Timeline

Journey through the remarkable life and career of Mohammed Rafi - from a village boy in Punjab to the golden voice of Indian cinema.

56
Years of Life
36
Years of Career
6
Filmfare Awards
7,400+
Songs Recorded

Life Journey

🌟

Birth

1924(December 24)
Personal

Mohammed Rafi was born in Kotla Sultan Singh, Punjab, British India

🏠

Family Moves to Lahore

1935
Personal

The Rafi family relocated to Lahore where his father ran a barbershop

🎤

First Public Performance

1941
Career

At age 13, performed publicly in Lahore featuring K. L. Saigal

🎬

Professional Debut

1944
Career

Debuted as playback singer in Punjabi film 'Gul Baloch' with 'Goriye Nee, Heeriye Nee'

🚂

Moves to Bombay

1944
Career

Relocated to Mumbai and rented a small room in Bhendi Bazar area

🎭

Hindi Film Debut

1945
Career

Made Hindi film debut in 'Gaon Ki Gori'

🏅

Recognition by Nehru

1948
Recognition

Received silver medal from Jawaharlal Nehru for patriotic song about Mahatma Gandhi

Breakthrough with Baiju Bawra

1952
Career

Songs like 'Man Tarpat Hari Darshan Ko Aaj' established him as leading playback singer

🏆

First Filmfare Award

1960
Recognition

Won Filmfare Award for 'Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho' composed by Ravi

🏆

Second Filmfare Award

1961
Recognition

Won for 'Teri Pyaari Pyaari Surat Ko' from film 'Sasural'

🏆

Third Filmfare Award

1964
Recognition

Won for 'Chahoonga Main Tujhe Saanjh Savere' from 'Dosti'

🏆

Fourth Filmfare Award

1966
Recognition

Won for 'Bahaaron Phool Barsaao' from 'Suraj'

🎖️

Padma Shri Award

1967
Recognition

Honored with India's fourth-highest civilian award by Government of India

🏆

National Film Award & Fifth Filmfare

1968
Recognition

Won National Award for 'Baabul Ki Duaen Leti Jaa' and Filmfare for 'Dil Ke Jharokhe Mein'

⚕️

Throat Infection & Reduced Output

1970s(Early)
Challenge

Suffered from throat infection but still delivered memorable songs

🎵

Comeback with Laila Majnu

1976
Career

Sang all songs for Rishi Kapoor in the blockbuster film

🏆

Sixth Filmfare & National Award

1977
Recognition

Won both awards for 'Kya Hua Tera Wada' from 'Hum Kisise Kum Naheen'

📺

BBC Interview

1977
Career

Gave his last recorded interview to BBC, claiming to have sung 25,000-26,000 songs

😢

Death

1980(July 31)
Personal

Passed away at 10:25 PM following a massive heart attack, aged 55

👑

Best Singer of Millennium

2001
Recognition

Honored posthumously by Hero Honda and Stardust magazine

🗳️

Greatest Voice Poll Winner

2013
Recognition

Voted Greatest Voice of Hindi Cinema in CNN-IBN poll

Career Phases

Early Years (1924-1950)

  • • Born in Punjab
  • • Musical training in Lahore
  • • First performance at 13
  • • Moved to Bombay
  • • Hindi film debut

Golden Era (1950-1970)

  • • Breakthrough with Baiju Bawra
  • • Major collaborations established
  • • Peak creative period
  • • Multiple Filmfare Awards
  • • Padma Shri honor

Later Years (1970-1980)

  • • Health challenges
  • • Successful comeback
  • • Adaptation to new styles
  • • Final masterpieces
  • • Lasting legacy created
"In his 56 years of life, Mohammed Rafi gave the world a treasure trove of music that will echo through eternity"
— A life well-lived through music