On the 99th birth anniversary of Mohammad Rafi, look at a small collection of iconic songs that were sung by none other than this legendary singer of India.
24th December marks the birth anniversary of India’s legendary singer, ‘Mohammad Rafi’ Saheb, who has given us numerous immortal songs that can never be old with our age. Who said only a person can age like a fine wine? Even the songs of that time (Retro Bollywood) can age like fine wine, as many old songs are ageing likewise.
Mohammad Rafi was one of the most respected and loved singers in Indian cinema, who made songs unforgettable with his voice. There was a time when he had tough competition with Kishore Kumar, but despite this, he made his place in Indian Music, and the rest is history.
Mohammad Rafi has given his voice to every type of song, whether it peppy songs, romantic, patriotic, sad songs, Ghazal, Qawwali, Bhajan, or classical songs. He had a better knowledge of the music, and he knew where and how much he could add soul to the songs. So, on this 99th birth anniversary of Rafi Saheb, pay him a tribute with some of his iconic songs.
Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyaar ke Charche
A peppy, quirky romantic track from the golden age of the film industry, the song, starring Shammi Kapoor, Mumtaz, Pran, and Rajshree, hit the right notes with the fans for being a party song. The song got a great number of bootstraps and has gained a cult following among the fans over the years. Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyaar Ke Charche was from Brahmachari and was released in 1968. Not only this but every song from this album was sung by Mohammed Rafi and was composed by Shankar-Jaikishan.
Sar Jo Tera Chakraye and Yeh Hai Bomabay Meri Jaan
We know both songs are from different movies, but both films hold a cult following today and star Guru Dutt and Dev Anand, respectively. Sar Jo Tera Chakraye was from Pyaasa (1957), where S.D. gave music. Burman and Yeh Hain Bombay Meri Jaan was from C.I.D. (1956), where O.P. Nayyar gave music. Both songs got wide attention and were listened to and sung by many old movie lovers.
Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil
Everyone knows the tragic love story of Heer Ranjha. But when it took the face of a movie, it was declared a super hit. The best part of this movie was that the entire film and the dialogue were in verse, which was written by Kaifi Azmi. The song Yeh Duniya, Yeh Mehfil-Mere kaam ki nahi beautifully describes the feeling of a heartbroken person in its purest form. Madan Mohan made the music, and the lyrics were written by Kaifi Azmi, which became classic.
Abhi Na Jao Chhor Kar
Abhi na jao chhor kar was sung by Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle for the film Hum Dono, which was an instant hit at the time. This song beautifully describes how one partner wants to spend time with his loved one and requests that she not leave so soon. This song features Dev Anand and Sadhna. Along with Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar, Jahan mein aisa kaun hain (sung by Asha Bhosle) was another song from the movie that you can still find in the playlist of movie lovers.
Kya Hua Tera Vaada
There was a time when the stars of Mohammed Rafi faded, and then phenomenon singer and competitor of Rafi Saheb Kishore Kumar became the uncrowned king of playback singing. The song ‘Kya Hua Tera Wada’ brought Mohammed Rafi back into the market and showed the world why he is still a Lion in the music industry. Kya Hua Tera Wada was composed by RD Burman, while Majrooh Sultanpuri wrote the lyrics of the song, which are about the love that the protagonist lost, and Rafi Saheb again was true to his brief and brought out the angst perfectly.
Other superhit songs sung by Mohammed Rafi are:
Gulabi Aankhen Jo Teri Dekhi
Aaj Mausam bada Beiman
Chahunga Main Tujhe Sanjh Savere
Baaghon mein Bahaar
Yeh Chand sa Roshan Chehra
Likhe jo khat tujhe
