The Kerala state film awards was mired in a row recently as the jury members denied the best playback singer award to Abhijith saying that the young vocalist was trying to imitate the legendary singer K J Yesudas.
As the issue refuses to die down even days after the announcement of the awards, the social media talks about another singer who was 'accused' of imitating Yesudas years ago. K G Markose, who gained fame for his incredible singing talent, was later sidelined allegedly for imitating Yesudas.
The singer who is often spotted in his crisp white kurtas had opened up about his ordeal many times. Markose believes that his striking similarity to the legendary singer’s voice and the surprising resemblance in their looks kept him away from opportunities to sing in movies.
“I have no idea why I was rejected from the movies. I think many have tried to avoid me and had denied me opportunities. White clothes are not just one person’s exclusive outfit. My father was a doctor and he used to wear only whites. Even I used to wear white clothes from school days itself. I began to grow beard not to imitate Dasettan. My face is too slim, so I thought the beard look suited me well. People have told me that I have many qualities, though I believe I am not as good as Dasettan. But I have been sidelined accusing that I try to imitate Yesudas in his looks and singing style,” says K G Markose.
The singer said that he believed that those who are close to Yesudas played a major role in denying him opportunities which he rightfully deserved.
Recalling an incident that happened years ago Markose said, “I had recorded the song ‘Kannipoo Manam’ at the Tharangini studio owned by Yesudas. But they had altered my voice by changing the speed and bass. I was too scared to bring it to the notice of Dasettan as I was worried about losing my opportunities.”