Rafi touched hearts, stirred souls

AS a teenager, I was deeply drawn to the soul-stirring voice of Mohammad Rafi. When the news of his death on July 31, 1980, was announced on the radio, tears welled up in my eyes. My mother was taken aback by my emotional reaction, as she hadn’t fathomed the depth of my admiration for Rafi sahib. I felt a profound sense of loss, not having had the chance to meet him in person, but I sought to honour his memory by visiting his ancestral village, Kotla Sultan Singh in Amritsar district, especially on his birth anniversary, December 24. This year marks his birth centenary, a fitting occasion to reflect on his legacy.

As a young fan, I often sang the songs Rafi had immortalised. His voice was my inspiration. Later in life, I decided to take singing lessons, hoping to improve my vocal abilities. My mentor, a seasoned musician, advised me that to sing like Rafi, one had to commit oneself to hard work and continuous effort. What set Rafi apart was not just his technical brilliance but also his versatility. His ability to sing effortlessly across all three octaves, with a richness and clarity that seemed almost divine, was unmatched. His voice resonated with a celestial quality, as if it could carry the listener to a higher plane. It was often said that Rafi’s songs were not meant to be heard, but to be felt — a truth I went on to understand.

My mentor went on to explain that to sing soulfully, one’s approach to life must change. At first, I didn’t quite grasp what he meant, so I asked him to elaborate. He explained that while regular practice or ‘riyaaz’ would enhance my technical skills and vocal range, true soulfulness could only come from the purity of the heart. A singer’s inner state of being directly affects the quality of his/her voice. He advised me to cultivate kindness, positivity and a calm demeanour. “Never raise your voice in anger or speak harshly,” he cautioned. “Think good thoughts about others, and sweetness will emerge in your voice.”

Initially, I didn’t fully understand the connection between a singer’s character and voice, but I soon realised that Rafi embodied all these virtues. He was known for his humility, gentleness and generosity. There was not a single photograph or account I encountered where he appeared tense or angry. His smile seemed to be a reflection of the peace within him.

This revelation marked a turning point in my life. I began to adopt some of Rafi’s qualities — softening my aggressive tendencies, trying to stay calm and taking life as it comes. I focused on doing good to others, and over time, I noticed changes in myself. The melody may still be absent from my voice, but my soul has become more harmonious, aligned with the divinity that Rafi’s voice once touched.

I am deeply grateful to Rafi sahib for not only enriching the world with his unparalleled voice but also for inspiring a transformation in me, one that transcends music and touches the very core of human existence.