Remembering Mohammad Rafi Sahab - Some of his Greatest Hits

New Delhi: Mohammad Rafi sahab, who was an iconic singer of the Hindi film industry, died of a heart attack on July 31, 1980. He contributed almost an entire ocean of super- hits songs to the Hindi Film Industry, and his voice was a perfect match to every actor of his time. 

Born on December 24, 1924, Rafi straddled like a colossus over the Hindi film industry with his singing ability, moulding his voice to suit the on-screen actor.

Over the years, he displayed an astounding range of singing styles ranging from Indian classical, commercial numbers, pop, ghazals, qawwali and disco and was reputed to have recorded over 7,000 songs.

He could sing effortlessly in Hindi, Urdu, Assamese, Bhojpuri, Konkani, Odia, Bengali, Marathi, Sindhi, Gujarati, Kannada, Telugu, Magadhi, Maithili and foreign languages like English, Arabic, Sinhalese, Creole, Dutch and Farsi.

Considered a veritable foundation of film industry music with other greats like the late Kishore Kumar and the late Mukesh, along with Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosale, Rafi's voice reigned over Bollywood for a large part of his 36-year career which started in 1944.

He was showered with awards and honours including a Silver Medal from the late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on the first anniversary of India's Independence Day, Padma Shri in 1967, National Award in 1977 for the song 'Kya Hua Tera Wada' (Hum Kissise Kum Nahin) and six Filmfare Awards among others.

He is truly an inspiration for all generations and it is quite a difficult task to select a few of his hit numbers.

However, remembering him today on his death anniversary, here are some of his most celebrated songs:

Likhe Jo Khatt Tujhe

'Likhe jo khat tujhe
woh teri yaad mein
hazaaron rang ke
nazaare ban gaye
sawera jab huya
to phool ban gaye
jo raat aayi to
sitaare ban gaye'

One of the most romantic songs of all times, this soulful song captures the essence of witing for true love in its purest form. But this wasn't the only time Raji Sahab's lyrics made our eyes water. The song is from the movie 'Kanyadaan' which released in the year 1968.

Baharon Phool Barsao

'Bahaaron ful barasaao, mera mehabub aya hai
Hawaaon raagini gaao, mera mehabub aya hai
O laali ful ki mehndi laga in gore haathon men 
Utar a ai ghata kaajal laga in pyaari ankhon men 
Sitaaron maang bhar jaao, mera mehabub aya hai'

Still played in weddings today, the song is an evergreen celebration of love, and the holy bond of marriage. This song is from the classic Bollywood film, 'Suraj', released in the year 1966.

Kya Hua Tera Vaada

'Kya hua tera vaada woh kasam woh irada
Kya hua tera vaada woh kasam woh irada
Bhoolega dil jis din tumhein
Woh din zindagi ka aakhiri din hoga
Kya hua tera vaada woh kasam woh irada'

This is one of those songs you play when you're missing or thinking about a long lost love. Apart from its beautiful lyrics, the song has been sung in utmost passion by Rafi Sahab which is still a treat to the ears- whenever played. The track is from the movie 'Hum Kise Se Kam Nahi' which was released in the year 1977.

Gulabi Aankhein Jo

'Gulaabi Aankhen Jo Teri Dekhi
Sharaabi Yeh Dil Ho Gaya
Sambhaalo Mujhko O Mere Yaaron
Sambhalna Mushkil Ho Gaya'

Still used by boys to woo their love and played in almost every Bollywood  cocnert, this song is still trending. There is a remake of the song in the movie 'Student of the Year', but the old one continues to dwell in each heart. This epic song is from the movie 'Train', released in the year 1970.

Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko

'Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko
Nazar Nahin Churaana Sanam
Badalke Meri Tum Zindagaani
Kahin Badal Na Jaana Sanam
Oh, Le Liya Dil, Oh Haai Mera Dil
Haai Dil Lekar Mujhko Na Behlaana'

Nothing is better than the feeling you get from a new- found love. This song is all about the bliss that love brings along with a few insecurities. Rafi sahab has done justice to the lyrics, as always, in this classic romantic number. The song is from the movie 'Yaadon Ki Baarat' released in the year 1973. The renowned singer Asha Bhosle is Rafi Sahab's co- singer in this track.
Feeling the love in the air already? Believe us, we do too!

(With IANS inputs)