Rooh-E-Rafi
Rajesh Dhabre, Commissioner of Customs & GST (Mumbai) and a distinguished musician, composer and singer, will celebrate the 12th anniversary of his longâÂÂrunning tribute series "RoohâÂÂEâÂÂRafi" with a special performance on December 24, 2025 - the birthday of the legendary Mohammed Rafi. The concert commemorates more than a decade of Dhabre's devoted homage to the iconic playback singer and coincides with Rafi's 101st birth anniversary.
An ardent admirer of Mohammed Rafi since childhood, Dhabre has spent the past twelve years presenting Rafi's repertoire at concerts, cultural gatherings and commemorative events both across India and abroad. Combining the discipline of a senior public servant with the sensitivity of a seasoned artist, he delivers performances that remain faithful to the spirit of the originals while bringing thoughtful arrangements and his own interpretive nuance. RoohâÂÂEâÂÂRafi showcases the full breadth of Rafi's work - from romantic ballads to devotional and patriotic songs - presented with emotional clarity and musical integrity.
Dhabre describes his bond with Rafi as deeply spiritual and intensely personal: "The relationship between me and Mohammed Rafi is spiritual because it is more like a blood relation. He is the one who has always supported me in all my emotions. Whatever I have learnt, it is all because of Mohammed Rafi Saheb. It is more of a blood and soul relationship because he is my spiritual guru. I get solace and happiness only when I listen to him." For Dhabre, performing Rafi's songs is a form of sadhana - an offering that provides spiritual sustenance and rare satisfaction.
Beyond his tributes, Dhabre is an accomplished composer and lyricist whose original work frequently engages devotional and social themes. His album "Buddha Hi Buddha Hai" reflects his engagement with Buddhist and Ambedkarite ideals, and his compositions are regularly featured at events that bridge music, culture and community. Through both original works and the RoohâÂÂEâÂÂRafi series, Dhabre seeks to preserve musical heritage and inspire new generations to connect with India's rich cultural traditions.
Rajesh Dhabre continues to serve as Commissioner of Customs & GST, Mumbai, while maintaining an active performance schedule at concerts, cultural festivals and commemorative shows nationally and internationally. The December 24, 2025 programme has been specially curated to mark the 12th anniversary of RoohâÂÂEâÂÂRafi and the 101st birth anniversary of Mohammed Rafi.
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Note: Mohammed Rafi (1924-1980) is widely regarded as one of India's greatest playback singers, celebrated for his versatility and emotive power across thousands of songs in multiple languages and genres. The RoohâÂÂEâÂÂRafi series is Rajesh Dhabre's ongoing effort to commemorate Rafi's legacy through live performance and community engagement.
