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{{short description|Indian playback singer (1924–1980)}}
{{About||the Kerala football player|Mohammed Rafi (footballer)|the Indian cricketer|Mohammad Rafi (cricketer)|the television actor|Rafi DQ}}
{{EngvarB|date=November 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox person<!-- Please do not change this "infobox person" because changing this infobox causes other info not appearing in it. ---> <!-- --->
| name = Mohammed Rafi
| image = Mohd Rafi 2003 stamp of India (cropped).jpg
| native_name =
| caption = Rafi on a 2003 [[Postage stamps and postal history of India|stamp of India]]
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=y|1924|12|24}}
| birth_place = [[Kotla Sultan Singh]], [[Punjab Province (British India)|Punjab]], [[British Raj|British India]]<br />{{small|(present-day [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], India)}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=y|1980|07|31|1924|12|24}}
| spouse = {{Plainlist |
*{{marriage|Bashira Bibi|1938|1942}}
*{{marriage|Biliquis Bano|1945}}}}
| children = 7
| death_place = [[Bombay]], [[Maharashtra]], India
| awards = * [[Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer]] (6 times)
* [[Bengal Film Journalists' Association – Best Male Playback Award|BFJA Best Male Playback Award]]
* [[National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer]] (1 time)
| honours = [[Padma Shri]] (1967)
| module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
| background = solo_singer
| genre = {{flatlist|
* [[Filmi]]
* [[Bhajans]]
* [[Ghazals]]
* [[Qawwali]]
* [[Shabad (hymn)|Shabad]]<ref>"Mohd. Rafi - Shabad Kirtan Songs, Mohd. Rafi - Shabad Kirtan Movie Songs MP3 Download | Saregama.com" https://www.saregama.com/album/mohd-rafi-shabad-kirtan_107964 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211152632/https://www.saregama.com/album/mohd-rafi-shabad-kirtan_107964 |date=11 February 2022 }}</ref>
* [[Na'at]]<ref>"Waqyat Hamd Aur Naat Mohd Rafi Songs Download: Waqyat Hamd Aur Naat Mohd Rafi MP3 Urdu Songs Online Free on Gaana.com" https://gaana.com/album/amp/waqyat-hamd-aur-naat-mohd-rafi.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211050629/https://gaana.com/album/amp/waqyat-hamd-aur-naat-mohd-rafi.html |date=11 February 2022 }}</ref>
* [[Indian Classical Music|Classical]]<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.mohdrafi.com/meri-awaaz-suno/mohammad-rafi-and-the-songs-based-on-classical-raagas.html|title = Mohammad Rafi and the songs based on Classical Raagas|date = 10 June 2012|access-date = 1 January 2022|archive-date = 1 January 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220101105022/http://www.mohdrafi.com/meri-awaaz-suno/mohammad-rafi-and-the-songs-based-on-classical-raagas.html|url-status = live}}</ref>
* [[Nazrul Geeti]]<ref>"MD RAFI NAZRUL GEET Music Playlist: Best MD RAFI NAZRUL GEET MP3 Songs on Gaana.com" https://gaana.com/playlist/amp/rajatkumar-maiti-md-rafi-nazrul-geet.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211081916/https://gaana.com/playlist/amp/rajatkumar-maiti-md-rafi-nazrul-geet.html |date=11 February 2022 }}</ref>
* [[Comedy music|Comedy Music]]
}}
| instrument = Vocals
}}
| occupation = [[Playback singer]]
| years_active = 1944–1980
| signature = Mohammed Rafi Signature.svg
}}
'''Mohammed Rafi''' (24 December 1924 – 31 July 1980) was an Indian playback singer. He is considered to have been one of the greatest and most influential singers of the [[Indian subcontinent]].<ref name="thehindu.com">{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-sundaymagazine/Remembering-Rafi/article16209117.ece|title=Remembering Rafi|last1=To|first1=As Told|date=25 July 2010|work=The Hindu|access-date=7 April 2018|last2=To|first2=As Told|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=12 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912184254/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-sundaymagazine/Remembering-Rafi/article16209117.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.popmatters.com/rafimohd-roughguide-2496052218.html|title=Mohd Rafi: The Rough Guide to Bollywood Legends: Mohd Rafi|date=20 January 2005|work=PopMatters|access-date=1 May 2018|archive-date=2 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502215432/https://www.popmatters.com/rafimohd-roughguide-2496052218.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Rafi was notable for his versatility and range of voice; his songs varied from fast, peppy numbers to patriotic [[song]]s, sad numbers to highly romantic songs, [[qawwali]]s to [[ghazals]] and [[bhajans]] to [[Indian classical music|classical]] songs.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/Forgetting-the-phenomenal-talent-of-Rafi/article16888440.ece|title=Forgetting the phenomenal talent of Rafi|date=20 July 2018|access-date=1 August 2018|archive-date=12 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912184254/https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/Forgetting-the-phenomenal-talent-of-Rafi/article16888440.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> He was known for his ability to mould his voice to the persona and style of the actor lip-syncing the song on screen in the movie.<ref name="EBIndia2">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ISFBJarYX7YC&q=rafi&pg=PA236|title=Students' Britannica India, Volumes 1–5|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica (India)|isbn=978-0-85229-760-5|page=238|access-date=18 September 2011|year=2000}}</ref> He received six [[Filmfare Awards]] and one [[National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer|National Film Award]] in India. In 1967, he was honored with the [[Padma Shri]] award by the [[Government of India]]. In 2001, Rafi was honoured with the "Best Singer of the Millennium" title by [[Hero Honda]] and [[Stardust (magazine)|Stardust magazine]]. In 2013, Rafi was voted for the Greatest Voice in Hindi Cinema in a CNN-IBN poll.<ref name="ibnlive1">{{cite web |url=http://www.ibnlive.com/videos/india/rafi-winner-pkg-631661.html |title=Rafi wins Greatest Voice of Hindi Cinema poll |publisher=CNN-IBN |access-date=18 July 2015 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924051016/http://www.ibnlive.com/videos/india/rafi-winner-pkg-631661.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
He recorded songs for over a thousand [[Hindi]] films and in many Indian languages as well as some foreign languages, though primarily in [[Urdu]] and [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], over which he had a strong command. He recorded as many as 7,000 songs throughout his career, spanning several languages such as [[Konkani language|Konkani]], [[Assamese language|Assamese]], [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]], [[Odia language|Odia]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]], [[Sindhi language|Sindhi]], [[Kannada]], [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Magahi language|Magahi]], [[Maithili language|Maithili]], etc. Apart from [[India]]n languages, he also sang in some foreign languages, including [[English language|English]], [[Farsi language|Persian]], [[Arabic]], [[Sinhala language|Sinhala]], [[Mauritian Creole]], and [[Dutch language|Dutch]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=IANS|date=2016-12-23|title=36 years after death, two landmarks for Rafi|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/36-years-after-death-two-landmarks-for-rafi-116122300511_1.html|access-date=2022-01-22|archive-date=8 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108044236/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/36-years-after-death-two-landmarks-for-rafi-116122300511_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Early life==
[[File:Mohammed Rafi's family tree.jpg|thumb|Rafi's family tree.]]
Mohammed Rafi was the second eldest of six brothers born to Allah Rakhi and Haji Ali Mohammad in a [[Punjabis|Punjabi]] Bhatti [[Jat Muslim]] family.<ref>{{Citation |title=Mohd.Rafi's son Shahid Rafi: "Kishore Kumar used to respect my father, they were very…" | date=24 December 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-dyITjhs8g |access-date=2022-07-19 |quote=See 23:20 to 23:30 |archive-date=19 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719125752/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-dyITjhs8g&feature=youtu.be |url-status=live }}</ref> The family originally belonged to [[Kotla Sultan Singh]], a village near present-day [[Majitha]] in [[Amritsar district]] of [[Punjab, India]].<ref name="tribuneindia_striking">{{cite web | url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060223/aplus.htm#1 | title=Striking the right chord | author=Varinder Walia | publisher=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]]: Amritsar Plus | date=16 June 2003 | access-date=28 April 2007 | archive-date=11 March 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311054812/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060223/aplus.htm#1 | url-status=live }}</ref> Rafi, whose nickname was ''Pheeko'', began singing by imitating the chants of a [[fakir]] who roamed the streets of his native village Kotla Sultan Singh. Rafi's father moved to [[Lahore]] in 1935, where he ran a barbershop in Noor Mohalla in [[Bhati Gate]].<ref>[http://www.culturalindia.net/indian-music/indian-singers/rafi.html Mohammed Rafi Biography – Facts, Life History & Achievements] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716050328/http://www.culturalindia.net/indian-music/indian-singers/rafi.html |date=16 July 2015 }}. Culturalindia.net. Retrieved 6 November 2018.</ref>
Rafi learnt [[Indian Classical Music|classical music]] from [[Ustad Abdul Wahid Khan]], Pandit Jiwan Lal Mattoo and Firoze Nizami.<ref name="tribuneindia_sang_for_kishore">{{cite web| url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020923/login/music.htm| title=When Rafi sang for Kishore Kumar| author=Amit Puri| work=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]]| date=23 September 2002| access-date=29 April 2007| archive-date=3 March 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224601/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020923/login/music.htm| url-status=live}}</ref> His first public performance came at the age of 13, when he sang in Lahore featuring [[K. L. Saigal]]. In 1941, Rafi made his debut in Lahore as a playback singer in the duet "Goriye Nee, Heeriye Nee" with [[Zeenat Begum]] in the [[Punjabi cinema|Punjabi film]] ''Gul Baloch'' (released in 1944) under music director Shyam Sunder.<ref name="tribune_his_voice">{{cite web | url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040725/spectrum/main7.htm | title=His voice made him immortal | author=M.L. Dhawan | publisher=Spectrum ([[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]]) | date=25 July 2004 | access-date=28 April 2007 | archive-date=30 September 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930022619/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040725/spectrum/main7.htm | url-status=live }}</ref> In that same year, Rafi was invited by [[All India Radio]] [[Lahore]] station to sing for them.<ref name="sangeetmahal_hall_of_fame">{{cite web | url=http://www.sangeetmahal.com/hof/Singers_Rafi.asp | title=Hall of Fame: Saatwan Sur | access-date=28 April 2007 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070526060332/http://www.sangeetmahal.com/hof/Singers_Rafi.asp | archive-date=26 May 2007 | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
He made his [[Hindi cinema|Hindi film]] debut in ''[[Gaon Ki Gori]]'' in 1945.<ref name="EBIndia2"/>
== Early career in Bombay ==
Rafi moved to [[Mumbai|Bombay]] (now Mumbai), [[Maharashtra]] in 1944. He and Hameed Sahab rented a ten-by-ten-feet room in the crowded downtown Bhendi Bazar area. Poet Tanvir Naqvi introduced him to film producers including [[Abdur Rashid Kardar]], [[Mehboob Khan]] and actor-director Nazeer.<ref name="dailytimes">{{cite web | url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_16-6-2003_pg3_6 | title=The Way It Was: Tryst With Bollywood | author=Syed Abid Ali | publisher=Daily Times, Pakistan | date=16 June 2003 | access-date=28 April 2007 | archive-date=21 December 2012 | archive-url=https://archive.today/20121221152838/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_16-6-2003_pg3_6 | url-status=live }}</ref> Shyam Sunder was in Bombay and provided the opportunity to Rafi to sing a duet with [[G. M. Durrani]], "Aji dil ho kaabu mein to dildar ki aisi taisi...," for ''Gaon Ki Gori'', which became Rafi's first recorded song in a Hindi film. Other songs followed.
Rafi's first song with [[Naushad]] was "Hindustan Ke Hum Hain" with Shyam Kumar, Alauddin and others, from A. R. Kardar's ''Pehle Aap'' (1944). Around the same time, Rafi recorded another song for the 1945 film ''Gaon Ki Gori'', "Aji Dil Ho Kaaboo Mein". He considered this song to be his first Hindi language song.<ref name="sangeetmahal_hall_of_fame"/>
Rafi appeared in two movies. He appeared on the screen for the songs "Tera Jalwa Jis Ne Dekha" in film ''Laila Majnu''(1945) and "Woh Apni Yaad Dilane Ko" in the Film ''Jugnu'' (1947).<ref name="sangeetmahal_hall_of_fame"/> He sang a number of songs for Naushad as part of the chorus, including "Mere Sapnon Ki Rani, Roohi Roohi" with [[K. L. Saigal]], from the film ''Shahjahan'' (1946). Rafi sang "Tera Khilona Toota Balak" from Mehboob Khan's ''Anmol Ghadi'' (1946) and a duet with [[Noor Jehan]] in the 1947 film ''Jugnu'', "Yahan Badla Wafa Ka". After partition, Rafi decided to stay back in India and had the rest of his family flown to [[Mumbai|Bombay]]. Noor Jehan migrated to [[Pakistan]] and made a pair with playback singer [[Ahmed Rushdi]].
In 1949, Rafi was given solo songs by music directors such as Naushad (''Chandni Raat'', ''Dillagi'' and ''Dulari''), Shyam Sunder (''[[Bazaar]]'') and Husnalal Bhagatram (''Meena Bazaar'').
Besides K. L. Saigal, whom he considered his favorite, Rafi was also influenced by G. M. Durrani. In the early phase of his career, he often followed Durrani's style of singing, but later evolved his own, unique style. He sang with Durrani in some of the songs such as "Humko Hanste Dekh Zamana Jalta Hai" and "Khabar Kisi Ko Nahiin, Woh Kidhar Dekhte" (''Beqasoor'', 1950).
In 1948, after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, the team of Husanlal Bhagatram-Rajendra Krishan-Rafi had overnight created the song "Suno Suno Ae Duniyawalon, Bapuji Ki Amar Kahani". He was invited by the Indian Prime Minister, [[Jawaharlal Nehru]], to sing at his house. In 1948, Rafi received a silver medal from Jawaharlal Nehru on Indian Independence Day.<ref>{{cite book |author=Sujata Dev |title=Mohammed Rafi Voice of a Nation |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=noAyCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT268 |date=1 October 2015 |publisher=Om Books International |isbn=978-93-80070-97-1 |page=268 }}</ref>
==Recording career in the 1950s and 1960s==
{{See also|List of songs recorded by Mohammed Rafi}}
In his early career, Rafi associated with many contemporary music directors, most notably [[Naushad Ali]]. In the late 1950s and 1960s, he worked with other composers of the era such as [[O. P. Nayyar]], [[Shankar Jaikishan]], [[Sachin Dev Burman|S.D. Burman]] and [[Roshan (music director)|Roshan]].
===Work with Naushad===
As per Naushad, Rafi came to him with a letter of recommendation from Naushad's father.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mohdrafi.com/meri-awaaz-suno/naushad-remembers-rafi-sahab.html | title=Naushad Remembers Rafi Saheb | access-date=25 December 2010 | date=9 November 2001 | archive-date=26 December 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226022204/http://www.mohdrafi.com/meri-awaaz-suno/naushad-remembers-rafi-sahab.html | url-status=live }}</ref>
Rafi's first song for Naushad Ali was "Hindustan Ke Hum Hain" ("We belong to Hindustan") for the film ''Pehle Aap'' in 1944. The first song for the duo was the soundtrack of the movie ''Anmol Ghadi'' (1946).
Rafi's association with Naushad helped the former establish himself as one of the most prominent playback singers in Hindi cinema.<ref name="sangeetmahal_hall_of_fame"/> Songs from ''[[Baiju Bawra (1952 film)|Baiju Bawra]]'' (1952) like "O duniya ke rakhwale" and "Man tarpat hari darshan ko aaj" furthered Rafi's credentials.<ref name="tribune_his_voice"/> Rafi ended up singing a total of 149 songs (81 of them solo) for Naushad. Before Rafi, Naushad's favorite singer was [[Talat Mahmood]]. Once Naushad found Talat smoking during a recording.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stories.motivateme.in/amazing-story-when-naushad-found-talat-mahmood-smoking-during-a-recording-and-got-irritated/|title=Amazing Story – And got irritated {{!}} MotivateMe.in – Stories|last=admin|website=stories.motivateme.in|access-date=6 August 2018|archive-date=20 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220134323/http://stories.motivateme.in/amazing-story-when-naushad-found-talat-mahmood-smoking-during-a-recording-and-got-irritated/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://cineplot.com/talat-naushad/|title=Talat Mahmood – Naushad Collaboration|website=cineplot.com|access-date=6 August 2018|archive-date=7 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807001453/http://cineplot.com/talat-naushad/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i0jvCwAAQBAJ&q=Naushad+found+Talat+smoking+during&pg=PA4|title=Remembering Mohammed Rafi|last=Poolakkal|first=Vijay|date=10 March 2014|publisher=Lulu.com|isbn=9781329501775|language=en|access-date=17 October 2020|archive-date=26 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426164854/https://books.google.com/books?id=i0jvCwAAQBAJ&q=Naushad+found+Talat+smoking+during&pg=PA4|url-status=live}}{{self-published source|date=February 2020}}</ref>{{self-published inline|date=February 2020}} He was annoyed and hired Rafi to sing all the songs of the movie ''Baiju Bawra''.
===Work with S. D. Burman===
S. D. Burman used Rafi as a singing voice of [[Dev Anand]] and [[Guru Dutt]].<ref name="how_fair_raju2">{{cite web
| url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/23sld2.htm
| title=How fair were they to Mohammed Rafi? (Page 2)
| author=Raju Bharatan
| work=[[Rediff.com]]
| date=23 August 2006
| access-date=28 April 2007
| archive-date=16 October 2007
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071016120811/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/23sld2.htm
| url-status=live
}}</ref> Rafi worked with Burman in 37 films, including ''[[Pyaasa]]'' (1957), ''[[Kaagaz Ke Phool]]'' (1959), ''[[Kala Bazar]]'' (1960), ''[[Nau Do Gyarah]]'' (1957), ''[[Kala Pani (1958 film)|Kala Pani]]'' (1958), ''[[Tere Ghar Ke Saamne]]'' (1963), ''[[Guide (film)|Guide]]'' (1965), ''[[Aradhana (1969 film)|Aradhana]]'' (1969), [[Ishq Par Zor Nahin]] (1970) and ''[[Abhimaan (1973 film)|Abhimaan]]'' (1973).
===Work with Shankar–Jaikishan===
Rafi's partnership with [[Shankar–Jaikishan]] was among the most famous and successful in the Hindi film industry. He worked with them from their first film, ''[[Barsaat (1949 film)|Barsaat]]'' (1949). Under Shankar–Jaikishan, Rafi produced some of his songs for actors like [[Shammi Kapoor]] and [[Rajendra Kumar]]. Out of six Filmfare awards, Rafi won three for S-J songs – "Teri Pyaari Pyaari Surat Ko", "Bahaaron Phool Barsaao" and "Dil Ke Jharokhe Mein." The song "Yahoo! Chaahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe" was sung by Rafi, matched by a fast-paced orchestra and composition by Shankar Jaikishan. S-J had Rafi give playback for Kishore Kumar in the film ''Sharaarat'' ("Ajab Hai Daastaan Teri Ye Zindagi"). Rafi sang a total of 341 numbers—216 solo—for Shankar–Jaikishan.<ref name="how_fair_raju1">{{cite web
| url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/23sld1.htm
| title=How fair were they to Mohammed Rafi?
| author=Raju Bharatan
| work=[[Rediff.com]]
| date=23 August 2006
| access-date=28 April 2007
| archive-date=30 May 2007
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070530002908/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/23sld1.htm
| url-status=live
}}</ref> Among the films of this combination are: ''[[Awaara]]'', [[Boot Polish (film)|''Boot Polish'']], ''[[Basant Bahar (film)|Basant Bahar]]'', ''[[Professor (1962 film)|Professor]]'', ''[[Junglee (1961 film)|Junglee]]'', ''[[Asli-Naqli]]'', ''[[Rajkumar (1964 film)|Rajkumar]]'', ''[[Suraj (1966 film)|Suraj]]'', ''[[Sangam (1964 Hindi film)|Sangam]]'', ''[[Brahmachari (Hindi film)|Brahmachari]]'', [[Arzoo (1965 film)|Arzoo]], ''[[An Evening in Paris]]'', ''[[Dil Tera Diwana (1962 film)|Dil Tera Deewana]]'', ''[[Yakeen (1969 film)|Yakeen]]'', ''[[Prince (1969 film)|Prince]]'', ''[[Love in Tokyo]]'', ''Beti Bete'', ''[[Dil Ek Mandir]]'', ''[[Dil Apna Aur Preet Parai]]'', ''[[Gaban (1966 film)|Gaban]]'' and ''[[Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai]]''.
==
Rafi got his first [[Filmfare Best Male Playback Award|Filmfare Award]] for the title song of ''[[Chaudhvin Ka Chand]]'' (1960), composed by [[Ravi (music director)|Ravi]]. He received the [[National Film Awards|National Award]] for the song "Baabul Ki Duaen Leti Jaa" from the film ''[[Neel Kamal (1968 film)|Neel Kamal]]'' (1968), also composed by Ravi. Rafi wept during the recording of this song, which he admitted in a 1977 interview with the BBC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mohdrafi.com/meri-awaaz-suno/bbc-interview-of-rafi-sahab-in-1977.html|title=BBC Interview of Rafi Sahab in 1977|date=1 May 2006|access-date=23 September 2020|archive-date=2 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002011449/http://www.mohdrafi.com/meri-awaaz-suno/bbc-interview-of-rafi-sahab-in-1977.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Ravi and Rafi produced several other songs in the films ''[[China Town (1962 film)|China Town]]'' (1962), ''[[Kaajal]]'' (1965), ''[[Do Badan]]'' (1966) and [[Ek Phool Do Maali]] (1969)
===Work with Madan Mohan===
[[Madan Mohan (music director)|Madan Mohan]] was another composer whose favorite singer was Rafi. Rafi's first solo with Madan Mohan in ''Aankhen'' (1950) was "Hum Ishk Mein Burbaad Hein Burbaad Ruhenge".<ref name="sangeetmahal_hall_of_fame"/> They teamed up to produce many songs including "Teree Aankhon Ke Sivaa", "Yeh Duniyaa Yeh Mehfil", "Tum Jo Mil Guye Ho", "[[Kar chale hum fida|Kur Chale Hum Fida]]", "Meree Aawaaz Suno" and "Aap Ke Pehlu Mein Aakur".
==
Rafi and [[O. P. Nayyar]] (OP) created music in the 1950s and 1960s. O. P. Nayyar was once quoted as saying "If there had been no Mohammed Rafi, there would have been no O. P. Nayyar".<ref name="Rafi001">{{cite web
| url=http://www.hamaraforums.com/lofiversion/index.php/t42806.html
| title=The Rise and Rise of Mohammed Rafi
| access-date=29 August 2011
| archive-date=2 October 2011
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002014326/http://www.hamaraforums.com/lofiversion/index.php/t42806.html
| url-status=live
}}</ref>
He and Rafi created many songs together including "Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan". He got Rafi to sing for singer-actor [[Kishore Kumar]] – "Man Mora Baawara" for the movie ''Raagini''. Later, Rafi sang for Kishore Kumar in movies such as ''Baaghi'', ''Shehzaada'' and ''Shararat''. O. P. Nayyar used Rafi and Asha Bhosle for most of his songs. The team created many songs in the early 1950s and 1960s for movies such as ''[[Naya Daur (1957 film)|Naya Daur]]'' (1957), ''[[Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957 film)|Tumsa Nahin Dekha]]'' (1957), [[Ek Musafir Ek Hasina]] (1962) and ''[[Kashmir Ki Kali]]'' (1964). Rafi sang a total of 197 numbers (56 solo) for Nayyar.<ref name="how_fair_raju5">{{cite web
| url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/23sld5.htm
| title=How fair were they to Mohammed Rafi?: Page 5
| author=Raju Bharatan
| work=[[Rediff.com]]
| date=23 August 2006
| access-date=28 April 2007
| archive-date=3 June 2007
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070603045236/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/23sld5.htm
| url-status=live
}}</ref>
The songs "Jawaaniyan yeh mast mast" and the title song "Yun to humne lakh hansee dekhe hain, tumsa nahin dekha" of the film ''Tumsa Nahin Dekha'' were hits. They were followed by songs like "Yeh Chand Sa Roshan Chehera" from ''Kashmir ki Kali''.
Rafi and OP had a falling-out during the recording for movie "Sawan ki Ghata". As disclosed by OP during one of his interviews; Rafi reported late to the recording stating that he was stuck in [[Shankar Jaikishan]]'s recording. OP then stated that from now on he too did not have the time for Rafi and cancelled the recording. They did not work together for the next 3 years.<ref>{{cite web
| url=http://my.opera.com/rafisaab/blog/2007/11/03/interview-of-op-nayyar-by-d-mandar-for-cinema-sangeet
| title=Interview of O P Nayyar by D Mandar for cinema sangeet
| date=3 November 2007
| access-date=21 August 2011
| archive-date=26 December 2011
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111226053136/http://my.opera.com/rafisaab/blog/2007/11/03/interview-of-op-nayyar-by-d-mandar-for-cinema-sangeet
| url-status=live
}}</ref>
===Work with Laxmikant-Pyarelal===
The composer duo [[Laxmikant–Pyarelal]] (L-P) patronized Rafi as one of their singers, right from their first song by him from the film ''[[Parasmani]]'' (1963). Rafi and L-P won the [[Filmfare Award]] for the song "Chaahoonga Mein Tujhe Saanjh Suvere" from ''[[Dosti (1964 film)|Dosti]]'' (1964). Rafi rendered the highest number of songs for this music director duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal, as compared to all the music directors: 388.<ref name="how_fair_raju1"/>
Once, when composer [[Nisar Bazmi]], who once worked with Laxmikant-Pyarelal before he had migrated to [[Pakistan]], didn't have enough money to pay him, Rafi charged a fee of one [[Indian rupee|rupee]] and sang for him. He also helped producers financially. As Laxmikant once observed – "He always gave without thinking of the returns".
=== Work with Kalyanji Anandji ===
Kalyanji Anandji composed around 170 songs in the voice of Rafi. Kalyanji's relationship with Rafi started with the 1958 film, ''Samrat Chandragupta'', his debut film as a solo composer.<ref name="google1">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=noAyCwAAQBAJ&q=kalyanji+anandji+rafi+association&pg=PT94|title=Mohammed Rafi Voice of a Nation|last=Dev|first=Sujata|date=1 October 2015|publisher=Om Books International|isbn=9789380070971|language=en|access-date=17 October 2020|archive-date=26 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426164853/https://books.google.com/books?id=noAyCwAAQBAJ&q=kalyanji+anandji+rafi+association&pg=PT94|url-status=live}}</ref> Kalyani-Anandji and Rafi went on to work together for the music of the [[Shashi Kapoor]]-starrer ''Haseena Maan Jayegi'' (1968), which featured songs like "Bekhudi Mein Sanam" and "Chale The Saath Milke".<ref name="google1"/>
===Work with contemporary singers===
Rafi associated with several of his contemporaries, singing duets with them and sometimes for them (as in case of Kishore Kumar who was also an actor).
Rafi sang the highest number of duets with [[Asha Bhosle]] (female), [[Manna Dey]] (male) and [[Lata Mangeshkar]] (female).
In the song "Humko Tumse Ho Gaya Hai Pyaar" (''[[Amar Akbar Anthony]]''), Rafi sang one song with Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, and Mukesh, the most legendary singers in [[Bollywood]]. This was probably the only time that all of them rendered their voices for one song.<ref name="zeenews_soulful">[http://www.zeenews.com/news459223.html Mohammed Rafi: The soulful voice lives on!] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20121209063505/http://www.zeenews.com/news459223.html |date=9 December 2012 }}. Zee News. 31 July 2008.</ref>
=== Work with other music directors ===
Rafi sang frequently for all music directors during his lifetime, including [[C. Ramchandra]], Roshan, Jaidev, Khayyam, Rajesh Roshan, Ravindra Jain, Bappi Lahiri, Sapan Jagmohan, T.V.Raju, S.Hanumantha Rao etc. He had a special and major association with [[Usha Khanna]], [[Sonik Omi]], [[Chitragupta (composer)|Chitragupta]], [[S. N. Tripathi|S.N. Tripathi]], [[N. Datta]] and [[R. D. Burman|R.D. Burman]]. He also sang for many small time and lesser-known music directors. Many for whom he sang for free while making their compositions immortal; he selflessly believed in financially assisting producers and helping small-time projects who could not afford much. Many in the industry received regular financial help from Rafi.<ref name="google2">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=noAyCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT232|title=Mohammed Rafi Voice of a Nation|last=Dev|first=Sujata|date=1 October 2015|publisher=Om Books International|isbn=9789380070971|language=en|access-date=17 October 2020|archive-date=26 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426164850/https://books.google.com/books?id=noAyCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT232|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Private albums===
Rafi sang several songs in [[Chris Perry (musician)|Chris Perry]]'s [[Konkani language|Konkani]] album Golden Hits with [[Lorna Cordeiro]]. He recorded many private albums in various genres and languages. Rafi recorded Hindi songs in English on 7" release in 1968. He also sang 2 songs in [[Mauritian Creole]] while on his visit to [[Mauritius]] in the late 1960s.
===Royalty issue===
In 1962–1963, the popular female playback singer [[Lata Mangeshkar]] raised the issue of playback singers' share in the [[royalties]]. Recognizing Rafi's position as the leading male playback singer, she wanted him to back her in demanding a half-share from the 5% song royalty that the film's producer conceded to select composers. Rafi refused to side with her, stating that his claim on the film producer's money ended with his being paid his agreed fee for the song. Rafi argued that the producer takes financial risk and the composer creates the song, so the singer does not have any claim over the royalty money. Lata viewed his stand as a stumbling block on the royalty issue and stated that it is because of the singer's name also that the records get sold. This difference of opinion subsequently led to differences between the two. During the recording of "Tasveer Teri Dil Mein" (''Maya'', 1961), Lata argued with Rafi over a certain passage of the song. Rafi felt belittled, as music director [[Salil Chowdhury]] sided with Lata. The situation worsened when Lata declared that she would no longer sing with Rafi. Rafi stated that he was only so keen to sing with Lata as she was with him.<ref name="how_fair_raju3">{{cite web | url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/23sld3.htm | title=How fair were they to Mohammed Rafi?: Page 3 | author=Raju Bharatan | work=[[Rediff.com]] | date=23 August 2006 | access-date=28 April 2007 | archive-date=30 May 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070530004701/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/23sld3.htm | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="how_fair_raju4">{{cite web | url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/23sld4.htm | title=How fair were they to Mohammed Rafi?: Page 4 | author=Raju Bharatan | work=[[Rediff.com]] | date=21 August 2006 | access-date=28 April 2007 | archive-date=18 July 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070718173117/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/23sld4.htm | url-status=live }}</ref> The music director [[Shankar Jaikishan|Jaikishan]] later negotiated a reconciliation between the two.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.mumbaimirror.com/printarticle.aspx?page=comments&action=translate§id=30&contentid=20121122201211220321263836fccc616&subsite= | title = Voice from the past (interview with Yasmin Rafi) | author = Dhamini Ratnam | newspaper = [[Mumbai Mirror]] | date = 22 November 2012 | access-date = 25 November 2012 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130129131811/http://www.mumbaimirror.com/printarticle.aspx?page=comments&action=translate§id=30&contentid=20121122201211220321263836fccc616&subsite= | archive-date = 29 January 2013 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> In an interview given to [[The Times of India]] on 25 September 2012, Lata claimed to have received a written apology from Rafi.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">{{cite news|title = Mohd Rafi never apologised to Lataji!|url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/Mohd-Rafi-never-apologised-to-Lataji/articleshow/16552540.cms|website = The Times of India| date=26 September 2012 |access-date = 25 December 2015|archive-date = 6 January 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160106021625/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/Mohd-Rafi-never-apologised-to-Lataji/articleshow/16552540.cms|url-status = live}}</ref> However, Shahid Rafi, Mohammad Rafi's son, rebuffs the claim, calling it an act to dishonour his father's reputation.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com"/>
==Early 1970s==
In the 1970s, Rafi suffered from a throat infection for an extended period of time.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/Rafi-Kishore-rivalry-a-myth/articleshow/4837329.cms|title=Rafi-Kishore rivalry a myth!|work=The Times of India|access-date=25 January 2018|archive-date=2 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602094839/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/Rafi-Kishore-rivalry-a-myth/articleshow/4837329.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> During a brief period then, he recorded fewer songs.<ref name="how_fair_raju3"/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1050729/asp/etc/story_5037312.asp | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060908110207/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050729/asp/etc/story_5037312.asp | url-status=dead | archive-date=8 September 2006 | title=Forever velvet | author=Anil Grover | work=The Telegraph | date=29 July 2005 | access-date=28 April 2007}}</ref> Although his musical output was relatively low during this period, Rafi did sing some of his best and most popular numbers then, such as "Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil", "Gulabi Aankhen", "Jhilmil Sitaron Ka Aangan Hoga", "Koi Nazrana Lekar Aaya Hu", "Aaya Re Khilonewala", "Tum Mujhe Yun Bhula Na Paaoge", "Re Mama Re Mama Re", "Nafrat Ki Duniya Ko", "Ye Jo Chilman Hai", "Kuchh Kehta Hai Ye Saawan", "Kitna Pyaara Wada", "Chalo Dildaar Chalo", "Aaj Mausam Bada Be-Imaan Hai", "Chura Liya Hai Tumne", "Yaadon Ki Baaraat Nikli Hai Aaj Dil Ke Dwaare", "Teri Bindiya Re", to name a few.<ref>{{cite web
|url = http://www.screenindia.com/20020726/mcov2.html
|title = The mammoth myth about Mohammed Rafi
|author = Rajiv Vijayakar
|publisher = Screen
|year = 2002
|access-date = 13 June 2007
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070608072649/http://www.screenindia.com/20020726/mcov2.html
|archive-date = 8 June 2007
|df = dmy-all
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/report/how-mohammed-rafi-regained-his-confidence/20141224.htm|title=How Mohammed Rafi regained his confidence|date=24 December 2017}}</ref>
==Later years==
Rafi made a comeback as a leading singer in mid 1970s. In 1974 he won the Film World magazine Best Singer Award for the song "Teri Galiyon Mein Na Rakhenge Kadam Aaj Ke Baad" ([[Hawas (1974 film)|Hawas]], 1974) composed by [[Usha Khanna]].<ref name="how_fair_raju1"/>
In 1976, Rafi sang all the songs for [[Rishi Kapoor]] in the blockbuster film ''[[Laila Majnu (1976 film)|Laila Majnu]]''.<ref name=bo25y>{{cite web|url=https://filminformation.com/featured/flashback-13-october-2023-from-our-issue-dated-17th-october-1998/|title=Blockbusters Of Twenty-Five Years (1973-1997)|date=13 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1050729/asp/etc/story_5037312.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060908110207/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050729/asp/etc/story_5037312.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 September 2006|title=Forever velvet |work=The Telegraph |___location=Calcutta |access-date=11 December 2017}}</ref> Rafi went on to sing many more songs for Rishi Kapoor in the subsequent hit films, including ''[[Hum Kisise Kum Naheen]]'' (1977) and ''[[Amar Akbar Anthony]]'' (1977).<ref>{{cite book |author=Sujata Dev |title=Mohammed Rafi: Voice Of A Nation |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=noAyCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT71 |year=2015 |publisher=Om Books |isbn=978-93-80070-97-1 |pages=71–72 |access-date=11 December 2017 |archive-date=26 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426164851/https://books.google.com/books?id=noAyCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT71 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1977, he won both Filmfare Award and the National Award for the song "Kya Hua Tera Wada" from the movie ''[[Hum Kisise Kum Naheen]]'', composed by [[R. D. Burman]].<ref name="how_fair_raju2"/> He was nominated as the best singer at the Filmfare Awards for the [[qawwali]] "[[Parda Hai Parda (song)|Parda Hai Parda]]" from ''[[Amar Akbar Anthony]]'' (1977).
Rafi sang for many successful films in the late 1970s and the early 1980s many of whose hit songs were dominating the charts in the late 70s on radio programs such as ''Vividh Bharati, Binaca Geetmala and Radio Ceylon.''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1050729/asp/etc/story_5037312.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060908110207/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050729/asp/etc/story_5037312.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 September 2006|title=The Telegraph – Calcutta : etc|website=The Telegraph|___location=Kolkota|access-date=23 December 2017}}</ref> Some of these include ''[[Pratigya (1975 film)|Pratiggya]]'' (1975), ''[[Bairaag]]'' (1976), ''[[Amaanat (1977 film)|Amaanat]]'' (1977), ''[[Dharam Veer (film)|Dharam Veer]]'' (1977), ''[[Apnapan]]'' (1977), ''[[Ganga Ki Saugand]]'' (1978), ''[[Suhaag (1979 film)|Suhaag]]'' (1979), ''[[Sargam (1979 film)|Sargam]]'' (1979), ''[[Qurbani (1980 film)|Qurbani]]'' (1980), ''[[Dostana (1980 film)|Dostana]]'' (1980), ''[[Karz (film)|Karz]]'' (1980), ''[[The Burning Train]]'' (1980), ''[[Abdullah (film)|Abdullah]]'' (1980), ''[[Shaan (1980 film)|Shaan]]'' (1980), ''[[Aasha (1980 film)|Aasha]]'' (1980), ''[[Aap To Aise Na The]]'' (1980), ''[[Naseeb (1981 film)|Naseeb]]'' (1981) and ''[[Zamane Ko Dikhana Hai|Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai]]'' (1981). In 1977, Rafi gave a performance at the Royal Albert Hall and in 1980 he performed at the Wembley conference centre. From 1970 until his death he toured around the world extensively giving concert performances to packed halls.
In December 1979, Rafi recorded six songs for the Hindi remake of Dilip Sen's Bengali superhit ''Sorry Madam''; the film was never completed due to a personal tragedy in Dilip Sen's life. These songs, written by Kafeel Aazar and composed by Chitragupta, were released digitally in December 2009 by the label Silk Road under the title "The Last Songs".<ref>{{cite web|title = Mohammed Rafi : "The Last Songs" – Silk Road Communications – Music Label & Sound Design|url = http://www.silkrd.com/catalogue/mohamed-rafi-the-last-songs|website = silkrd.com|access-date = 25 December 2015|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151226063830/http://www.silkrd.com/catalogue/mohamed-rafi-the-last-songs|archive-date = 26 December 2015|df = dmy-all}}</ref> The physical album was released only in India by Universal.{{citation needed|date=August 2014}}
===Guinness World Records controversy===
During his last years, Rafi was involved in a controversy over Lata Mangeshkar's entry in the [[Guinness Book of World Records]]. In a letter dated 11 June 1977 to the Guinness Book of World Records, Rafi had challenged the claim that Lata Mangeshkar has recorded the highest number of songs ("not less than 25,000" according to Guinness). Rafi, according to his fans, would have sung more songs than Lata – he being the senior of the two. They estimated the number of songs sung by Rafi to be anything from 25,000 to 26,000. This prompted Rafi to write a letter, in protest, to Guinness.<ref name="dnaindia.com">{{Cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-book-extract-mohammed-rafi-golden-voice-of-the-silver-screen-2161626|title=Book extract: Mohammed Rafi – Golden Voice of the Silver Screen {{!}} Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis|date=3 January 2016|work=dna|access-date=11 December 2017|archive-date=3 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003033637/http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-book-extract-mohammed-rafi-golden-voice-of-the-silver-screen-2161626|url-status=live}}</ref> After receiving a reply from Guinness, in a letter dated 20 November 1979, he wrote, "I am disappointed that my request for a reassessment vis-a-vis Ms Mangeshkar's reported world record has gone unheeded."<ref name="zeenews_soulful"/> In an interview to BBC recorded in November 1977, Rafi claimed to have sung 25,000 to 26,000 songs till then.<ref name="Rafi001"/>
After Rafi's death, in its 1984 edition, the Guinness Book of World Records gave Lata Mangeshkar's name for the "Most Recordings" and stated, "Mohammad Rafi (d 1 August 1980) {{sic}} claimed to have recorded 28,000 songs in 11 Indian languages between 1944 and April 1980."<ref name="how_fair_raju7">{{cite web | url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/23sld7.htm | title=How fair were they to Mohammed Rafi?: Page 7 | author=Raju Bharatan | work=[[Rediff.com]] | date=23 August 2006 | access-date=28 April 2007 | archive-date=30 September 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930081135/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/23sld7.htm | url-status=live }}</ref> The Guinness Book entries for both Rafi and Lata were eventually deleted in 1991. In 2011, Lata's sister [[Asha Bhosle]] was given the title.<ref name="newrec">{{cite news|newspaper=[[DNA India]]|title=It's a world record for Asha Bhosle|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_its-a-world-record-for-asha-bhosle_1601969|date=22 October 2011|access-date=23 October 2011|author=Banerjee, Soumyadipta|archive-date=14 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314034811/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_its-a-world-record-for-asha-bhosle_1601969|url-status=live}}</ref>
''Mohammed Rafi – Golden Voice of the Silver Screen'', a 2015 book by Shahid Rafi and Sujata Dev, states that according to "industry sources", Rafi sang 4,425 Hindi film songs, 310 non-Hindi film songs, and 328 non-film songs between 1945 and 1980.<ref name="dnaindia.com"/> A 2015 ''[[Malayala Manorama|Manorama Online]]'' article states that "researchers" have found 7,405 songs sung by Rafi.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/music/mohammed-rafi-death-anniversary-special-things-you-should-know.html|title=35 things you should know about Mohammed Rafi|work=OnManorama|access-date=25 January 2018|archive-date=1 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801212541/http://english.manoramaonline.com/entertainment/music/mohammed-rafi-death-anniversary-special-things-you-should-know.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Among the prominent leading actors of his time, Rafi sung 190 songs for [[Shammi Kapoor]], 145 for [[Johnny Walker (actor)|Johnny Walker]], 129 for [[Shashi Kapoor]], 114 for [[Dharmendra]], 100 for [[Dev Anand]], 79 for [[Sunil Dutt]] and 77 for [[Dilip Kumar]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Dev|first=Sujata|title=Mohammed Rafi – Golden Voice of the Silver Screen|publisher=Om|year=2015|pages=237–238}}</ref>
==Death==
Mohammed Rafi died at 10:25 pm on 31 July 1980, following a massive heart attack, aged 55.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.blonnet.com/life/2005/08/05/stories/2005080500180400.htm | title= The immortal Rafi | author= V. Gangadhar | publisher= [[The Hindu]] Business Line | date= 5 August 2005 | access-date= 28 April 2007 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070929120442/http://www.blonnet.com/life/2005/08/05/stories/2005080500180400.htm | archive-date= 29 September 2007 | url-status= dead | df= dmy-all }}</ref> The last song sung by Rafi was for the movie ''Aas Paas'', with music by Laxmikant-Pyarelal. One source says it was "Shaam Phir Kyun Udaas Hai Dost/Tu Kahin Aas Paas Hai Dost", recorded just hours before his death.<ref name="zeenews_soulful"/><ref>{{cite book |author=Brigadier Samir Bhattacharya |title=Nothing But! |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M4mZAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA436 |date=January 2014 |publisher=Partridge Pub |isbn=978-1-4828-1720-1 |pages=436–}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| last= Salam | first= Ziya U. S. | title= Matchless magic lingers | url= http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/07/31/stories/2002073100290100.htm | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20050103142015/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/07/31/stories/2002073100290100.htm | url-status= dead | archive-date= 3 January 2005 | date= 22 July 2001 | work= [[The Hindu]] | access-date=9 April 2009 }}</ref> Another source says that the last song he sang was "Shehar mein charcha hai", from the same film.<ref>[http://movies.ndtv.com/music/mohammed-rafi-lata-mangeshkar-fell-out-over-royalty-issue-biography-631382 Mohammed Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar fell out over royalty issue: biography – NDTV Movies] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103162055/http://movies.ndtv.com/music/mohammed-rafi-lata-mangeshkar-fell-out-over-royalty-issue-biography-631382 |date=3 January 2015 }}. Movies.ndtv.com. Retrieved 6 November 2018.</ref>
Rafi was buried at the [[Juhu]] Muslim cemetery and his burial was one of the largest funeral processions in India as over 10,000 people attended his burial.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/education/story/mohammed-rafi-facts/1/455352.html|title=Remembering Mohammed Rafi: Lesser known facts on the legendary playback singer|access-date=11 December 2017|archive-date=2 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802171510/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/education/story/mohammed-rafi-facts/1/455352.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The government of India announced a two-day public mourning in his honour.<ref name="zeenews_soulful"/>
In 2010, Rafi's tomb along with many film industry artists such as [[Madhubala]], was demolished to make space for new burials. Fans of Mohammed Rafi, who visit his tomb twice a year to mark his birth and death anniversaries, use the coconut tree that is nearest to his grave as a marker.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Rafi-Madhubala-dont-rest-in-peace-here/articleshow/5558345.cms |title=Rafi, Madhubala don't rest in peace here |date=11 February 2010 |access-date=14 February 2010 |work=[[The Times of India]] |first1=Bella |last1=Jaisinghani |archive-date=13 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213163919/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Rafi-Madhubala-dont-rest-in-peace-here/articleshow/5558345.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Legacy==
[[File:Mohammed Rafi 2016 stamp of India.jpg|thumb|Rafi on a 2016 stamp of India]]
Rafi's style of singing influenced singers like [[Kavita Krishnamurti]], [[Mahendra Kapoor]], [[Mohammed Aziz]], [[Shabbir Kumar]], [[Udit Narayan]], [[Sonu Nigam]],<ref>[https://archive.today/20130125203840/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Mohammed-Rafi-lives-on/Article1-437996.aspx Mohammed Rafi lives on!] ''Hindustan Times'', 30 July 2009</ref> and [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Rafi, the singer SPB idolised |date=10 Sep 2020 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/rafi-the-singer-spb-idolised/articleshow/78323737.cms |work=India Times |last=Sitapathi |first=Rao |archive-date=4 October 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231004224605/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/rafi-the-singer-spb-idolised/articleshow/78323737.cms?frmapp=yes&from=mdr}}</ref><ref>{{cite video |title=SP Bala Subramanyam Explaining Deewana Hua Badal Song By Mohammed Rafi to Sonu Nigam |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsE5muS7fog |via=YouTube |access-date=20 March 2021 }}</ref> [[Anwar (singer)|Anwar]] also imitated Rafi's voice.
On 22 September 2007, a shrine to Rafi designed by artist Tasawar Bashir was unveiled on Fazeley Street, [[Birmingham]], UK. Bashir is hoping that Rafi will attain sainthood as a result.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ethnicnow.com/channels/arts-culture/press-release/5/1450/mohammed-rafi-sainthood-attempt.html|title=Mohammed Rafi Sainthood Attempt|author=Ethnic Now|work=Ethnic Now|access-date=20 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017134837/http://ethnicnow.com/channels/arts-culture/press-release/5/1450/mohammed-rafi-sainthood-attempt.html|archive-date=17 October 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/2007-30-screens-in-u-k/ |title=A shrine to be built in memory of Mohammed Rafi |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |date=5 January 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091109175732/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2007/04/04/9212/index.html |archive-date=9 November 2009 }}</ref> The Padma Shri Mohammed Rafi Chowk in the [[Bandra]] suburbs of [[Mumbai]] and Pune (extending MG Road) is named after Rafi.<ref name="how_fair_raju6">{{cite web | url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/23sld6.htm | title=How fair were they to Mohammed Rafi?: Page 6 | author=Raju Bharatan | work=[[Rediff.com]] | date=23 August 2006 | access-date=28 April 2007 | archive-date=29 June 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070629171515/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/23sld6.htm | url-status=live }}</ref>
In the summer of 2008, the [[City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra]] released a double CD titled ''Rafi Resurrected,'' comprising 16 songs by Rafi. Bollywood playback singer [[Sonu Nigam]] provided the vocals for this project and toured with the CBSO in July 2008 at venues including the [[English National Opera]] in London, Manchester's [[Apollo Theatre]], and [[Symphony Hall, Birmingham|Symphony Hall]], Birmingham.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cybernoon.com/DisplayArticle.asp?section=fromthepress&subsection=inbombay&xfile=April2007_inbombay_standard12786 |title=Mumbai to Birmingham |date=30 April 2007 |access-date=14 June 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927033111/http://www.cybernoon.com/DisplayArticle.asp?section=fromthepress&subsection=inbombay&xfile=April2007_inbombay_standard12786 |archive-date=27 September 2007 }}</ref>
There have been appeals<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/article38252.ece |title=Forgetting the phenomenal talent of Rafi? |work=The Hindu |___location=Chennai, India |date=24 October 2009 |access-date=21 August 2011 |archive-date=5 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005124249/http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/article38252.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> to the [[Government of India]] to honour the singer, posthumously, with the [[Bharat Ratna]] (India's Highest Civilian Award).
In June 2010, Rafi, along with Mangeshkar, was voted the most popular playback singer in the poll, conducted by ''[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]'' magazine.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/the-most-popular-singers/231652|title=The Most Popular Singers | Outlook India Magazine|website=www.outlookindia.com/|access-date=7 November 2021|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107113701/https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/the-most-popular-singers/231652|url-status=live}}</ref> The same poll voted "Man re, tu kahe na dheer dhare" (''Chitralekha'', 1964), sung by Rafi, as the No. 1 song.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/the-1-song/231649|title=The #1 Song | Outlook India Magazine|website=www.outlookindia.com/|access-date=7 November 2021|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107130719/https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/the-1-song/231649|url-status=live}}</ref> Three songs were tied for the No. 2 spot; two were sung by Rafi. The songs were "Tere mere sapne ab ek rang hain" (''Guide'', 1965) and "Din dhal jaye, hai raat na jaye" (''Guide'', 1965). The jury included people in the Indian music industry.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/20-best-hindi-film-songs-ever/231648|title=20 Best Hindi Film Songs Ever | Outlook India Magazine|website=www.outlookindia.com/|access-date=7 November 2021|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107113701/https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/20-best-hindi-film-songs-ever/231648|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2015, the UK-based newspaper ''[[Eastern Eye]]'' placed Rafi third in their "Greatest 20 Bollywood Playback Singers" list.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.india.com/entertainment/asha-bhosle-named-best-bollywood-playback-singer-436361/|title=Asha Bhosle named best Bollywood playback singer|website=India.com|date=25 June 2015|access-date=20 January 2022|archive-date=21 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221212725/https://www.india.com/entertainment/asha-bhosle-named-best-bollywood-playback-singer-436361/|url-status=live}}</ref>
An official biography was written on Rafi's life by Sujata Dev titled ''Mohammed Rafi – Golden Voice of the Silver Screen'' launched on his 91st birthday.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/music/mohammed-rafis-biography-launched-on-91st-birth-anniversary/|title=Mohammed Rafi's biography launched on 91st birth anniversary|date=25 December 2015|work=The Indian Express|access-date=13 December 2017|archive-date=2 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202070113/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/music/mohammed-rafis-biography-launched-on-91st-birth-anniversary/|url-status=live}}</ref> As well as an award winning documentary titled ''Dastaan-E-Rafi'' directed by Rajni Acharya and Vinay Patel (which took 5 years to make) was released to commemorate his 92nd birthday which was later released on DVD. It featured over 60 interviews of various Bollywood personas and closely recalled his story through his songs and the personal recounts.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1176325|title=Documentary on Mohammed Rafi showcases the singer's life as a family man|last=Gaekwad|first=Manish|date=1 October 2016|work=Images|access-date=13 December 2017|archive-date=14 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214014314/https://images.dawn.com/news/1176325|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.radioandmusic.com/biz/music/labels/national/170731-shemaroo-entertainment-remembers-rafi-saab-on|title=Shemaroo Entertainment remembers Rafi Saab on his death anniversary|access-date=13 December 2017|archive-date=14 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214102945/http://www.radioandmusic.com/biz/music/labels/national/170731-shemaroo-entertainment-remembers-rafi-saab-on|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[Lata Mangeshkar]], his contemporary, has said that "Rafi bhaiya was not only India's greatest playback singer but also a wonderful person" and that "he was one singer whose vocal range could outclass any other singer, whether it was me, Asha, Mannada or Kishore bhaiya".<ref name="thehindu.com"/>
When producer-director Manmohan Desai (who was a big fan of Rafi) and used him in numerous hit films, was asked to describe the voice of Rafi he remarked that "If anyone has the voice of god, it is Mohammed Rafi".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/if-anyone-has-the-voice-of-god-it-is-mohammed-rafi/20151224.htm|title=If anyone has the voice of god, it is Mohammed Rafi|work=Rediff|access-date=12 December 2017|archive-date=6 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206062704/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/if-anyone-has-the-voice-of-god-it-is-mohammed-rafi/20151224.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
Annually his birth and death anniversaries inspire several thousand musical tributes on stage, radio and television.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/rafi-reigns/article19377852.ece|title=Rafi reigns|last=Mahaan|first=Deepak|date=28 July 2017|work=The Hindu|access-date=7 April 2018|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=12 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212093102/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/rafi-reigns/article19377852.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/9000-musical-tributes-commemorations-for-ra/654266/|title=9000 musical tributes, commemorations for Rafi – Indian Express|website=The Indian Express|date=31 July 2010|access-date=7 April 2018|archive-date=26 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426164849/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-others/9000-musical-tributes-commemorations-for-rafi/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Rafi's popularity today spans across the Indian subcontinent, having a reach to Indian communities in Singapore and Malaysia.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/music/mohammed-rafis-tracks-will-be-remembered-for-a-thousand-years-lata/|title=Mohammed Rafi's tracks will be remembered for a thousand years: Lata Mangeshkar|date=24 December 2014|work=The Indian Express|access-date=7 April 2018|archive-date=15 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215135343/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/music/mohammed-rafis-tracks-will-be-remembered-for-a-thousand-years-lata/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Amateur-city-singers-pay-tribute-to-Mohd-Rafi/articleshow/56190649.cms|title=Amateur Nagpur singers pay tribute to Mohd Rafi|work=The Times of India|access-date=7 April 2018|archive-date=7 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407193237/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Amateur-city-singers-pay-tribute-to-Mohd-Rafi/articleshow/56190649.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/community/2011/02/14/hardeep-an-avid-follower-of-legend-mohd-rafi/|title=Hardeep an avid follower of legend Mohd Rafi – Community {{!}} The Star Online|website=The Star|date=14 February 2011 |___location=Malaysia|access-date=7 April 2018|archive-date=7 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407120140/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/community/2011/02/14/hardeep-an-avid-follower-of-legend-mohd-rafi/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Today, Rafi's popular songs continue to be remixed or recreated.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/humour/mocktale/humour-bollywood-movies-without-any-remixed-old-song-will-no-longer-be-allowed-to-release/articleshow/56953633.cms|title=Humour: Bollywood movies without any remixed old song will no longer be allowed to release|work=The Times of India|access-date=13 December 2017|archive-date=27 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227173906/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/humour/mocktale/humour-bollywood-movies-without-any-remixed-old-song-will-no-longer-be-allowed-to-release/articleshow/56953633.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
Rafi's ''Baharon Phool Barsao'' was voted the most popular Hindi song in a BBC Asia Network poll commemorating 100 years of Hindi Cinema.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/vote/top-songs/|title=BBC Asian Network Vote – 100 Greatest Bollywood Songs #Bolly100|publisher=BBC|access-date=23 December 2019|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112025538/http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/vote/top-songs/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In a CNN-IBN survey in 2013, he was voted the greatest voice of Hindi Cinema.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mohammad-rafi-wins-greatest-voice-of-hindi-cinema-poll/414604-8-66.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819021440/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mohammad-rafi-wins-greatest-voice-of-hindi-cinema-poll/414604-8-66.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-08-19|title=Rafi wins Greatest Voice of Hindi Cinema poll|publisher=CNN-IBN}}</ref>
In 2001, Rafi was named as the "best singer of the millennium" by Hero Honda and Stardust magazine.<ref name="auto">{{cite book|author=Sujata Dev|title=Mohammed Rafi Voice of a Nation|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=noAyCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT270|date=1 October 2015|publisher=Om Books International|isbn=978-93-80070-97-1|page=270|access-date=7 February 2018|archive-date=26 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426164857/https://books.google.com/books?id=noAyCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT270|url-status=live}}</ref>
==In popular culture==
* [[Mohammed Rafi Academy]] was launched in Mumbai on 31 July 2010 on the 30th anniversary of the singer's death, started by his son Shahid Rafi to impart training in Indian classical and contemporary music.<ref>[http://www.indianexpress.com/news/9000-musical-tributes-commemorations-for-rafi/654266/0 9000 musical tributes, commemorations for Rafi] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426164854/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-others/9000-musical-tributes-commemorations-for-rafi/ |date=26 April 2023 }}, ''[[The Indian Express]]'', 31 July 2010.</ref><ref>[http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=689046 Rich Tributes Paid to Mohammed Rafi] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101064627/http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=689046 |date=1 November 2013 }}, ''Outlook'', 31 July 2010</ref>
* After his death, numerous [[Bollywood|Hindi movies]] were dedicated to Rafi, including: ''Allah Rakha'', ''Mard'', ''Coolie'', ''Desh-Premee'', ''Naseeb'', ''Aas-Paas'' and ''Heeralal-Pannalal''.<ref name="auto"/>
* A song in the 1990 Hindi film ''Kroadh'' "''Na Fankar Tujhsa"'' picturised on actor Amitabh Bachchan and sung by singer Mohammed Aziz was also dedicated to the memory of Rafi.
* Rafi is one of the recording artists mentioned in the 1997 hit British [[alternative rock]] song "[[Brimful of Asha]]" by [[Cornershop]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Brimful of Asha|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/3c3lCZfmKLYRzd6nb9N91PJ/brimful-of-asha|access-date=15 January 2022|archive-date=15 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115005001/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/3c3lCZfmKLYRzd6nb9N91PJ/brimful-of-asha|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Rafi's song from the film ''[[Gumnaam]]'' (1965), "[[Jaan Pehechan Ho]]", was used on the soundtrack of ''[[Ghost World (film)|Ghost World]]'' (2001). The film opens with the lead character dancing around in her bedroom to a video of ''Gumnaam''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timeout.com/newyork/DetailsAr.do?file=/film/304/304.film.ghost.open.html |title=Teenage wasteland: Adolescent angst takes on new dimensions in the magnificently mundane Ghost World |author=Mike D'Angelo |access-date=28 April 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060804202534/http://www.timeout.com/newyork/DetailsAr.do?file=%2Ffilm%2F304%2F304.film.ghost.open.html |archive-date= 4 August 2006 }}</ref> The song has also been used for [[Heineken]]'s 2011 "The Date" commercial.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www2.journalnow.com/news/2011/oct/08/wsmain02-ask-sam-straight-answers-ar-1477198/|title=Ask Sam: Straight answers|work=[[Winston-Salem Journal]]|date=8 October 2011|access-date=8 October 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103213338/http://www2.journalnow.com/news/2011/oct/08/wsmain02-ask-sam-straight-answers-ar-1477198/|archive-date=3 January 2013}}</ref>
* Rafi was commemorated on his 93rd birth anniversary by Search Engine Google which showed a special doodle on its Indian home page for him on 24 December 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.india.com/buzz/google-doodle-celebrates-mohammed-rafis-93rd-birthday-2789060/|title=Mohammed Rafi Honoured With a Google Doodle on his 93rd Birthday|last=Vandana.Srivastawa|date=24 December 2017|work=India.com|access-date=23 December 2017|archive-date=24 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224101355/http://www.india.com/buzz/google-doodle-celebrates-mohammed-rafis-93rd-birthday-2789060/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* His "Aaj Mausam Bada Beiman Hai" is featured in the 2001 film ''[[Monsoon Wedding]]''. His "Kya Mil Gaya" (''[[Sasural (1961 film)|Sasural]]'', 1961) has been used in ''[[The Guru (2002 film)|The Guru]]'' (2002), where Ramu and Sharonna sing a version of the song. His song "Mera Man Tera Pyasa" (''[[Gambler (film)|Gambler]]'', 1970) has been used as one of the soundtracks in the Jim Carrey-Kate Winslet starrer ''[[Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind]]'' (2004). This song is played in the background in Kate Winslet's character's home while the lead pair are having a drink (at approximately 00.11.14 runtime).{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}
==Personal life==
Rafi married twice; his first marriage was to his cousin, Bashira Bibi, which took place in his ancestral village.<ref>{{cite web|title=Biography of Mohd. Rafi|url=http://chandrakantha.com/biodata/mohd_rafi.html|access-date=8 January 2014|publisher=na|archive-date=2 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902005652/http://chandrakantha.com/biodata/mohd_rafi.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.apnaorg.com/articles/aujla-10/ | title=First Half of the Life of Legendry [sic] Film Singer Mohammad Rafi | publisher=na | access-date=8 January 2014 | archive-date=3 June 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603094053/http://apnaorg.com/articles/aujla-10/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Rediff">{{cite web | url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-rafi-loved-playing-carom-badminton-and-flying-kites/20121224.htm | title=Remembering Rafi: 'There Cannot Be Another' | publisher=Rediff | access-date=10 March 2015 | archive-date=2 April 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402135207/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-rafi-loved-playing-carom-badminton-and-flying-kites/20121224.htm | url-status=live }}</ref> The marriage ended when his first wife refused to live in [[India]] following the killing of her parents during the riots of the [[Partition of India]] and moved to [[Lahore]], [[Pakistan]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Punjab/Chandigarh/Straight-from-the-barber-s-shop/SP-Article1-911804.aspx | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125083005/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Punjab/Chandigarh/Straight-from-the-barber-s-shop/SP-Article1-911804.aspx | url-status=dead | archive-date=25 January 2013 | title=Straight from a barber's shop | work=Hindustan Times | access-date=13 August 2012 }}</ref> His second marriage was to Bilquis Bano.
Rafi had four sons and three daughters; his first son, Saeed, was from his first marriage.<ref name="Rediff" /> Rafi's hobbies included playing [[badminton]], [[carrom]], and flying [[kite]]s.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/if-anyone-has-the-voice-of-god-it-is-mohammed-rafi/20151224.htm|title=If anyone has the voice of god, it is Mohammed Rafi|work=Rediff|access-date=11 December 2017|archive-date=6 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206062704/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/if-anyone-has-the-voice-of-god-it-is-mohammed-rafi/20151224.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> He was a [[Teetotalism|teetotaller]] and abstained from smoking and he stayed away from parties in the industry.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.indiannewslive.com/mohammed-rafi-remained-in-india-even-after-his-wife-left-pakistan-learn-why-they-separated.html | title=Mohammed Rafi remained in India even after his wife left Pakistan. Learn why they separated | date=24 December 2020 | access-date=9 October 2022 | archive-date=9 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009062148/https://www.indiannewslive.com/mohammed-rafi-remained-in-india-even-after-his-wife-left-pakistan-learn-why-they-separated.html | url-status=live }}</ref>
According to ''Mohammed Rafi Voice of a Nation'', a book authorised by Rafi's son Shahid, described him as "a gentle, and calm demeanour persona who remained humble, selfless, ego-less, devoted, God-fearing, and family-loving gentleman in his life." Rafi was noted for not sending anyone he met back empty-handed.<ref name="google2"/> He contributed to the society by helping people through his charity and notable deeds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/88383-remembering-a-legend-mohammad-rafi-on-33rd-death-anniversary|title=Remembering a legend Mohammad Rafi on 33rd death anniversary|website=geo.tv|date=31 July 2013 |access-date=11 December 2017|archive-date=12 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212031700/https://www.geo.tv/latest/88383-remembering-a-legend-mohammad-rafi-on-33rd-death-anniversary|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Awards and recognition==
{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Mohammed Rafi}}
==
* {{Cite book|last=Rafi|first=Yasmin Khalid|title=Mohammed Rafi: My Abba - A Memoir|publisher=[[Westland Books]]|year=2012|isbn=9789381626856}}
* {{Cite book|last1=Rafi|first1=Shahid|title=Mohammed Rafi: Golden Voice of the Silver Screen|last2=Dev|first2=Sujata|publisher=Om Books International|year=2015|isbn=9789380070971}}
==See also==
* [[List of songs recorded by Mohammed Rafi]]
* [[List of Indian playback singers]]
==References==
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Mohammed Rafi}}
* {{IMDb name|0706327}}
{{National Film Award Best Male Playback Singer}}
{{FilmfareAwardBestMaleSinger}}
{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Art}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rafi, Mohammed}}
[[Category:1924 births]]
[[
[[Category:Bollywood playback singers]]
[[Category:Indian Sunni Muslims]]
[[Category:People from Amritsar district]]
[[Category:Indian male playback singers]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts]]
[[Category:Singers from Mumbai]]
[[Category:Konkani-language singers]]
[[Category:Marathi-language singers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian singers]]
[[Category:Indian performers of Islamic music]]
[[Category:Best Male Playback Singer National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards winners]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male singers]]
[[Category:People from Punjab Province (British India)]]
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