Anwar Rafi was introduced by music director M. Ashraf in Urdu film Teray Ghar Kay Samnay in 1984. He got fame from film Jeeva in 1995 and the music director was son of M. Ashraf, M. Arshad. A song from this film Janu Sun Zara, Palken To Utha.. became a street song. He was very busy until the downfall of Lahore made films in the 2000s..
Anwar Rafi was inspired by the legendary playback singer Mohammad Rafi. He is son of singer M.S. Nagi and son-of-law of renowned music director Nazir Ali.