Chandigarh, February 14
A grand musical evening, ‘Rafi Nite’, dedicated to the legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi, enthralled music lovers at Tagore Theatre, Sector 18, Chandigarh, on Friday evening. Organised jointly by the Rafi Memorial Cultural Society and GB Realty, the event witnessed a packed auditorium filled with admirers of Rafi Sahab’s timeless melodies. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Harpal Singh Cheema, Minister for Finance, Excise, Taxation and Planning, Government of Punjab. Gurinder Bhatti, Founder & Chairman, GB Realty, graced the event as Guest of Honour.
Welcoming the dignitaries and audience, President of the Rafi Memorial Cultural Society, G.S. Grewal said that Rafi Sahab’s music transcends time and boundaries. He noted that the overwhelming response to ‘Rafi Nite’ reflects the deep emotional connection people continue to share with his songs and reaffirmed the Society’s dedication to preserving and promoting his musical heritage.
Gurinder Bhatti stated that cultural initiatives like ‘Rafi Nite’ strengthen the social fabric by bringing communities together through shared artistic experiences. He added that GB Realty remains committed to supporting meaningful platforms that celebrate India’s rich musical traditions.
The highlight of the evening was the soul-stirring performances by internationally acclaimed singer Dr. Saurav Kishan, popularly known as ‘Chhota Rafi, ’ and renowned Mumbai-based singer Sampada Goswami. Dr. Kishan captivated the audience with renditions that beautifully recreated the magic and emotional depth of Rafi Sahab’s classic singles. Sampada Goswami sang duets of Mohammad Rafi songs with Dr Saurav. Both the singers charmed listeners with their melodious duet performances, earning repeated applause.
Some of soulful solos by Mohammed Rafi that were sung included ‘Yeh Reshmi Zulfein, Yeh Sharbati Aankhein’; ‘Tu Kahan Yeh Bata Is Nasheeli Raat Mein’; ‘Aaj Mausam Bada Beimaan Hai’; ‘Baar Baar Dekho, Hazaar Baar Dekho’; ‘Gulabi Aankhen Jo Teri Dekhi’; and ‘Ae Gulbadan, Ae Gulbadan’ among others. Some of Rafi’s evergreen duets included ‘Tumne Pukara Aur Hum Chale Aaye’; ‘Sau Saal Pehle Mujhe Tumse Pyaar Tha’;’Bahut Shukriya, Badi Meherbani’; ‘Udein Jab Jab Zulfein Teri’.
The musical tribute continued for nearly three hours, and included as many as 24 songs of Rafi. The programme celebrated the unmatched legacy of the legendary singer, whose voice continues to inspire generations of music lovers.
General Secretary of the Society, Bal Mukand Sharma, shared that since its formation in 2019, the Rafi Memorial Cultural Society has consistently worked to honour the legend through thematic programmes in Patiala and Chandigarh. He expressed gratitude to the artists, guests and audience for making the evening a memorable success.
Dr. S.K. Batish, Senior Vice President of the Society, remarked that Rafi Sahab’s voice symbolised purity, versatility and emotion. He said the Society’s mission is not only to celebrate his songs but also to inspire younger generations to appreciate the golden era of Indian music.
