Review - The Rough Guide to Bollywood Legends

Artist: Mohammed Rafi

Thu, Mar 25, 2004 at 4:00 am

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With 16 tracks covering a period of 20 years (1957-1977), this "Rough Guide" lives up to its billing. Any comprehensive appraisal of Mohd. Rafi's 36 years and 1000-plus songs as a Bollywood "playback singer" would take much more than one CD, yet, by presenting solo pieces, duets, love songs, pop songs, novelty songs and other contexts Rafi worked in, this brief analysis gives a true indication as to the depth and importance of his role in Indian filmi music. Possessed of a magically strong voice and the ability to adapt it to any situation, Rafi was enormously respected for his talents and generous personality. Even 20-plus years after his death, his legacy looms large over contemporary playback singers. This well-annotated compilation makes it easy to see why.