Mohd Rafi wanted his sons to sing only if they're as good as him

Where were you on July 31, 1980? I was not even born then like most of the snappy new - age digital generation. The year 1980 marked the most significant incidents like India electing her first lady President. It was also the year wherein India celebrated the victory of Indian Hockey at Summer Olympics in Moscow. A lot of good things were happening,but our music industry suffered a major setback. Mohd Rafi left the world of living.

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Mohd Rafi wanted his sons to sing only if they're as good as him

Where were you on July 31, 1980? I was not even born then like most of the snappy new - age digital generation. The year 1980 marked the most significant incidents like India electing her first lady President. It was also the year wherein India celebrated the victory of Indian Hockey at Summer Olympics in Moscow. A lot of good things were happening,but our music industry suffered a major setback. Mohd Rafi left the world of living.



 Image Source; thebhopalpost


After three-and-half decades, his legacy still remains alive. Crowds gather outside his Rafi Mansion, in Bandra on December 24 every year to celebrate his birthday. The youngest son of the singing sensation, Shahid Rafi, greets everyone with humility and respect. 


I was talking to him a few minutes ago and I wish to share the conversation with you.


Remembering his dad fondly- and who doesn't- Shahid said, "My father loved meeting his fans post concerts and would often be very warm to everyone who came and greeted him. I used to accompany him to many of his concerts.""



Image Source: Imagearcade

 

What surprised me in this conversation was when Shahid told me why he nor anybody else from his khandaan hasn't taken to singing till date. Said Shahid, "He said that we should pursue singing only if we are as good as him if not better."


Was he obsessed with his own work, I asked? Pat came the reply, "Rafi saab would not even listen to his own songs. He instead loved listening to the tracks of Ghulam Ali and Shamshad Begum."

 


Image Source: jdmagicbox


 35 years later, Rafi's family demands a Bharat Ratna (posthumously) from the Government of India."The contribution my father made to the world of music was immense. I think he truly deserves a Bharat Ratna for this," Shahid quipped.

 

Reminiscing further, he concluded the conversation, saying, "One of our fondest memories with my dad is the weekend trips to Lonavala at our bungalow with the entire family."


Thumbnail Image Source: soundcloud and bharatstudent