Mohd Rafi was the primary and most famous playback voice for Rajendra Kumar. It was the time when Rajendra Kumar was giving jubliee hits and achieved the tag of “Jubilee Kumar”. This Jubilee Kumar status of Rajendra Kumar was deeply intertwined with the soulful voice of Mohd Rafi.
Rafi was known for his incredible versatility and his ability to perfectly adapt his voice to the soft, gentle romantic style that defined Rajendra Kumar’s on-screen persona.
However, for the film “Saathi”, Rajendra Kumar was very keen to use Mukesh for the renditions. Naushad was the music composer of Saathi and he was surprised to know that Rajendra Kumar who always preferred Rafi to give playback for him was suddenly demanding Mukesh for Saathi.
The reason being that Saathi was an intense, emotional romantic film in which Rajendra Kumar’s character goes through deep personal tragedy and trauma. Kumar and Naushad felt that Mukesh’s voice was apt to convey the pathos, pain and soul-stirring emotions of the story.
Choosing Mukesh over Rafi was a deliberate creative choice by Rajendra Kumar and not due to any creative differences between the two. Instead it was an intentional artistic choice as the actor felt that Mukesh's soulful and melancholic tone would be perfect to describe the deep heartbreak, sacrifice and physical challenges faced by the character in the film.
Mukesh has rendered 22 songs for Rajendra Kumar. Santaan, Patang, Sasural, Aas Ka Panchi, Zindagi Aur Khwab, Paar Ka Saagar and Akeli Mat Jaiyo are the films which released before Saathi while Anjaana, Gora Aur Kaala, Taangewala, Sunhera Sansaar and Aahuti are the films that released post Saathi.