One of the most popular and successful singers of the golden age, Mohammed Rafi aka Rafi Saheb built an unmatched legacy in a career spanning more than three decades.

Known for his voice and versatility in songs with themes like patriotism, sad lamentations and romance to ‘qawwalis’ and ‘bhajans’, Rafi is one of the most decorated singers of the industry with six FilmFare awards and one National Award.

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The singer was also fluent in other languages like Konkani, Bhojpuri, Odia, Punjabi, Marathi, Sindhi, Urdu, English, Farsi, Dutch and Arabic and even sang some songs in all these languages.

But he rose to prominence in the film industry with his contribution in the Hindi language. His songs are till date considered as some of the most popular songs ever composed. On the occasion of his 93rd birth anniversary (24 December), let’s pay a tribute to the late singer by listing out seven of his best songs

Song: Kya Hua Tera Wada

Movie: Yaadon Ki Baaraat

https://youtu.be/uttg6HdCJDQ

The song, which struck a chord with the fans, got very popular for its lyrics and Rafi Saheb’s voice. The singer even won a FilmFare award for Best Male Playback singer. The song has been used in many television shows and films with several new versions.

Song: O Meri Mehbooba

Film: Dharam Veer

The song starring Dharmendra and Zeenat Aman, was sung by Rafi Saheb and Krishna Mukherjee. The song got very popular among the youth for its quirky lyrics and background music. The song was also rebooted recently in Fukrey Returns, which was a tribute to the late singer, Rafi.

Song: Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko

Film: Yaadon Ki Baaraat

https://youtu.be/xMI__UgwOJM

Considered as one of the most romantic songs of the golden era, the song was rebooted in various versions, but the original being the most popular till date.

Song: Baharon Phool Barso

Film: Suraj

The song was critically acclaimed for its theme and lyrics. The song was well received by the critics and fans and even two awards, one for the lyrics and second for the voice of Rafi Saheb.

Song: Babul Ki Duayen Leti Ja

Film: Neel Kamal

A critically acclaimed and emotion driven song, the song got widespread acclaim for the theme of the song and the picturisation with many critics praising the artist Mohammed Rafi and veteran actor Manoj Kumar for adding much drama and emotion to it.

Song: Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyaar Ke Charche

Film: Brahmachari

A peppy quirky romantic track from the golden age of the film industry, the song, starring Shammi Kapoor and Rajshree, hit the right notes with the fans for being party song. The song got numerous reboots and has gained a cult following among the fans over the years

Song: Dard-E-Dil-Dard-E-Jigar

Film: Karz

https://youtu.be/B5eGqsibZ8M

Seems like Rafi Saheb was on an award-winning streak. But not only did the song fetched numerous awards, it was also a commercial success as some regard this as Rafi Saheb’s best dramatically picturised romantic song. The song won two FilmFare awards, one for Best Playback singer and the other one for the lyrics.