Mohammad Rafi, whose voice has mesmerised generations of listeners, was paid tribute by a large number of fans here on his 34th death anniversary today.
One of the most versatile playback singers of the Indian film industry, Rafi Saab left this world on July 31, 1980 at the age of 56 in Mumbai.
‘Exactly 34 years have passed since we lost this great singer. But even today he is alive among us. Not only our elders, but the young generation also likes his songs,’
To mark the day, televisions and FM radio channels played several of his popular songs, that included romantic numbers, qawwalis, tragic compositions and peppy rendition.
Mohammad Rafi started his singing career in 1942 with Shyam Sunder. In 1944 he got an opportunity to sing in a Hindi film as a chorus of noted composer Naushad Ali. Due to his magical voice he soon became a favourite of Ali and sang innumerable hits for him. Ali provided him a good chance to sing ‘O Duniya ke Rakhwale’ for the hit movie ‘Baiju Bawra’. The particular song changed Rafi’s life and he became the first choice of music composers.
His last composition was with Laxmikant-Pyarelal. Other than Laxmikant-Pyarelal, he had worked with Shankar Jaikishan, S D Burman, R D Burman and Naushad Ali.