Prime Minister Modi "Rafi Sahab's Voice Touches Hearts"

One of the most famous lines by 20th-century world-renowned poet Federico Garcia Lorca goes: “The voice, even when nothing else remains, is all that is left.”

PM Modi Pays Tribute to Legendary Singer Mohammad Rafi

This line perfectly captures the essence of Mohammad Rafi, the maestro of melodies and the greatest playback singer of the century. Rafi Sahab’s admirers are not limited to India; his fans span across the globe. Among these admirers is none other than the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. Recently, he mentioned Rafi Sahab in his radio show 'Mann Ki Baat', expressing his admiration.

In his radio address, Prime Minister Modi praised the uniqueness of Rafi Sahab’s voice. He said, “Mohammad Rafi Sahab’s voice had a magic that touched every heart. His voice was exceptional. Whether it was devotional songs, romantic numbers, or sorrowful melodies, Rafi Sahab brought every emotion to life with his voice. The greatness of an artist like him is evident from the fact that even today, the younger generation listens to his voice with the same fervor. This is the hallmark of timeless art.”

Prime Minister Modi is absolutely right when he says that Mohammad Rafi’s voice encapsulates all the qualities that elevate a singer to the status of a legend. Whether it was romance, separation, humor, patriotism, devotion, intoxication, self-realization, or heartbreak, Rafi Sahab’s voice mastered every emotion.

Romance – Mohammad Rafi’s voice carried a unique form of love. His romantic songs are timeless. Songs like “Aap Ke Haseen Rukh Pe Aaj Naya Noor Hai” (Baharain Phir Bhi Aayengi, 1966), “Mujhe Dekh Kar Aap Ka Muskuraana” (Ek Musafir Ek Haseena, 1962), and “Yeh Chaand Sa Roshan Chehra” (Kashmir Ki Kali, 1964) are perfect examples of his romantic charm.

Separation – Rafi Sahab beautifully conveyed the pain of separation. Songs like “O Door Ke Musafir Hum Ko Bhi Saath Le Le” (Udan Khatola, 1955), “Chal Urh Ja Re Panchhi” (Bhabhi, 1957), and “Babul Ki Duaein Leti Ja” (Neelkamal, 1968) vividly express the emotions of longing and separation.

Heartbreak – The agony of a broken heart is portrayed effortlessly in Rafi Sahab’s voice. Songs like “Toote Hue Khwaabon Ne Hum Ko Yeh Sikhaaya Hai” (Madhumati, 1958), “Main Yeh Soch Kar Uske Dar Se Uthha Tha” (Haqeeqat, 1964), and “Din Dhal Jaaye Haye, Raat Na Jaaye” (Guide, 1965) capture the sorrow and despair of heartbreak.

Humor – Rafi Sahab knew how to make people laugh through music. His playful numbers like “Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan” (C.I.D, 1956), “Sar Jo Tera Chakraaye” (Pyaasa, 1957), and “Eent Ki Dukki Paan Ka Ikka” (Howrah Bridge, 1958) bring smiles even today.

Intoxication – Rafi Sahab’s voice also captured the essence of drunkenness and revelry in Bollywood films. “Mujhe Duniya Sharaabi Na Samjho” (Leader, 1964), “Mehfil Se Uth Jaane Waale Tum Logon Par Kya Ilzaam” (Dooj Ka Chand, 1964), and “Koi Saagar Dil Ko Behlaata Nahin” (Dil Diya Dard Liya, 1966) beautifully depict the intoxicated state of the protagonists.

Self-Awakening – Rafi Sahab’s songs also reflected moments of self-realization. “Jaag Dil-E-Divana” (Oonche Log, 1965), “Aaj Purani Raahon Se Koi Mujhe Awaaz Na De” (Dil Diya Dard Liya, 1966), and “Yahoo! Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe” (Junglee, 1961) are perfect expressions of self-discovery.

Religious – Rafi Sahab’s versatility extended to devotional songs as well. His renditions like “Man Tarapat Hari Darshan Ko Aaj” (Baiju Bawra, 1952), “Parvardigaar-E-Aalam, Tera Hi Hai Sahara” (Hatim Tai, 1956), and “Man Re, Tu Kahe Na Dheer Dhare” (Chitralekha, 1964) are etched in the hearts of listeners.

Patriotism – Rafi Sahab also sang many patriotic songs that stirred the hearts of millions. “Yeh Desh Hai Veer Jawaanon Ka” (Naya Daur, 1957), “Apni Azaadi Ko Hum Hargiz Mita Sakte Nahin” (Leader, 1964), and “Awaaz Do Hum Ek Hain” (Indian Film Division Documentary, 1962) became anthems of national pride.

To have such an immense ability to embody a wide range of human emotions is truly remarkable. Rafi Sahab's unique talent to unite all these different shades of emotion set him apart from not only the singers of his time but from all singers, across eras. It's not wrong to say that Mohammad Rafi was like a lamp whose light continues to illuminate the world of music even after his passing.

Rafi Sahab collaborated with the greatest music directors of his time and lent his voice to icons such as Dilip Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Dev Anand, Balraj Sahni, Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, and Johnny Walker, among many others. Over his illustrious career, Mohammad Rafi recorded nearly 7,000 songs in 13 Indian and 7 foreign languages. Though Rafi Sahab is no longer with us, his eternal voice continues to live on, enriching our hearts with its magic.