A fortnight ago, on a rainy, cloudy evening, Sydney witnessed an unforgettable musical extravaganza on 14 June when SCREAN Australia Productions presented Rafi Forever at the Regency Function Centre in Auburn. Although the legendary playback singer Mohammad Rafi passed away decades ago, his spirit came alive through the mesmerising voice of Prasan Rao. The songs and music are still echoing in the hearts of the audiences.
The concert featured India’s renowned “Voice of Rafi,” Prasan Rao, alongside the talented Dhwani Muley Rao and the acclaimed Indian saxophonist Vikas Gautam. Sydney’s own musical gems, Shirley Angela D’Souza, Sadiq Rehmani, and Heena Sachdeva joined them to create a truly memorable experience.
The evening was elevated by the exceptional artistry of Sydney’s Jazba Band, whose seamless accompaniment added depth and energy to every track. Pristine sound engineering by Abdul Sajwani ensured an outstanding audio experience for the entire venue.
Musically directed by Avijit Sarkar and hosted by IndrajSinha’s succinct and dignified emceeing, the evening commenced on a devotional note. Students from the Heritage Harmony Academy, led by Srijaani Ghosh, delivered a beautiful rendition of the prayer Humko Mann Ki Shakti Dena.
From there, Prasan Rao’s soulful vocals echoed through the hall, leaving the audience spellbound. Attendees were treated to timeless classics, including: Madhuban Mein Radhika, O Duniya Ke Rakhwale, Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe, Khoya Khoya Chand, Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar and many more.
A unique highlight of the night occurred during Prasan and Dhwani’s performance of Kuhu Kuhu Bole Koyaliya. Artist Murthy Anjanappaji created a stunning live sand portrait of Rafi Saab in just six minutes, adding a breathtaking visual element to the music. Needless to say, Murthy has a God-sent gift.
As one hit followed another, the magical evening showed no signs of slowing down, even as the clock ticked towardsmidnight. Some audiences were tired, but not the singer or the band.
Presenter Manju Mittal expressed her delight at the overwhelming audience response. “Bringing Prasan Rao to Sydney was the dream of our own Ken Singh ji, who has admired and listened to his music for many years,” she shared. “He requested that I bring Prasan Rao to Sydney under the SCREAN Australia Productions banner, and I was truly honoured to fulfil his wish.”
Rafi loved us through his songs, and Sydney proved that the world still loves him back with the same intensity. The packed house celebrated the memory and musical legacy of the maestro. As the curtains fell, the crowd was left asking just one repeated question: “When are you bringing him back to Sydney?”
