Publishing house Westland Ltd. recently launched Yasmin K. Rafi’s book Mohammed Rafi, My Abba – A Memoir, an intimate portrait of one of the best-loved singers the world has ever known. The book was released by renowned actor, Amitabh Bachchan. The Hindi edition of the book, Hamare Abba- Kuch Yadein published in association with Yatra Books was simultaneously released.
Five years ago Yasmin came up with the inspiration to write a book on her legendary father–in-law. It would be something for coming generations of her own family, and for all those ardent Rafi fans around the world.
Yasmin Rafi grew up as a devoted fan of Mohammed Rafi, little knowing that she would one day meet and marry his son, Khalid. This transition from ‘fan to family’ as she puts it, led to her heartwarming memoir of an artist who was an icon for the world. His family describes him as a simple, caring and loving man who delighted as much in good food, flying kites with his children, and driving his parrot-green Fiat through the streets of Mumbai, as he did winning the numerous awards that came his way, including six Filmfare awards and Padma Shri in 1967.