Rafi: A Heavenly Voice

Although Muhammad Rafi sahib passed away on 31 July 1980, he remains my favourite singer to this day.

Three hours before a fatal heart attack, he sang a very sad song, ‘Tu Kahin Aas Paas Hay Dost’ composed by Laxmikant Pyarelel for the film ‘Aas paas’. As the session ended, Rafi sahib said, “Mein chalooN?” and again before leaving, “To mein chalta hooN”. The composer was taken aback hearing what the singer was never known to say. To me, Rafi sahib’s last words clearly show that the elusive friend he spoke of being around him was none other than the angel of death.

It poured heavily on that sad monsoon afternoon, the heavens wept for this gentle soul, but the tears of the thousands of admirers following his funeral procession outnumbered the raindrops that fell to the ground.

Twenty-nine years ago, the legend breathed his last but his voice still lives on in the memory of his admirers.

We will return later with more details about Rafi sahib’s life and music. For now, we will limit ourselves to listening to two very moving songs that appeared on Doordarshan television. With a huge orchestra conducted by Rafi sahib’s greatest supporter and legendary composer, Naushad sahib, the songs sound ageless even in these transitory times.

Until recently, I had never seen Rafi sahib sing. Seeing these two songs on YouTube left me spellbound because my years of involvement with music taught me one thing; it is extremely rare to find a singer so in control of his voice, perfect in delivering each word, filled with feeling, and who displayed not a wrinkle on the forehead while reaching for the highest musical notes.

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Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki
Film: Dulari (1949)

Meri Kahani Bhoolnay Walay
Film: Deedar (1951)