“I Share the Name of Mohammed Rafi Sahab’s Son”: Shahid Mallya’s Emotional Revelation Leaves Music Lovers Speechless at ‘Ek Shaam Krishnakumar Ke Naam’

It wasn't just another musical evening—it became a celebration of memories, legacy, and one of the most emotional tributes Bollywood's music fraternity has witnessed in recent times. The Mukti Foundation Auditorium in Andheri West, Mumbai, echoed with timeless melodies as renowned singers and musicians gathered for "Ek Shaam Krishnakumar Ke Naam," a special evening dedicated to the birth anniversary of the late artist Saleem, popularly known as Krishna Kumar, while simultaneously paying homage to the immortal legacy of Mohammed Rafi. However, it was singer Shahid Mallya's heartfelt speech that transformed the event into an unforgettable emotional experience.

Welcoming the audience, Shahid Mallya explained the thought behind organizing the second edition of the musical tribute. "First of all, thank you to everyone. You have always supported us, and I welcome you all to 'Ek Shaam Krishnakumar Ke Naam'—dedicated to my father. We consider Rafi Sahab our own; he is a treasure and a legacy for us—someone whose songs we listen to constantly to learn and to try our hand at singing. Rafi Sahab's death anniversary was on July 31st, and my father's birthday is on August 1st. So, today—August 2nd—we thought, why not host a musical event where we remember both Rafi Sahab and my father? We'll perform some of my father's favorite songs by Rafi Sahab. Since all of Rafi Sahab's songs are beautiful—making it hard to choose which ones to sing—we will present a selection of his favorites today. That is why we named the event 'Ek Shaam Krishnakumar Ke Naam'; it celebrates the legacy of both Rafi Sahab and Krishnakumar, and I am trying to carry their music forward in some way."

The evening became even more moving when Shahid opened up about his childhood and the extraordinary connection his family shared with Mohammed Rafi. "Absolutely. I grew up listening to Rafi Sahab because of my father. My father had stopped struggling for a career in Bombay after the accident he met with in the 90s—an accident that left him bedridden for six years. He didn't have the heart to return to Bombay and face the struggle again; life here is very tough. So, instead, he used to share stories about Rafi Sahab with us. There are so many stories about how I used to interact with Ustad-ji—how I would meet him and how we used to be around him. He shared thousands of anecdotes; one such story involves a harmonium of his that we still have today. My father had told him, 'Ustad-ji, I don't have a harmonium for my riyaaz,' so Ustad-ji gifted him one—the very same harmonium we have brought here today."

Shahid then revealed a deeply personal story that left the audience emotional. "Later, when I was born, my father asked Rafi-saab, 'I've had a son; what should we name him? Please suggest a name.' He replied, 'That's a difficult question. Why don't you simply name your son after my son?' His son is Shahid Rafi-saab. Of course, I am not worthy of that comparison, but receiving his blessings and love—even indirectly—is a great blessing from Allah; I share the name of his son. Perhaps today, I might sing a song dedicated to him." The revelation received thunderous applause, adding a deeply personal dimension to the evening's tribute.

When asked about carrying forward the musical legacies of both his father and Mohammed Rafi, Shahid admitted that the responsibility comes with immense emotion. "There are challenges, and so many people from the industry are here today, showing their love and affection for him. I express my gratitude to everyone—our close ones and members of the music fraternity—who have come. I have everyone's love and prayers with me. Today, as I celebrate my father's birthday, I believe that I should celebrate the joy of his arrival for the rest of my life, rather than mourning his passing. My heart simply refuses to accept that he is gone; he is with us and will always remain with us." His words perfectly captured the spirit of the evening—one of remembrance through music rather than sorrow.

The musical celebration was attended by some of the biggest names from the music industry, including Sudesh Bhosale, Sonu Nigam, Shabbir Kumar, Dev Negi, Daboo Malik, lyricist Kumaar, and Sunil Pal, all of whom came together to honour the enduring contributions of Krishna Kumar and the timeless genius of Mohammed Rafi. Through soulful performances and heartfelt memories, "Ek Shaam Krishnakumar Ke Naam" became much more than a tribute concert—it became a reminder that while great artists may leave this world, their music, stories, and values continue to inspire generations. And through Shahid Mallya's emotional words, that legacy found one of its most touching voices.

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