On his 98th birth anniversary, legendry playback singer and the melody king, Mohammad Rafi was today remembered by his fans and artists of Cultural Unit Kashmir at Pandit Bhajan Sopori Auditorium of Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) Srinagar.
The program titled 'Rafi ki yaad mein' was organised by Cultural Unit Kashmir, during which the artistes, singers and music composers of Kashmir paid glowing tributes to the legendry singer.
The participants including budding and senior singers sang Muhammad Rafi's favourites on the occasion. Former station director AIR Srinagar, Syed Humayu Qaiser shared some of his personal experiences while he met Mohammad Rafi and watched his live concert some decades back.
He said the melodious voice of Rafi had become the identity of the most of the yesteryear Bollywood icons adding that it was the voice of Rafi that made many yesteryear actors as stars.
Senior broadcaster, poet and AIR Srinagar officer Ghulam Rasool Akhoon highlighted some interesting dimensions of the late legendry Bollywood singer. Akhoon said the songs sung by Rafi Sahab will keep him alive always in the hearts of all music lovers in Kashmir and elsewhere.
The singers who sang melodious songs of Muhammad Rafi include M. Shafi Malik, Bilal Shah Jahan, Shiekh Mushtaq, Suhail Mohi-ud-Din, Jameela Rashid, Waseem Raja, Farooq Ahmad, Shabir Ahmad, Dilbir Singh, Zahid, Sarwar and Basit.
AE&CO Cultural Unit, Syed Shakeel Shan while conducting the proceedings said that the Indian melody King Mohammad Rafi has been an inspiration to scores of singers across the country. There are thousands of old and young people in Kashmir who are crazy about Rafi's divine voice, Shan added.
Cultural Officer Kashmir, Burhan Hussain appreciated and encouraged the participating artists for showing their immense love and respect for Mohammad Rafi. He further said that such musical tributes will keep Rafi alive in the hearts of all the people and his fans in particular.
Besides, noted Singer Waheed Jeelani, Punjabi pop star King Paul Singh, the function was attended by the prominent singers, music lovers, fans of Rafi, college students, faculty members and officers of the Information Department. All the participating singers and speakers were honoured with mementos and certificates.