There Were No Big Bash To Remember The Greatest Ever Maestro, Mohd Rafi The Simple
By D N Singh
It has become more than 42 years and two days past that, India lost the playback singer Mohammed Rafi, whose magic of songs transcend time with an uncanny ability to bring joy and tragedy through his inimitable craft.
He had his own place that is not going to be replaced ever in the annals of music. A legendary singer of our country and a gem of the Indian Music Industry.
Late singer Rafi left for a heavenly abode on July 31, 1980, at the age of 55. Rafi’s songs are evergreen and soothing and could be listened to on any occasion. He was not only an amazing singer but also a humble person who would stay away from the limelight.
He was the most loved singer in our country and he is recalled on many occasions and events. The ‘Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe’ singer was grounded by nature and would never let anyone go back empty-handed he met. His daughter Nasreen Ahmad recalled an incident where he gave away his slippers to a man he saw on the streets of Mumbai.
“Once he saw a man trying to stand on one leg alternating as the Bombay heat was so much. He just asked the driver to stop the car, asked him to give the pair of slippers that he (Rafi) was wearing.” Rafi’s son-in-law Meraj Ahmad added, “On another occasion, he spotted Khan Mastana, a forgotten singer on the road, stopped the car, took him to the house, bathed him, gave him food and sent him back.”
Soulful Romance
Jo Wada Kiya Wo Nibhana Padega, it was merely the lyricism but the tonal grandeur that always ferries the listener to the limitless sky where souls meet in ecstasy of eternal love.
Or the great number from Haqeeqat ‘Kar Chale Hum Fida, jane tan Sathio’ the enormity of the emotions and spirit for sacrifice for the country that the great maestro leaves one with goose bumps leaving a trail of footprints of the greats who loved to die for the country.
‘Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki, Na Jane Tum..was a mindboggling piece narrating a lovers’ wait for the beloved till the wee hours. To make the sound for real, Rafi had proposed that to get a real feel of the wait and fatigue, the song to be recorded at early dawn for which Rafi spent the night really sleepless . And the result spoke itself.
Mana Tadafar Hari Darshan Ko Aaj, so demanding was the virtuosity that, when approached to sing, Manna Dey had suggested that it is only Rafi Sahab who can steam into such a song. And Rafi sang it.
