Shahid Rafi remembers his father Mohammed Rafi

By Sandy Verma On Nov 27, 2024

Mumbai Mumbai :�The melodious voice of Mohammed Rafi, one of India's most iconic playback singers, continues to resonate among music lovers even 45 years after his death. A master of unmatched versatility, Rafi lent his voice to countless songs that defined eras, ranging from soulful ghazals and romantic ballads to energetic dance numbers. His artistry elevated the Indian music industry and immortalized him as a legend. At the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024 in Goa, Rafi's legacy took center stage during a special tribute to mark his 100th birth anniversary along with other cinema stalwarts like Raj Kapoor, Tapan Sinha and Akkineni Nageswara Rao. Speaking on the occasion, his son, Shahid Rafi reflected on the profound impact his father had on the world. In an emotional conversation, Shahid Rafi described his father as a remarkable person in both his personal and professional life.

“He was a true father. We miss him a lot,” Shahid shared. “He was a wonderful husband and a man who put his family above everything else. Dad never socialized with many people; Instead, he spent time playing with us. He was very polite, soft-spoken and charitable.” Shahid expressed his surprise at how his father's legacy endures across generations. “I am really amazed that even after 45 years, people remember him so fondly. Wherever I go, there is always talk about him. Throughout the year, not only on special occasions, shows dedicated to Rafi Sahab are organized all over the world. It's incredible how his songs continue to connect with people.” Reflecting on his father's vast repertoire, Shahid accepted the challenge of choosing a favourite, but mentioned a few tracks that hold a special place in his heart. “'Tum mujhe ab bhula na pago' and 'Dil ka suna saaz tarana dhondhega' make me emotional whenever I listen to them. They really capture the essence of my father's voice and spirit.

Born on December 24, 1924, Mohammed Rafi started his journey from humble beginnings. He became one of the most famous singers of Indian cinema. His ability to adapt his voice to any actor's personality was unmatched, earning him praise as a musical genius. Rafi, who has worked in more than a thousand Hindi films and songs in many Indian languages, has mastered many genres. It includes qawwali, bhajan, classical songs and peppy party tracks. He received six Filmfare Awards and one National Film Award for his immense contribution to Indian music. In 1967, the Government of India awarded him the prestigious Padma Shri. Throughout his career, Rafi has collaborated with legendary music directors like Naushad Ali, OP Nayyar, Shankar-Jaikishan and SD Burman to create timeless songs that have continued to inspire generations.

Rafi died on July 31, 1980, but his songs remain the cornerstone of Indian music. Tracks like “Tum Mujhe Yun Bhula Na Paoge”, “Mera Mann Tera Pyaasa” and “Kitna Pyaara Vaada” are popular among fans even today, proving that her voice is truly immortal. Kicking off on November 20, IFFI 2024 celebrates cinematic excellence from around the world. This year's festival will screen over 180 films from 81 countries, including 16 world premieres and 43 Asian premieres. As well as these screenings, tributes to the legends of Indian cinema highlight the lasting impact of artists like Mohammed Rafi.