Mohammed Rafi fans throng singer’s village in Amritsar on his birth centenary

Fans pay tribute to legendary singer Mohammed Rafi on his 100th birth anniversary in his village near Amritsar.

“He continues to live in the hearts of millions of his fans,” says Om Prakash, who travelled from Jammu to visit his favourite singer Mohammed Rafi’s birthplace in Kotla Sultan Singh village near Amritsar on his birth centenary on Tuesday.

Mr. Prakash is among the many admirers to make the annual pilgrimage to the legend’s village, but this time was special as it marks the 100th birthday of the music icon, who is regarded as one of India’s most celebrated voices.

“Rafi saheb ’s songs are as popular today as they were when he was alive,” he said.

Besides Mr. Prakash, there was 80-year-old Adarsh Kumar Pruthi who travelled from Delhi along with his wife to pay tributes.

“I had this great desire to visit Rafi saheb ’s village on his 100th birth anniversary. It feels so good to be here,” Mr. Pruthi said.

Over 50 Rafi fans, who came from different parts of the country, cut a cake in his memory and mingled with the locals.

Village elder Hardeep Singh, 82, took it upon himself to guide the tourists around the place where Rafi’s old house once stood. Mr. Singh’s grandfather bought the land from the singer’s family years ago.