Kozhikode Abdul Kader was an Indian playback singer who was active inMalayalam cinema during the 1950s.[1] He had sung for eight films and many dramas. One of his most popular songs is "Engane Nee Marakkum Kuyile" from the 1954 filmNeelakuyil.[2]
Kozhikode Abdul Kader | |
|---|---|
കോഴിക്കോട് അബ്ദുൾ ഖാദർ | |
| Born | Lesli Andrews (1915-07-19)July 19, 1915 |
| Died | (1977-02-13)February 13, 1977 |
| Notable work | Engane Nee Marakkum Kuyile song from the 1954 filmNeelakuyil |
| Parents |
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He was born to J. S. Andrews and Manini on 19 July 1915 as Lesli Andrews. His mother died when he was very young. He converted toIslam and rechristened as Abdul Kader when he landed up inBurma. He was disowned by his father when he returned and was supported by a policeman named Kunjumuhammed who also fosteredM. S. Baburaj who would later become a famed music composer.[citation needed]
He was first noticed by the music directorV. Dakshinamoorthy who made him sing in the Malayalam filmNavalokam in 1951.[3]
Kader became a popular singer with the song "Engane Nee Marakkum Kuyile" fromNeelakuyil (1954).[2] Kader was fondly referred to asMalabar Saigal.[4]
He married Achumma and has six children with her: Najmal Babu (Who was also a popular singer), Surayya, Moli, Zeenath, Naseema and Nasar. He met actressSantha Devi in 1948 and started to live with her and they had a son named Satyajith, who was also a singer by profession. Abdul Kader died on 13 February 1977.[citation needed] In 2008 Nadeem Noushad, a documentary film maker, has made a documentary film on Kozhikode Abdul Kadar titledDesh Raagathil Oru Jeevitham.[citation needed]
A partial list of songs recorded by Kozhikode Abdul Kader:
Nadeem Noushad, ed. (2010).Padanorthoru Maduritha Gaanam (in Malayalam).Kozhikode, India: Olive Publications.
