Mumbai– In a moving tribute to legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary, filmmaker Subhash Ghai and singer Sonu Nigam paid their respects during the opening ceremony of the Cadence Music Festival 2025. Hosted by Whistling Woods International, the event marked the launch of the Mohd Rafi Music Scholarship, a new initiative to support aspiring musical talent.
The announcement was made in the presence of Shahid Mohd. Rafi, the singer’s son, amid an emotional atmosphere filled with music, memories, and admiration for one of India’s most cherished voices.
Subhash Ghai, Chairman of Whistling Woods International, shared a personal story of how Rafi’s music touched his life. “There were very few like Mohd. Rafi Saahab in this world,” Ghai said. “I was just eight years old when someone asked if I could sing, and I hummed one of Rafi Saahab’s songs. His voice had a soul. Through this scholarship, we want to carry forward that legacy and inspire the next generation of singers.”
Sonu Nigam, who has long credited Rafi as one of his greatest influences, delivered a heartfelt tribute of his own. “Rafi Saahab was an institution in himself,” Nigam said. “Every singer today has, in some way, learned from him. Just yesterday, my father and I were talking about how he shaped an entire generation of musicians. The way he modulated his voice—there’s no match. If there were voices that felt divine, it was Lata ji’s and Rafi Saahab’s.”
Shahid Mohd. Rafi expressed gratitude on behalf of his family and recalled his father’s unwavering dedication to his craft. “Thank you, Subhash ji, for this incredible honor. Abba Huzoor never attended parties, he lived only for music. I hope this scholarship will carry forward that spirit and inspire future singers.”
The Mohd Rafi Music Scholarship will be awarded annually to a student from the Whistling Woods School of Music, with the goal of nurturing extraordinary musical talent and ensuring Rafi’s timeless contributions continue to inspire generations to come. (Source: IANS)
