Remembering Mohammed Rafi: Here Are The Legend's Top 10 Soulful Melodies

Mohammed Rafi needs no introduction. With one Padma Shri, 6 Filmfare Awards and one National Award, Mohammed Rafi has struck the right chords with his soulful vocals.

Hailing from a poor family, Mohammed Rafi picked the art of singing after he started imitating a fakir in his village. His elder brother, Mohammad Deen, had a friend, Abdul Hameed, recognised the talent in Rafi in Lahore and encouraged him to sing. Abdul Hameed later convinced the family elders to let Rafi move to Mumbai; he accompanied him in 1944.


Singer Mohammed Rafi In A Music Studio

Rafi made his Hindi film debut with the track Aji Dil Ho Kaabu Mein To Dildar Ki Aisi Taisi from Gaon Ki Gori in 1945. He also appeared in a couple of films and continued being a part of chorus for several music directors. In 1948, after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, the team of Husanlal Bhagatram-Rajendra Krishan-Rafi had overnight created the song Suno Suno Ae Duniyawalon, Bapuji Ki Amar Kahani.

In the early 50’s and 60’s, Rafi collaborated with composers like Naushad, SD Burman, Shankar – Jaikishan, Ravi, Madan Mohan, OP Nayyar and many others and delivered a number of hits.  Whether it was a devotional number O Duniya Ke Rakhwale from Baiju Bawra (1952), or his a soulful number Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho (Hanste Zakhm, 1973) Mohammed Rafi mastred all the genres.

However, with the emergence of Kishore Kumar in the 1970s, Mohammed Rafi started crooning a fewer number of songs. Nonetheless, he delivered hits even then.  

It was on the unfortunate night of July 31, 1980 that he succumbed to a massive heart attack post recording his last song Shaam Phir Kyun Udaas Hai Dost from Aas Pass.  Thousands and thousands of his fans flocked for his funeral.

On the occasion of his 37th death anniversary, SpotboyE.com brings you the top 10 tracks cronned by the singing sensation. Check them out:

O Duniya Ke Rakhwale (Baiju Bawra)

Mohammed Rafi’s penchant vocals even melted the heart of the Lord Shankar idol sitting right in front of Bharat Bhushan. In the later half of the song, the idol starts shedding tears and the vocals of Mohammed Rafi are still remembered.

Kaun Hai Jo Sapno Mein Aaya (Jhuk Gaya Aasman)


Girls named Priya would have gone pink blushing, when he crooned Kaun Hai Jo from the film Jhuk Gaya Aasman in 1968. Starring Rajendra Nath and Saira Banu, the music was composed by Shankar Jaikishan.

Oh Haseena Zulfon Wali (Teesri Manzil)


Filmed on Shammi Kapoor and Helen, the peppy number was no less than an anthem that time. The film went on to set the cash registers ringing with a hit soundtrack.

Din Dhal Jaye Haye (Guide)


Composed by SD Burman, the track strums the right chord. The singing sensation very niely delivers the emotions of a lover losing the track.

Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil (Heer Ranjha)


This song from 1970 film Heer Ranjha is filmed on Raaj Kumar, the song is remembered for this poignant track sung by Mohammed Rafi.

Kya Hua Tera Wada (Hum Kisise Kum Naheen)


It was from this song; Mohammed Rafi regained his lost position as he bagged a National Award for this song. This was Rafi’s very few projects with RD Burman and this track was released when Kishore Kumar was at the peak of his career.

Baar Baar Dekho (China Town)

Featuring Shammi Kapoor strumming the guitar, this was one of the first tracks which had elements of Jazz. Rafi pulled off the track quite well.

Tere Mere Sapne (Guide)


The soulful number has a special place in the archives of our memories. The romantic song stars Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman.

Yeh Chand Sa Roshan Chehra (Kashmir Ki Kali)


The flamboyant vocals of Mohammed Rafi gelled well with the persona of Shammi Kapoor who was trying to woo Sharmila Tagore.

Gulaabi Aankhein (The Train)


This is one of the very few tracks where the maestro rendered his vocals for Mohammed Rafi. The track went on to become so popular, that it was rehashed recently for Sonakshi Sinha starrer Noor.


Image Source: culturalindia & ibcurdu