RMIM Archive Article "5".


From the RMIM Article Archive maintained by Satish Subramanian

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# RMIM Archives..
# Subject: Mohd. Rafi obit.
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# 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------ 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