A Passionate Guardian of Mohammad Rafi’s Legacy
In the glittering constellation of Indian cinema, Mohammad Rafi’s voice remains a shining beacon of musical brilliance and emotional depth. Preserving and celebrating this legacy, alongside the vast heritage of Punjabi and regional cinema, has been the life’s passion of Bhim Raj Garg—an ardent fan, distinguished historian, and meticulous chronicler of Indian film’s cultural past. Born in 1950 in Giddarbaha, Punjab, Garg carved a unique niche for himself as a senior banker and, more importantly for Rafi aficionados, as a devoted custodian of film history, whose research spotlights Rafi’s monumental contributions, especially in Punjabi cinema.
Bhim Raj Garg’s dual career—balancing a successful banking profession with a scholarly passion for cinema—began during the 1980s and evolved into an unparalleled pursuit. His profound dedication to documenting film history bridges popular memory and rigorous academic research, focusing particularly on Punjabi and other North Indian regional languages. For fans and historians of Mohammad Rafi, Garg’s work offers invaluable insight into Rafi Sahab’s prolific Punjabi repertoire, standing proudly alongside his legendary Hindi and Urdu songs.
Garg’s authoritative voice in film historiography garnered international recognition when the British Film Institute commissioned him to author the Punjabi cinema section of their seminal publication, The Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema. This honor cemented Garg’s status as the trusted expert on Punjabi cinema—particularly regarding Mohammad Rafi’s musical legacy. His scholarship remains a vital resource for anyone keen to understand Rafi’s versatility and prolific artistry beyond Bollywood’s mainstream.
The Illustrated History of Punjabi Cinema: Celebrating Rafi’s Musical Genius
Garg’s critically acclaimed book, The Illustrated History of Punjabi Cinema (1935–85), published in 2019, is a treasure trove for Rafi lovers and cinema historians alike. Meticulously cataloging 221 Punjabi films, it offers exhaustive details including production banners, producers, directors, music composers, lyricists, songs, and playback singers. The book’s remarkable coverage of Mohammad Rafi spans 287 Punjabi songs across 105 films, showcasing his collaborations with 24 Punjabi singers—including 16 male and 8 female voices—and working with 41 lyricists and 29 music directors.
Mohammad Rafi’s contribution to Punjabi filmi songs included collaborations with renowned music directors such as A.R. Qureshi, B.N. Bali, Babul, Chitragupt, Datta Ram, Husnlal-Bhagatram, Pandit Hemraj, Prem Dhawan, Ravi Shankar Sharma, S. Mohinder, Sapan-Jagmohan, Sardar Malik, Prem Nath, Shyam Sundar, Sonik Omi, Surender Kohli, Ved Pal Sharma, Verma Malik, and many others. This extensive association highlights Rafi’s versatility and appeal within Punjabi cinema’s musical fabric.
Among the prominent lyricists for whom Rafi sang in Punjabi films are Anand Bakshi, Bada Farid, DN Madhok, Dev Kohli, Mulk Raj Bhakhri, Naqsh Lyallpuri, Prem Dhawan, Inderjit Singh Tulsi, Raja Mehndi Ali Khan, Rajendra Krishan, Ram Prasad Bismil, Verma Malik, and others. His co-singers include legendary names such as Anwar, Asha Bhosle, Bhupinder Singh, Dilraj Kaur, Jagjit Kaur, Jaspal Singh, Kamal Barot, Krishna Kalle, Kumar Sonik, Lata Mangeshkar, Minoo Purushottam, Narinder Biba, Shailender Singh, Shamshad Begum, Sulakshana Pandit, Surinder Kohli, Usha Mangeshkar, Usha Timothy, and many more. Garg’s documentation not only underscores Rafi’s musical versatility but shines a spotlight on the rich collaborative spirit within Punjabi cinema music.
More than a mere archive, Garg’s work breathes vibrant life into Punjabi cinema’s history by incorporating rare posters, photographs, censor records, and detailed notes on song picturization. His exhaustive research involved tireless visits to film libraries, archives, and first-hand interviews with cinema legends, lending the book an authenticity and intimacy that resonate deeply with readers.
Currently, Garg is working on the sequel to this volume, which will cover Punjabi cinema’s evolution from 1986 to 2023. Expected in early 2025, this continuation will secure a complete and continuous record of Punjabi filmmaking for future generations, ensuring that the full arc of Rafi’s Punjabi contributions never fades from cultural memory.
Beyond Books: Garg’s Role in Media and Heritage Preservation
Bhim Raj Garg’s influence extends far beyond the written page. Over decades, his insightful articles on Indian and Punjabi cinema, with special focus on the musical legacy of Mohammad Rafi, have appeared in respected national and international publications including Mid-Day, The Tribune, Indo-US Dialogue, and others. He also hosted the popular radio program “Filmi Duniya” on All India Radio’s Urdu External Service for over ten years, contributed to Doordarshan and Vividh Bharti broadcasts, and embraced digital platforms, enchanting the global Punjabi diaspora through his blog “Cinema: The Magic Lantern” and the ‘Punjabi Cinema 4 U’ YouTube channel.
The Indian government has recognized Garg’s tireless heritage work by appointing him to the Other Languages Regional Film Selection Committee of the National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM), a vital program under the National Film Archives of India (NFAI) dedicated to film preservation and digitization. Garg’s role not only highlights his expertise but positions him as a guardian of Rafi’s enduring legacy and Indian cinema’s rich cultural tapestry. His mentorship has guided numerous doctoral scholars, passing the torch of musical and cinematic scholarship to new generations.
Honoring a Lifetime of Dedication
Bhim Raj Garg’s lifelong devotion to cinema history has earned him numerous accolades, including the LOSD Excellence Award (London), citations from the International Centre for Cultural Integration (New York), and the prestigious Sakha Award. He has been felicitated by the cultural departments of both Punjab and Haryana and remains a respected figure in national film discourse. In 2025, he chaired a session on Punjab’s contribution to film music at Punjabi University, Patiala, and was honored by the Punjab Art Council during the Sarthak Cinema Utsav.
As a Lifetime Member of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Garg exemplifies cultural conservation’s highest ideals, blending passionate fandom of Mohammad Rafi with scholarly rigor. His work is a beacon for anyone seeking to understand the richness of Rafi Sahab’s artistic journey, especially illuminating Rafi’s Punjabi songs alongside his Hindi/Urdu masterpieces.
Preserving Rafi Sahab’s Punjabi Musical Treasures
At the heart of Garg’s scholarship lies his celebration of Mohammad Rafi’s unparalleled contribution to Punjabi film music. His book documents 287 Punjabi songs recorded by Rafi across 105 feature films, encompassing collaborations with eminent music directors and lyricists, along with numerous celebrated co-singers. This vast and meticulously researched body of work establishes Rafi Sahab’s Punjabi songs not as mere regional footnotes, but as integral chapters of India’s musical heritage—testament to his unmatched versatility and enduring appeal.
Through Bhim Raj Garg’s unwavering dedication, the legacy of Mohammad Rafi in Punjabi cinema is preserved and honored. His scholarship not only pays homage to a musical legend but also ensures that Rafi’s extraordinary voice continues to inspire generations worldwide, thus keeping alive the magic and emotional power of his songs for eternity.
~ Balwant S. Wadhwani