Dilraj Kaur on How Mohammad Rafi Mastered Wordplay in His Songs

Dilraj Kaur is an Indian playback singer who has sung nearly 286 songs in Hindi films. She is known for her performances in films like Galiyon Ka Badshah (2001) and Me and Mr. Canadian (2019). Some of her earlier popular songs include Abke Pakhm, Chure Ne Leli Meri Jaan, and Main To Mari Hoi Thi.

During a television show, Dilraj Kaur shared her experience of how Mohammad Rafi had a unique way of playing with words in his songs. She explained that Rafi could mold words with the right combination of melody, rhythm, and timing in a way that no one else could replicate. She mentioned specific songs, such as the track Kisi Na Kisi Se Kabhi Na Kabhi from the 1964 film Kashmir Ki Kali, and Tareef Karun Kya Uski, Jisne Tumhe Banaya from the 1957 film Tumsa Nahi Dekha. These songs, she said, seemed to effortlessly transport listeners into their rhythm.

"I used to point out to him, 'Here, you’ve used this note, and here you’ve used a consonant,'" Dilraj said. "I’d tell him, 'Your words are so open and clear in these songs.' He would ask me, 'How do you know all this?' That was his specialty."

Mohammad Rafi: The Masterful Singer

Mohammad Rafi was one of the most legendary playback singers in Indian cinema. He began his singing career at the age of just 13, giving his first public performance at the All-India Exhibition in Lahore in 1937. Over his career, he recorded around 28,000 songs.

Rafi’s breakthrough came with his outstanding songs in films such as Anmol Gudiya (1946), Shaheed (1948), Didar (1951), and Kohinoor (1960). After singing for the film Baiju Bawra, Rafi became the go-to voice for several music directors, including Naushad, Shankar-Jaikishan, SD Burman, OP Nayyar, and Madan Mohan. He lent his voice to stars like Dilip Kumar, Rajendra Kumar, Dharmendra, Shammi Kapoor, and Rajesh Khanna.

Some of Rafi's most beloved songs include Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar, Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko, Teri Bindia Re, Dil Ka Bhanwar Kare Pukar, Deewana Hua Badal, Chaudahvin Ka Chand Ho, Gunguna Rahe Hai Bhanwre, Chand Mera Dil Chandni Ho Tum, Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe, Kya Hua Tera Wada, Baharoon Phool Barsoon, Chand Si Mahbuba, Ye Reshmi Zulfain Ye Sharbatī Aankhein, Mere Dushman Tu Meri Dosti Ko Tarse, O Phikrīwali Tu Kal Phir Aana, Gore Rang Pe Na, Aaj Mausam Bada Beeman Hai, Patthar Ke Sanam Tujhe Humne, Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe Woh Teri Yaad Mein, Jhilmil Sitaron Ka Angan Hoga, Ye Dil Tum Bin Kahin Lagta Nahin, Teri Galiyon Mein Na Rakhenge Kadam, Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil Ke Bol, and Badan Pe Sitaray Lapte Hue. Rafi is often referred to as the 'Tansen' of Hindi cinema, and his songs never seem outdated.

Versatile  Singer

Mohammad Rafi was a versatile and complete singer. His repertoire spanned classical music, romantic songs, sad melodies, peppy tunes, patriotic anthems, rock-and-roll, disco numbers, bhajans, shabads, qawwalis, and naats. Rafi also sang in 14 Indian languages and even recorded two songs in English.

The Rifts Between Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammad Rafi

In the 1960s, a disagreement over royalties led to a rift between Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, causing them to stop singing together. However, it was through the efforts of music director SD Burman and actress Nargis that the two reconciled. Later, Lata Mangeshkar, in an interview, praised Rafi, calling him an extraordinary singer—melodious and emotionally expressive. "I especially love his songs from Hum Dono, Tere Ghar Ke Samne, and Guide," she added. Composer Ravindra Jain once described Rafi as "the Tansen of the Indian film industry."

Thousands Attended His Funeral

The immense stature of Mohammad Rafi in the Indian music world is evident from the fact that around 10,000 people attended his funeral. The Government of India declared two days of public mourning following his passing. Some of his die-hard fans even visited his grave to take a handful of earth as a keepsake. Mohammad Rafi passed away on the night of July 31, 1980, due to a heart attack, leaving a void in the world of Indian music that remains unfilled to this day.

by Priyanka Yadav

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