Mohd Rafi would undergo ‘dharam parivartan’ when he sang bhajans, says Sonu Nigam: ‘Hain vo musalmaan, namaazi aadmi’

At a recent session in IFFI, Sonu Nigam talked about how Mohammad Rafi used to undergo 'Dharam Parivartan' while singing Hindu bhajans.

Mohammad Rafi was honoured at IFFI, Goa (Photo: Express Archives)

Mohd Rafi, who is one of the most celebrated singers of Indian cinema, was recently remembered at the 55th edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. A session named ‘Asmaan Se Aaya Farishta – A Tribute to Mohd Rafi – The King of Melody’ was held in his memory where Sonu Nigam spoke about the versatility of Mohd Rafi and said that the late singer, who was a Muslim man, would undergo ‘dharam parivartan’ while singing bhajans.

The Sandese Aate Hai singer highlighted how Mohd Rafi was able to sing for every actor during his time. “This person is singing ‘Hum Kaale Hain Toh Kya Hua Dilwaale Hain’, and also singing ‘Sarr Jo Tera Chakraaye Ya Dil Dooba Jaaye’. His voice used to suit Dilip Kumar, Johnny Walker, Mehmood, as well as Rishi Kapoor,” he said.

Further elaborating on his versatile singing, Sonu mentioned, “When he sings bhajan, lagta hai koi pakka Hindu gaa raha hai. Hain vo musalmaan, namaazi aadmi hain. Inka dharam parivartan kaise hojaata hai gayaki mein? (It felt like a Hindu was singing by heart, despite being a muslim. How was he able to change his religion while singing?)”

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He further added, “This is a huge deal, not everyone can do it. I know so many singers who can sing Sufi songs really well, but cannot sing any bhajans. He would sing for Ramzan, Raksha Bandhan, he would sing happy songs, sad songs, even the most famous Happy Birthday song. There is nothing that he hasn’t done. Yeh kaun aadmi hai? (Who is this man?) He was a volcano, who would only used to erupt in the mic.”

For the unknown, Mohd Rafi is remembered for his popular songs like “Main Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata Chala Gaya”, “Kaun Hai Jo Sapno Me Aaya”, “Parda Hai Parda”, “Gulabi Aankhein”, “Kya Se Kya Ho Gaya”, among others.

Mohd Rafi passed away in 1980 at age 55.

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