Remembering Mohd Rafi ‘Tere Bin Soone Nayan Hamare…’ - Part II

In the last issue you read how after 34 years after the demise of Mohd. Rafi his fans all over the universe continue to adore his voice and listen to his songs day in and day out. In this part read how Rafi had a passion since childhood and how he rose to stardom 

Right since childhood, Rafi had penchant for singing, but his father objected to it. Nevertheless, young Rafi consoled himself singing:

‘Maan re tu kahe na dheer dhare…’

It was Rafi’s uncle who imparted musical training and also introduced him to Feroz Nizami, managing in charge of Radio, Lahore. Rafi met him praying:

‘Naseeb dar pe tere azmaane aaya hoon…’

Lady luck smiled on Rafi as he celebrated singing:

‘Nache maan mora magan dhigraa dhigee dhigee…’

Soon Rafi landed in Mumbai with song on his lips

‘Tere kunche mein armaano ki duniya leke aaya hoon…’

Music maestro Naushad gave him his first break and their union consaolided like the song:

‘Saaz ho tum, awaaz hoon mein…’

The other association that Rafi cherished was with Music directors Shankar Jaikishen and actor Shammi Kapoor. This trilogy made the 60’s a golden era in Indian film industry:

‘Sau baar janam lenge sau baar fanah honge…’

But such a trilogy will never be formed!

Rafi’s ability to sing a variety of songs made him the most sought after singer. Music directors pleaded:

‘Chal chal mere bhai tere haath jodta hoon…’

And Rafi responded, obliging

‘Tum ne pukara aur hum chale aayee…’

Rafi’s genius as a singer can be attributed from the fact that he has lend his voice also to playback singers cum actors like Kishore Kumar and Talat Mehmood, surely one has to bow and say:

‘Tareef karoon kya uski jisne tujhe banaya…’

From 50’s to 60’s Rafi rose to amazing heights of popularity which he always acknowledged to his fans:

‘Ehsaan mera dil pe tumhara hain dostoon…’

NOTE: In the next issue read about Mohd. Rafi’s downfall and his rise!