Where is MOHAMMAD RAFI sahib's resting place in Bombay ?
SM
Some years ago when I was in graduate school I made a promise to my friend
Madhu Valluri that we would go to the cemetery in Bombay where Rafi sahib
rests and place flowers there. We were both mad about Rafi and I can
certainly say for myself that he is the conduit for a million memories of
home, the one who keeps the image of India and its streets and its people
a living spark in my heart.
Alas friends, Madhu Valluri is no more. Some of you might have heard of
him and known him at MIT, or in Bombay where he was first a reporter and
then the publisher of India's leading computer magazine. He died of
leukemia a few months ago while still in his middle 30s. And so it has
come to pass that I must venture alone when I am in Bombay. I will take
the largest bouquet that I can find and place it on Rafi sahib's grave,
with love from Madhu and from me.
I would like to believe that there is such a place as heaven and that
both Madhu and Rafi sahib are in it, one making fabulous music and the
other still listening to it.
So, ladies and gentlemen, does anyone know in which cemetery in Bombay is
Rafi sahib buried? In the various articles that I have seen on RMIM there
was no indication as to where this might be.
Further, I had heard that his family was not doing very well after his
death. Does anyone know anything about it?
Shailendra Raj Mehta
me...@mgmt.purdue.edu
SAMIUDDIN MOHAMMED
>So, ladies and gentlemen, does anyone know in which cemetery in Bombay is
>Rafi sahib buried? In the various articles that I have seen on RMIM there
>was no indication as to where this might be.
There was one article on RMIM which did give an indication about Rafi Sahab's
resting place. It was the Jaimala which Naushad had presented in Rafi's memory.
I had translated that Radio program into English and posted it on the net.
Although it does not mention the exact location, it indicates that it is in
Juhu. Here's the relevant excerpt:
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Naushad says in his Jaimala:
One day we received the shocking news of Rafi Sahab's demise. The sad news
spread like wild fire throughout the country. Songs turned into a dirge.
The angels wept in the sky and tears were shed in the form of raindrops over his
namaaz-e-janaza (funeral prayer). His funeral procession started amid heavy
rain and thunder. People gathered on the top of buildings, trees and in windows
to catch a last glimpse of their favourite singer. The procession reached the
Juhu graveyard. Many famous film personalities were trying their best to
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
control the crowd which had gathered to pay it's last respects to the voice
which had warmed their hearts for decades. A voice which had become a part of
their lives. Millions of eyes were watching one single glowing face; eyes which
belonged not to any religion, caste or creed. And perhaps, that glowing face was
saying this:
[Main TooTi hui ek nayya hun, mujhe chahe jidhar le jaao
Ji chaahe dubodo maujon me, ya saahil par le jaao
Main TooTi hui ek nayya hun, mujhe chahe jidhar le jaao..]
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I do hope that you get to fulfil your and your dear departed friend's wish.
Sami Mohammed (A Naushad fan)
>Shailendra Raj Mehta