Interviews

In praise of love

Ganesh Neelakantan

The briefing lyricist Ajeesh Dasan got from Joju George when he decided to have a song by him in his production, Joseph, was simple: “We need a lullaby which is not exactly one.”

And when music director Ranjin Raj presented him with the tune after Joju described the story and title role, Ajeesh knew exactly what his verse would be like. Thus formed the song Poomuthole, which you want to hear again as soon as you finish watching the movie. For, it rightly reflects the sort of love Joseph has for everyone around him, his family in particular, and also sacrifice, something his character stands for.

“I finished it at one go because I have experienced enough hardships in my life and I know the value of sacrifice,” says Ajeesh.

The film turned out to be a big hit and so did the song. It also fetched Vijay Yesudas the State Award for the Best Male Singer recently. Ajeesh has been getting messages from lots of people, mostly filled with emotions, describing how the words have touched their hearts.

The lyricist got his break in Poomaram, the songs of which turned viral. And then came Oru Pazhaya Bomb Katha, directed by Shafi. Ajeesh, who adores the works of Vayalar Ramavarma, P Bhaskaran and Vairamuthu, is getting many offers right now. But he is reluctant to sign all of them as he finds it hard to comprehend his state of mind post Joseph's success.

“I’m waiting for the release of Thottappan, in which I have joined Anwar Ali and Rafeeq Ahmed as a lyricist,” says Ajeesh. The Shanavas K Bavakutty-directorial has Vinayakan in the lead. Besides that, he has also signed a Tovino Thomas film.

Ajeesh, who grew up in the temple town of Vaikom, later got hooked to politics, but it was Maharaja’s College in Ernakulam that nurtured his confidence. “It was there that I realised I too have a space in this world. I have to thank my friends for their support,” he says.

The lyricist signs off thanking director Abrid Shine, “I wish to thank him as he was the one who gave me the opportunity and confidence to pen the lyrics for Poomaram.”

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