THE EVERGREEN SINGER-MOHMED RAFI

Eversmiling face of the evergreen,everliving singer.Yes I am referring to Mohmed Rafi who left us on the 31st of July 1980 owing to a Heart Attack.
Neither his songs nor the smile on his face can face death,B oth are everliving in the hearts of Music lovers.

In 5 National Awards or A Padmasree not enough for the great SWinger.The love &passion in the hearts of his fans are beyond all these awards.

He was born in a village in Punjab called Kotla in December 1924.When he was 13 years old he had his first stage programme.His first appearemce was in a Punjabi Film.Later on at the age of 20 he arrived in Bombay which marked the Golden days of Hindi Cinema.

He decided to become a citizen of India when India got Independemce.He joined the great music Director Naushad

After the sad demise of our father of Nation ,Rafi was invited to sing a song as a tribute to the Mahatma Gandhi.The song "Suno suno oh Duniyawalom Bapuji ka ye Amar Kahani" was recited by lakhs of Indians.On hearing this song The then Prime Minister Javharlal Nehru invited Rafi to sing at his residence.

Many music Directors approached for singing for them.He obliged everyone but remained with his mentor Naushad.This relationship gave birth to the most famous song sung by Rafi.A song which would be remembered for ever for its quality of singing .The evergreen Melody "Yrh Duniyako Rakhne wale".
the voice of Rafi &the high pitch in the song was so great matching that one would never put off the radio wg
hen the song is on the air.

In 1950sRafi started singing for famous music Directors OPNayyar,SDBurman.&Shankar Jayakrishnan

During this time the famous songs like Baharom Phool Bharsavo,Chahe Mujhe Junglee Kahe,Dil ke Jharokhame,Chodavin ka chand,Duniya Yeh Mehfil,Chahunga Mein Tujhe,Churaliya hai Tumne,Kya Hua mera vaada,Mein ne Poocha,Sow Baar Janam &many more hit songs of Different songs gave birth to entertain the Film world,

Once, Rafi recited a song just for one Rupee.

4 years Rafi &Lata were not in talking terms.Lata insisted on Royalty for songs while Rafi said payment for songs sung was enough.This continued four years when some Music directors interfered &made compromise.

Later on Lata used to regret for remaining not in good terms with Rafi.

Finally on July31st of 1980 Rafi said Good Bye to world Music .Those who are good are taken back by God Early,This saying was proved true in the case of Rafi.He was just 56 years old when he said Goodbye.

May his Soul rest in Eternal Peace!
                                                             SreedharanMundanat
                                                                 2nd August 2012