Megastar Mammootty touched the hearts of millions with a special and nostalgic birthday wish for the legendary singer K J Yesudas. The actor took to social media to celebrate Yesudas's 86th birthday, sharing a poignant photograph that sparked an emotional outpouring from fans across Kerala and beyond.
A Nostalgic Tribute from One Icon to Another
On the occasion of Yesudas's birthday on January 10, Mammootty posted a throwback picture that captured a unique moment. The photograph showed Mammootty himself, camera in hand, taking a picture of the celebrated singer. Alongside this nostalgic image, the superstar penned a simple yet powerful message: “Heartfelt birthday wishes to our beloved Dasettan.”
The post was instantly flooded with reactions from fans who were deeply moved by the gesture. One fan eloquently commented on the singer's irreplaceable role, writing, "Imagine a Kerala without that voice. Malayalam would still have words, but miss the voice that made them feel like home. Happy Birthday to the voice every Malayali grew up with." Another fan succinctly captured the essence of the photo with the words, "Photographer and the photograph."
The Ageless Voice: Yesudas Turns 86
K J Yesudas was born on January 10, 1940, and celebrated his 86th birthday this year. His journey as the defining voice of Malayalam music began with the film 'Kalpadukal'. Over a career spanning more than half a century, he has sung thousands of songs that are etched permanently in the collective memory of listeners.
Yesudas's mastery is not confined to Malayalam; he has lent his golden voice to songs in almost every major Indian language, making him a national treasure. However, it is his Malayalam songs that hold a uniquely intimate place in the hearts of Keralites, serving as the soundtrack to their daily lives.
Mammootty's Profound Words on Yesudas's Legacy
This is not the first time Mammootty has publicly expressed his deep admiration for Yesudas. During the ‘Dasettan at 83’ event in Kochi in 2023, the actor shared heartfelt insights into the singer's impact.
Mammootty revealed their personal rapport, noting, “He is two or three years younger than me. I call him Dasetta only as a mark of respect.” He elevated the celebration beyond a personal milestone, stating, "What we are celebrating is not just Dasetta’s birthday alone. We are also celebrating the anniversaries of cinema music and music itself. We do not have music without Dasetta.”
He further described the inseparable nature of Yesudas's voice from everyday life in Kerala. “We do not have even a single day without Dasetta. We cannot go on a journey without him... Not even a moment of our lives can pass without Dasetta. That is how deeply he and his voice are woven into our lives,” Mammootty said.
The actor also highlighted Yesudas's role as a cultural ambassador. “Maybe the world has heard the Malayalam language the most through Dasetta’s voice. Outside Kerala, people have heard about the Malayalam language and its music mainly through Dasetta’s songs,” he remarked, acknowledging the singer's monumental contribution in taking Malayalam music to a global audience.
On the work front, Mammootty is gearing up for his highly anticipated film 'Patriot', directed by Mahesh Narayanan, and has also signed a new project with the team behind the movie 'Marco'.
