BollywoodTales

After more then 32 years after his sad demise a memoir is being published by his daughter-in-law Yasmin who is also a hard core fan of Rafi. While some would argue if Rafi was a greatest artist of Hindi film industry Rafi remains the most distinguished male playback singer of Bollywood. He sang for almost four decades and right till the week before he got a severe hart attack.

In his biography Yasmin Khalid Rafi recounts his early days and puts some light on his private life. According to her Mohammad Rafi was a very simple, quite and calm man. He was very humble and kind in nature. He was a deep fond for cars and never hesitated to show for his passion for automotives.

During the days when Yasmin got to spend time with Rafi he usually recounted his olden days. He talked about his childhood and those early days in Lahore where he grew up as a kid. He used to sing at a Dargah at Lahore. Once during a concert of K. L. Sehgal who was an established singer of that time electricity failed and audience was going restless. To calm the people Rafi was requested to sing on stage till things go alright. Rafi performed and impressed K. L. Sehgal. Praising Sehgal said that he will be a great singer one day.

Such a legendary singer Rafi was but he never wanted his children to follow the path that he had trodden. He knew it would be quite difficult for his kids to achieve what he has achieved in his life. So he never wanted them to be an average singer and carry a burden of expectations on their shoulders for nothing. He sent his all four kids to boarding school early when they were too young.

Rafi firmly believed that God’s hand is over him. He was a very quite man and would love to keep away from stardom and publicity. When reporters would chase him for interviews he would say that he is a very simple man and has nothing spicy to tell them. He would go to bed at 10 pm night and would get up at 5 pm everyday. He would strictly do riyaaz for two hours every morning. In the evening he wanted his dinner warm and on time. He never disliked even if simple daal-rice was presented to him.

His love for cars was never a secret to media. He never drove one but would sit in the front seat with his hand on the window and would enjoy the ride. His last Fiat still stands outside his Rafi Villa in Bandra.