One of India’s most famous playback singers, Mohammed Rafi is celebrated as an icon in the world of music. His evergreen voice ensured hits for many Bollywood stars like Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Guru Dutt, Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor. Rafi died in 1980 at the age of 55 After a heart attack.

On the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary on December 24, here are five lesser-known facts about the legendary singer.

1. Mohammed Rafi was born on 24 December 1924 in Kotla Sultan Singh, a village near Amritsar, in a Punjabi Jat Muslim family to Allah Rakhi and Haji Ali Mohammed.

2. Mohammad Rafi was the second among six brothers. The family eventually shifted to Lahore, from where Rafi later moved to Bombay to pursue a career in playback singing.

3. At the age of 7, Rafi moved with his family to Lahore, where his elder brother had a barber shop. Due to lack of interest in studies, Rafi used to help his brother in the shop. It is said that his passion for music was ignited when he heard a Sufi fakir singing in his village, which left a lasting impression on him.

4. Rafi’s versatile repertoire included lively dance tracks, patriotic songs, soulful songs, romantic tunes, qawwalis, ghazals and devotional hymns. His collaborations with legendary composers like Shankar Jaikishan, SD Burman and Laxmikant-Pyarelal are timeless.

5. In 1967, Mohammed Rafi was awarded the Padma Shri for his outstanding contribution to Indian music.

Apart from fun facts about the late musician, let’s take a look at some of his popular soul-inspiring songs that are still fans’ favourites.

Don’t go fucking now (We both – 1961)

Ude Jab Jab Zulfen Teri – Naya Daur (1957)

Khoya Khoya Chand (Black Market-1960)

The letter that I write to you

should i praise him

This great icon will always be remembered for his magical voice and songs!