Khilona)
- 1973 – Hum Ko To Jaan Se Pyaari (Film: Naina)
- 1974 – Achha Hi Huva Dil Toot Gaya (Film: Maa Behen Aur Biwi)
- 1977 – Parda Hai Parda (Film: Amar Akbar Anthony)
- 1977 – Kya Hua Tera Vaada (Film: Hum Kisise Kum Nahin) – WON
- 1978 – Aadmi Musaafir Hai (Film: Apnapan)
- 1979 – Chalo Re Doli Uthao Kahaar (Film: Jani Dushman)
- 1979 – Mere Dost Kissa Yeh (Film: Dostana)
- 1980 – Dard-e-dil Dard-e-jigar (Film: Karz)
- 1980 – Maine Poocha Chand Se (Film: Abdullah)
Government of India National Awards
- 1968 – Babul Ki Duayein Leti Ja (Film: Neel Kamal) – The song was written by Sahir Ludhianvi and music by Ravi.
- 1977 – Kya Hua Tera Waada (Film: Hum Kisise Kum Nahin) – Mohd. Rafi’s huge nation-wide hit with the team of RD Burman and Majrooh Sultanpuri saab.
Songs in Hindi
- O Duniya Ke Rakhwale (“Baiju Bawra”-[1952])
- Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan (C.I.D., 1957), comedy
- Sar Jo Tera Chakraye (Pyasa), comedy
- Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe (Junglee, 1961)
- Main Jat Yamla Pagla
- Chadhti Jawani Meri
- Hum kaale hain to kya hua (Gumnaam, 1966), comedy
- Hum Kisise Kum Nahin (Hum Kisise Kum Nahin, 1977), qawwali
- Raaz Ki Baat Kah Doon, qawwali
- Yeh Hai Ishq Ishq, qawwali
- Pardah Hai Pardah (Amar Akbar Anthony, 1977), qawwali
- O Duniya Ke Rakhwale (Baiju Bawra, 1952), devotional
- Hum Laye Hain Toofan (Jagriti, 1954), patriotic song
- Ab Tumhare Hawale (Haqiqat, 1954), patriotic song
- Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawanon ka (Naya Daur), patriotic song
- Apni Azadi Ko Hum, patriotic song
- Nanhe Munne Bacche, Children’s song
- Re Mama Re Mama Re, Children’s song
- Chakke Mein Chakka, Children’s song
- Man Tarpath Hari darshan Ko (Baiju Bawra,1952), Classical
- Sawan Aaye Ya Na Aaye (Dil Diya Dard Liya, 1966), Classical
- Madhuban Mein Radhika Naache Re (Kohinoor, 1960), Classical
- Man Re Tu Kaahe (Chitralekha, 1964), Classical
- Babul Ki Duayen Leti Ja, Wedding song
- Aaj Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai, Wedding song
Songs in Marathi
- Shodisi Maanava (Non-filmi)
- He mana aaj koni (Non-filmi)
- Ha chhand jivala lavi pise (Non-filmi)
- Virale geet kase (Non-filmi)
- Ga pori sambhal – Daryageet (Non-filmi; with Pushpa Pagdhare)
- Prabhu tu dayalu (Non-filmi)
- Hasa mulanno hasa (Non-filmi)
- Ha rusawa sod sakhe (Non-filmi)
- Nako bhavya waada (Non-filmi)
- Majhya viraan hridayee (Non-filmi)
- Khel tujha nyaara (Non-filmi)
- Nako aarati ki nako pushpmaala (Non-filmi)
Songs in Telugu
- Yentha Varu Kani Vedantulaina Kani (film: Bhale Thammudu)
- Na Madi Ninnu Pilichindi Ganamai (film: Aradhana)
- Taralentaga Vecheno Chanduruni Kosam (film: Akbar Salim Anarkali)
- Sipaaee o Sipaaee (Duet with P. Susheela)
