Mohammed Rafi (24 December 1924 – 31 July 1980) was an Indian playback singer and one of the greatest voices in the history of Hindi cinema. His voice ranged from soft romance to devotional songs, qawwalis, patriotic anthems and playful numbers. He sang for almost every leading actor of the 1950s and 1960s. He recorded thousands of songs, won six Filmfare Awards and a National Film Award, and received the Padma Shri.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Mohammed Rafi |
| Born | 24 December 1924, Kotla Sultan Singh, Punjab, British India |
| Died | 31 July 1980, Bombay (aged 55) |
| Profession | Playback singer |
| Years active | 1944–1980 |
| Awards | 6 Filmfare Awards, 1 National Film Award |
| Honour | Padma Shri (1967) |
Early Life
Rafi was born in the village of Kotla Sultan Singh near Amritsar in Punjab. As a boy he is said to have imitated the songs of a wandering fakir in his village. His family later moved to Lahore, where he trained in classical music. He first sang in public as a teenager at a concert in Lahore.
Career
Rafi made his debut in the Punjabi film Gul Baloch and moved to Bombay in 1944. His early Hindi work included Gaon Ki Gori (1945). Composer Naushad became an important mentor, and Rafi’s songs for Baiju Bawra (1952), including “O Duniya Ke Rakhwale”, made him a leading singer.
In the 1950s and 1960s Rafi was the dominant male voice in Hindi cinema. He sang for Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Guru Dutt, Shammi Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar and many others, adapting his style to suit each actor. His classics include “Chaudhvin Ka Chand”, “Baharon Phool Barsao”, “Kya Hua Tera Wada”, “Yeh Dil Tum Bin”, “Teri Pyari Pyari Surat Ko” and the wedding favourite “Baabul Ki Duayen Leti Ja”.
The rise of Kishore Kumar after 1969 reduced Rafi’s workload for a time, but he returned strongly in the late 1970s. He won the National Film Award for “Kya Hua Tera Wada” from Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977). He kept recording until his death.
Personal Life and Death
Rafi was known in the industry for his humility, kindness and generosity. He often sang for struggling producers for little or no fee. He died of a heart attack in Bombay on 31 July 1980, aged 55. Huge crowds attended his funeral despite heavy monsoon rain.
Awards and Honours
Popular Songs
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Mohammed Rafi born?
Mohammed Rafi was born on 24 December 1924 in Kotla Sultan Singh, Punjab, British India.
When did Mohammed Rafi die?
Died: 31 July 1980, Bombay (aged 55).
What honours has Mohammed Rafi received?
6 Filmfare Awards, 1 National Film Award.
