Subhash K Jha hums Mohammed Rafi's amazing songs on his 45th death anniversary on July 31.
Mere Sapnon Ki Rani from Shahjehan (1946)
Before the Aradhana song became popular, Mohammed Rafi had sung another version in the 1946 film, Shahjehan.
O Duniya Ke Rakhwale from Baiju Bawra (1952)
Rafi had a range that could accommodate everything from the sublime O Duniya Ke Rakhwale for Bharat Bhushan to the peppy Badan Pe Sitare Lapete Huye for Shammi Kapoor.
Madhuban Mein Radhika from Kohinoor (1960)
This semi-classical song proved that the masses loved raga-based songs if Rafi sang them.
Yahoo... Chahe Koi Mujhe Junglee Kahe from Junglee (1961)
Rafi's voice helped shape Shammi Kapoor's superstardom, and it started with this song.
Yeh Mera Prem Patra from Sangam (1964)
Rafi and Rajendra Kumar reportedly wanted a solo together.
When Raj Kapoor wanted Lata Mangeshkar to be part of this song, Rafi and Rajendra Kumar requested that her portion be kept only in the film.
Baharon Phool Barsao from Suraj(1966)
Rafi ruled the charts throughout the 1960s.
Baharon Phool Barsao topped the Binaca Geetmala list.
Kiss Kiss Kisko Pyar Karoon from Tumse Achcha Kaun Hai (1969)
Rafi became the voice of Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor preferred Mukesh and Dev Anand picked Kishore Kumar.
Tum Bin Jaoon Kahan from Pyar Ka Mausam (1969)
Rafi's version of Tum Bin Jaoon Kahan was overpowered by Kishore Kumar's version although Rafi sang for the hero Shashi Kapoor while Kishore sang for the hero's father Bharat Bhushan.
Doston Mein Koi Baat from Prem Kahani (1975)
Shashi Kapoor hurls barbed accusations at Rajesh Khanna in this song about stab-in-the-back dosti.
Tu Kahin Aas Paas Hai Dost from Aas Paas (1981)
Rafi's final recordings were for Aas Paas, composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal.
He succumbed to a heart attack on July 31, 1980, leaving behind songs that will last all of eternity.