Kozhikode Abdul Kader
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kozhikode Abdul Kader is a name not only to reckon with among the galaxy of late top ranking vocalists in Kerala but also among the rare category of exponents who, with a missionary zeal, strived hard expanding their repertoire. Abdul Kader was talent and dedication personified and his versatility had no limits.
Abdul Kader could breathe a thousand shades of despair and distill a lifetime of heartache in the few minutes it took to record a song. No other singer in Kerala was capable of projecting emotions in their raw, unfurnished state the way he could. His was a voice that could on one hand be deeply melancholic and on the other hand exude a profoundly innocent and mellifluous sweetness. It was an exquisite blend of torment and anguish, tenderness and joy.
Born to J. S. Andrews and Manini on February 19, 1916, Leslie Andrews converted to Islam and rechristened himself as Abdul Kader when he landed up in Burma. The first person to notice Abdul Kader from the Film Industry was the noted music director, Mr. V. Dakshinamoorthi. The music composer, M. S. Baburaj was also deeply impressed by the young man's voice. M. S. Baburaj was an integral part of what could be called the Renaissance of Malayalam film music. He provided the glitter, a new dimension to music that is fresh and alive even today. Abdul Kader made his debut as a playback singer in Malayalam films in 1951 in the film `Navalokam.' The songs of Abdul Kader are known not only for their achievements in music but also for their lyrical richness. Kader belonged to the golden age of Malayalam lyrics, when the likes of P. Bhaskaran were in full form.
A multifaceted personality, Abdul Kader was perhaps the only person in the world of music in Kerala who combined so many talents. He was one who loved music so intensely, was intoxicated by its charm, went on singing, creating music, forgetting the cares of the world around him. In every song there was something special, a kind of his touch that generations of music lovers have cherished.
The 'Malabar Saigal' died on February 13, 1977. Accepted by the connoisseur and the layman alike, Kader's posthumous fame has been greater than what he enjoyed during his lifetime. Even after several years of his death, Kozhikode Abdul Kader remains immortal through his songs. His songs evoke the pain and grandeur of an era.
[edit] Filmography
'Navalokam' (1951) - 'Thangakinakkal ...'
'Navalokam' (1951) - 'Parithaapamithe haa jeevithame ...'
'Thiramala' (1953) - 'Hey Kaliyodame ...'
'Neelakkuyil' (1954) - 'Enginey Nee..'
'Manikya Kottaram' (1966) - 'Nakshathrapunnukalaayiram ...'
'Minnaaminung' - 'Ithranaal ithranaal ...'
'Nammalonnu' (A Play by Cherukad) - 'Pachcha panam thathe, ponnara poo muthe'
