Music 'n' Masti - Rafi Special

On the death anniversary weekend of the musical legend of yesteryear, Mohammed Rafi, we at Bolly Curry, as a tribute to his genius, and his numerous immortal contributions to Bollywood, bring our readers this list of our select favorites!



Year: 1955
Film: Shree 420
Song: Ramaiya Vasta Vaiya
Music: Shankar Jaikishan
Ramiya vasta waiya has lived a successful span of over half a cantury, enjoyed immense fanship, and for what reasons not! It is one song that you can't get enough of. Needless saying, Mohammad Rafi has outdone himself with such a powerful voice at his then extremely young age. The lyrics are profound, and it is hard to miss the power of its melancholy.


Year: 1961
Film: Junglee
Song: Ehsaan tera hoga
Music: Shankar
While the most popular track from this movie album remains the title song itself, this one is a die hard romantic's choice! Mohammad Rafi manages to convince the listener of being actor Shammi Kapoor's voice itself! The urging lyrics of love are divine and representative of the deep emotion.


Year: 1962
Film: China Town
Song: Baar Baar Dekho
Music: Ravi
If Rafi has implied only depth and solemnity to you, here's the exception that makes you think again! A pacey track with fun lyrics.


Year: 1963
Film: Mere Mehboob
Song: Mere Mehboob mujhe
Music: Naushad
Naushad's composition and Mohd. Rafi's vocals have a powerful impact. Mere Mehboob Tujhe gets the malleable and soulful vocal to connect with you.


Year: 1965
Film: Mere Sanam
Song: Pukarta chala hu main
Music: O. P. Nayyar
Another remarkable song composed by O.P.Nayyar befitting Rafi saab's versatile vocals. A cheerful romantic track.


Year: 1967:
Film: Paththar Ke Sanam
Song: Paththar ki sanam
Music: Laxmikan Pyarelal
Paththar Ke Sanam is yet another of Rafi's pieces that is themewise grave and lost-lost.As always, the legendary singer does justice with his notes seeming as if of the actor himself, and the emotion in his voice concurrent with the mood.


Year: 1969
Film: Prince
Song: Badan Pe Sitare
Music: Shankar Jaikishan
Badan Pe Sitare is a fun filled track picturing Shammi Kapoor, and Mohd. Rafi goes on to establish himself as suited to any actor, any theme, any kind of music! The teasing note of the song is as well portrayed as the solemn ones in many of his other songs.


Year: 1970
Film: Heer Ranjha
Song: Ye duniya ye mehfil
Music: Madan Moham
A disheartening song by Rafi leaves you feeling the listlessness of the character as if it were real. Rafi saab's painful voice brings tears in the eyes. A truly beautiful song defining the journey of life.


Year: 1977
Film: Hum Kisise Kam Nahin
Song: Kya huwa tera vada
Music: R D Barman
Kya Huwa Tera vaada is a beautiful sad melody, by Mohammad Rafi. A typical retro track from the 70's that lives on today even amidst generations who were born much later. Situational in a way that many may admit finding a piece of their own lives in it! Mohammad Rafi, is just the man to have delivered such perfection.


Year: 1980
Film: Karz
Song: Dard-e-dil Dard-e-jigar
Music: Lazmikant Pyarelal
Among the last of Rafi saab's long time contributions, before his soon after death. His voice, as the character of the song, is mischievousness, but persevering, loving and affectionate, even cajoling. Another romantic track which one can't dismiss as just another.



My holiday shall be
That they remember me;
My paradise, the fame
That they pronounce my name...


... are words hugely deserving of Mohamed Rafi's legend and genius. We hope to have brought our readers many wonderful memories associated with the never-die tunes of Rafi saab!

AUTHOR: Zoah R.