Today, July 31, is the death anniversary of one the best singers (the best,
acc. to me) ever produced by the Indian film industry: MOHAMMED RAFI. It's
been 15 years since Rafi Sahab left us, and yet his songs are as popular as
they ever were during his lifetime.

Starting with his first duet (with Noorjehan, in Jugnu) "Yahan badla wafa ka
bewafai ke siva kya hai........." to his last song in Aas Paas, Rafi Sahab
captured the hearts of millions across the country with songs to suit every
mood. Along with his melodious voice, Rafi Sahab's versatility was his forte.
He could sing any type of song effortlessly. His songs ranged from Quawwalis
(Na to karwan ki talaash hai.....) to ghazals (Ye wadian ye fizaen bula rahi
hain tumhen), from semi-classicals (Madhuban me radhika naache re) to songs
which did not follow any rules (Ayyaayya karun main kya suku suku), from sad
lamentations (Gham uthane ke lie main to jie jaoonga) to lively songs (Aaee
hain baharen mite zulm sitam), from highly romantic songs (Ai husn zara jaag
tujhe ishq jagae) to songs full of masti (Baar baar dekho, hazaar baar dekho).
His songs not only forgave the bewafa lover (Khush rahe tu sada ye dua hai
meri), but also cursed her (Mere dushman tu meri dosti ko tarse). And yet, the
same voice could convey the yearning of an aashiq for his beloved (Aaja,
tujhko pukare mera pyaar). You name any type of situation in a Hindi movie and
Rafi Sahab has sung a song to suit it.

Coming to duets, Rafi Sahab has sung with almost all major Hindi playback
singers such as KK (Bane chahe dushman zamana humara), Lata (Jhoole me pawan
ke aaee bahar), Asha (Gunguna rahen hain bhanwre), Talat (Gham ki andheri
raat me) etc. And during the period when Lata had a fight with him, he had
some great duets with Suman Kalyanpur (Paon chhulene do ).

And that was just Rafi the singer. As a person, Rafi Sahab was much better. In
an environment filled with cut-throat maniacs, Rafi Sahab relied completely on
his own musical skills to further his career. Unlike some other major singers
of his time, Rafi Sahab has never been accused of sabotaging the career of
upcoming singers in order to keep own career afloat. He was known to be a very
magnanimous person who would often sing for almost next to nothing for
producers who couldn't afford his price. In addition, he would never refuse to
sing for any music director who had not established himself. He would always
volunteer his skills for anyone who needed his help.

Fifteen years have passed since Rafi Sahab left us. Quite a few singers have
come and gone who tried to copy his inimitable style. As expected, they met
with no success. It is very difficult for the film industry to find another
singer like Mohammed Rafi. It's more difficult to find a person like Rafi. And
its impossible find a person of Rafi Sahab's talent and his personality.

Finally, I would like to mention the following song of Rafi Sahab, which now
seems like a prophecy which has come true:

       "Tum mujhe yun bhula na paaogey
       Jab kabhi bhi sunogey geet merey
       Sung-sung tum bhi gungunaogey....."


May his soul rest in peace.



Sami Mohammed (A MOHAMMED RAFI fan)