Mohammed Rafi: Remembering the Melody: Celebrating Mohammed Rafi’s 100th Birthday It’s a special day for music lovers around the world as we celebrate the 100th birthday of the legendary singer, Mohammed Rafi. His son, Shahid Rafi, shared some heartwarming memories of his father, reflecting on his life and legacy. Shahid revealed that his dad wasn’t really into big birthday celebrations. “He used to say, ‘What’s there to celebrate? It’s just another year closer to the end,'” Shahid shared with a chuckle. However, he eventually came around for the sake of his children and would enjoy a simple cake and a meal prepared by his wife. Rafi loved food but wasn’t picky, happily enjoying whatever was put in front of him.
Even though it’s been over four decades since his passing, Rafi’s voice continues to resonate with fans of all ages. “I don’t think any other artist has had so many shows dedicated to them after their death,” Shahid said. “His voice was a gift from God, and it continues to touch hearts.” Today, there are numerous events in Mumbai, including a tribute at Shanmukhananda Hall and a concert at the Nita Ambani Cultural Centre featuring Sonu Nigam. Shahid and his family will be attending the latter. The family is also working on a biopic about Rafi’s life, but it’s still in the early stages. “We’re not making any big announcements today,” Shahid explained. “We’re still figuring out who will play him and who else will be featured.” Despite his fame, Rafi was known for his down-to-earth nature. He preferred spending time with his family over attending Bollywood parties. “He loved playing carrom, badminton, and even flying kites with us,” Shahid reminisced. “Family time was everything to him.” Rafi’s simple tastes extended to his wardrobe. He favored white clothing and was often seen in a safari suit when recording. But his favorite outfit was a simple lungi and kurta, which he wore most days at home.
