Sonu Nigam Talks About Mohd Rafi's Musical Versatility at IFFI: "He Could Sing Bhajans as if He Were Hindu
At the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, Sonu Nigam paid tribute to the legendary singer Mohd Rafi during a special session titled Asmaan Se Aaya Farishta – A Tribute to Mohd Rafi – The King of Melody. In this heartfelt remembrance, Sonu spoke about Rafi’s unparalleled versatility and how he could seamlessly switch between different musical genres, leaving a lasting impact on Indian cinema.
Sonu shared an intriguing anecdote about Rafi's ability to sing Hindu bhajans with such sincerity that it felt as if he were a devout Hindu. He remarked, "When he sings a bhajan, it feels like a true Hindu is singing. But he was a Muslim, a namaazi (prayerful man). How could he undergo such 'dharam parivartan' in his singing?" Sonu expressed his admiration for how Rafi could transform his voice to perfectly suit the spiritual essence of a bhajan, despite his own religious background.
The tribute also highlighted Rafi's extraordinary range, noting that his voice could adapt to a variety of actors, from the dignified Dilip Kumar and the comedic Johnny Walker to the energetic Rishi Kapoor. Sonu reflected on Rafi’s ability to bring life to every song, regardless of the genre or context, calling him the king of melody.
Mohd Rafi's legacy as a versatile and beloved figure in Indian music continues to inspire generations of artists, and Sonu Nigam’s tribute at IFFI was a testament to the lasting impact of Rafi’s musical genius.