About us
RAFI JOSE ASSOCIATION
Some songs become immortal—through meaningful lyrics, soulful music, and unforgettable singing. These elements make melodies live beyond time. That is how Mohammed Rafi’s songs became world-renowned. In 2024, the world celebrated the birth centenary of Rafi, and it was during this moment of remembrance that the P.K. Jose Memorial Committee was formed.
P.K. Jose—affectionately known as Thrissur Jose and Rafi Jose—was the voice who carried Rafi’s songs across Kerala more than 65 years ago, at a time when radios were rare and music reached hearts only through live performances. Beginning in 1955, he sang Rafi’s songs for seven decades, kindling love in the hearts of listeners. Through romantic melodies he created springs of love, and through emotional songs he moved audiences to tears. His voice became a cherished memory for generations of music lovers.
When P.K. Jose passed away, a deep flame was lit in countless hearts—grief mingled with love. Among those expressing their sorrow were eminent musicians and cultural leaders. With one voice they said: There must be a gathering in his memory, there must be a book of remembrance, and there must be a Rafi music festival. Responding to these heartfelt requests, Josettan’s daughter, Shirley Davis, took the lead in coordinating the efforts.
It is doubtful whether the art world ever gave P.K. Jose the recognition he deserved, for he always lived away from the limelight. That is why a group of his friends and admirers came together, out of love and respect, to honour him. Josettan was not just a singer—he was a gentle soul who treated everyone with affection, and a mentor who inspired many musicians of the present generation.
Journey of a Musical Legend
CAREER
Rafi’s first song was in Punjabi for the film ‘Gul Baloch’. In 1945, he made his Hindi film debut with Gaon ki Gori.
Music composer Naushad gave him a Bollywood break in ‘Pehle Aap’. Naushad also gave Rafi a chance to sing in a chorus of the song sung by the legendary K.L Saigal- ‘Mere Sapnon Ki Rani’ of the film ‘Shahjahan’ (1946). Rafi achieved early success with ‘Tera Khilona Toota Balak’ in the film ‘Anmol Ghadi’
He became the playback singer of choice for other composers like O.P Nayyar, Shankar Jaikishan and Sachin Dev Burman. Rafi and S.D. Burman produced soulful songs for Guru Dutt’s films like ‘Pyaasa’ and ‘Kaagaz Ka Phool’.
O.P Nayyar employed Rafi for a majority of his songs in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Rafi performed mainly in live music shows in the 1970’s. The live shows were huge hits.
Some of his famous songs are “Yeh Duniya Yeh Mehfil” from Heer Ranjha, “Tum Mujhe Yun Bhula Na Paoge” from Pagla Kahin Ka, “Kaan Mein Jhumka” from Sawan Bhadon; “Itna to Yaad Hain Mujhe” from Mehboob Ki Mehndi, “Chalo Dildar Chalo” from Pakeezah, etc.
Honours of Excellence
AWARDS
- He won National Film Awards in 1977.
- He won Filmfare Awards in 1960, 1961, 1964, 1966,1968 and 1977.
- He won Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Awards in 1957,1966,1967.
- He won Sur Sringar Award in 1964.
A Life Honoured
HONOURS
- He received a silver medal from the Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, on the first anniversary of the Indian Independence Day in 1948.
- He was honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1967.
- Hero Honda and Stardust magazine honoured him with the “Best Singer of theMillennium” in 2001.
- Rafi won the CNN-IBN poll for the Greatest Voice in Hindi Cinema in 2013.
