Dr. Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit
The immortal melodies of Mohammed Rafi still echo in our hearts, and his legacy continues to inspire generations. The song “Main Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata Chala Gaya” remains a poignant reminder of the legendary singer’s timeless impact. Mohammed Rafi left the world on 31 July 1980, yet his love and music live on in the hearts of his admirers.
In Ahmedabad, a devoted fan, Umesh Makhija, has taken his admiration to an extraordinary level by building a temple in his home dedicated to Mohammed Rafi. Makhija’s love affair with Rafi’s music began more than 60 years ago, and since then he has collected over 4,000 songs sung by the maestro, including rare tracks in various languages. His treasure trove of memorabilia includes Rafi’s glasses, pocket watch, shaving blades, ties, blankets, and even visiting cards.
Makhija’s devotion is not just about collecting rare items — it is about celebrating Rafi’s legacy and sharing it with others. He says, “There are many fans of Mohammed Rafi Sahab, but I am his devotee. I consider myself very fortunate that Rafi Sahab entered my life.” Every day, visitors come to see his temple, and on Rafi’s birthday the celebrations become a grand affair. The temple stands as a testament to Rafi’s enduring influence on Indian music and culture.
The space is filled with memorabilia — a room lined with songs, photographs, and rare artefacts. As one enters, a bed can be seen inscribed with the titles of Rafi’s songs, while the pillows carry the name of the first song he sang and the last song he recorded, along with the date of his passing. The clock in the room is frozen at 10:29, the exact time Rafi Sahab passed away on 31 July 1980. Even Makhija’s mobile numbers reflect Rafi’s birth (24-12-1924) and death dates, and his i10 bears the number plate “1067,” echoing Rafi’s iconic black Fiat.
Rafi’s impact transcends music. He was a humanitarian, a gentle soul, and a true legend. His versatility, command over diverse genres, and exceptional vocal modulation have secured him an immortal place in South Asian musical history and beyond. He lent his voice to numerous films, including Ganga Jumna, Chaudhvin Ka Chand, and Sasural. His duets with Lata Mangeshkar remain evergreen, and his solo classics continue to resonate with listeners across generations.
Makhija’s dedication to preserving Rafi’s legacy is deeply inspiring. He has made it his life’s mission to share the singer’s music with the world and ensure that future generations continue to cherish it. His temple has become a pilgrimage site for admirers wishing to pay homage to the legendary voice.
As we remember Mohammed Rafi on his passing anniversary, let us celebrate his life, his music, and the love he shared with the world. Let us also acknowledge the tireless efforts of devotees like Umesh Makhija, who keep his memory alive. Rafi’s music is a treasure we will cherish forever — his life a symphony of kindness, humility, and passion.
Umesh Makhija, a true devotee of Mohammed Rafi, has shown us what it means to honour and preserve the legacy of a legend. His temple, filled with Rafi’s memorabilia, stands as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of the singer’s music. As we remember Mohammed Rafi, let us pledge to keep his melodies alive — just as Umesh Makhija continues to do with unwavering devotion.
