Inspired by the muse
K. PRADEEP
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Cochin Ibrahim recalls his heyday as a popular playback singer.
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Little did I know that the song I had just finished singing, `Madhuban me Radhika... ', was Dilip Sahib's favourite. Cochin Ibrahim
REHEARSAL: (From left) Dr. Balakrishnan, A. T. Ummer, Cochin Ibrahim and S. Janaki before the recording for the film `Madhuram Thirumadhuram.'
The chief guests had not arrived but the organisers, sensing that the crowd had slowly become restless, decided to start the music programme. Cochin Ibrahim was halfway through his song when the guests of honour were ushered to their seats in the front row. By the time they settled down Ibrahim had finished his song and disappeared backstage. Even as the next singer was getting ready, one of the organisers rushed in and asked Ibrahim to go back and sing that song once again. That encore proved to be a turning point in the career of this gifted singer.
Meeting Dilip Kumar
"Among the guests who came in was Dilip Kumar Sahib. He was here along with producer Yash Johar, Saira Banu, Rishi Kapoor and Amrita Singh for the shooting of the film `Duniya.' This music performance at the stadium in the Naval Base was held in honour of these stars. Little did I know that the song I had just finished singing, `Madhuban me Radhika... ' (Kohinoor) was Dilip Sahib's favourite. He had expressed a wish to listen that song again. After the programme he came to the stage and congratulated me. He even asked me to come to Bombay and meet him there," recounts Ibrahim.
Although Ibrahim did not treat this invitation seriously some of his friends urged him to make a try. So, with half a mind, Ibrahim boarded the train to the City of Dreams.
"That was in 1984. I went to Bombay and met Dilip Sahib at his residence. He asked me to stay back in Bombay for a few months and told his secretary to see that I was given entry to his home whenever I came there."
Some of his friends there took Ibrahim to meet a Malayali businessman who was producing a film.
"Mohammed Bhai was making a film called `Atma Raksha.' All the songs were recorded except for one. The producer had reserved this for Rafi Sahib but his death left him undecided on the next choice. That was when I was introduced to Mohammed Bhai. He asked me to sing and was happy with what he heard. But he was even more thrilled to hear of my friendship with Dilip Sahib. The producer offered to give me the song on the condition that I bring Dilip Sahib to the studio for the recording."
He told Dilip Sahib about all this and the thespian agreed to help.
PHOTO:VIPINCHANDRAN
GOLDEN MEMORIES: Cochin Ibrahim.
"The recording was fixed at the famous Mehaboob Studio, as suggested by Dilip Sahib. It was after a long time that he was coming to the studio and on that day there was a huge crowd waiting to catch a glimpse of this great actor. I was fortunate to have Dilip Sahib listen to the whole recording. He gave a few tips on pronunciation and left. Music director Usha Khanna and the lyricist Jameel Akhtar were also there. The producer was on cloud nine. I could not believe that I had just completed a Hindi song."
But the producer suffered a heart attack and the film did not see the light of day.
The songs were never released, remaining in the hands of a few who got the recordings from the studio. "Looking back, I feel I should have stayed back in Bombay for some more time. But I have always been like that, homesick, never wanting to trouble my friends. I came back never to go back."
Inspired by elder brother
Ibrahim strayed into music after he was inspired by his elder brother, Mohammed Usman. He studied classical music at R.L.V. Music Academy at Thripunithura. Then I joined Christian Arts Centre that was being run by Father Abel. It was through him that I got the chance to have my voice recorded. That was for HMV, with Fr. Abel providing the lyrics and K. K. Antony setting it to music."
Debut in Malayalam films
Ibrahim made his debut in Malayalam films in the film `Maanpeda' (1971).
"That film was produced by the famous actor Bahadur. I was lucky to sing my first song for M. S. Baburaj and that too a solo `Ushusinte gopurangal... ' that was well received."
Then for the next couple of years Ibrahim went on sing in a few more Malayalam films. His oeuvre includes songs such as `Kalpanaramathil... ' (`Manas'), `Ente Nenjile... ' (`Chanchala'), `Premathinnu kannilla... ' (`Tourist Bungalow' ), `Uncle Santa Claus' (`Anubhavam' ), `Janmanallil ninakku choodan... ' (`Aval Niraparadhi'), `Thazvarayil manjupethu... ' (`Madhuram Thirumadhuram' with S. Janaki), `Lahari madaka lahari,' and `Ayiram ponpanam... ' (`Shrishti' ), `Kaneeril nanavettu... ' (`Yathibhangam'), `Soubhagyam vaathil thurakum... ' (`Pattana Pravesham' ) and `Moolapookallal... ' (`Carnival' with K.S. Chitra). In his long, eventful career Ibrahim also sang for many drama troupes in Kerala and at various stage shows in the country and abroad.
He still retains the timbre and texture of his voice, often appearing at stage shows like the recent one in Kochi to mark the 25th death anniversary of Mohammed Rafi leaving the audience mesmerised by his soulful singing.
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