Incidents of Generosity

Incidents of Generosity.

Today, 24th December, is the birth anniversary of well-known playback singer Mohammed Rafi. On this occasion, I am giving two such incidences which show greatness of Mohammed Rafi.

One was told by Amar Haldipur who worked as violinist with every Music Director. His friend Srikant, an aspiring music director wanted to record the first song of his film in Rafi’s voice in the film Sant Ghyaneshwar released in 1981.Therefore, Haldipur called Zaheer, who quoted Rs.10000.00 as Rafi’s remuneration. Amar Haldipur told Zaheer that Music director would not be able to afford this amount, then Zaheer reduced the amount to Rs.8000.00. Srikant’s dream was shattered. Finally when they met Rafi , in soft voice Rafi asked him how much he could afford. With hesitation, Srikant told him that he could afford only Rs.2000.00. without saying anything , Rafi called for harmonium and sat with Srikant for practice. Amar Haldipur could not believe that Rafi was singing only for small amount and could not resist asking him about this. Rafi explained him that he could have sung for free but he did not want Srikant to be obliged to him and Amar Haldipur humbled by his greatness.

From Yogesh Gogwekar

Another incident was magic voice and generosity and song was PHIR WHO BHOOLI SI YAD AYYE HAI. Composer duo Sapan-Jagmohan asked Rafi to sing in their first film Begaana and producer told Rafi that his remuneration would be paid on recording day. On recording day, producer and composer could not arrange the fund and anxiety was written on their face. When Jagmohan told Rafi the reason for their worry, Rafi just smiled and said, HUM GANA RECORD KAREIN.

Thus, Generosity was second nature of Mohammed Rafi.

Mumbai
24/12/2019