Mohammed Rafi: The Fakir-Inspired Voice Who Sang 26,000 Songs, Became Indian Cinema's Soul

• Mohammed Rafi, inspired by a fakir at age 10, became a legendary singer, overcoming initial family resistance to music.
• He sang approximately 26,000 songs in 11 Indian languages, mastering diverse genres from romance to devotion.
• Rafi Sahab's voice, celebrated on his birth anniversary (Dec 24), was known for its magical ability to convey emotion and character.
• He shared a deep bond with Dilip Kumar and humbly guided Saira Banu during a nervous recording for the film Aman.
• His final recording was for the film Aas-Paas; he passed away on July 31, 1980, at 55, with thousands attending his funeral.

Why It Matters: Mohammed Rafi's soulful voice and humble spirit left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.