Indian singer Sonu Nigam has paid tribute to the late playback singer Mohammed Rafi for his unique versatility, as the latter different kinds of songs in his career.

“When he sings bhajans, it feels as if a true Hindu is performing. Despite being a Muslim and a devout person, how was he able to transform his identity through his singing?” Nigam said during a session for the singer at the 55th International Film Festival of India in Goa.

Rafi was commemorated at the event. A special session titled ‘Asmaan Se Aaya Farishta – A Tribute to Mohd Rafi – The King of Melody’ was dedicated to his memory, featuring insights from celebrated singer Sonu Nigam.

Nigam praised the Gulabi Ankhen singer’s versatility, mentioning that the late artist, who was a Muslim, would embrace “dharam parivartan” while performing bhajans.

He noted Rafi’s ability to adapt his voice to a diverse range of actors in his era. “He could sing ‘Hum Kaale Hain Toh Kya Hua Dilwaale Hain’ as well as ‘Sarr Jo Tera Chakraaye Ya Dil Dooba Jaaye.’ His voice was a “perfect match for legends like Dilip Kumar, Johnny Walker, Mehmood, and Rishi Kapoor,” Nigam added.

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He emphasised the rarity of Rafi’s talent and claimed that not everyone can achieve that.

“I know many singers who excel at Sufi songs but struggle with bhajans. Rafi sang for various occasions, including Ramzan and Raksha Bandhan, and performed a wide range of songs, from joyous tracks to emotional ballads—even the iconic ‘Happy Birthday’. There was nothing he couldn’t do. Who is this man? He was like a volcano, erupting only when he took the microphone.”