RMIM Archive Article "5".

From the RMIM Article Archive maintained by Satish Subramanian
#
# RMIM Archives..
# Subject: Mohd. Rafi obit.
#
# Author:  Hari Vattyam (r2hmv@akronvm.bitnet)
# Posted by: Nasir (noor@muug.mb.ca))
# Date: 31st July



Hi Rafi Fans :

This day in 1980 was a very sad one for us as our  immortal  hero
left  this  world. Following is a brief biography of Rafi, I have
tried to put in as much info as I could get.

Hari Vattyam            r2hmv@akronvm.bitnet

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Few people will doubt the fact that  Md.  Rafi  was  perhaps  the
greatest  playback singers of all time. He left the world on this
day in 1980, and I would like to present a brief biography of the
late Md. Rafi.

Md. Rafi was born on 24th  September,  1924  in  Kotla  Sultanpur
(presently  in  Pakistan  after the separation). He was born in a
middle class muslim family. His brother, Hamid, was the first  to
take  notice  of the divine gift in Rafi's voice. Then he decided
to concentrate all his efforts in providing all the support need-
ed by his younger brother to make it big in the music world. At a
very young age Md. Rafi learnt Hindustani classical  music  under
the renowned Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. Rafi's great interest and ded-
ication payed off and he was  soon  trained  to  be  one  of  the
greatest singers of all time.

Rafi had several opportunities to sing in public. His  first  op-
portunity in films came under the music direction of Shyam Sunder
in Lahore, for the film Gull-Balaach. The film was released on 28
February,  1944  and soon Rafi's first songs were being hummed by
people, children and adults alike. During that time popular actor
Nazeer  heard  of Rafi and his songs, and realizing his potential
invited him to Bombay.

Md. Rafi arrived in Bombay, and was to live there for the next 36
years.  Again  he  had the opportunity to sing under the baton of
Shyam Sunder for the film "GaoN ki Gori". Soon Rafi's fame spread
far  and  wide and several eminent music directors signed him up.
Rafi utilized these great opportunities and soon carved  a  niche
for himself in the Hindi film world by singing for Naushad, Madan
Mohan, S.D. Burman, Hemanth Kumar, Vasanth  Desai,  Sardaar  Mul-
lick, and others.

In 1948 on the death of Mahatma Gandhi, Md. Rafi  sang  the  song
"Suno, suno ae duniya vaaloN, bapuji ki amar kahaani", written by
Rajinder Krishan and music scored by  Husnlal  Bhagatram.  Rafi's
voice echoed the sadness of this great tragedy and listeners soon
had their eyes filled with tears. Such was the magic in his voice
and  soon  he became the favourite of millions. With the start of
the famous "Binaca Geet Mala" in 1952, the program aired the  im-
mortal  songs  of the film "Baiju Bawra" and this really launched
Rafi as a popular singer for all ages. Thousands of  request  for
Rafi's songs poured into Sri Lanka Radio.

Md. Rafi easily became the favourite  of  many  music  directors.
His  understanding  and seriousness to give his best was well ap-
preciated. It is also well known that several films with mediocre
actors  became hits just because of his songs. Rafi is also known
to help young and upcoming music directors by  singing  for  them
and helping them out in scoring the music. Indeed he was loved by
one and all his fans and colleagues.

The great Rafi breathed his last on 31st July, 1980 in Bombay,  a
couple  of  days  after  he  recorded  his last song for the film
"Aaspaas" ("Too kahin aaspaas hai dost" scored by LP).  He may be
absent from this world but his golden voice will echo for genera-
tions to come.

==


From the RMIM Article Archive maintained by Satish Subramanian