MUMBAI: Mohammed Rafi, one of India’s most legendary playback singers, continues to be celebrated as an icon in the world of music. His timeless voice ensured hits for several Bollywood stars such as Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Guru Dutt, Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, and Rishi Kapoor. Rafi died in 1980 at the age of 55 after a heart attack.
On the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary on December 24, here are five lesser-known facts about the legendary singer.
- Mohammed Rafi was born on December 24, 1924, to Allah Rakhi and Haji Ali Mohammad in a Punjabi Jat Muslim family in Kotla Sultan Singh, a village near Amritsar.
- 2. Mohammed Rafi was the second among six brothers. The family eventually relocated to Lahore, from where Rafi later journeyed to Bombay to pursue a career in playback singing.
- 3. At the age of 7, Rafi moved to Lahore with his family, where his elder brother owned a barber shop. Uninterested in academics, Rafi assisted his brother at the shop. It is said that his passion for music was ignited when he heard a Sufi Fakir singing in their village, leaving a lasting impression on him.
- 4. Rafi’s versatile repertoire included lively dance tracks, patriotic anthems, soulful ballads, romantic melodies, qawwalis, ghazals, and devotional bhajans. His collaborations with legendary composers like Shankar Jaikishan, S.D. Burman, and Laxmikant-Pyarelal remain timeless.
- 5. In 1967, Mohammed Rafi was honoured with the Padma Shri for his outstanding contributions to Indian music.
On Mohammed Rafi’s 100th birth anniversary, take a look at his top songs and fascinating facts to celebrate the legend. Abhi na Jaao Chod Kar (Hum Dono – 1961), Ude Jab Jab Zulfein Teri – Naya Daur (1957), hoya Khoya Chand (Kala Bazar -1960), Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe and Taarif Karoon Kya Uski
The legendary icon will always be remembered for his magical voice and songs.