In Mumbai, singer Sonu Nigam speaks about his admiration for the late Mohammed Rafi, whom he calls his “musical father.” As Rafi’s 100th birthday approaches on December 24, Nigam reflects on how comparing himself to Rafi is impossible. He feels he can never match the legendary singer’s unmatched talent.
Nigam grew up listening to Rafi’s songs, and his parents, Agam and Shobha, always encouraged him to follow in Rafi’s footsteps. “Rafi sahab was the benchmark for all singers. He could sing anything—qawwalis, bhajans, sad songs, and even high-pitched numbers. He was my inspiration,” said Nigam in an interview.
His first performance was at just four years old, singing “Kya Hua Tera Vada” from the 1977 movie “Hum Kisi Se Kam Nahin.” Nigam plans a special concert in Mumbai to honor Rafi on his 100th birthday.
Rafi is one of the most celebrated playback singers in Hindi cinema history, known for timeless songs like “Main Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata Chala Gaya,” “Gulabi Aankhein,” and “Kya Se Kya Ho Gaya.” Nigam, famous for hits like “Kal Ho Naa Ho” and “Suraj Hua Madham,” welcomes people’s comparisons to Rafi. However, he emphasizes, “You can’t compare a father and son. No matter what, I can never be like him.”
Before Rafi passed away in 1980, he was the voice behind many iconic actors like Dev Anand and Dharmendra. Nigam was only seven years old at the time. “I’ve performed many of Rafi’s songs, learning from them like practice,” he explained. “He was an amazing singer with incredible versatility. I’ve tried to be versatile too.”
Even though Nigam could never meet Rafi in person, he feels Rafi’s spirit lives on in him. “I’m really excited and honored to perform his songs on his 100th birthday,” he said
