Call it a divine coincidence that the revered "Mahaan Melody Maseeha" of Hindi film-vocal music" legendary Mohammed Rafi-saab also known for his benevolence was born on the day before Christmas! Which is celebrated globally towards late evening as the birth-day of Lord Infant Jesus Christ also known as “Isa Masih" This Dec 24th, 2024 marked a memorable day for millions of Indians and global NRIs who are loyal Mohd Rafi fans to celebrate the 100th birth anniversary of their Singing Idol! In Mumbai, to commemorate this milestone, Padma Shri Sonu Nigam took to the stage at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) with a heartfelt nearly non-stop three-hour extraordinary Centenary concert tribute to his inspiration-idol Rafi-saab. The premium concert, titled Sau Saal Pehle, organised by NR Talent and Event Management, marked zestful Sonu Nigam"s first-ever Mohammed Rafi tribute live show in India, Where he delivered an extraordinary lineup of nearly 50 evergreen selected classics from Rafi"s timeless repertoire, accompanied by a 50-member live orchestra of eminent musicians. In a heartfelt emotional moment, Sonu"s singer and his Guru father, Agam Kumar Nigam, joined him on stage to honour the legendary singer as well. An emotional Sonu reflected on the impact of Rafi on his life, sharing, “Rafi Sahab is my musical father. It was my father who introduced me to Rafi Sahab"s music, and it was Rafi Sahab who made me who I am today… Rafi Sahab ki wajah se main hoon, mera wajood hai,” declared Sonu amidst thunderous applause The melodious evening was graced by the presence of Mohammed Rafi"s family, including his son Shahid Rafi, and daughter-in-law Firdaus Rafi. Rabbani Mustafa Khan and Namrata Gupta Khan, son and daughter-in-law of the late Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, played the perfect hosts for this touching tribute. Also present in the appreciative audience was "late" rock-star Shammi Kapoor"s wife Mrs Neela Devi Kapoor View this post on Instagram A post shared by Soumya Vajpayee (@soumyavajpayee16) Versatile and super-energetic Sonu Nigam began the evening with a brief Pooja backstage. Taking to the stage with a "naman" to Mohammed Rafi, he opened the performance with beautiful renditions of Tu Kahin Aas Paas Hai Dost, Mera Toh Jo Bhi Kadam, and Dil Ka Soona Saaz. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Soumya Vajpayee (@soumyavajpayee16) The enthralled audience at the houseful NMACC Grand Theatre erupted and reverberated with loud cheers of "We love you, Sonu Nigam!" as he regaled them with a "sureela safar" through Rafi"s timeless classics, transitioning between moments of deep emotion and bursts of joy. He sang Yeh Chand Sa Roshan Chehra, Maine Poocha Chand Se, Baharon Phool Barsao, Pukarta Chala Hoon Main, Kya Hua Tera Wada, Pardesiyon Se Na Akhiyan Milana, Dard E Dil, O Haseena Zulfonwali, Aaja Aaja, Baar Baar Dekho, and many more. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Soumya Vajpayee (@soumyavajpayee16) To mark the special occasion, Rabbani Mustafa Khan and Namrata Gupta Khan presented Sonu Nigam with a beautifully crafted bust of Mohammed Rafi. “Sonu ji is family to us. Organizing Sau Saal Pehle was not just a huge responsibility but also an emotional journey for Namrata and me. Watching Sonu ji pour his soul into celebrating his idol Rafi Sahab on such a historic occasion was incredibly moving,” said Rabbani Mustafa Khan. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anup Jalota (@anupjalotaonline) With his heartfelt showmanship, Sonu Nigam brought the unforgettable evening to a fitting finale with the song Sau Saal Pehle, followed by singing Happy Birthday to Rafi Sahab. The mesmerized audience joined in, with a standing ovation, their chorus voices echoing through the magnificent auditorium-theatre, celebrating the timeless legend. As the curtains fell, the crowd was left yearning for more, a testament to the divine vocal surreal magic the super-star singer Sonu Nigam created on stage… Shahid -Mohammed- Rafi with sr. journalist Chaitanya Padukone Sonu Nigam welcoming Chaitanya Padukone Read also: NTR Jr. Calls Bheem's Re-Intro in RRR 'The Greatest Heroic Jump' Sana Raees Khan speaks on Atul Subhash suicide case! Nivedita Basu Hosts a Grand Christmas Party at Luft in the Air Fans Demand Arjun Bijlani & Karan Kundra's Jodi Back on Laughter Chefs