Can you guess who was the greatest Bollywood singer who was abandoned by his wife, was paid only Rs 75 initially, and later became a legend? Find his name inside.
Published: September 5, 2025 8:22 PM IST
In the glitzy and glamorous world of Bollywood, many people come and go. But there are a few rare gems who do not impress the audience with their art, but they win hearts and attain massive stardom. One such similar story is of a legendary playback singer, Mohammed Rafi. He has not only given the audience countless timeless songs that still echo in the hearts of the audience today, but his voice has also defined generations of Hindi cinema. But behind his impressive tale is his story of a boy who came from a small village near Amritsar.
Mohammed Rafi: A Legend
Born in 1924, Rafi first drew towards singing when he was influenced by a travelling fakir who sang in his village. As a kid, Rafi would follow him around, as he was intrigued by his simple string instrument and soulful voice. When the fakir learnt about Rafi’s fascination with singing, he asked him to sing. He was impressed by his soulful voice and blessed him. After this, Rafi became even more passionate about singing; however, his father strictly disapproved of singing for him as a career, dismissing it as the work of “marasiyas” (professional singers at social functions). But his grandmother encouraged him and even assured him to go and excel, and she would take care of the criticism. Eventually, his father also got convinced after hearing Rafi’s voice in a Punjabi film, remarking, “Sangeet ki jeet hui hai” (In the end, music won).
Mohammed Rafi’s Early Life and More
Rafi spent his childhood in Lahore, where his family lived when he was still very young. His father opened a barbershop there, and Rafi even trimmed hair and beards as a teenager. However, destiny had other plans. He gave many unforgettable songs to the world, but his breakthrough moment came when the great K. L. Saigal’s microphone failed at a concert in Lahore. At just 15, Rafi was asked to keep the audience entertained until the issue was fixed. Saigal was so impressed that he blessed the boy, predicting he would become a sought-after singer.
Although Rafi’s father was initially reluctant for him to join the music industry, his elder brother convinced the family to let him go to Mumbai. He also received training in classical music under Ustad Abdul Waheed Khan of the Kirana gharana. Speaking of his personal life, his journey wasn’t easy. His first wife, Bashira, refused to move to India after Partition, leading to their separation. Yet, his dedication never wavered.
Mohammed Rafi’s Legacy
There was a point when Rafi was paid only Rs 75 in his initial days; however, later on, he went on to become the voice behind hundreds of evergreen songs. Mohammed Rafi was not just a singer; he was a legend, a phenomenon who even received the Padma Shree and left behind a legacy that still resonates with the audience today.
Story Highlights:
- Rafi first drew towards singing when he was influenced by a travelling fakir who sang in his village.
- Mohammed Rafi’s father was reluctant about his music career.
- Rafi even trimmed hair and beards as a teenager.
- There was a point when Rafi was paid only Rs 75 in his initial days; however, later on, he went on to become the voice behind hundreds of evergreen songs.
