Late actor Kalabhavan Mani lives in the hearts of Malayalis both as an amazing performer and as a helpful human being. He was no different for Kochi-based artiste Hanan Hamid who became a social media star early last year after videos showed her selling fish in school uniform. Hence, on the day of his third death anniversary on March 6, she decided to release a music video as a tribute to the film actor who passed away in 2016.
Hanan's video titled, 'Manichettande Kunjatta' features how Mani had cared for her even before she got attention on social media. The song was all set and recorded by December, but it took a while more to shoot the video. Earlier, she had been looking for a voice that would sound similar to Mani's and that search ended with singer Ranju. “While recording the song with Ranju, it felt as if Manichettan himself was singing because he had adapted his voice with that of Manichettan's,” recalled Hanan.
Dedicated to Mani
“When Manichettan (Kalabhavan Mani) passed away, I was at his house. Sitting on top of his house, near to a window, I could see his cremation. On that day itself, I decided to sing something for him. I wanted him sleep like a child so that I could sing a lullaby for him. That is how the whole idea penning a song came to mind. But I wrote it in a way that he would sing it for me,” Hanan stated.
Support of Mani's family
Interestingly, it was initially planned to feature Mani's wife and daughter in the video, but things couldn't work out with them although Hanan was assured of all kinds of help from Mani's family. “Manichettan's daughter was gone for higher studies and wife too couldn't make it. But his whole family was supportive throughout. Even his brother watched the video and applauded the effort we took,” said Hanan.
Good wishes
Although Hanan was trolled and came into limelight when her photos of selling fish went viral, she reveals many only wished her good after this video was released. “Only good words have been pouring in for the video because none can forget Manichettan. A true Mani fan would never say anything bad over a video dedicated to him and I am happy that people have received it well,” she said.
Busy with music classes
Hanan has not stopped selling fish despite fame. “From Monday to Friday, I am still selling fish at Thammanam (in Kochi) and on weekends I attend Hindustani music classes at A R Rahman's academy in Chennai,” she said.
When asked if travel doesn't bother her health, she said, “I don't mind actually. Only very recently that I got an admission there. So let's see where life takes me.”
Future endeavours
Hanan has yet another musical video in the pipeline and she is waiting for a good moment. “The next music video will have more renowned artists and will be basically about selling fish. The creative work is going on right now and I need to develop it further very seriously. Apart from that, I have also written one Tamil song as well which is yet to be released,” she said.
Other than the music videos, she will soon join the sets of 'Viral 2019' once its ready to go on floors after the movie team is set with other casting.
