Its been 32 years since film industry has lost a legendary singer Mohammed Rafi. On his 32nd death anniversary many stars and celebrities have paid tribute to the singing maestro including superstar Amitabh Bachchan who recollects memories of the classy singer.
According to Mr. Bachchan, Mohammed Rafi was a singer of his class. He gave stardom to many actors by lending them his melodious voice whose charisma is ever lasting. Those were the days when a matching playback voice would give a star fame and adoration. A true perfectionist of his generation, Rafi was the most sought over vocal artist of his time. He has sung number of duets which are considered as evergreen tracks of Hindi cinema with Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle and Kishor Kumar – his contemporary counterparts.
Rafi (December 24, 1924 – July 31, 1980) whose career has spanned over 35 years was awarded the National Film Award as well as Best National Singer Award along with six Filmfare Awards. In the year 1967, Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri award. Almost 20 years after his death, he was awarded the Best Singer of the Millenium Award.
He was a versatile singer. Hs singing was not limited to particular genre. He had a remarkable ability to sing songs for different moods. Be it Qawwali, Bhajans, Ghazals, romantic songs or sad songs he successfully sung in all the genres. His numbers range from classical to patriotic and lullabies to romantic ones.
His most famous Bollywood hits include Chaudhvien Ka Chand Ho, Khilona Jaan Kar, Jaha Daal Daal Par Sone Ki Chidiya Karti Hai Basera, Kya Hua Tera Wada, Aaj Mausam Bada Beiman Hai and the list goes on.
Mr. Bachchan further adds that he was present in his funeral. The graveyard where he is buried is next to the Mosque near his residence. This is a place where Rafi Sahab and others whom Mr. Bachchan knows are resting in peace. As and when he happens to pass from along the road, the prayers come to his lips.
Indeed artists like Mohammed Rafi are rarely born and never die. They are present there in the hearts of millions of their fans. BolywoodTales.com pays tribute to this great artist who changed the face of Hindi cinema with his voice!
I remember when I was a kid to listen to Mohammad Rafi’s song, and it was followed by Mohammad Aziz when I grew up teenager, then it’s gone , time flies so fast, the superhero like Amitabh is nearing 70 years old, just like a scorpion’s song: Fly, people fly, everyone of us shall fly leaving this mortal world.