Mohammad Rafi, one of India’s legendary playback singers, breathed his last on this day at a young age of 55. It took place on a rainy day in Mumbai and some suggested that even Gods wept at the singer’s demise. More than 10,000 people took part in the last journey of the singer who sang more than 7,000 songs in his three-decade long career.
Born in Amritsar on December 24, 1924, Rafi was considered as a versatile singer who could sing sad, romantic, ghazals and even qawwali songs. His song Mera Man Tera Pyaasa was featured in Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet starrer Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Recently, a controversy erupted last year when a dialogue from Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil mentioned the Padma Shri awardee as the one who wept more than he actually sang. Social media went berserk as the filmmaker was trolled by a section of Mohammad Rafi’s fans who deemed it as an insult to their icon. You can clearly gauge how popular he still is today.
Here are 7 melodious songs crooned by Rafi sahab that still ring in our minds.
Sad
Baabul Ki Duayein: This sad song is mostly played during wedding ceremonies in India, when the bride is set to depart from her parent’s house. Sung by Mohammad Rafi, this song was picturised on Balraj Sahni and Waheeda Rehman in 1968 film Neel Kamal and had acquired a cult status upon its release.
Also read: These 7 songs composed by RD Burman prove Pancham Da understood human emotions best
Pathar Ke Sanam: This song is made for jilted lovers. Sung by Mohammad Rafi in the 1967 film of the same name, the track was picturised on Manoj Kumar who accuses his on-screen lady love of betrayal. The lyrics were penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri while Laxmikant-Pyarelal composed the song. Check out the melodious song here.
Kya Hua Tera Waada: If you are upset over a break-up and feel that your heart has become quicksand, this song can help you get over the gloom. Mohammad Rafi won his only National Award for the song from the film Hum Kisise Kum Nahin. The lines “Bhoolega Dil Jis Din Tumhe, Wo Din Zindagi Ka Aakhri Din Hoga” might leave you teary-eyed.
Rafi’s discography boasts of other sad songs like Pardesiyon Se Na Akhiyan Milana, Teri Duniya Se Door and others.
Romance
Yeh Reshmi Zulfein: If you thought Rafi Sahab could only sing sad songs, you are mistaken. This song from Do Raaste was picturised on Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz. Nothing needs to be said any further, check out this song for yourself.
Chura Liya Hai: When people saw Zeenat Aman play guitar in this song, they fell head over heels in love with her. The film was Nasir Hussain’s Yaadon Ki Baraat that marked the acting debut of Aamir Khan as a child actor. But the 1973 drama gained popularity for the song Chura Liya Hai Tumne sung by Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhosale.
Besides this, Rafi sang romantic tracks like Chaudvin Ka Chaand, Aaj Mausam Bada Beimaan, Teri Pyaari Pyaari Surat and others.
Qawwali
Pardah Hai Pardah: Mohammad Rafi surprised everyone when he sang the qawwali track Pardah Hai Pardah from Manmohan Desai’s 1977 hit Amar Akbar Anthony. The song composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal duo was picturised on Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh.
Other qawwalis sung by the legendary vocalist are Hai Agar Dushman, Jeena To Hai Usi Ka and other melodious hits.
Ghazals
Ek Hi Baat Zamane Ki: Besides film songs, Mohammad Rafi was also well versed with ghazals. One of his famous ghazals is Ek Hi Baat Zamane Ki, composed by Taj Ahmad Khan. After listening to it once, you will surely put it on a loop.
