AT Ummer

AT Ummer was a noted Malayalam music composer from Kerala, India. He is known for composing many soft melodies for Malayalam movies.

Born in Thalasserry in Kannur district on 10 March 1933, Ummer made his debut in the 1967 film Thalirukkal. It was director A Vincent who first recognized musical talents of Ummer. In 1969 he got the opportunity to compose songs for the film Almaram, directed by Vincent. Two years later, Vincent made the musical hit Abhijathyam which established AT Ummer in the Malayalam film field.

In the 1970s Ummer teamed up with lyricist Bichu Thirumala to compose some outstanding melodies. He has also given tunes to the lyrics by other eminent poets and song writers including, P Bhaskaran and ONV Kurup.

In 1976, he won the Kerala State Film Award for the best music director for the IV Sasi directed film Aalinganam. Interestingly, the melancholic song "Thushaara bindhukkale" from the same movie fetched S Janaki the Kerala State Film Award for the best female singer. He composed many popular songs including Oru mayil peeliyay njan, Neela jalashayathil, Marivill panthalitta, Devi nin chiriyil, Vakappoo maram choodum, Chemapakappoonkavanathile, Ninnepunaran neettiya kaikalil, Vrishchika rathri than, Pottikkaranjukondomane, and Oru nimisham tharoo. He died aged 68 on 15 October 2001, after prolonged illness.

Prepared by: Winston Morris