A melancholic evening saw two adolescent figures sitting by the parapet, listening intently to the hymn of a Pir Baba. One of them, blessed with the angelic voice repeated it with the same earnest devotion. In that exact moment the Pir prophesied, “My Child, one day the world will know your name!”, that boy was Mohammed Rafi and he is known as the Voice of India. With a career spanning across three decades with over 26,000 songs, Mohammad Rafi’s music still stands unmatched.
Zee Classic, with its brand promise of Woh Zamana Kare Deewana, proudly celebrates his 92nd birthday with an exclusive special feature, ‘Dastaan-E-Rafi’ a lifeography on Saturday, 24th December at 10 AM.
Directed by two Rafi aficionados, Rajani Acharya and Vinay Patel, ‘Dastaan-E-Rafi’ is a music connoisseur’s treasure that chronicles the extraordinary journey of an extraordinary man- Mohammad Rafi. An exhaustive feature, it encompasses the life of legendary singer through the eyes of his family, friends, commoners sharing their life altering experiences, his soulful renditions and unheard stories.
One of the highlights from the feature narrated by Shammi Kapoor showcases the love Rafi Saab had for him. He firmly believes that Rafi Saab’s quirky and naughty side was reserved only for him (Shammiji). “An incident I remember is when I heard the song ‘Aasman Se Aaya Farishta’ I was stunned to hear the styles and techniques he incorporated into that track. Flabbergasted, I asked how could he exactly capture the emotions and nuances, I would exhibit in this song on screen? Rafi Saab told me, that the moment I knew the song was picturized on you (Shammiji), all I had to do was to bring out the same enthusiasm.”
Zee Hindi Movies Cluster, Business Head, Mr. Ruchir Tiwari said, “Post the incredible response received for ‘Timeless Asha’, ‘RD Nights’ and ‘The Golden Years’, Dastaan’E-Rafi’ is our another offering to the loyal viewers of Zee Classic. Mohammed Rafi has been an integral part of our lives and he will continue to rule our hearts with his soulful melodies. With over 60 stalwarts from Hindi film industry professing their admiration for the immortal singer, this feature was shot over the span of five years across the Indian subcontinent and will take viewers on a melodious musical journey.”
The recent generation of singers including Sonu Nigam, Kailash Kher, Bappi Lahiri, Adnan Sami and more emerged as his biggest fans. The feature beautifully showcases how they feel Rafi’s passionate music transcends time, generations and still continues to entertain even today. Singer Sonu Nigam said, “Mohammad Rafi to me is and always has been my love.”
On the making of this feature, director Rajani Acharya commented, “Only Decision, Dedication, Devotion, Determination lead to Destination has help us to make LifeOgraphy film Dastaan-E-Rafi on Late Mohammed Rafi. I am thankful to Zee Classic for giving our film the platform it deserves.”
Tune-in to experience the lifeography of Mohammad Rafi in ‘Dastaan-E-Rafi’ on Zee Classic on Saturday, 24th December at 10 AM