When Amitabh Bachchan reported red-eyed to sing a song with Mohammad Rafi, said he hadn’t slept a wink

Mohammad Rafi and Amitabh Bachchan had mutual love and respect for each other, and thus their excitement knew no bounds when they sang together in Naseeb.

By: Entertainment Desk

Mumbai | Updated: July 31, 2023 03:06 PM IST

4 min read

Mohd Rafi and Amitabh Bachchan sang together in Naseeb. (Photo: Moses Sapir, Amitabh Bachchan/Twitter, Express Archive)

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Today marks the 43rd death anniversary of Mohammad Rafi, one of the greatest names in the world of film music. Born in Punjab, he learnt classical music from Ustad Abdul Wahid Khan, Pandit Jiwan Lal Mattoo and Firoze Nizami, and made his first public performance at the age of 13. After singing for All India Radio for sometime, he made his Hindi film debut with Gaon Ki Gori in 1945. Every singer, who has shared the podium with him, has called themselves lucky. It thus comes as no surprise that Amitabh Bachchan had a sleepless night before he was to sing with Mohammad Rafi.

As per a report by GeoTV, Amitabh and Rafi had to sing together for a song in Naseeb. While the veteran actor was singing for himself, Rafi was to playback for the much younger Rishi Kapoor. A day before the recording, the music director told Big B to be on time as the legendary singer is always punctual.

Bachchan reached the studio at the same time as Mohammad Rafi, and unlike his ‘angry young man’ avatar, he had red-rimmed eyes and was nervous. When asked about the same, he told the singer that he has been listening to his songs since he was ten. “Today when I have got the opportunity to sing with you, I have not been able to sleep the entire night,” the report quoted.

Also Read | When Amitabh Bachchan went on a breakneck chase to stop Mohammed Rafi’s plane from taking off, pleaded ‘with folded hands’

The love between them seemed to be mutual as Mohammad Rafi too was excited about singing with Amitabh Bachchan. His youngest son Shahid Mohammad Rafi, in an earlier interview with the Indian Express, spoke about how the singer forgot about his own stature and was fanboying after working with Bachchan.

“I remember this one moment of him. I am talking about his modesty. There was a song from Naseeb called Chal Mere Bhai Tere Hath Jodta Hoon that he had sung the song with Amitabh Bachchan. At that time, there was a huge craze for Amitabh Bachchan and also the world knew about Rafi saab and their singing. And when he recorded that song, he was so excited at that time that he came home and called out his kids and said come here come here. Did you know with whom I recorded a song today? And then with all his excitement, he told us that Aaj maine Amitabh Bachchan ke sath gana gaya hai (Today I sang with Amitabh Bachchan). Look at his modesty. He forgot that he himself is such a big singer and got excited that I have sung a song with a big superstar today. That was his modesty, his humility, his down-to-earth nature. He was a great personality, a great father,” Shahid shared.

Also Read | When Kishore Kumar’s rise made Mohd Rafi ask ‘Have I become a bad singer?’

In 2012, Amitabh Bachchan fondly remembered Mohammad Rafi by sharing a piece on his blog. He wrote, “I am reminded today of the death anniversary of Mohammed Rafi Saheb and to reminisce on his association. What can one possibly say on one that possessed perfection. His voice gave voice to many, to build their character and position,”

Bachchan also said it is the playback singers who provide stature to the actor in Indian cinema. “I attended his funeral when he passed away. His burial was done at a burial ground next to a mosque close to where I reside. Often I pass along the road that clings to its walls. There are many others of my knowing that reside there beneath the earth, in peace and rest, and a gentle prayer moves my lips,” an excerpt from the blog read.

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