On December 24, 1924, a voice was born in a small village in Punjab that would go on to define the golden era of Indian cinema. Mohammed Rafi, affectionately called the “Voice of God” by millions, is more than a musical legend. As India celebrates what would have been his 100th birthday, his songs still echo through the country’s streets, homes, and hearts, a testament to his enduring legacy.
Rafi’s voice had the rare ability to transcend boundaries, bringing together generations of listeners across regions, languages, and religions. In an industry defined by stardom and fleeting fame, Rafi’s humility and sheer talent turned him into an icon whose influence only grew with time.
Humble beginnings, grand legacy
Born in Kotla Sultan Singh near Amritsar, Rafi’s early life was steeped in simplicity. He grew up in a modest household and discovered music through street performers and local events. It was at a village fair that his potential was first noticed, setting the stage for his eventual rise to fame.
Rafi’s family moved to Lahore, where he formally trained under Ustad Abdul Wahid Khan. It was during this time that his devotion to perfecting his craft became evident. In 1944, he moved to Bombay (now Mumbai), then the burgeoning hub of the Indian film industry, and began his career under the mentorship of composer Naushad.
Naushad, a pioneer of Hindi film music, played a crucial role in shaping Rafi’s career. Their collaboration gave Indian cinema some of its most memorable tracks, including “O Duniya Ke Rakhwale” from Baiju Bawra (1952) and “Madhuban Mein Radhika Nache Re” from Kohinoor (1960). The young singer’s unmatched ability to adapt to a wide range of emotions and genres quickly made him a favorite among composers and actors alike.
A voice for every emotion
What set Rafi apart was his versatility. His voice could effortlessly transition from the soulful melancholy of “Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho” to the playful exuberance of “Yahoo! Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe”. He brought life to romantic ballads, devotional hymns, patriotic anthems, and even comical tracks with equal ease.
Actors of the era—Dev Anand, Dilip Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, and Rajendra Kumar—relied on Rafi’s voice to define their on-screen personas. Shammi Kapoor famously said that Rafi was not merely a playback singer but an extension of his own identity.
Yet, it was not just Bollywood where Rafi made his mark. He sang in over 15 languages, including Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, and even English, ensuring his voice reached audiences across linguistic barriers.
Besides singing, Rafi Sahab also displayed his acting skills in the movies, Laila Majnu and Jugnu. Both the films were commercially successful.
Humanity beyond the music
Beyond his musical genius, Rafi was known for his humility and generosity. He rarely sought the limelight and often avoided industry politics. It is said that he would waive his fees for struggling filmmakers or agree to sing for free if he believed in the project. His personal life mirrored the simplicity of his art; he was a devout man who found joy in family, friends, and his craft.
Rafi’s devotion to music extended to his meticulous preparation for every song. Lata Mangeshkar, his frequent collaborator, once recalled how Rafi would rehearse a song multiple times to capture the exact emotion the composer desired. This dedication is what made his renditions timeless.
Rafi was a philanthropist and a kind hearted person. He used to send money to his widowed neighbour via money order. After Rafi’s death, the money stopped coming and the widow went to enquire in the post office. It was only then that she came to know about the real sender of that money order.
Challenges and comebacks
Like every artist, Rafi faced his share of challenges. The emergence of Kishore Kumar in the 1970s posed stiff competition, as the latter became the preferred voice for Bollywood’s younger stars. For a brief period, Rafi’s career saw a dip, but his resilience and commitment to quality ensured a grand comeback with songs like “Kya Hua Tera Wada” from Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977), which won him his sixth Filmfare Award.
Even during his less prolific years, Rafi remained a towering figure in the industry, admired by colleagues and revered by fans.
An unfading legacy
Rafi passed away on July 31, 1980, at the age of 55, leaving behind a staggering legacy of over 7,000 songs. His funeral drew tens of thousands of fans, a reflection of how deeply he was loved. Four decades later, his music continues to inspire new generations of singers and composers.
In recent years, Rafi’s work has found a resurgence in contemporary platforms. His songs are frequently remixed, covered, and celebrated in talent shows. Yet, purists argue that no modern interpretation can match the depth of his original recordings.
His centenary is an opportunity not just to remember his contributions but to reflect on how he shaped Indian music’s identity. Tributes have poured in from fans and artists alike, with events planned across India and abroad to honor his memory.
As India celebrates the 100th anniversary of Mohammed Rafi’s birth, the nation is reminded of a man whose music is not confined to an era but exists as an eternal soundtrack to life. Rafi may have left the world decades ago, but his voice continues to sing for every broken heart, every celebration, and every dream.
And perhaps, that is the ultimate tribute to a legend who sang not just with his voice but with his soul.
