Rafiq Abedin Bandukwala

Rafiq Abedin Bandukwala was born to Abedin Fidaali Bandukwala and Zehra Mohammedali Tata in Mumbai, India, on June 11, 1944. After earning his bachelor’s degree in engineering from Pune, India, he moved to Raleigh, N.C., in May 1968 to pursue graduate studies at N.C. State University. His first job at Goslin-Birmingham Manufacturing Company took him to Birmingham, Alabama, where he met and married his best friend and the love of his life, Lalita. There, they welcomed their son, Ibrez. In 1973, the family returned to Raleigh, where Rafiq took a job with Rockwell International. Five years later, they had their daughter, Shaheen.

Although Rafiq spent 40 years in engineering, his true passion was the arts and giving back to the community. He was deeply involved with the Indian community, performing his signature qawwalis and emceeing various events, including India Nights at N.C. State University, wedding receptions, and the 50th wedding anniversary of Dr. and Mrs. G.D. Sharma. He co-directed the epic tale of the Mahabharata, which was so successful it had a second performance at Duke University, attended by India’s Ambassador to the U.S. In 1991, he co-chaired a Habitat for Humanity dance competition called “Friends of India” at Memorial Auditorium in Raleigh, raising $50,000 in one night to build one home in Wake Forest, N.C., and three in India. He also served as president of the International Festival of Raleigh, a three-day event featuring dance performances, ethnic foods, and a world bazaar representing 45 countries around the globe. In his retirement, he held a lead acting role in the play, “Dai Akshar Prem Ke” and on Monday evenings, he enjoyed singing with the Geet Gunjan music group.

Rafiq authored two books available on Amazon: “Don’t Retire, Refresh: A Refreshing Look at Retirement” and “The Race to Finish Last,” about his journey with prostate cancer. He recorded seven original Bollywood songs with a 25-piece orchestra at Radio Gem Studio in Worli, available on YouTube, Amazon, and Spotify. Rafiq considered himself very knowledgeable about American presidents, able to name all 46 in order by memory. He traveled to all 50 states and to 65 countries on six of the seven continents, gaining a deep understanding of people around the world.

Rafiq adored his family, especially his four grandsons — Aydin, Laith, Zayn and Xavier. He was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed but always remembered.

A Memorial Mass is being planned for January. More details to come. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Duke Cancer Institute or Transitions LifeCare, by using the links below, under 'Donations'.

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