Mohammad Rafi, often regarded as one of the greatest playback singers in Indian cinema, holds an irreplace able place in the hearts of music lovers worldwide.
As we commemorate his 100th birth anniversary, it is essential to reflect on his legacy, the golden voice that brought countless songs to life, and his immense contribution to Indian music. Born on December 24, 1924, in Kotla Sultan Singh, Punjab (then British India), Rafi's journey from a small village to becoming the voice of the nation is both inspiring and legendary.
EARLY LIFE AND MUSICAL JOURNEY
Mohammad Rafi discov ered his love for music at an early age. Encouraged by his family, he trained under eminent classical musicians, including Ustad Abdul Wahid Khan and Pandit Jiwan Lal Mattoo. His big break came when music director Shyam Sunder noticed his talent and gave him his first opportunity to sing in the Punjabi film Gul Baloch (1944). Soon after, Rafi moved to Mumbai, then Bombay, and made his debut in Hindi cinema with the song "Aji Dil Ho Kaabu Mein" from the film Gaon Ki Gori (1945).
It was in the 1940s and 1950s that Rafi's career truly blossomed. He collaborated with legendary composers such as Naushad, ShankarJaikishan, S.D. Burman, and O.P. Nayyar, delivering songs that would become timeless classics. Rafi's versatility allowed him to adapt his voice to a variety of genres, moods, and characters, making him the goto playback singer for actors across generations.
THE GOLDEN VOICE OF BOLLYWOOD
Rafi's voice was unique in its ability to convey a spectrum of emotions, from romance and joy to sorrow and patriotism. His collaborations with music directors and lyricists resulted in songs that remain evergreen. Below are some of his most iconic songs:
ROMANTIC MELODIES:
1. "Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho" (Chaudhvin Ka Chand, 1960)
This story is from the December 25, 2024 edition of The Business Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 25, 2024 edition of The Business Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Karnataka govt orders CID inquiry into BJP MLC Ravi incident
Karnataka Minister G Parameshwara announced on Tuesday that a CID inquiry has been ordered into the recent incident involving BJP MLC CT Ravi.
Stalin urges Jaishankar to ensure release of 17 fishermen held by Sri Lanka
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to intervene and secure the release of 17 Tamil Nadu fishermen who were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Two security personnel injured in Naxal firing in Sukma
Two COBRA commandos of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were injured in the exchange of fire with Naxals on Monday as they were securing a forward base established in the forest area of Sukma district in Chhattisgarh, according to officials.
Allu Arjun grilled by police in Sandhya theatre incident case
Actor Allu Arjun has returned to his residence after appearing at the Chikkadpally police station in Hyderabad in connection with the Sandhya theatre incident.
Maha farmers to lead second green revolution through green energy: CM
Fadnavis launches Solar Agriculture Feeder Project 2.0 to ensure power to farmers during day
Increase in voter turnout normal: EC clears Cong concerns on Maha polls
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has cleared misconceptions on voter turnout amidst concerns raised by the Congress party after the Maharashtra Assembly elections.
NAV SATYAGRAH BAITHAK: CONGRESS NAMES CWC IN BELAGAVI
To decide 2025 action plan, take up Ambedkar 'insult' issue strongly
Centre Notifies Appointment Of Chief Justices Of Himachal Pradesh High Court And Uttarakhand High Court
The Central Government has notified the appointment of Chief Justices of Himachal Pradesh High Court and Uttarakhand High Court.
Centre Notified Appointments Of Four Additional Judges Of Karnataka High Court As Permanent
The Central Government has notified the appointment of four additional judges as permanent judges of the Karnataka High Court.
Centre Notified Appointments Of Four Additional Judges Of Karnataka High Court As Permanent
Tandon and Hiranmay The bench in the case observed and has modified the single judge order to the extent of reducing the total attendance at the protest to 100 doctors from the earlier sanctioned 250, due to the state's appeal that major roads would be blocked, wherein it caused difficulties to commuters during the busy Christmas period. The court while considering the facts and circumstances of the case stated that, 'Every citizen of a country has a right to make a peaceful protest provided a sufficient safeguard is taken in this regard which does not encroach upon the rights of the people at large.