Subhash Ghai & Sonu Nigam pay tribute to Mohammed Rafi during Cadence Music Fest

IANS May 6, 2025 575 views

The Cadence Music Festival became a poignant celebration of Mohammed Rafi's extraordinary musical legacy. Renowned filmmaker Subhash Ghai and celebrated singer Sonu Nigam shared deeply personal tributes to the legendary playback artist. Whistling Woods International announced a music scholarship in Rafi's name to honor his timeless contribution to Indian music. The event, attended by Rafi's son Shahid Mohd. Rafi, highlighted the singer's unparalleled vocal prowess and cultural impact.

"Rafi Saahab's voice had a soul" - Subhash Ghai
Subhash Ghai & Sonu Nigam pay tribute to Mohammed Rafi during Cadence Music Fest
Mumbai, May 6: In a heartfelt tribute to mark the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi, Whistling Woods International and its Chairman Subhash Ghai announced the launch of the Mohd Rafi Music Scholarship at the inaugural ceremony of Cadence Music Festival 2025 on Monday.

Key Points

1

Whistling Woods launches Mohamed Rafi Music Scholarship

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Industry legends pay tribute to iconic playback singer

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Event marks 100th birth anniversary of Rafi

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Aims to inspire next generation of musicians

The evening witnessed an emotional and celebratory atmosphere as industry veterans and dignitaries came together to honour the icon. The scholarship was announced in the presence of Shahid Mohd. Rafi, son of the legendary singer.

Subhash Ghai, who was deeply moved during the event, shared a personal memory saying, "In this world, there were very few like Mohd. Rafi Saahab. Thank you to the students of Whistling Woods International for organising 'Cadence.' Thank you to Sonu ji, Mohd. Shahid ji, and Ashish ji for gracing the stage. I was roughly eight when someone asked me, 'Can you sing?' and I hummed Rafi Saahab's song. Rafi Saahab's voice had a soul, and through this scholarship, we aim to inspire the next generation of singers."

Sonu Nigam paid a glowing tribute, saying, "Rafi Saahab is an institution. There wouldn't be any singer today who hasn't learned from him. Just yesterday I was having a brief discussion with my father about how Rafi Saahab has shaped an entire generation. The way he modulated his voice, there's no match. There are very few singers who had a divine voice—one of them was Lata ji and the other was Rafi Saahab."

Shahid Mohd. Rafi, emotionally moved, concluded the evening by saying, "Thank you Subhash ji for this honour. Abba Huzoor was a disciplined person, he never attended any parties, he was dedicated only and only to music. And I hope through this scholarship we will inspire the future singer."

The Mohd Rafi Music Scholarship will be awarded to a student from the Whistling Woods School of Music, with the aim of nurturing exceptional musical talent and keeping Rafi Saahab’s timeless legacy alive.

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
What a beautiful initiative! Rafi Saahab's voice was truly magical. I still get goosebumps listening to "Chaudhvin Ka Chand" and "Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaye". This scholarship will help keep his legacy alive. More institutions should honor our musical legends like this. 🙏
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Priya M.
Emotional to read this! My grandfather used to play Rafi Saahab's songs every Sunday morning. His voice transcended generations. Kudos to Subhash Ghai and Whistling Woods for this thoughtful gesture. Hope the scholarship helps discover new talent who can carry forward this golden era's musical values.
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Arjun S.
While this is a great tribute, I wish they'd also focus on preserving the original recordings and making them more accessible to younger generations. Many classic songs are disappearing from public memory. The scholarship is good, but we need more comprehensive efforts to document our musical heritage.
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Sunita R.
Sonu Nigam's words about Rafi Saahab being an institution are so true! Even today's singers like Arijit Singh show Rafi's influence in their singing style. This scholarship will inspire many young talents to learn classical roots before jumping to modern music. More power to such initiatives! ❤️
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Vikram J.
Rafi Saahab's dedication to his craft was legendary - no parties, only riyaaz. Today's singers could learn so much from his discipline. Glad to see his son carrying forward the legacy with such grace. Hope the scholarship recipients understand the responsibility that comes with this honor.
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Neha P.
Beautiful tribute! But I wish they had included some female singers in this initiative too. Lataji and Rafi Saahab were contemporaries and equally legendary. Would love to see a parallel scholarship for women in music. Just a thought to make it more inclusive while honoring our greats.

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Tags:
Mohammed Rafi Subhash Ghai Sonu Nigam Indian Music Bollywood Playback Singers Music Scholarship
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