Written by Mr. Achal Rangaswamy. Also adding in comments by staunch Rafi fans.

Rafi Sahab

On the 12^th of February, the Times of India carried a front page article on the news of Mohd Rafi Saab’s mazaar having been demolished to accomodate more bodies for burial. In this process many luminaries’ tombs also have been razed. This includes Sahir, Jan Nisar Akhtar, Naushad Saab and Madhubala, amongst others. Islamic law- the shariyat says it does not approve of tombs to be made for the dead. How come we still sing praises of the Taj, Humayun’s tomb, Bibi ka Makbara and so many other monuments and show them off to the whole world? (more…)

Rafi Bhakts present a new tales to the unending saga
Article by A S MURTY, Secretary, Rafi Foundation, Hyderabad Chapter – rafimurty@gmail.com

Mohd Rafi

For the past several years now, I have had a very close interaction with many Rafi Bhakts, from across the globe.  Fans of Rafi Sahab,  like that of any other legend, come from all walks of life.  They have very varied lifestyles and come from different cultural backgrounds.  Yet they have many commonalities in them.  I have found some very dedicated Rafi Bhakts, who indulge in a wide spectrum of activities that spread the works of Rafi Sahab. All of them do it selflessly and purely out of their own personal passion for Rafi Sahab and his songs.  Most of them work ceaselessly, devoting a lot of time and money on their activities – unmindful of any rewards. Their only reward is their personal satisfaction of doing what they like most – spreading the fragrance of Rafi Sahab.  There are several communities of Rafi Sahab on social networking sites on the internet. Several groups exist in almost all the major cities. These groups conduct musical shows, musical sessions, get togethers, mehfils and so much more. They inter-act and discuss the movies for which Rafi Sahab has given his impeccable renditions and relive the magic of these immortal songs. (more…)

Written by Mr. Souvik Chatterji

Mohd Rafi

Roshan Lal Nagrath, better known as Roshan was born in Gujranwala on 14^th July, 1917. His lessons from Ustad Allauddin and Sarangi King Bundu Khan transformed himself into regular composer of All India Radio in the 40s.

He started his career as composer in bollywood films with the film Neki Aur Badi in 1949. In the early 50s Mukesh and Talat Mehmood featured in most of the films of Roshan. Some of the hit songs included “khayalon me”, “sun bairi balam” from Bawre Nain, “tare toote duniya dekhe” from Malhar. Although he had success in the films Shisham, Anhonee, Malhar, etc., his immense talent did not get recognition until he used the man with the golden voice Mohammad Rafi. (more…)

Written By Venkatadri Brahmandam (Venkat from HF)

(Mohammed Rafi With Mubarak Begum)

Mohd Rafi

Mubarak Begum was a singer known only for her peculiar, nasal voice. Her vocal range and singing prowess had many limitations, of course. In my humble view, as a singer, she could attain only limited success that was just proportionate to her abilities!! However, in one interview of hers, she seemed to blame Suraiya for blocking her progress! Well, that is a different story for a different time!!

With Rafi Saab, she had the opportunity of singing about 10 duets, of which the only one that became very popular is from Film: Hamraahi (1963), composed by Shankar Jaikishan. The song is: “Mujhko Apne Gale Lagaa Lo, Ae Mere Hamraahi”. (more…)