Sonu Nigam: Mohammed Rafi made me who I am today

IANS May 19, 2025 445 views

Sonu Nigam recently hosted a remarkable musical tribute to his legendary guru Mohammed Rafi, performing a stunning repertoire of classic songs. The concert, titled "Sau Saal Pehle 2.0", featured iconic tracks that showcased Rafi's timeless musical legacy. Emotional moments included inviting Rafi and Mustafa Khan's children on stage, creating a deeply personal celebration. The performance not only honored Rafi's musical genius but also demonstrated Sonu's profound respect and gratitude towards his musical inspiration.

"Mohammed Rafi sahab was my first guru. And I am so grateful..." - Sonu Nigam
Sonu Nigam: Mohammed Rafi made me who I am today
Mumbai, May 19: Sonu Nigam paid tribute to Mohammed Rafi with “Sau Saal Pehle 2.0 – Ek Baar Phir Se.” The renowned singer called the late legend his guru and credited him for who he is today.

Key Points

1

Sonu performs Mohammed Rafi's classic songs with live orchestra

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Emotional tribute includes unplugged section of timeless melodies

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Children of Rafi and Mustafa Khan join stage celebration

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Concert organized by NR Talent & Event Management

Speaking at the show, Sonu said, “Mohammed Rafi sahab was my first guru. And I am so grateful to the Almighty and my parents for giving me an opportunity to learn from my musical father. It was my father who introduced me to Rafi Sahab's music, and it was Rafi Sahab who made me who I am today…”

“Rafi Sahab ki wajah se main hoon, mera wajood hai (Because of Rafi Sahab, I exist; I have an identity). Hence, this concert holds a very special place in my heart as it’s like a bhakt showing his devotion to his guru,” Sonu added.

Organised by NR Talent & Event Management, the concert was a fitting tribute to Mohammed Rafi's enduring legacy, with Sonu paying homage to his musical father. The lineup included iconic songs from Mohammed Rafi's timeless repertoire, accompanied by a live orchestra.

Sonu performed classics like 'Tu Kahan Ye Bata', 'Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho', 'Main Zindagi Ka Saath', 'Rang Aur Noor Ki Baraat', 'Parda Hai Parda', 'Pukarta Chala Hoon Main', 'Dard-e-Dil', 'Suhaani Raat', 'Kya Hua Tera Waada', among others.

Two highlights of the lineup were a soul-stirring unplugged section, which saw Sonu singing Rafi’s all-time classics 'Phir Miloge Kabhi', 'Ehsaan Tera Hoga Mujh Par', 'Abhi Na Jaao Chodkar', 'Jaane Kya Dhoondhti Rehti Hain', 'Jo Waada Kiya Wo', 'Chaudavin Ka Chand', among others.

A heartfelt moment at the concert was when Sonu invited the children of both his gurus - Mohammed Rafi and Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan on stage.

While Shahid Rafi, son of Mohammed Rafi, was accompanied by his wife, Firdaus, Rabbani Mustafa Khan, son of Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan had wife Namrata Gupta Khan, also his business partner, for company.

The audience cheered on and gave a standing ovation as an emotional Shahid Rafi crooned 'Chand Mera Dil' and 'Gulabi Aakhein'.

Hosts Rabbani Mustafa Khan and Namrata Gupta Khan of NR Talent & Event Management jointly said: “We feel honoured that God chose us to organise an event like this. Given the resounding success of Sau Saal Pehle on Rafi sahab’s 100th birth anniversary on December 24, 2024, we knew that it was the beginning of something profound and long-lasting.”

Reader Comments

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Amit K.
What a beautiful tribute to the legend! Rafi sahab's voice was truly divine, and Sonu Nigam has carried forward his legacy with such grace. This concert must have been magical - wish I could've attended! ❤️
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Priya M.
Rafi sahab's songs are timeless treasures. It's heartwarming to see artists like Sonu Nigam keeping his memory alive. My grandfather used to play his records every Sunday morning - those were the days!
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Rahul S.
While I appreciate the tribute, I wish more contemporary singers would develop their own unique styles instead of just imitating legends. Sonu is talented enough to create his own legacy beyond being "the next Rafi".
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Neha P.
The guru-shishya parampara in Indian music is so special! This concert must have been an emotional rollercoaster. Can we get this on OTT platforms? Would love to watch the full performance! 🙏
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Vikram D.
Rafi sahab's voice had that rare quality that could make you cry and smile at the same time. Sonu's tribute is wonderful, but let's be honest - no one can truly match the original. Those songs were pure gold!
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Smita R.
This is why I love Indian music - the respect for gurus and traditions. My parents grew up listening to Rafi sahab, I grew up with Sonu Nigam, and now my kids enjoy both. That's the beauty of our musical heritage!

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Tags:
Sonu Nigam Mohammed Rafi Indian Music Bollywood Playback Tribute Concert
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