The melodies of legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi echoed through the halls of Auckland's SkyCity theatre as music lovers gathered to pay tribute to the iconic singer at Rafi Ki Yaadein event.
The event, organised by Creation Group NZ in association with NZSE, was a heartfelt celebration of the timeless melodies that continue to touch the hearts of millions worldwide.
The Auckland event sought to unite people from diverse backgrounds and age groups, united by their shared love for Rafi's soul-stirring voice.
The musical extravaganza, which took place on July 1, also saw a soulful tribute to legendary singers Kishore Kumar, Hemant Kumar and SP Balasubrahmanyam.
About 700 attendees were taken on a nostalgic journey through the decades of the 60s, 70s and 80s, remembering the golden era of Indian cinema and the unforgettable songs that have become an integral part of our cultural heritage.
As the stage came alive with performances, the audience was transported back in time by talented singers like Arif Zia, Ankita Ghatani, Joseph Jose, Pritha Chakraborty, Ritika Badakere and Vidya Teke. Each rendition was meticulously crafted to capture the essence and soul of evergreen music, earning thunderous applause from the appreciative crowd.
Other highlights of the evening included dance performances by the Bolly-X (V4U) group on Shammi Kapoor Medley, Bharat Natyam dance performance on a classical Rafi song, and Salsa dance by a European artist on another peppy number.
Zia, the director of Creation Group, expressed his delight at the overwhelming response from the audience.
He said, "Rafi Ki Yaadein is not just an event; it is a celebration of the magical connection that his music creates with people of all ages. The response from the community groups was excellent.
“The musical legacy of singers like Kishore Kumar, Hemant Kumar and SP Balasubrahmanyam extends beyond their era and inspires contemporary artists. Innumerable people have sent us congratulations on the successful entertaining show. I believe such events significantly build the stronger Kiwi-Indian community relationship."
According to Zia, the main inspiration behind the show was to promote local talent, promote Indian performing arts and culture in New Zealand as well as provide wholesome family entertainment to audiences from the Indian subcontinent.
Sunny Kaushal, Chair, Dairy & Business Owners Group, called the event “an unforgettable night of melodies”. He said, “It was an absolute delight to support and immerse myself in this mesmerising, entertaining, and nostalgic musical evening, taking the audience on a captivating journey through the golden era of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Undoubtedly, this was the Bollywood show of the year!”
Preetika Sen, a long-time fan of Mohammed Rafi, shared her experience, saying, "Attending Rafi Ki Yaadein was like reliving the magic of the songs of legendary singers all over again. It was a memorable night that I will cherish forever. It was an amazing event...loved it. I enjoyed it a lot.”