Introduction
Let’s explore the profound impact of Mohammad Rafi’s voice on Bollywood legends like Chandrashekhar, Dev Anand, Jackie Shroff, and Rishi Kapoor. From the enchanting melodies of the Golden Era to the timeless classics, Rafi’s influence is woven into the fabric of Hindi Cinema.
Chandrashekhar (July 7, 1923 ~ June 16, 2021)
Chandrashekhar (July 7, 1923 ~ June 16, 2021)Chandrashekhar, a revered actor of the Golden Era, left an indelible mark on Bollywood. Collaborating with Shakila, he lent his charm to the iconic song, Laagi Chhute Na Ab Toh Sanam… (Kaali Topi Laal Rumal, 1959), sung by Mohammad Rafi.
His deep respect for Mohammad Rafi was evident, describing Rafi Sahab as a rare, excellent human whose qualities were beyond the description in any words.
Dev Anand (Sept 26, 1923 ~ Dec 3, 2011)
Dev Anand, a legendary Writer, Director, Producer and Actor in Hindi Cinema, celebrated a career of over 100 films spanned over six decades.
His association with Mohammad Rafi was profound, with Rafi rendering 77 superhit songs in his films.
An aficionado of Rafi’s classical and ghazal singing, Dev Anand considered Rafi’s voice immortal, vocal range amazing, an excellent human being and a great soul. He said Mohammad Rafi was a musically trained singer, well versed with the nitti grittis of Ragas. Whenever we wanted classical or ghazal singing, we used to have Mohammad Rafi sing.
Dev Anand revealed a secret that for his film Guide (1965), Mohammad Rafi recorded a song, Hum Hi Mein Thi Na Koi Baat, Yaad Na Tumko Aa Sake, Tumne Humein Bhula Diya, Hum Na Tumko Bhula Sake …. But since the composition was thought to be not meeting to satisaction of the Film Maker, it was replaced by the mesmerizing Din Dhal Jaaye Haaye, Raat Na Jaaye ... (Guide, 1965) that went on to be a Super Hit.
Jackie Shroff (Born: Feb 1, 1957)
Jackie Shroff (Born: Feb 1, 1957)The veteran actor appeared in over 200 films in over a dozen language in his career stretching to over Four decades.
Since he was one of the top lead actors of 1980s and 1990s, after demise of Mohammad Rafi, he did not have the opportunity to lip sing on the God’s Own Voice.
Yet, Jackie holds Mohammad Rafi in extreme reverence and pays homage to Mohammad Rafi’s magnanimous persona.
Recounting his childhood, Jackie shares how his mother’s nightly ritual included tuning into Bela Ke Phool, the last musical program on Vividh Bharti radio, to fall asleep to Rafi’s mesmerizing voice.
Rishi Kapoor (Sept 4, 1952 ~ Apr 30, 2020)
Rishi Kapoor (Sept 4, 1952 ~ Apr 30, 2020)Rishi Kapoor, a stalwart with a career spanning five decades, regarded Mohammad Rafi as a legendary singer.
Rafi Sahab gave Rishi Kapoor his voice for Dafliwale Dafli Baja … (Sargam, 1979), Parda Hai Parda … (Amar Akbar Anthony, 1977), Dard-e-Dil, Dard-e-Jigar … (Karz, 1980), Hai Agar Dushman Dushman Zamana … (Hum Kisise Kam Nahin, 1977) and many other superhit songs.
On Rafi Sahab’s Death Anniversary in 2017, Rishi Kapoor expressed gratitude on social media, thanking Rafi Sahab for lending his voice for 37 years. This tribute, decades after Mohammad Rafi’s demise, underscores the enduring impact of his melodies on Bollywood’s celebrated actors.
Conclusion
As these Bollywood legends fondly reminisce about Mohammad Rafi, it becomes evident that his voice transcends time, leaving an everlasting imprint on the hearts of those who graced the silver screen. Rafi’s legacy lives on through the timeless melodies that continue to resonate in the hearts of fans and artists alike, solidifying his status as an eternal icon in the world of Hindi Cinema.
The next article will take up Rafi Sahab’s Ageless Association with O.P. Nayyar.