Overview

• In a new interview with journalist Vickey Lalwani, Shahid Rafi alleges Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle tried to sabotage his father’s career out of jealousy and insecurity.
• He rejects the long-told Kishore Kumar rivalry explanation, saying Mohammed Rafi paused singing because he feared it was sinful after a maulana’s admonition during Haj.
• Shahid says Rafi quietly announced retirement, moved to London, and later returned after counsel from another cleric and music director Naushad.
• By the time he resumed work, some producers had hired other singers, though Shahid maintains his father never asked anyone for jobs.
• Shahid also claims Lata Mangeshkar intervened in a Guinness World Records recognition he says was to honor Rafi, and he criticizes Asha Bhosle’s past remark that Rafi lacked range.