Sri Shanmukhananda Fine Arts & Sangeetha Sabha was founded in 1952 to preserve, propagate and popularise the rich culture and traditions of our country in the performing arts. For over seven decades, the Sabha has been a part of living history; a monument to cultural synthesis, one singular object in its multi faceted dimension and secular nature, epitomises the nation itself. World of Mohammed Rafi Welfare Foundation is a private not for profit company with the family members of the late singer as Directors amongst others. The Foundation perpetuates the legacy and musical heritage of Rafi and is also engaged in charitable activities for medical relief, welfare of the armed forces and promoting young musicians. The Sabha joined hands with the Family of Mohammed Rafi for celebrating the centenary all through the year commencing from 24th December 2023.

Music is a representation of divine beauty; a universal language of emotions, answering to various moods of the mind. Indian music has had a very long unbroken tradition. Mohammed Rafi began his musical journey at the young age of 12. It was in 1948, his greatness came to fore. Husanlal Bhagatram’s music of Rajinder Kishan’s composition “Suno suno aye duniyawalo Bapu ki yeh amar kahani” rent the air and a new star was born in the country. From then on till 1980, an unbroken period of 32 years, his music connected the countrymen together. In his most illustrious career, he sang for all Music Directors in his era; from the most popular big names to some relatively lesser known names. He received the National Films Award in 1977. During his three decades of singing career, he bagged the Filmfare award six times. He was conferred the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1967. In 1948, Rafi received a silver medal from Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, on the first anniversary of the Indian Independence Day. He sang in 22 languages of the world. Of the total of 5063 that he had sung, 4425 were in Hindi, 310 in regional languages and 328 non film songs.

Rafi passed away at a relatively young age of 55 on 31st July 1980. The adoration for this legendary singer is phenomenal by any standards. Accepted by the connoisseur and layman alike, Rafi’s posthumous fame is greater than that he enjoyed during his lifetime. The timeless priceless heritage of Rafi’s music shall forever remain a Golden chapter in the history of Indian Film music. The Sabha set up three kiosks in its front foyer giving a brief of his life history, several of his valuable possessions and a kiosk containing 100 memorable songs of Rafi which can be heard at the click of the finger. The Maestros’ treasure in the Sabha also has the two Tablas of Mohammed Rafi that he used to play during his lifetime.

On the occasion of the 43rd Barsi of Rafi on 31st July 2023, a formal function was held to announce the details of the centenary celebrations. On 24th September 2023, a function was held to launch the dedicated website and the YouTube channel for the centenary celebrations. Shri. Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India paid glowing tributes to the legendary singer while commending the initiatives of the Sabha to preserve his legacy and music for all times to come. At the inaugural session of the centenary celebrations on 24th December 2023, the Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle released a special cover on the centenary and also curated a colourful postcard of Rafi Saheb. Padma Bhushan Dr. L. Subramaniam gave a brief violin musical tribute to the Mahaan Kalakaar. Upto March 2024, the following monthly shows were held on the 24th each month:

The celebrated singer Shri. Javed Ali was felicitated on 24th March 2024. He gave a scintillating and blissful shower of Rafi songs that brought back the golden memories of this unique voice of the silver screen.