Biography of the Legendary Mohammed Rafi

Mohammed Rafi - The Legend of Legends - The King of melody (Hindi: मोहम्मद रफ़ी,Urdu: محمد رفیع, December 24, 1924 - July 31 December25, 1925 - July 31, 1980) was the greatest ever playback singer of India. Mohammed Rafi was the creator and architect of the Golden Era of music and melodies in India. He was uniquely and singularly responsible for the very existence of the finest artistic grandeur, splendor and original creativity that embodied the Golden Era of music and melodies of Hindi Cinema. Mohammed Rafi still reigns as the most favorite singer of all times with music lovers in India and other parts of the world. His voice was the most exquisitely pleasant voice with a divine grace and splendor. He continues to reign with the adoration of millions of music lovers and is a supreme inspiration to innumerable new playback singers.

Mohammed Rafi was the true embodiment of the Golden Era of music and melodies of Hindi Cinema and he epitomized its finest artistic grandeur, splendor and original creativity that was at its very unique zenith. Mohammed Rafi had such fascinatingly wide musical range, supreme artistic caliber, versatility and mastery over music and melodies. Such was his voice clarity, pleasantness of pitch and exquisite tone that he was unsurpassable and unparalleled. Such were his invincible capabilities as a singer that his contemporaries accepted that he was a musical genius. They adored, admired and respected him for his supreme artistic caliber, original creativity and unparalleled musical skills. Mohammed Rafi has sung every kind of melody and song with such great finesse that it is impossible to decide which melody or song was better and which was best. He has sung all kinds of melodies ranging from traditional classical melodies to patriotic songs, from traditional 'Ghazals' to most heart rending sad melodies, from exquisitely pleasant romantic melodies to traditional 'qauwaalees', from the finest sung 'ghazals' to divinely soulful 'bhajans', from sad melodies of poignant despair to modern songs that were fast and fun-filled.

Such was the greatness of Mohammed Rafi that every music composer depended singularly on him and his supreme caliber. Mohammed Rafi created a unique musical artistic identity and niche for each music composer whose compositions, he sang. Therefore, the following stalwart music composers: Naushad, Shanker-jaikishen (Duo), S.D.Burman, C.Ramchandra, Husnlal-Bhagatram(Duo), Roshan, Madan Mohan, O.P.Nayyar, Chitragupta, N.Dutta, Hansraj Behl, Hemant Kumar, Khayyam, S. N. Tripathi, Vasant desai, Salil Chowdhary, Ravi, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Kalyanji Anandji, R.D.Burman and other music composers have all entirely depended on the supreme caliber and artistic creativity of Mohammed Rafi, who was a musical genius. Mohammed Rafi had imparted to each of these composers, a unique style and range in their musical compositions which lead to the development of their unique individual artistic creativity. Thus, the contribution of Mohammed Rafi to the music of Hindi Cinema has been supremely absolute and without him Hindi Cinema will be bereft of the finest artistic grandeur that epitomized the Golden Era of music and melodies.

Mohammed Rafi's voice conveyed every intricate human emotion with such subtle care, artistic dexterity, exquisite pleasantness and unique artistic creativity that it influenced and over-powered the hearts and souls of millions of music lovers all over the world. Mohammed Rafi had infused life into the poetry written by legendry poets (Shakeel Badayuni, Sahir Ludhianvi, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Hasrath Jaipuri, Shailendra, Rajendra Krishan, Kaifi Azmi, etc.) with the power of his supreme capabilities as a musical genius and marvelous singer.

There was not a single actor in Bollywood who had not been given playback by Rafi sahab. Such was Rafi sahab's greatness that for each and every actor for which he had given playback, Rafi sahab had ensured that his voice matched the tone of the actor for which he was giving playback and the world has seen how exquisitely his voice had matched the actors for which Rafi sahab had given playback. He had sung for the three most celebrate heroes of the Golden Era of the fifties: Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand. He also sang for Guru Dutt, Bharat Bhushan, comedian Johnny Walker. He had sung for the next set of popular heroes of the sixties: Rajendra Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Dharmendra, Shashi Kapoor and Jeetendra and many more. His voice personified the rebellious image of Shammi Kapoor and also gave expression to emerging, younger heroes like Biswajit and Joy Mukherjee. Shammi Kapoor himself credited a large part of his success to Rafi. Shammi's image of the young, rebellious, carefree man can be attributed to the famous song: “Chahe koi mujhe junglee kahe” sung by Rafi and composed by Shankar Jaikishan. Rafi sahab had given playback to actor Raj Kapoor in a few films like: Barsaat(1949), Andaz(1949), Dastan(1950), Paapi(1950) and few other movies. Rafi sahab has also sung for singer-actor Kishore Kumar in a few movies like Raagini, Baaghi Shehzaada, and Shararat. Rafi sahab had sung for the next set of super stars of the eighties: Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor. The King of Melody, Mohammed Rafi sahab has sung the maximum number of duets with the melody queen of India, Lata Mangeshkar. He also sang well known duets with Geeta Dutt and Asha Bhosle.

Mohammed Rafi’s early years:

Mohammed Rafi was born on 25th December 1925. He was born at Kotla Sultan Singh, a town near Amritsar in Punjab, to an orthodox, conservative Muslim noble family. His family had shifted from Lahore to Amritsar, during his early childhood. His elder brother Mohd. Hameed was aware of Mohammed Rafi's love for music and encouraged it. Mohammed Rafi started taking music lessons from Ustad Abdul Wahid Khan and he also learned Indian classical music from Ghulam Ali Khan. One day Rafi and his brother Hameed went to attend a performance by K. L. Saigal. But the legendary singer refused to sing because there was a power failure at the venue. Hamed went up to the organizer to ask whether his brother could sing to keep the audience quiet. That was Rafi's first public performance, at the age of 13. Among the audience sat noted composer Shyam Sunder, who invited Rafi to Bombay.

Rafi's first song was in Punjabi for the film: Gul Baloch - it was a duet with the singer Zeenat Begum. The song was "Soniye nee, Heeriye nee", composed by Shyam Sunder. Shyam Sunder was impressed with his voice and gave Rafi seven songs in another film Bazaar.

In 1944, Rafi decided to move to Bombay, where Naushad gave him a break in the film: Pehle Aap (1944). Rafi sahab's joy was immense, when Naushad sahab gave him a chance to sing in a chorus for a song that was sung by the Legendry K.L.Saigal. The song was: "Mere sapnon ki rani" from the film "Shahjahan (1946)". Rafi made his mark with “Tera Khilona Toota Balak” in the film: Anmol Ghadi (1946). Rafi sahab's song: “Yahan Badla Wafa Ka” from the film: Jugnu (1947) was instrumental in the creation of a new superstar of the fifties, the one and only Dilip Kumar, who became a legend in his later years. The film also had songs by Noor Jehan, composed by Feroz Nizami. After listening to his voice, the producer of Amar Raj, J B Wadia, insisted that only Rafi sahab must sing songs for his films.

In 1948, on the fateful day when the father of the Indian nation, Mahatma Gandhi was no more, famous poet: Rajendra Krishan wrote: “Bapu ki Amar kahani”. It was sung by Mohammed Rafi on the very same day on All India Radio. It was so mesmerizing to hear the poetic-biography of Mahatma Gandhi, in the melodious voice of Mohammed Rafi that the millions of the listeners of All India Radio were all moved to tears with sorrow and poignancy. It was a great achievement because before that no singer had ever attempted to sing songs which had more than 2 stanzas but to sing a whole poetic-biography seemed impossible at that time however for Mohammed Rafi it was natural and many a time he has sung the most difficult and long compositions with absolute panache and marvelous elegance.

Mohammed Rafi's rise to glory, his ever lasting supreme caliber and mastery over music and melodies:

Mohammed Rafi's first song for late Naushad was "Hindustan ke hum hain" (We belong to Hindustan) for the film: Pehle Aap in 1944. The legendry melodies sung by Mohd Rafi sahab for the film: Baiju Bawra(1952) became instrumental in the creation of the Golden Era of Music in India. So, Rafi sahab was the sole architect and creator of the golden era of music and melodies in India, with his supreme caliber and invincible mastery over music. The finest ever melodies of Hindi cinema were created by the combined efforts of legendry playback singer: Mohammed Rafi, legendry music composer: Naushad and legendry poet: Shakeel Badayuni, in the following films: Mela(1948), Chandini Raat(1949), Dulari(1949), Dillagi(1949), Dastan(1950), Deedar(1951), Jadoo(1951), Diwana(1952), Baiju Bawara(1952), Aan(1952), Amar(1954), Shabab(1954), Udan Khatola(1955), Mother India(1957), Sohini Mahiwal(1958), Koh-i-noor(1960), Mughal-E-Azam(1960), Gunga Jamuna(1961), Son of India(1962), Mere Mehboob(1963), Leader(1964), Dil diya dard liya(1966), Ram aur Shyam(1967), Palki(1967), Aadmi(1968) and Sunghursh(1968). These above movies in which Mohammed Rafi, Naushad and Shakeel Badayuni have worked together, are the very embodiment of the Golden Era of music and melodies in Hindia Cinema of India. The following are the movies for which other lyric writers have written songs that have been composed by Naushad and have been sung by Mohammed Rafi: Pehle Aap (1944), Shahjahan (1946), Anmol Ghadi (1946), Andaz (1949), Babul (1950), Baradari (1955), Pyar Ki Daastan (1961), Saaz Aur Awaaz (1966), Ganwaar (1970), Tangewala (1972), My Friend(1974), Love and God(1986). Naushad sahab continued to work with Mohammed Rafi sahab till Rafi sahab's last days. The last film for which Mohammed Rafi sahab had sung for Naushad's compositions was for the film by the name: "Love and God" that was realeased seven years after the passing away of Rafi sahab in 1987. All the melodies of the above films bear a stamp of the great Mohammed Rafi's invincible mastery over music and melodies. Naushad used Rafi's voice for almost all actors of that time including Bharat Bhushan and Dilip Kumar, rajendra Kumar, etc.

Mohammed Rafi sahab's finest melodies sung by him for many of the compositions of music composer: Sachin Dev Burman, in the following movies: Pyaasa (1957), Nau Do Gyarah (1957), Solva Saal (1958), Kalapani (1958), Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959), Insan Jaag Utha (1959), Manzil (1960), Kala Bazar (1960), Bambai Ka Babu (1960), Baat Ek Raat Ki (1962), Tere Ghar Ke Samne (1963), Meri Surat Teri Ankhen (1963), Ziddi (1964), Benazir (1964), Teen Devian (1965), Guide (1965), Jewel Thief (1967), Talash (1969), Aradhana (1969), Ishq Par Zor Nahin (1970), Naya Zamana (1971), Gambler (1971), Abhimaan (1973) and many other memorable movies, have all remained unparalleled in terms of the sheer amount of artistic creativity, artistic dexterity and originality.

Mohammed Rafi has sung innumerable exqusite melodies for music composers: Shankar Jaikishan, in the following movies: Barsaat(1949), Boot Polish (1954), Seema(1955), Shri 420(1955), Basant Bahaar(1956), Halaku(1956), Rajhath(1956), Yahudi(1958), Chhoti Bahen(1959), Love Marriage(1959), Shararat(1959), Ek phool Char Kaante(1960), Boy Friend(1961), Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai(1961), Junglee(1962), Sasuraal(1961), Asli Naqli(1962), Dil Tera Diwana(1962), Professor(1962), Dil Ek Mandir(1963), Hamraahi(1963), Aai milan ki bela(1964), April fool(1964), Beti Bete(1964), Rajkumar(1964), Sanjh aur Sawera(1965), Sangam(1964), Zindagi(1964), Aarzoo(1965), Gumnaam(1965), Jaanwar(1965), Badtameez(1966), Gaban(1966), Love in Tokyo(1966), Suraj(1966), Aman(1967), An Evening in Paris(1967), Laat Sahab(1967), Raat Aur Din(1967), Brahmchari (1968), Duniya(1968), Jhuk gaya Aasman(1968), Kanyadaan(1968), Mere Huzoor(1968), Sapno ka Saudagar(1968), Prince(1969), Pyar hi Pyar(1969), Tumsa Achha Kaun hai(1969), Yakeen(1969), Dharti(1970), Pagla kahin ka(1970), Andaaz(1971), Jwalaa(1971), Laal Patthar(1971), Seema(1972) and innumerable other movies.

Mohammed Rafi has sung innumerable exqusite melodies for music composer: O. P. Nayyar, in the following movies: Aar-Paar (1954), Mr & Mrs 55 (1955), C.I.D. (1956), Chhoo Mantar (1956), Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957), Naya Daur (1957), Johnny Walker (1957), Sone Ki Chidiya (1958), Raagini (1958), Phagun (1958), Howrah Bridge (1958), 12 O'Clock (1958), Do Ustad (1959), Kalpana (1960), Jaali Note (1960), Ek Musafir Ek Hasina (1962), Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963), Kashmir Ki Kali (1964), Mere Sanam (1965), Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi (1966), Sawan Ki Ghata (1966), Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi (1966), Humsaya (1968) and innumerable other movies.

Mohammed Rafi has sung many of the finest melodies for music composer: Madan Mohan, in the following movies: Railway Platform (1955), Gateway Of India (1957), Aakhri Dao (1958), Adalat (1958), Jagir (1959), Sharabi (1964), Aap Ki Parchhaiyan (1964) , Haqeeqat (1964) , Jahan Ara (1964), Suhagan (1964), Ghazal (1964), Neela Aakash (1965), Neend Hamari Khwab Tumhare (1966), Mera Saya (1966) , Dulhan Ek Raat Ki (1966), Naunihaal (1967), Chiraag (1969), Dastak (1970), Heer Ranjha (June 19, 1970), Hanste Zakhm (1973), Koshish (1972), Laila Majnu (1976) and many other memorable movies. Mohammed Rafi sang a host of hit songs in the mid seventies. One of Madan Mohan's last compositions for the film Laila Majnu was released on 1976. He used Mohammed Rafi as the playback singer for new comer Rishi Kapoor. The songs: Tere Dar Pe Aaya Hoon and Barbad-E-Mohabbat Ki Dua were huge hits.

The finest melodies that were created by Roshan and sung by Mohammed Rafi with utmost artistic creativity have an ever-lasting place in the hearts of music lovers. Mohammed Rafi has sung many of the finest melodies for music composer: Roshan, in the following movies: Chaandni Chowk(1955), Baabar(1960), Barsaat ki Raat(1960), Aarti(1962), Taj Mahal(1963), Chitralekha(1964), Dhooj Ka Chand(1964), Bedaag (1965), Bheegi Raat(1965), Nai Umar ki Nai Fasal(1965), Daadi Ma(1966), Bahu Begum(1967), Anokhi Raat(1968) and many other movies.

Mohammed Rafi has sung many of the finest melodies for music composers (Duo): Husnlal-Bhagatram, in the following movies like: Pyaar Ki Jeet (1948), Bari Bahan (1958), Afsaana(1951), Sanam(1951), Shama Parwaana (1954) and many other movies.

Mohammed Rafi has sung many of the finest melodies for music composer: C. Ramchandra, in the following movies: Albela (1951), Sangraam (1951), Naushervan-e-Dil (1957), Amardeep (1958), Paigham and many other movies.

Mohammed Rafi has sung many of the finest melodies for music composer: Khaiyyam, in the following movies: Lala Rukh(1958), Phir Subah Hogi(1959), Shola Aur Shabnam(1961), Shagun(1964), Mohabbat Isko Kehte Hain(1965), Aakhiri Khat(1966), Shankar Hussain(1977) and many other movies.

Mohammed Rafi has sung many of the finest melodies for music composer: Hansraj Behl, in the following movies: Changez Khan(1957), Miss Bombay(1958), Saawan(1959) and Sikander-E-Azam(1965), etc.

Mohammed Rafi has sung many of the finest melodies for music composer: N. Dutta in the movies: Chandrakanta (1956), Mr.X(1957), Saadhna(1958), Black Cat(1958), Dhool Ka Phool(1959), Naya Raasta(1970) and many other movies.

Mohammed Rafi has sung many of the finest melodies for music composer: Jaidev, in the movies: Hum Dono(1961), Mujhe Jeene Do(1963) and many other movies.

Mohammed Rafi has sung many of the finest melodies for music composer: Chitragupta, in the movies: Bhabhi (1957), Kali Topi Lal Rumal (1959), Opera House (1961), Zabak (1961), Main Chup Rahungi (1962), Oonche Log(1965) and many other movies.

Mohammed Rafi has sung many of the finest melodies for music composer: Vasanth Desai in the film: Goonj Uthi Shehnai(1959) and other movies.

Mohammed Rafi has sung many of the finest melodies for music composer: Hemant Kumar in the films: Jaagriti (1955), Miss Mary (1957) and many other movies.

Mohammed Rafi has sung many of the finest melodies for music composer: S.N.Tripathi in the films: Haatimtai (1956), Janam Janam Ke Phere (1957), Laal Quila (1960), Sangeet Samrat Tansen (1962) and many other movies.

Mohammed Rafi has sung many of the finest melodies for music composer: Ghulam Mohammed, in the following movies: Mirza Ghalib(1954), Pakeezah(1971) and many other movies.

Mohammed Rafi has sung many of the finest melodies for music composer: Sajjad Hussain, in the following movies: Hulchal (1951), Rustam Sohraab (1963) and many other movies.

Mohammed Rafi has sung many of the finest melodies for music composer: Salil Chowdhary, in the following movies: Jagte Raho (1956), Madhumati (1958), Usne Kaha Tha (1960), Maya (1961), Kabuliwala (1961) and many other movies.

Mohammed Rafi has sung many of the finest melodies for music composer: S. Mohindar, in the following movies: Paapi(1953), Shirin-Farhad (1957), Mehlon Ke Khwaab (1960) and many other movies.

Mohammed Rafi has sung many of the finest melodies for music composers (Duo): Sapan-Jagmohan, in the following movie: Begaana (1963) and other movies.

Mohammed Rafi has sung many of the finest melodies for music composer: Ravi, in the following movies: Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960), Gharana (1961), Tower House (1962), China Town (1962), Bharosa (1963), Gehra Daag (1963), Yeh Raaste Hain Pyar Ke (1963), Ustadon Ke Ustad (1963), Aaj Aur Kal (1963), Door Ki Awaaz (1964), Kajal (1965), Waqt (1965), Khandan (1965), Do Badan (1966), Nai Roshni (1967), Neel Kamal (1968), Aankhen (1968), Ek Phool Do Mali (1969) and many other movies. Mohammed Rafi was composer Ravi's favorite playback singer. Rafi sahab won his first Filmfare Award for the immortal love song: Chaudvin Ka Chand Ho (film:Chaudvin Ka Chand, 1960 ) penned by legendry poet: Shakeel Badayuni. "Sau baar Janam lenge" the legendry melody sung by Mohammed Rafi and composed by Ravi for the film: "Ustadon ke Ustad"(1961) has a unique place in the history of music of Hindi cinema. Rafi sahab sang the famous Rock-n-Roll number: Baar Baar Dekho from the movie: China Town , picturized on Shammi Kapoor. Other songs composed by Ravi and sung by Rafi sahab include: Choo Lene Do (film: Kaajal 1965), Raha Gardishon Mein Hardam and Naseeb Mein Jiske (both from the film Do Badan 1966), Aaja Tujhko Pukare and Babul Ki Duaayen Leti Ja (Neel Kamal, 1968, for which Rafi won the National Award) and Mujhe Ishq Hain Tumhise (Ummeed, 1972).

Mohammed Rafi has sung many of the finest melodies for music composers (Duo): Kalyanji-Anandji, in the following movies: Chhaliya (1960), Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere(1960), Passport(1961), Bluff Master(1963), Phool Bane Angarey(1963), Ishaara(1964), Himalay Ki God Mein(1965), Jab Jab Phool Khile(1965), Preet Na Jaane Reet(1966), Raaz(1967), Haseena Maan Jayegi(1968), Geet(1970), Gopi(1970), Sachcha Jhoota(1970), Chhoti Bahu(1971), Maryada(1971), Haath Ki Safai(1974), Zanjeer(1974), Bairaag(1976), Kalicharan (1977), Muqaddar Ka Sikandar(1978) and many other movies.

The famous composers duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal had great adoration and admiration for Mohammed Rafi sahab. The innumerable movies for which Laxmikant Pyarelal had composed music and Mohammed Rafi had sung melodies are as follows: Parasmani (1963), Dosti (1964), Aaya Toofan (1964), Pyaar Kiye Jaa (1966), Aaye Din Bahar Ke (1966), Taqdeer (1967), Shagird (1967), Night in London (1967), Patthar Ke Sanam (1967), Izzat (1968), Mere Hamdam Mere Dost (1968), Wapas (1969), Sajjan (1969), Do Raaste (1969), Intaquam (1969), Jeene Ki Raah (1969), Jigri Dost (1969), Anjaana (1969), Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke (1969), Sharafat (1970), Aan Milo Sajna (1970), Jeevan Mrityu (1970), Khilona (1970), Humjoli (1970), Mehboob Ki Mehndi (1971), Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971), Woh Din Yaad Karo (1971), Haathi Mere Saathi (1971), Aap Aye Bahaar Ayee (1971), Gora Aur Kala (1972), Dastaan (1972), Ek Nazar (1972), Loafer (1973), Dost (1974), Majboor (1974), Pratigya (1975), Dharam Veer (1977), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki (1978), Sargam (1979), Jaani Dushman (1979), Suhaag (1979), Ram Balram (1980), Karz (1980), Dostana (1980), Naseeb (1981) and innumerable other movies including the film: Aas Pas(1981) for which Mohammed Rafi had sung his life's last song: "Tu kahin Aas Pas hai dost".

Mohammed Rafi has sung many superb melodies for music composer: Iqbal Qureshi, in the following movies: Love In Simla (1960), Bindiya (1961), Cha Cha Cha (1964) and other movies.

Mohammed Rafi has sung many superb melodies for music composer: Ramlal, in the following movie: Sehra(1963) and other movies.

Mohammed Rafi has sung many superb melodies for music composer: R.D.Burman, in the following movies: Chhote Nawab (1961), Teesri Manzil (1966), Baharon Ke Sapne (1967), Abhilasha (1968), Pyar Ka Mausam (1969), The Train (1970), Caravan (1971), Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), Hum Kisi Se Kum Nahin (1977), Abdullah (1980), Bulundi (1980), The Burning Train (1980), Shaan (1980), Kudrat (1981) and many other movies. In 1973, Nassir Hussain's Yaadon Ki Baarat ( Music by R.D.Burman, Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri) got released. The duet sung by Rafi sahab and Asha Bhonsle: Chura Liya Hain Tumne, was a block buster hit. The song is still considered by many as the best duet that the industry ever produced. In 1977, Nasir Hussain released Hum Kisise Kam Nahin. R.D.Burman's compositions sung by Mohammed Rafi in the movie: Hum Kisise Kam Nahin like Kya Hua Tera Wada, Chand Mera Dil, Hum Kisise Kam Nahin and Yeh ladka (duet with Asha) All these songs were huge hits and chart busters. Mohammed Rafi won his sixth Filfare Award for the song: Kya Hua Tera Wada. He also won the National Award for the same song, his second National Award.

Mohammed Rafi has sung many superb melodies for music composer: Usha Khanna, in the following movies: Dil Deke Dekho (1959), Shabnam (1964), Nishan (1965), Ek Sapera Ek Lutera (1965), Hawas (1974), Aap To Aise Na The (1980) and many other movies.

Mohammed Rafi has sung many superb melodies for music composer: Rajesh Roshan, in the following movies: Kaala Patthar(1979), Mr. Natwarlaal(1979) and many other movies.

Mohammed Rafi has sung many superb melodies for music composer: Ravindra Jain, in the following movies: Kaanch Aur Heera(1972), Chor Machaye Shor(1974), Fakeera (1976) and many other movies.

In 1965, Mohammed Rafi was honoured by the Government of India with the Padma Sri Award.

Rafi concentrated on live music shows in the 1970s, which were huge hits. He performed in many places, in and outside India. He pioneered a trend which is still very prevalent amongst Bollywood actors and singers.

Mohammed Rafi has the distinction of being the first playback singer of all times to be featured in the pioneering list of the Guinness Book of World Records, for having sung the highest number of songs, which is a total of 26000 songs, in Hindi and other languages.

Mohammed Rafi sahab passed away on 31 July 1980 at 10.50 P.M.

Personal life of Mohammed Rafi:

Mohammed Rafi was like an angel. He was very soft spoken, seldom angry, very humble. He was very pious person. Rafi sahab's wife's name was Bilquis and they had three sons and four daughters. He believed in the concept of simple living and high thinking. Mohammed Rafi was a genius and at the same time very humble. During his lifetime Mohammed Rafi had donated immeasurable money in charity, noble causes and for our country. He was a true patriot of India and he believed in our country's secular values and our rich culture, tradition and heritage. The boundaries of religion, caste, creed, richness, poverty, economic class, language and politics were beyond the legendry stature of Mohammed Rafi and he was above all these boundaries. Numerous instances are there when he bought expensive imported Dialysis equipment to our country to assist charity hospitals that serve ailing kidney patients of our nation. Rafi sahab was an ideal man with loft ideals and esteemed values for which he was ready to face anything. This was the same reason that he declared that he will not take royalty for any of the songs that he had sung. A view-point that resulted in a grave clash of principles with another legend Lata Mangeshkar, who had a major debate over the issue of royalties in 1960. Rafi believed that once a recording was over and a singer has been paid, he or she should not ask for more. Lata, on the other hand said that singers should be paid royalties for their works, over and above the amount given for the singing. For, three years Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshker did not sing duets or speak with each other. It was the most dignified silence over clash of principles. They refused to sing songs together. At the insistence of Nargis they finally made up at a stage concert and sang Dil Pukare from the film Jewel thief, composed by S D Burman. Many new music directors would come to Rafi sahab and request him that if he sang for their compositions then they would get chance in films. Mohammed Rafi sahab would not only sang for them but also when the producer used to pay renumeration for the songs, Rafi sahib would gift it to these new music directors. That was the encouragement that Rafi sahab had for new talent. He would recommend names of his contemporary singers without an iota of jealousy. Thus, making Rafi sahab the most loved respected and cherished human being of all time. Mohammed Rafi was the supreme melody king of Hindi cinema and at the same time he was a man with a golden heart and a resplendent smile that glowed from his radiant face. Till the day he lived, he ruled like a king and after passing away from this mortal world also Mohammed Rafi's voice and his melodies continues to reign the music world.

Awards

Filmfare Nominations and Awards

• 1960 Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho (Film: Chaudhvin Ka Chand) - WON
• 1961 Husnwale Tera Jawaab Nahin (Film: Gharana)
• 1961 Teri Pyaari Pyaari Surat Ko (Film: Sasural) - WON
• 1962 Aye Gulbadan Aye Gulbadan (Film: Professor)
• 1963 Mere Mehboob Tujhe (Film: Mere Mehboob)
• 1964 Chahunga Mein Tujhe (Film: Dosti) - WON
• 1965 Choo Lene Do Nazuk Hothon Ko (Film: Kaajal)
• 1966 Baharon Phool Barasao (Film: Suraj) - WON
• 1968 Mein Gaaon Tum Sojaao (Film: Brahmachari)
• 1968 Babul Ki Duayein Leti Ja (Film: Neel Kamal)
• 1968 Dil Ke Jharoke Mein (Film: Brahmachari) - WON
• 1969 Badi Mastani Hai (Film: Jeene Ki Raah)
• 1970 Khilona Jaan Kar (Film: Khilona)
• 1973 Hum Ko To Jaan Se Pyaari (Film: Naina)
• 1974 Achha Hi Huva Dil Toot Gaya (Film: Maa Behen Aur Biwi)
• 1977 Parda Hai Parda (Film: Amar Akbar Anthony)
• 1977 Kya Hua Tera Vaada (Film: Hum Kisise Kum Nahin) - WON
• 1978 Aadmi Musaafir Hai (Film: Apnapan)
• 1979 Chalo Re Doli Uthao Kahaar (Film: Jani Dushman)
• 1980 Dard-e-dil Dard-e-jigar (Film: Karz)
• 1980 Maine Poocha Chand Se (Film: Abdullah)
• 1980 Mere Dost Kissa Yeh (Film: Dostana)

Rafi also got Government of India's National Award two times;

• 1968 Babul Ki Duayein Leti Ja (Film: Neel Kamal) - One of the best sad songs that hindi film Industry ever had. The song is made up of heart touching lyrics by Sahir LudhianviRavi. with beautiful composition of
• 1977 Kya Hua Tera Waada (Film: Hum Kisise Kum Nahin) - Mohd. Rafi's huge nation wide hit number with the great team of RD Burman and Majrooh Sultanpuri saab.

Playback Provided For

Hindi Actors

Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Jeetendra, Manoj Kumar, Dilip Kumar, Rajendra Kumar, Guru Dutt, Ashok Kumar, Joy Mukherjee, Biswajit, Kishore Kumar, Balraj Sahni, Sunil Dutt, Raaj Kumar, Prithviraj Kapoor, Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor,Bharat Bhushan, Dev Anand, Rajesh Khanna, Johnny Walker, Sanjay Khan, Feroz Khan, Pradeep Kumar, Sanjeev Kumar, Pran, Parikshit Sahni, Vinod Mehra, Vinod Khanna, Mehmood, I. S. Johar, Jagdeep, Gulshan Bawra,Navin Nischol,Tariq Hussain

[edit] Other languages

N T Ramarao (for Telugu films Bhale Thammudu, Aradhana), Akkineni Nageswara Rao(for Hindi Suvarna Sundari)

Popular songs

Hindi

• Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan (C.I.D., 1957), comedy
• Sar Jo Tera Chakraye, comedy
• Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe (Junglee, 1961)
• Main Jat Yamla Pagla
• Chadhti Jawani Meri
• Hum kaale hain to kya hua(Gumnaam, 1966), comedy
• Hum Kisise Kum Nahin (Hum Kisise Kum Nahin, 1977), qawwali
• Raaz Ki Baat Kah Doon, qawwali
• Yeh Hai Ishq Ishq, qawwali
• Pardah Hai Pardah (Amar Akbar Anthony, 1977), qawwali
• O Duniya Ke Rakhwale (Baiju Bawra, 1952), devotional
• Hum Laye Hain Toofan (Jagriti, 1954), patriotic song
• Ab Tumhare Hawale (Haqiqat, 1954), patriotic song
• Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawanon ka (Naya Daur), patriotic song
• Apni Azadi Ko Hum, patriotic song
• Nanhe Munne Bacche, Children's song
• Re Mama Re Mama Re, Children's song
• Chakke Mein Chakka, Children's song
• Man Tarpath Hari darshan Ko (Baiju Bawra,1954), Classical
• Sawan Aaye Ya Na Aaye (Dil Diya Dard Liya, 1966), Classical
• Madhuban Mein Radhika Naache Re (Kohinoor, 1960), Classical
• Man Re Tu Kaahe (Chitralekha, 1964), Classical
• Babul Ki Duayen Leti Ja, Wedding song
• Aaj Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai, Wedding song

Other languages

Marathi

• Shodisi Maanava (Non-filmi)
• He mana aaj koni (Non-filmi)
• Ha chhand jivala lavi pise (Non-filmi)
• Virale geet kase (Non-filmi)
• Ga pori sambhal - Daryageet (Non-filmi; with Pushpa Pagdhare)
• Prabhu tu dayalu (Non-filmi)
• Hasa mulanno hasa (Non-filmi)
• Ha rusawa sod sakhe (Non-filmi)
• Nako bhavya waada (Non-filmi)
• Majhya viraan hridayee (Non-filmi)
• Khel tujha nyaara (Non-filmi)
• Nako aarati ki nako pushpmaala (Non-filmi)

Songs in Telugu

• Yentha Varu Kani Vedantulaina Kani (film: Bhale Thammudu)
• Na Madi Ninnu Pilichindi Ganamai (film:Aradhana)
• Taralentaga Vecheno Chanduruni Kosam (film:Akbar Salim Anarkali)
• Sipaaee o Sipaaee (Duet with P. Susheela)