Born on December 24, 1924, legendary singer late Mohammed Rafi, also known as the Voice of Humanity? was a jewel of the Indian music industry.
The legendry playback-singer recorded over 7,500 songs in his lifetime and was awarded the Padma Shri? for his contribution to the field of Indian music by late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi-led Congress government in 1967.
On the occasion of his 96th birthday today, let us have a look at the major royalty? feud, he had with Lata Mangeshkar, which was still the talk of records.
In the early ₹60s, Indian music had gone through a revolution due to the revolutionary singers including Rafi, late Kishor Kumar, Asha Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar and others.
Songs sung by these singers were getting praised by the people and money was being generated by selling countless records. Lata Mangeshkar at that every instance had proposed a royalty agreement, under which singers could claim half of the 5% royalty entitled by the music producers for a song, which they had sung for a particular film.
Mangeshkar asked Rafi for his support on the agreement and he refused by saying, Singers association with the song ends when producer pays the money; it is a one-time thing.
However, it was said that Mangeshkar took it as an offence and declared that she won’t work with Rafi in future.
Music director late Jaikishan, then came to rescue. Mangeshkar and Rafi called for a truce and the duo worked together after that.
They gave major hits including Aaja Teri Yaad Aaye, Yeh Dil Tum Bin, and many more.