July 30, 2019
In My Take this week, Afzal Yusuff, a visually impaired music
director behind some of the biggest chartbusters in the Malayalam and Tamil
films industry, shares his story. Afzal, who is from Kochi, is also a
well-known singer.
I consider myself lucky to have stepped foot into the music industry. Music
has been close to my heart since childhood. My parents tell me that when I
was a child, I used to play the tune of whatever song i heard, even if it was
with a spoon or a toy. We would visit my grandfather during the vacations and
that is where my love for music took wings. He would play songs of
Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi, and I
would be all ears for those lovely songs.
Music was inborn in me. I completed my schooling at School for the Blind in
Aluva where they had all the facilities for me to experiment more with
music. During leisure time, I used to try out new music instruments. I kept
practicing and developing whatever skills I had. By then, I realised that
music was my true calling.
After school, I joined St. Pauls College in Kochi where I
would participate in art festivals and other music-related events. It was a
great platform for me to bring out my talents. I also had a bunch of great
teachers and guides who supported me throughout. Many renowned artists and
musicians spotted me playing at these events and that opened more doors of
opportunities ahead of me.
I became active in the music scene and used to work with many musicians as a
keyboard programmer. That is when I heard of a bachelors’s programme in music
at a renowned college in Kochi. Though I attended it a few times, I
couldn’t complete it because of my busy schedule. I discontinued the course
and decided to fully concentrate on music.
My first Malayalam movie was Chandranilekkulla Vazhi
directed by Biju Varkey. But I actually got noticed in the
hit film Calender that was released in 2009. I went on to
compose music for the blockbuster movie 1993 Bombay March 12
which established my place in Malayalam music industry. I started getting
many opportunities, and I could work with renowned music directors and
singers as well.
I tuned music for Malayalam movies like Ithu Pathiramanal,
God for Sale and Mammootty-starrer
Immanuel which was the biggest blockbuster movie in my
career. Even though the movie was released in 2013, people still talk about
it and its songs.
I cannot forget the immense support from movie director Lal
Jose who helped me enter the industry. He introduced me to many
music and film directors with whom I went on to work. I have been lucky to
get his support since the year 2004. Even now, he is one of the closest
people in my life and has helped me a lot in shaping a career in music.
Music director Bijibal is a good friend of mine. I have
collaborated with him for many ventures. I am lucky to have worked closely
with renowned names like strong>Raveendran master, Berny Ignatious and
Ouseppachan from whom I could learn music in-depth.
I introduced Bollywood singers like Sonu Nigam and
Arban Malik to Malayalam. Their first Malayalam songs were
tuned by me. I feel overwhelmed to have worked with singers like
Sadhna Sargam and Kailash Kher as well.
Singers from South Indian industry have been great too.
I owe my success to my parents who guided me throughout my musical journey.
They helped me to beat all obstacles and follow my passion for music. The
unending support of film directors like Babu Janardhanan and
M Padmakumar has been very helpful for me. In fact, they are
my mentors.
I have just worked on a Malayalam movie Blue Whale which is
scheduled for release very soon. I completed my first Tamil movie
Engeyum Naan Irupen which is also slated for release. I’am
also working on a handful of other projects.
I have never considered my disability a roadblock in walking towards my
dreams. In fact, there are many visually impaired people in the music
industry who have made their mark though hard-work and determination.
Earlier, it was hard to work in such an industry when you have a disability.
But now, society is more inclusive. There are many technological
advancements too. If you are a visually impaired person, know your inner
strength and work towards it. Nothing is impossible.
ALSO READ: ‘Think beyond & work towards your goals’ – My Take by Kartik
Sawhney
