Mohammed Rafi has been a master of every genre, and his voice continues to inspire singers and listeners around the world.
Mohammed Rafi was not just a playback singer, he was the soul of Indian cinema. Even after decades after his demise, his voice echoes through generations. Renowned for his versatility and divine vocal control, he was born in 1924 and breathed his last on July 31, 1980. Nonetheless, he has left behind a legacy that continues to thrive across the world.
On his 45th death anniversary, let’s revisit 10 of his most timeless songs that define the golden era of Bollywood music.
The track, an ode to feminine beauty, is a classic ghazal and Rafi’s voice brings out the poetic elegance of Shakeel Badayuni’s words.
The emotionally charged song got Rafi a National Film Award, and is one of his most heart-wrenching renditions. With the pain in his voice, he offers a sense of betrayal that is as gripping today as it was in the '70s.
Written entirely in verse, this track offers an expression of loneliness. Madan Mohan’s tune pairs with Rafi’s voice, making it a cult favorite.
With RD Burman’s composition and Rafi’s singing, the track became an instant hit.
In this romantic duet with Lata Mangeshkar, Rafi’s subtle expressions stand out. And the simplicity of the lyrics amp up the harmony between two legendary voices, turning it into something magical.
Rich with orchestration, this evergreen track earned Rafi a Filmfare Award. His voice in this song remains a staple in love dedications even today.
A song about romantic longing, it sees Rafi deliver each line with emotional restraint, which made it into a timeless ballad.
In this SD Burman’s haunting melody, Rafi brings out the sorrow, the yearning, and together, they beautifully wrap it up in every note.
In this classic track, Rafi blends nostalgia, and romance, and it still finds relevance in modern hearts.
In this duet with Lata Mangeshkar, Rafi left a lasting imprint on listeners, and it remains one of his most passionate songs.
Mohammed Rafi’s career that spanned over 7,000 songs in various languages is unmatched. He has crooned songs for heroes, villains, and clowns, from classical, qawwali, bhajan, rock-n-roll, and even lullaby. He has been a master of every genre, and his voice continues to inspire singers and listeners around the world. His melodies transcend language and time. As we remember him, let’s play one of his immortal tunes, and let the magic of Mohammed Rafi transcend over us.
