Mohammed Rafi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | (1924-12-24)24 December 1924 |
| Died | 31 July 1980(1980-07-31) (aged 55) Bombay,Maharashtra, India |
| Occupation | Playback singer |
| Years active | 1944–1980 |
| Spouses | |
| Children | 7 |
| Awards | |
| Honours | Padma Shri (1967) |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instrument | Vocals |
Musical artist | |
| Signature | |
 | |
Mohammed Rafi (24 December 1924 – 31 July 1980) was an Indian playback singer. He is considered to have been one of the greatest and most influential singers of theIndian subcontinent.[5][6] Rafi was notable for his versatility and range of voice; his songs varied from fast, peppy numbers to patrioticsongs, sad numbers to highly romantic songs,qawwalis toghazals andbhajans toclassical songs.[7] He was known for his ability to mould his voice to the persona and style of the actor lip-syncing the song on screen in the movie.[8] He received sixFilmfare Awards and oneNational Film Award in India. In 1967, he was honored with thePadma Shri award by theGovernment of India. In 2001, Rafi was honoured with the "Best Singer of the Millennium" title byHero Honda andStardust magazine. In 2013, Rafi was voted for the Greatest Voice in Hindi Cinema in a CNN-IBN poll.[9]
He recorded songs for over a thousandHindi films and in many Indian languages as well as some foreign languages, though primarily inUrdu andPunjabi, over which he had a strong command. He recorded as many as 7,000 songs throughout his career, spanning several languages such asKonkani,Assamese,Bhojpuri,Odia,Bengali,Marathi,Sindhi,Kannada,Gujarati,Tamil,Telugu,Magahi,Maithili, etc. Apart fromIndian languages, he also sang in some foreign languages, includingEnglish,Persian,Arabic,Sinhala,Mauritian Creole, andDutch.[10]
Mohammed Rafi was the second eldest of six brothers born to Allah Rakhi and Haji Ali Mohammad in aPunjabi BhattiJat Muslim family.[11] The family originally belonged toKotla Sultan Singh, a village near present-dayMajitha inAmritsar district ofPunjab, India.[12] Rafi, whose nickname wasPheeko, began singing by imitating the chants of afakir who roamed the streets of his native village Kotla Sultan Singh. Rafi's father moved toLahore in 1935, where he ran a barbershop in Noor Mohalla inBhati Gate.[13]Rafi learntclassical music fromUstad Abdul Wahid Khan, Pandit Jiwan Lal Mattoo and Firoze Nizami.[14] His first public performance came at the age of 13, when he sang in Lahore featuringK. L. Saigal. In 1941, Rafi made his debut in Lahore as a playback singer in the duet "Goriye Nee, Heeriye Nee" withZeenat Begum in thePunjabi filmGul Baloch (released in 1944) under music director Shyam Sunder.[15] In that same year, Rafi was invited byAll India RadioLahore station to sing for them.[16]
He made hisHindi film debut inGaon Ki Gori in 1945.[8]
Rafi moved toBombay (now Mumbai),Maharashtra in 1944. He and Hameed Sahab rented a ten-by-ten-feet room in the crowded downtown Bhendi Bazar area. Poet Tanvir Naqvi introduced him to film producers includingAbdur Rashid Kardar,Mehboob Khan and actor-director Nazeer.[17] Shyam Sunder was in Bombay and provided the opportunity to Rafi to sing a duet withG. M. Durrani, "Aji dil ho kaabu mein to dildar ki aisi taisi...," forGaon Ki Gori, which became Rafi's first recorded song in a Hindi film. Other songs followed.
Rafi's first song withNaushad was "Hindustan Ke Hum Hain" with Shyam Kumar, Alauddin and others, from A. R. Kardar'sPehle Aap (1944). Around the same time, Rafi recorded another song for the 1945 filmGaon Ki Gori, "Aji Dil Ho Kaaboo Mein". He considered this song to be his first Hindi language song.[16]
Rafi appeared in two movies. He appeared on the screen for the songs "Tera Jalwa Jis Ne Dekha" in filmLaila Majnu(1945) and "Woh Apni Yaad Dilane Ko" in the FilmJugnu (1947).[16] He sang a number of songs for Naushad as part of the chorus, including "Mere Sapnon Ki Rani, Roohi Roohi" withK. L. Saigal, from the filmShahjahan (1946). Rafi sang "Tera Khilona Toota Balak" from Mehboob Khan'sAnmol Ghadi (1946) and a duet withNoor Jehan in the 1947 filmJugnu, "Yahan Badla Wafa Ka". After partition, Rafi decided to stay back in India and had the rest of his family flown toBombay. Noor Jehan migrated toPakistan and made a pair with playback singerAhmed Rushdi.
In 1949, Rafi was given solo songs by music directors such as Naushad (Chandni Raat,Dillagi andDulari), Shyam Sunder (Bazaar) and Husnalal Bhagatram (Meena Bazaar).
Besides K. L. Saigal, whom he considered his favorite, Rafi was also influenced by G. M. Durrani. In the early phase of his career, he often followed Durrani's style of singing, but later evolved his own, unique style. He sang with Durrani in some of the songs such as "Humko Hanste Dekh Zamana Jalta Hai" and "Khabar Kisi Ko Nahiin, Woh Kidhar Dekhte" (Beqasoor, 1950).
In 1948, after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, the team of Husanlal Bhagatram-Rajendra Krishan-Rafi had overnight created the song "Suno Suno Ae Duniyawalon, Bapuji Ki Amar Kahani". He was invited by the Indian Prime Minister,Jawaharlal Nehru, to sing at his house. In 1948, Rafi received a silver medal from Jawaharlal Nehru on Indian Independence Day.[18]
In his early career, Rafi associated with many contemporary music directors, most notablyNaushad Ali. In the late 1950s and 1960s, he worked with other composers of the era such asO. P. Nayyar,Shankar Jaikishan,S.D. Burman andRoshan.
As per Naushad, Rafi came to him with a letter of recommendation from Naushad's father.[19]Rafi's first song for Naushad Ali was "Hindustan Ke Hum Hain" ("We belong to Hindustan") for the filmPehle Aap in 1944. The first song for the duo was the soundtrack of the movieAnmol Ghadi (1946).
Rafi's association with Naushad helped the former establish himself as one of the most prominent playback singers in Hindi cinema.[16] Songs fromBaiju Bawra (1952) like "O duniya ke rakhwale" and "Man tarpat hari darshan ko aaj" furthered Rafi's credentials.[15] Rafi ended up singing a total of 149 songs (81 of them solo) for Naushad. Before Rafi, Naushad's favorite singer wasTalat Mahmood. Once Naushad found Talat smoking during a recording.[20][21][22][self-published source?] He was annoyed and hired Rafi to sing all the songs of the movieBaiju Bawra.
S. D. Burman used Rafi as a singing voice ofDev Anand andGuru Dutt.[23] Rafi worked with Burman in 37 films, includingPyaasa (1957),Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959),Kala Bazar (1960),Nau Do Gyarah (1957),Kala Pani (1958),Tere Ghar Ke Saamne (1963),Guide (1965),Aradhana (1969),Ishq Par Zor Nahin (1970) andAbhimaan (1973).
Rafi's partnership withShankar–Jaikishan was among the most famous and successful in the Hindi film industry. He worked with them from their first film,Barsaat (1949). Under Shankar–Jaikishan, Rafi produced some of his songs for actors likeShammi Kapoor andRajendra Kumar. Out of six Filmfare awards, Rafi won three for S-J songs – "Teri Pyaari Pyaari Surat Ko", "Bahaaron Phool Barsaao" and "Dil Ke Jharokhe Mein." The song "Yahoo! Chaahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe" was sung by Rafi, matched by a fast-paced orchestra and composition by Shankar Jaikishan. S-J had Rafi give playback for Kishore Kumar in the filmSharaarat ("Ajab Hai Daastaan Teri Ye Zindagi"). Rafi sang a total of 341 numbers—216 solo—for Shankar–Jaikishan.[24] Among the films of this combination are:Awaara,Boot Polish,Basant Bahar,Professor,Junglee,Asli-Naqli,Rajkumar,Suraj,Sangam,Brahmachari,Arzoo,An Evening in Paris,Dil Tera Deewana,Yakeen,Prince,Love in Tokyo,Beti Bete,Dil Ek Mandir,Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai,Gaban andJab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai.
Rafi got his firstFilmfare Award for the title song ofChaudhvin Ka Chand (1960), composed byRavi. He received theNational Award for the song "Baabul Ki Duaen Leti Jaa" from the filmNeel Kamal (1968), also composed by Ravi. Rafi wept during the recording of this song, which he admitted in a 1977 interview with the BBC.[25]
Ravi and Rafi produced several other songs in the filmsChina Town (1962),Kaajal (1965),Do Badan (1966) andEk Phool Do Maali (1969)
Madan Mohan was another composer whose favorite singer was Rafi. Rafi's first solo with Madan Mohan inAankhen (1950) was "Hum Ishk Mein Burbaad Hein Burbaad Ruhenge".[16] They teamed up to produce many songs including "Teree Aankhon Ke Sivaa", "Yeh Duniyaa Yeh Mehfil", "Tum Jo Mil Guye Ho", "Kur Chale Hum Fida", "Meree Aawaaz Suno" and "Aap Ke Pehlu Mein Aakur".
Rafi andO. P. Nayyar (OP) created music in the 1950s and 1960s. O. P. Nayyar was once quoted as saying "If there had been no Mohammed Rafi, there would have been no O. P. Nayyar".[26]
He and Rafi created many songs together including "Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan". He got Rafi to sing for singer-actorKishore Kumar – "Man Mora Baawara" for the movieRaagini. Later, Rafi sang for Kishore Kumar in movies such asBaaghi,Shehzaada andShararat. O. P. Nayyar used Rafi and Asha Bhosle for most of his songs. The team created many songs in the early 1950s and 1960s for movies such asNaya Daur (1957),Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957),Ek Musafir Ek Hasina (1962) andKashmir Ki Kali (1964). Rafi sang a total of 197 numbers (56 solo) for Nayyar.[27]The songs "Jawaaniyan yeh mast mast" and the title song "Yun to humne lakh hansee dekhe hain, tumsa nahin dekha" of the filmTumsa Nahin Dekha were hits. They were followed by songs like "Yeh Chand Sa Roshan Chehera" fromKashmir ki Kali.
Rafi and OP had a falling-out during the recording for movie "Sawan ki Ghata". As disclosed by OP during one of his interviews; Rafi reported late to the recording stating that he was stuck inShankar Jaikishan's recording. OP then stated that from now on he too did not have the time for Rafi and cancelled the recording. They did not work together for the next 3 years.[28]
The composer duoLaxmikant–Pyarelal (L-P) patronized Rafi as one of their singers, right from their first song by him from the filmParasmani (1963). Rafi and L-P won theFilmfare Award for the song "Chaahoonga Mein Tujhe Saanjh Suvere" fromDosti (1964). Rafi rendered the highest number of songs for this music director duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal, as compared to all the music directors: 388.[24]
Once, when composerNisar Bazmi, who once worked with Laxmikant-Pyarelal before he had migrated toPakistan, didn't have enough money to pay him, Rafi charged a fee of onerupee and sang for him. He also helped producers financially. As Laxmikant once observed – "He always gave without thinking of the returns".
Kalyanji Anandji composed around 170 songs in the voice of Rafi. Kalyanji's relationship with Rafi started with the 1958 film,Samrat Chandragupta, his debut film as a solo composer.[29] Kalyani-Anandji and Rafi went on to work together for the music of theShashi Kapoor-starrerHaseena Maan Jayegi (1968), which featured songs like "Bekhudi Mein Sanam" and "Chale The Saath Milke".[29]
Rafi associated with several of his contemporaries, singing duets with them and sometimes for them (as in case of Kishore Kumar who was also an actor).Rafi sang the highest number of duets withAsha Bhosle (female),Manna Dey (male) andLata Mangeshkar (female).
In the song "Humko Tumse Ho Gaya Hai Pyaar" (Amar Akbar Anthony), Rafi sang one song with Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, and Mukesh, the most legendary singers inBollywood. This was probably the only time that all of them rendered their voices for one song.[30]
Rafi sang frequently for all music directors during his lifetime, includingC. Ramchandra, Roshan, Jaidev, Khayyam, Rajesh Roshan, Ravindra Jain, Bappi Lahiri, Sapan Jagmohan, T.V.Raju, S.Hanumantha Rao etc. He had a special and major association withUsha Khanna,Sonik Omi,Chitragupta,S.N. Tripathi,N. Datta andR.D. Burman. He also sang for many small time and lesser-known music directors. Many for whom he sang for free while making their compositions immortal; he selflessly believed in financially assisting producers and helping small-time projects who could not afford much. Many in the industry received regular financial help from Rafi.[31]
Rafi sang several songs inChris Perry'sKonkani album Golden Hits withLorna Cordeiro. He recorded many private albums in various genres and languages. Rafi recorded Hindi songs in English on 7" release in 1968. He also sang 2 songs inMauritian Creole while on his visit toMauritius in the late 1960s.
In 1962–1963, the popular female playback singerLata Mangeshkar raised the issue of playback singers' share in theroyalties. Recognizing Rafi's position as the leading male playback singer, she wanted him to back her in demanding a half-share from the 5% song royalty that the film's producer conceded to select composers. Rafi refused to side with her, stating that his claim on the film producer's money ended with his being paid his agreed fee for the song. Rafi argued that the producer takes financial risk and the composer creates the song, so the singer does not have any claim over the royalty money. Lata viewed his stand as a stumbling block on the royalty issue and stated that it is because of the singer's name also that the records get sold. This difference of opinion subsequently led to differences between the two. During the recording of "Tasveer Teri Dil Mein" (Maya, 1961), Lata argued with Rafi over a certain passage of the song. Rafi felt belittled, as music directorSalil Chowdhury sided with Lata. The situation worsened when Lata declared that she would no longer sing with Rafi. Rafi stated that he was only so keen to sing with Lata as she was with him.[32][33] The music directorJaikishan later negotiated a reconciliation between the two.[34] In an interview given toThe Times of India on 25 September 2012, Lata claimed to have received a written apology from Rafi.[35] However, Shahid Rafi, Mohammad Rafi's son, rebuffs the claim, calling it an act to dishonour his father's reputation.[35]
In the 1970s, Rafi suffered from a throat infection for an extended period of time.[36] During a brief period then, he recorded fewer songs.[32][37] Although his musical output was relatively low during this period, Rafi did sing some of his best and most popular numbers then, such as "Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil", "Gulabi Aankhen", "Jhilmil Sitaron Ka Aangan Hoga", "Koi Nazrana Lekar Aaya Hu", "Aaya Re Khilonewala", "Tum Mujhe Yun Bhula Na Paaoge", "Re Mama Re Mama Re", "Nafrat Ki Duniya Ko", "Ye Jo Chilman Hai", "Kuchh Kehta Hai Ye Saawan", "Kitna Pyaara Wada", "Chalo Dildaar Chalo", "Aaj Mausam Bada Be-Imaan Hai", "Chura Liya Hai Tumne", "Yaadon Ki Baaraat Nikli Hai Aaj Dil Ke Dwaare", "Teri Bindiya Re", to name a few.[38][39]
Rafi made a comeback as a leading singer in mid 1970s. In 1974 he won the Film World magazine Best Singer Award for the song "Teri Galiyon Mein Na Rakhenge Kadam Aaj Ke Baad" (Hawas, 1974) composed byUsha Khanna.[24]
In 1976, Rafi sang all the songs forRishi Kapoor in the blockbuster filmLaila Majnu.[40][41] Rafi went on to sing many more songs for Rishi Kapoor in the subsequent hit films, includingHum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977) andAmar Akbar Anthony (1977).[42] In 1977, he won both Filmfare Award and the National Award for the song "Kya Hua Tera Wada" from the movieHum Kisise Kum Naheen, composed byR. D. Burman.[23] He was nominated as the best singer at the Filmfare Awards for theqawwali "Parda Hai Parda" fromAmar Akbar Anthony (1977).
Rafi sang for many successful films in the late 1970s and the early 1980s many of whose hit songs were dominating the charts in the late 70s on radio programs such asVividh Bharati, Binaca Geetmala and Radio Ceylon.[43] Some of these includePratiggya (1975),Bairaag (1976),Amaanat (1977),Dharam Veer (1977),Apnapan (1977),Ganga Ki Saugand (1978),Suhaag (1979),Sargam (1979),Qurbani (1980),Dostana (1980),Karz (1980),The Burning Train (1980),Abdullah (1980),Shaan (1980),Aasha (1980),Aap To Aise Na The (1980),Naseeb (1981) andZamaane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981). In 1977, Rafi gave a performance at the Royal Albert Hall and in 1980 he performed at the Wembley conference centre. From 1970 until his death he toured around the world extensively giving concert performances to packed halls.
In December 1979, Rafi recorded six songs for the Hindi remake of Dilip Sen's Bengali superhitSorry Madam; the film was never completed due to a personal tragedy in Dilip Sen's life. These songs, written by Kafeel Aazar and composed by Chitragupta, were released digitally in December 2009 by the label Silk Road under the title "The Last Songs".[44] The physical album was released only in India by Universal.[citation needed]
During his last years, Rafi was involved in a controversy over Lata Mangeshkar's entry in theGuinness Book of World Records. In a letter dated 11 June 1977 to the Guinness Book of World Records, Rafi had challenged the claim that Lata Mangeshkar has recorded the highest number of songs ("not less than 25,000" according to Guinness). Rafi, according to his fans, would have sung more songs than Lata – he being the senior of the two. They estimated the number of songs sung by Rafi to be anything from 25,000 to 26,000. This prompted Rafi to write a letter, in protest, to Guinness.[45] After receiving a reply from Guinness, in a letter dated 20 November 1979, he wrote, "I am disappointed that my request for a reassessment vis-a-vis Ms Mangeshkar's reported world record has gone unheeded."[30] In an interview to BBC recorded in November 1977, Rafi claimed to have sung 25,000 to 26,000 songs till then.[26]
After Rafi's death, in its 1984 edition, the Guinness Book of World Records gave Lata Mangeshkar's name for the "Most Recordings" and stated, "Mohammad Rafi (d 1 August 1980) [sic] claimed to have recorded 28,000 songs in 11 Indian languages between 1944 and April 1980."[46] The Guinness Book entries for both Rafi and Lata were eventually deleted in 1991. In 2011, Lata's sisterAsha Bhosle was given the title.[47]
Mohammed Rafi – Golden Voice of the Silver Screen, a 2015 book by Shahid Rafi and Sujata Dev, states that according to "industry sources", Rafi sang 4,425 Hindi film songs, 310 non-Hindi film songs, and 328 non-film songs between 1945 and 1980.[45] A 2015Manorama Online article states that "researchers" have found 7,405 songs sung by Rafi.[48]
Among the prominent leading actors of his time, Rafi sung 190 songs forShammi Kapoor, 145 forJohnny Walker, 129 forShashi Kapoor, 114 forDharmendra, 100 forDev Anand, 79 forSunil Dutt and 77 forDilip Kumar.[49]
Mohammed Rafi died at 10:25 pm on 31 July 1980, following a massive heart attack, aged 55.[50] The last song sung by Rafi was for the movieAas Paas, with music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. One source says it was "Shaam Phir Kyun Udaas Hai Dost/Tu Kahin Aas Paas Hai Dost", recorded just hours before his death.[30][51][52] Another source says that the last song he sang was "Shehar mein charcha hai", from the same film.[53]
Rafi was buried at theJuhu Muslim cemetery and his burial was one of the largest funeral processions in India as over 10,000 people attended his burial.[54] The government of India announced a two-day public mourning in his honour.[30]
In 2010, Rafi's tomb along with many film industry artists such asMadhubala, was demolished to make space for new burials. Fans of Mohammed Rafi, who visit his tomb twice a year to mark his birth and death anniversaries, use the coconut tree that is nearest to his grave as a marker.[55]
Rafi's style of singing influenced singers likeKavita Krishnamurti,Mahendra Kapoor,Mohammed Aziz,Shabbir Kumar,Udit Narayan,Sonu Nigam,[56] andS. P. Balasubrahmanyam.[57][58]Anwar also imitated Rafi's voice.
On 22 September 2007, a shrine to Rafi designed by artist Tasawar Bashir was unveiled on Fazeley Street,Birmingham, UK. Bashir is hoping that Rafi will attain sainthood as a result.[59][60] The Padma Shri Mohammed Rafi Chowk in theBandra suburbs ofMumbai and Pune (extending MG Road) is named after Rafi.[61]
In the summer of 2008, theCity of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra released a double CD titledRafi Resurrected, comprising 16 songs by Rafi. Bollywood playback singerSonu Nigam provided the vocals for this project and toured with the CBSO in July 2008 at venues including theEnglish National Opera in London, Manchester'sApollo Theatre, andSymphony Hall, Birmingham.[62]
There have been appeals[63] to theGovernment of India to honour the singer, posthumously, with theBharat Ratna (India's Highest Civilian Award).
In June 2010, Rafi, along with Mangeshkar, was voted the most popular playback singer in the poll, conducted byOutlook magazine.[64] The same poll voted "Man re, tu kahe na dheer dhare" (Chitralekha, 1964), sung by Rafi, as the No. 1 song.[65] Three songs were tied for the No. 2 spot; two were sung by Rafi. The songs were "Tere mere sapne ab ek rang hain" (Guide, 1965) and "Din dhal jaye, hai raat na jaye" (Guide, 1965). The jury included people in the Indian music industry.[66]
In 2015, the UK-based newspaperEastern Eye placed Rafi third in their "Greatest 20 Bollywood Playback Singers" list.[67]
An official biography was written on Rafi's life by Sujata Dev titledMohammed Rafi – Golden Voice of the Silver Screen launched on his 91st birthday.[68] As well as an award winning documentary titledDastaan-E-Rafi directed by Rajni Acharya and Vinay Patel (which took 5 years to make) was released to commemorate his 92nd birthday which was later released on DVD. It featured over 60 interviews of various Bollywood personas and closely recalled his story through his songs and the personal recounts.[69][70]
Lata Mangeshkar, his contemporary, has said that "Rafi bhaiya was not only India's greatest playback singer but also a wonderful person" and that "he was one singer whose vocal range could outclass any other singer, whether it was me, Asha, Mannada or Kishore bhaiya".[5]
When producer-director Manmohan Desai (who was a big fan of Rafi) and used him in numerous hit films, was asked to describe the voice of Rafi he remarked that "If anyone has the voice of god, it is Mohammed Rafi".[71]
Annually his birth and death anniversaries inspire several thousand musical tributes on stage, radio and television.[72][73]
Rafi's popularity today spans across the Indian subcontinent, having a reach to Indian communities in Singapore and Malaysia.[74][75][76]
Today, Rafi's popular songs continue to be remixed or recreated.[77]
Rafi'sBaharon Phool Barsao was voted the most popular Hindi song in a BBC Asia Network poll commemorating 100 years of Hindi Cinema.[78]
In a CNN-IBN survey in 2013, he was voted the greatest voice of Hindi Cinema.[79]
In 2001, Rafi was named as the "best singer of the millennium" by Hero Honda and Stardust magazine.[80]
Rafi married twice; his first marriage was to his cousin, Bashira Bibi, which took place in his ancestral village.[87][88][89] The marriage ended when his first wife refused to live inIndia following the killing of her parents during the riots of thePartition of India and moved toLahore,Pakistan.[90] His second marriage was to Bilquis Bano.
Rafi had four sons and three daughters; his first son, Saeed, was from his first marriage.[89] Rafi's hobbies included playingbadminton,carrom, and flyingkites.[91] He was ateetotaller and abstained from smoking and he stayed away from parties in the industry.[92]
According toMohammed Rafi Voice of a Nation, a book authorised by Rafi's son Shahid, described him as "a gentle, and calm demeanour persona who remained humble, selfless, ego-less, devoted, God-fearing, and family-loving gentleman in his life." Rafi was noted for not sending anyone he met back empty-handed.[31] He contributed to the society by helping people through his charity and notable deeds.[93]
See 23:20 to 23:30
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