Mohammed Rafi Biography: Life Story, Family, Career, Songs & Achievements
Introduction
Mohammed Rafi was one of India’s greatest and most versatile playback singers, revered for his ability to sing across genres – from soulful ghazals and romantic melodies to patriotic anthems, qawwalis, and peppy dance numbers. With a career spanning over three decades, he recorded more than 7,000 songs in multiple languages including Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, and English. Known for classics like Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho, Yeh Reshmi Zulfein, Baharon Phool Barsao, and Kya Hua Tera Wada, Rafi’s magical voice continues to inspire generations of music lovers.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Mohammed Rafi
- Date of Birth: 24 December 1924
- Birthplace: Kotla Sultan Singh, Amritsar, Punjab, India
- Date of Death: 31 July 1980 (aged 55)
- Nationality: Indian
- Occupation: Playback Singer
- Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
- Parents: Hajji Ali Mohammad (father), Allahrakhi Begum (mother)
- Spouse: Bilquis Rafi (married 1945)
- Children: 7 (including Khalid Rafi, Saeed Rafi, Hamid Rafi, Shahid Rafi)
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 72 kg
- Hair Color: Black (later grey)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
Early Life & Family Background
Rafi was born in a small village near Amritsar, Punjab, and grew up in a modest family. He was drawn to music at an early age and trained under Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Ustad Abdul Wahid Khan, and Firoze Nizami.
His family moved to Lahore, where he began his career with stage performances and radio shows. Soon after, he moved to Mumbai in 1944 to pursue playback singing in films.
Musical Journey & Career Highlights
Debut & Early Success
Rafi made his playback debut in the Punjabi film Gul Baloch (1944). His first Hindi film song was Aji Dil Ho Kaabu Mein To in Gaon Ki Gori (1945).
Rise to Stardom
Rafi rose to prominence in the 1950s and 60s, becoming the voice of leading actors like Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor, and Rajendra Kumar. His range allowed him to sing romantic ballads, comic numbers, qawwalis, and devotional bhajans with equal brilliance.
Iconic Bollywood Songs
- Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho (Chaudhvin Ka Chand, 1960)
- Teri Pyari Pyari Surat Ko (Sasural, 1961)
- Baharon Phool Barsao (Suraj, 1966)
- Aaj Mausam Bada Beimaan Hai (Loafer, 1973)
- Kya Hua Tera Wada (Hum Kisise Kum Naheen, 1977)
- Yeh Reshmi Zulfein (Do Raaste, 1969)
- Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe (Kanyadaan, 1968)
Versatility Across Genres
Rafi’s voice was equally at home in:
- Romantic songs (Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho)
- Patriotic songs (Watan Ki Raah Mein Watan Ke Naujawan, Kar Chale Hum Fida)
- Devotional songs (O Duniya Ke Rakhwale)
- Qawwalis (Parda Hai Parda)
- Peppy numbers (Yahoo! Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe)
Awards & Achievements
- National Film Award (1977) – Kya Hua Tera Wada (Hum Kisise Kum Naheen).
- 6 Filmfare Awards for Best Male Playback Singer.
- Honored with the Padma Shri (1967).
- Voted as the “Greatest Voice of Hindi Cinema” in multiple polls.
- A memorial dedicated to him stands at his resting place in Mumbai.
Personal Life
Mohammed Rafi married Bilquis in 1945. The couple had seven children. Despite being a megastar, Rafi was known for his humility, simplicity, and generosity. He often helped struggling musicians financially and lived a deeply spiritual life.
Death
On 31 July 1980, Mohammed Rafi passed away in Mumbai due to a heart attack at the age of 55. His funeral saw more than 10,000 mourners, including leading actors, musicians, and fans, who came to pay their respects. His death marked the end of an era in Indian music.
Legacy & Influence
Rafi is remembered as one of the greatest playback singers in Indian cinema. His unmatched versatility, emotional depth, and vocal range made him the voice of an era. Even decades after his death, his songs continue to be cherished by fans across the world. He remains an eternal symbol of simplicity, humility, and musical excellence.
FAQs
1. What was Mohammed Rafi’s debut Bollywood song?
Aji Dil Ho Kaabu Mein To from Gaon Ki Gori (1945).
2. How many Filmfare Awards did Rafi win?
He won 6 Filmfare Awards.
3. Did Mohammed Rafi receive a Padma Award?
Yes, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 1967.
4. Which actors did Rafi sing for most often?
He was the voice of actors like Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor, and Rajendra Kumar.
5. When did Mohammed Rafi die?
On 31 July 1980, due to a heart attack in Mumbai.
