Raghavendra Ratnakar, the ‘Junior Mohammed Rafi’ in Mysuru
3 min read
Mysuru: Mysuru has always embraced music, irrespective of classical and non-classical, and one artiste here has dedicated his life to keep the golden era of Sandalwood and Bollywood alive.
Renowned for bringing the timeless melodies of Mohammed Rafi to life, Raghavendra Ratnakar, popularly known as “Mysuru Rafi,” has captivated music lovers across the city and State, with his voice and look that resembles Rafi. However, like many of orchestra singers, he too has been facing severe ordeal, but has been hoping for the best.
A journey inspired by Rafi
Mohammed Rafi, the legendary playback singer of Bollywood, remains an integral part of Indian cinema’s legacy. Recently in December 2024, the birth centenary of Rafi, born in the year 1924, was celebrated.
In Mysuru, Raghavendra Ratnakar has carried the legacy of Rafi forward since 1979 (a year before Rafi’s death in 1980), singing Rafi’s classics on the stage. He can effortlessly sing 200 songs of Rafi, which is his forte.
Raghavendra’s maiden public rendition of the popular hit song as a boy, from “An Evening in Paris” at a wedding event of Sandalwood cinematographer Madhusudhan’s daughter in the year 1988 in Bengaluru, won him the admiration of audiences and earned him the moniker “Rafi Raghavendra.” The marriage was attended by Sandalwood stars like Dr Rajkumar, Vishnuvardhan, Ravichandran to name a few.
He humbly recalls his sister Jyothi, who was a popular name in orchestras back in 80s and 90s, running Kalajyothi Orchestra, where he was initiated into the art of singing in public.
Over the decades, Raghavendra has performed in prestigious venues like Jaganmohan Palace auditorium, Nadabrahma Sangeetha Sabha and several other stages, delighting lakhs of music lovers, especially of Rafi.
Art is in his blood
Raghavendra comes from a family of artist. He is the elder son of ace Kannada cinema comedian and actor late Ratnakar, who had shared screen with many stars of yesteryears. Ratnakar, who had identified the innate talent in his son, had often advised him, how practice counts more in achieving the perfection, especially when it comes to recreating the songs of legend like Mohammed Rafi.
Deeply influenced by Rafi’s music, Raghavendra has performed across Mysuru, Bengaluru and Delhi, winning the hearts of Mohammed Rafi’s fans.
Making of Raghavendra Ratnakar
Speaking to Mysoorunews, Raghavendra shared, “My original name is Raghavendra, but Dr Rajkumar, the icon of Kannada cinema, suggested I suffix my father’s name, Ratnakar, to it. Since then, I have been known as Raghavendra Ratnakar.”
He also recounted memorable moments with legends like Dr Vishnuvardhan, who appreciated his performances and blessed him.
A life of dedication
Raghavendra’s musical journey has been marked by dedication and perseverance. He started his own orchestra troupe in 1995 and he was in demand as a Ghazal singer, especially at Marwari marriages. Until 2004, he performed on smaller stages. His big break came when he organised a Mohammed Rafi tribute concert at Jaganmohan Palace—a moment that fuelled his passion further. Since then, he has performed in over 2,000 concerts, reaching audiences far and wide, from 20 years.
One should hear Raghavendra singing the song ‘Neenelli Nadeve Doora’ from the 1967 Kannada film One Balliya Hoogalu, originally sung by Mohammed Rafi.
Music, Love and Family
In 2009, Raghavendra’s love for music led him to another great love—Dr M P Preetham, a dentist, who was performing alongside Raghavendra in orchestras and eventually became his life partner. The couple tied the knot and in 2010, welcomed their daughter Shreshta, who is now excelling academically.
The decline of orchestras
Despite his successes, Raghavendra highlights the struggles faced by the orchestra community.
“Orchestras were once vibrant, but now they are disappearing. Performers are struggling, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. Financial constraints and a lack of opportunities have left many helpless,” he said.
He also lamented how technological advancements have replaced skilled performers with machines, silencing the traditional orchestra.
“Performers need stage and support from the public and the organisers. Without this, the art form may fade away,” he added.
As Mohammed Rafi’s birth centenary was celebrated in December 2024, Raghavendra Ratnakar’s story serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of music and the need to preserve the art of live orchestras.
Says Raghavendra, Rafi’s music will soothe the ears for another 100 years.
– Team Mysoorunews
Mysooru News
