Mohammad Rafi- The Voice Behind Legends

Mohammad Rafi is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most beloved playback singers in Indian cinema. His voice has immortalized some of the most iconic songs in the history of Indian film music. Through his singing, Rafi not only enriched Indian music but also brought together numerous composers, lyricists, and singers, making his contributions to the industry invaluable. Rafi's legacy extends beyond the sheer volume of his work; his voice's versatility and the emotional depth it conveyed made him a true maestro.

Throughout his illustrious career, Rafi collaborated with several renowned singers, lyricists, composers, and actors, leaving behind a rich legacy. Some of the prominent names he worked with include Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Shamshad Begum, Suman Kalyanpur, Kishore Kumar, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Anand Bakshi, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, Chitragupt, and Shankar-Jaikishan. Let’s delve deeper into the incredible partnerships he shared with these legends.

Lata Mangeshkar

Mohammad Rafi worked alongside the legendary Lata Mangeshkar in almost 448 songs. Some of their memorable duets include:

Do Sitare Zameen Par Hai Milne (Kohinoor, 1960)

Tasveer Teri Dil Mein (Maya, 1961)

Dekho Rootha Na Karo (Tere Ghar Ke Samne, 1963)

Woh Jab Yaad Aaye (Parasmani, 1963)

Dil Pukare Aare Aare (Jewel Thief, 1967)

Chalo Dil Darr Chalo (Pakeezah, 1972)

Teri Bindia Re (Abhiman, 1973)

Babu Maan Jera Re (Aatish, 1979)

Asha Bhosle

Rafi’s collaboration with Asha Bhosle was perhaps the most extensive, with the two singing together in 877 songs. Some of their popular songs include:

Chhut Jaana Re Baba Kahaan Chup Gaye (Chupke Chupke, 1975)

Zara Mukda Dikha Do (Aaj Ki Raat, 1973)

Dheere Dheere Chalo (Tere Ghar Ke Samne, 1963)

Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko (Yaadon Ki Baraat, 1973)

Tere Paas Aake Mera Waqt Guzar Jata (Pardes, 1957)

Suman Kalyanpur

Rafi and Suman Kalyanpur also gave us many memorable songs, including:

Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charchay (Brindavan, 1963)

Tum Rookho Na Haseena (Mera Naam Joker, 1970)

Jab Tere Karam Se (Taj Mahal, 1963)

Shamshad Begum

Rafi and Shamshad Begum were a great pair, delivering some timeless tracks like:

Das Meriya Dilwar (Ek Phool Do Mali, 1957)

Teri Meri Ik Zindagi (Basant Bahar, 1956)

Le Ke Pehla Pehla Pyar (Meri Surat Teri Ankhen, 1963)

Kishore Kumar

While Kishore Kumar was known for his own unique voice, Rafi also paired up with him for some famous tracks, including:

Ajab Hai Dastaan Teri (Sharaarat, 1959)

Le Lo Sone Ka Laddoo (Paisa Hi Paisa, 1956)

Dil Aisa Kisi Ne Mera Toda (Jhumroo, 1961)

Laxmikant-Pyarelal

Rafi’s work with the Laxmikant-Pyarelal duo stands out with over 383 songs recorded, including classics such as:

Chahunga Main Tujhe Saanjh Savere (Dosti, 1964)

Mera Toh Jo Bhi Kadam Hai (Kashmir Ki Kali, 1964)

Ye Reshmi Zulfein (Do Raaste, 1969)

Badi Bewafa Hai Ye Husn Wale (Mera Naam Joker, 1970)

Shankar-Jaikishan

The legendary composer duo Shankar-Jaikishan worked with Rafi on 356 songs. Some of the most memorable ones include:

Akele Akele Kahaan Ja Rahe Ho (An Evening in Paris, 1967)

Teri Pyari Pyari Surat Ko (Sasural, 1961)

Pehle Mile The Sapno Mein (An Evening in Paris, 1967)

Chaahe Koi Mujhe Jangli Kahe (Junglee, 1961)

Chitragupt

Rafi recorded 257 songs with the renowned composer Chitragupt. Some of their popular tracks are:

Bazi Aisi Aan Phansi (Insaaf, 1956)

Chal Udh Ja Re Panchi (Bhabhi, 1957)

Teri Duniya Se Door Chale Ho Ke Mazboor (Jab Tak, 1961)

Majrooh Sultanpuri

Rafi and lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri collaborated on 382 songs. Some of their most iconic tracks include:

Laagi Chhute Na Ab To Sanam (Kali Topi Lal Rumaal, 1959)

Mori Kaliyaa Sukuwar Ho (Lagi Nahi Chhute Ram, 1965)

Jaga Dil-e-Deewana Rut Jaayegi Wasl-e-Yaar Ki (Unche Log, 1965)

Anand Bakshi

Rafi worked with the prolific lyricist Anand Bakshi on 372 songs. Some famous songs are:

Haye Re Haye (Teesri Manzil, 1967)

Aaja Teri Yaad Aaye (Dil Ne Tujh Ko Apna Kiya, 1968)

O Meri Mahbooba (Sangam, 1964)

Rafi and Iconic Actors

Rafi’s association with legendary actors resulted in some unforgettable songs. He sang extensively for stars like:

Shammi Kapoor (190 songs)

Johnny Walker (155 songs)

Shashi Kapoor (129 songs)

Rajendra Kumar (112 songs)

Dharmendra (109 songs)

Jeetendra and Dev Anand (100 songs each)

Mahmood (85 songs)

Bharat Bhushan (80 songs)

Dilip Kumar (77 songs)

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Mohammad Rafi was an unparalleled artist who worked with almost every major composer and lyricist of his time, including legends like Naushad, O.P. Nayyar, R.D. Burman, and Ravi Roshan. His ability to adapt his voice to a wide range of genres and his emotional depth made him a true legend in the world of Indian music. From duets with Lata Mangeshkar to soulful solos, his contributions to Indian cinema’s musical legacy are simply unmatched. Rafi’s voice continues to resonate in the hearts of millions, and his songs will live on for generations to come.

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