Mumbai, September 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Singer Sonu Nigam, legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and music composer Salim Merchant recently visited Rafi Mansion in Mumbai, the former residence of legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi, taking a nostalgic journey through the musical icon’s personal and professional legacy.
Sonu Nigam, who has often spoken about his admiration for Rafi, was seen playing the legendary singer’s personal harmonium during the visit. He also performed the evergreen song ‘Deewana Hua Badal’ on the instrument. Originally sung by Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle for the 1964 film ‘Kashmir Ki Kali’, the song was composed by O.P. Nayyar.
Tendulkar stood beside Sonu and listened to the performance, while Salim Merchant was also present during the musical tribute. Sonu later shared glimpses of the visit on social media, describing it as “Our musical pilgrimage at Rafi mansion!”
The trio also met Mohammed Rafi’s son Shahid Rafi, who has continued to preserve and celebrate his father’s musical heritage. The youngest of Rafi’s seven children, Shahid is himself a singer and has frequently spoken about his father’s life and music.
A section of the Bandra mansion has been preserved as a museum showcasing several of Rafi’s personal belongings, including his harmonium, tanpura, crockery, photographs, awards and his old landline telephone. The collection also includes the glass he used for his favourite cold drink, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into the singer’s everyday life.
Among the memorabilia preserved at the museum is the Padma Shri awarded to Rafi by the Government of India in 1967. He also received the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer in 1977 for ‘Kya Hua Tera Wada’ from ‘Hum Kisise Kum Naheen’.
Rafi, whose career spanned more than three decades, recorded thousands of songs in Hindi and several other Indian languages. His enduring classics include ‘Bahaaron Phool Barsaao’, ‘Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe’, ‘Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho’, ‘Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar’, ‘Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil’, ‘Pardah Hai Pardah’ and ‘Aaj Mausam Bada Beimaan Hai’.
Mohammed Rafi passed away on July 31, 1980, but his music and personal legacy continue to inspire generations of artistes and music lovers.
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