ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Abhi na jao chhoṛ kar, ki dil abhi bhara Nahin
The concert paid heartfelt tribute to the legendary playback singer Mohammad Rafi.
-
Zafar Iqbal - Fri, 12, Dec 2025
- 03:19 EST
- 12
The program also highlighted Mohammad Rafi’s extraordinary artistry and character—his humility, generosity, professionalism, and deep respect for fellow musicians. / Zafar Iqbal
“Abhi na jao chhoṛ kar, ki dil abhi bhara nahin.” —Don’t go just yet, for my heart is not full.
This timeless line perfectly captured the audience’s sentiment at the close of Immortal Rafi, a concert that left listeners longing for just one more song.
Held on Dec. 7, at the spacious Montgomery High School auditorium in Gaithersburg, MD, the event was organized by the Musikala Group. It featured a talented ensemble of seventeen professional artists. The concert paid heartfelt tribute to the legendary playback singer Mohammad Rafi.
Vocalists Swati Kanitkar, Yidhijit Bhattacharjee, Diptanu Das, Farid Mahmood, and Vishal Karparde took turns presenting Rafi’s iconic songs, supported by a skilled live orchestra. Interwoven throughout the performances were short, engaging narratives highlighting key moments from Rafi’s life and career—including his early recordings in the 1940s, his collaborations with great composers like Naushad, and his evolution from a Durrani-influenced newcomer to a singular voice in Indian cinema.
A standout moment of the evening came during “Madhuban Mein Radhika Naache” from Koh-i-Noor, when seasoned tabla maestro Debu Nayak and young prodigy Arnav Gadre delivered an electrifying extended tabla solo. Their performance brought the audience to its feet in thunderous applause. Nayak, an acclaimed classical percussionist trained under luminaries including Ustad Zakir Hussain, has performed at prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center.
The program also highlighted Mohammad Rafi’s extraordinary artistry and character—his humility, generosity, professionalism, and deep respect for fellow musicians. Known for his ability to adapt his voice to a range of actors from Dilip Kumar to Shammi Kapoor, Rafi was equally admired for his kindness: supporting struggling artists, responding personally to fans, and performing for charitable causes without seeking recognition. His devotion to music transcended boundaries, earning him admiration across communities. His rendition of “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon” famously moved Prime Minister Nehru to tears.
The concert concluded by celebrating Rafi not just as a legendary voice but also as a compassionate human being whose legacy endures in both song and spirit.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login