The name is Mohammed Rafi. Rafi Sahab won the hearts of millions across the world purely through his singing. But do you actually know how the owner of this silky voice was in everyday life? As big of an artist as he was, he was an even bigger human being. Let us dive into some well-known facts, some lesser-known moments, his personal life and those evergreen tracks that still make time stand still whenever they play.

The Little Fiko Who Chased a Street Fakir

Mohammed Rafi was born in the quiet village of Kotla Sultan Singh in Punjab. Back in his childhood days, his family affectionately called him Fiko. Right from his early childhood, Fiko had a very deep connection with music. Everyday, a fakir used to come to his village, walking through the lanes and singing to earn his living. Little Fiko became completely obsessed with that fakir's voice.

The moment the fakir's vocals echoed in the street, Fiko would run straight out of his house and follow him for miles while trying to sing along. Once he went so far following the fakir that he got completely lost. There was panic back at home, and eventually the local police had to search for him and bring him back safely. (Unknown facts about Mohammed Rafi)

Rafi Sahab did not get his very first music lessons from any grand classical master, but rather by simply listening to that unknown street fakir. Later on, his family shifted to Lahore, where he kept singing while helping at his brother-in-law's haircutting shop.

The Power Went Out and Destiny Unexpectedly Shone

The story of how Rafi Sahab actually became a mainstream singer feels almost like a movie script. At just 13 years of age , he went to watch a music program in Lahore. The biggest superstar singer of that time, KL Saigal, was supposed to perform there. But right before the programme started , the electricity went out at the venue and the loudspeaker system broke down completely.

Saigal Sahab flatly refused to sing without a proper microphone setup. The crowd got angry, and total chaos broke out at the venue.

Seeing the tense situation, Rafi Sahab's elder brother requested the event organizers to give his younger brother a chance to sing on stage. The 13-year-old Rafi stepped up on stage and sang so melodiously without any microphone that the entire angry crowd went completely silent. Music director Shyam Sundar was sitting right there in the audience. He was so deeply impressed by the young boy's voice that he invited Rafi Sahab to come to Mumbai, which was then known as Bombay. (Mohammed Rafi struggle and success journey)

Personal Life: Absolute Simplicity, Family, and Love for Flying Kites

Despite living right in the midst of the glitz and glamour of the film industry, Rafi Sahab remained an exceptionally simple and family-oriented person. He was married twice. His first marriage was to his cousin Bashiran Begum. This was back during the painful time of the Partition of India. When Rafi Sahab was moving permanently to India with his family, his first wife refused to shift to India. Because of this, both of them separated. (Mohammed Rafi personal life details)

Rafi Sahab came to India with his family. After a few years, he married Bilkis Bano. Over time, they were blessed with four sons—Saeed, Khalid, Hamid, and Shahid—and three daughters—Parveen, Nasreen, and Yasmeen.

Rafi Sahab was a total homebody. The moment his recording work ended, he would head straight back to his home. He had zero interest in attending Bollywood parties or drinking alcohol. At home, he spent time playing carrom or badminton with his kids, and he had a huge passion for flying kites. He would spend hours on his rooftop flying kites. Whenever someone cut his kite string , or when he managed to cut someone else's kite, he would get as excited or upset as a little kid.

No Money, Yet Always Helping Others

He had to struggle a lot to earn his daily bread in the early phase. Coming to Mumbai meant very tough initial days for him. Rafi Sahab did not have a proper place to stay and relied heavily on local trains for daily travel. But as soon as success finally came his way, his heart only grew bigger. He never ran after money. Instead, success naturally kept running after him.

Once, music composer Nisar Bazmi did not have enough funds to pay his recording fees. Rafi Sahab understood his helpless situation and recorded the entire song by charging a fee of just one single rupee. Not just that, whenever a new or poor film producer came to him, Rafi Sahab would reach into his own pocket and give them financial help so their film project could get made. He would tell them to return the money later, knowing fully well in his mind that the money would never come back. He simply did not want to break anyone's hopes.

The Hidden Secret of His Anonymous Charity Revealed After Death

The biggest proof of Rafi Sahab's generosity was unveiled after he passed away. Every single month, he used to send money orders through the post office to several poor families, widows and children's institutions. The most surprising part was that his name was never written or mentioned on those money orders. Nobody had the slightest clue about this while he was alive, as he strictly believed in anonymous charity.

When Rafi Sahab left this world on July 31, 1980, the monthly money orders failed to reach those poor households the following month. When those worried people went to the post office to check what happened, the secret was finally out that their hidden helper was none other than Mohammed Rafi himself. He had never blown his own trumpet about his good deeds during his lifetime.

Singing a Track for Kishore Kumar

In Bollywood, people usually hear endless stories about jealousy and harsh rivalry between big stars, but the bond between Rafi Sahab and Kishore Kumar was remarkably beautiful. Both held immense respect for each other. There was a song to be recorded for the film 'Shararat' that was supposed to be picturized on Kishore Kumar.

However, Kishore Da himself told the music director that only Rafi Sahab could do true justice to that specific song. Without a single second of hesitation, Rafi Sahab lent his voice for his fellow artist Kishore Kumar. There was no jealousy or toxic competition between them, only pure love for music.

Evergreen Hits of Rafi Sahab That Live On

Rafi Sahab sang songs for every imaginable mood, whether it was patriotic tracks, soulful romance, or deep heartbreaking numbers. Here are some of his iconic tracks:

Romantic songs: 'Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho Ya Aaftab Ho', 'Teri Pyari Pyari Surat Ko', 'Tumsa Nahi Dekha'.

Sad and soulful numbers: 'Din Dhal Jaaye Haye Raat Na Jaaye', 'Toote Hue Khwabone', 'O Duniya Ke Rakhwale', 'Man Tadpat Hari Darshan'.

Upbeat and fun tracks: 'Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe', 'Baar Baar Dekho Hazaar Baar Dekho'.

Patriotic and emotional songs: 'Kar Chale Hum Fida Jaan-O-Tan Saathiyon', 'Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaaye To Kya Hai'.

The Final Wish and That Last Recording

It almost felt like Rafi Sahab had a silent realization about his departure ahead of time. Just a day before he passed away, on July 30, 1980, he was recording a track for the movie 'Aas Paas' titled 'Tere Aane Ki Aas Hai Dost'. Right after completing the recording session, he turned to music directors Laxmikant-Pyarelal and said, " I am taking your leave now, I am going."

Normally, he never used to say things like that after work. That very night, he suffered a severe heart attack.

When his funeral procession took place on July 31, heavy rains poured over Mumbai. It literally looked as if the sky was weeping too. The crowd was so massive that roads got completely jammed. Over ten thousand people walked along, including the rich, the poor, common fans, big film stars, and people across all religions.

Mohammed Rafi may have left us physically, but his voice remains immortal, and his pure heart continues to inspire people even today. A singer and a human being like Rafi Sahab is born only once in centuries.

FAQs

1. What was Mohammed Rafi's childhood like?

Mohammed Rafi had a deep connection with music from a very young age. His childhood nickname was Fiko, and he became fascinated by the voice of a fakir who used to sing in his village. He learned his earliest musical inspiration by following and imitating that singer.

2. How did Mohammed Rafi get his first major opportunity in music?

Mohammed Rafi got his first big opportunity when he was just 13 years old. During a music program in Lahore, a power failure stopped the main performance, and Rafi was given a chance to sing without a microphone. His voice impressed music director Shyam Sundar, who later invited him to Mumbai.

3. What kind of person was Mohammed Rafi in his personal life?

Mohammed Rafi was known as a simple, humble, and family-oriented person. Despite achieving massive fame, he preferred spending time with his family, playing games with his children, and enjoying activities like kite flying instead of attending parties.

4. Why is Mohammed Rafi remembered for his kindness and generosity?

Mohammed Rafi was famous for his generous nature. He helped struggling artists, supported filmmakers who needed financial assistance, and secretly donated money to poor families without seeking recognition or publicity.

5. Which are some of Mohammed Rafi's most memorable songs?

Some of Mohammed Rafi's most iconic songs include 'Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho,' 'Teri Pyari Pyari Surat Ko,' 'Din Dhal Jaaye,' 'Kar Chale Hum Fida,' 'Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe,' and 'O Duniya Ke Rakhwale.' These songs continue to remain timeless classics.

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