From medicine to melody at 75
An inspiring story of Dr Suresh Nambiar (Khyaal Club Member)
“My name is Dr Suresh Nambiar, and I am 75 years old. I was born and brought up in Mumbai, a city that shaped both my education and my early dreams. I studied medicine and completed my MBBS from KMC Manipal and Mangalore. By profession, I was a General Practitioner, and a large part of my working life was spent in the UAE, where I served patients with dedication and care. Alongside my professional journey, my family, which includes my wife and two children, a son and a daughter, have always been my strongest support. In 2021, after many years of work and travel, we finally settled down in Kannur, Kerala.
While medicine was my profession, music has been my friend since my younger days. I began singing at the age of sixteen. In those early years, I was deeply influenced by Talat Mahmood Saheb, and for almost five to six years, I sang only his songs. There was a softness in his voice and a beauty in his Urdu diction that touched me deeply. As time passed and my voice changed, people around me started telling me that my voice suited Mohammed Rafi Saheb’s songs more. What drew me to Rafi Saheb was the emotion he carried in every song. Every song of his felt alive. From that point on, I formed a simple belief that I still follow today. A song should never be sung without understanding its meaning. When we feel the words, the song comes from the heart. Only then does the audience feel it too. Otherwise, it is just singing for namesake.
After retirement, I had to stop working as a doctor mainly due to some health issues. Life slowed down after that. I began spending more time at home. My life also became more inward and peaceful. In this phase, my love for singing came to my rescue. So now these days, I spend my mornings singing at home. I sing quietly, sometimes for a few minutes, sometimes longer. Singing has become my meditation. When I sing, I forget everything around me and become completely absorbed in the music. I also spend time reading medical books. It keeps my mind active and connected to my lifelong profession. I have never formally studied music, but I have been on stage since the age of seventeen. Even today, whenever I am invited, I take part in musical evenings. That joy of singing has never left me.
One of the most emotional moments of my life came two years ago. My wife and I were invited to visit Mohammed Rafi Saheb’s house by his youngest daughter, Yasmin. Inside the house was a small museum that had his awards and memories. The moment I stepped inside, I could not control my tears. I cried like a child. People around me were surprised, but they did not understand what I was feeling. I was standing in the space of the person who inspired my singing journey. I often tell my friends that visiting Rafi Saheb’s house felt like a pilgrimage to me. It was a moment I will carry in my heart forever. While I respect and admire many singers, Mohammed Rafi will always hold the highest place in my life.
Last year, my wife came across the 50 Above 50 initiative on Facebook and asked me to look at it. I decided to participate in the Singing Superstar of the Year category without any expectations. I only wanted to sing from my heart. Even though I could not travel to Mumbai to attend the main event in person, I felt extremely happy and grateful to be recognised as the winner.
I felt deeply connected to it. When I was announced as the winner of the Singing category, I just felt happiness within me. It was not about the prize. It was about being seen and heard at this age. Receiving the certificate, medal, and cash prize was a proud moment, but what stayed with me was the feeling that age does not close doors. I even had the chance to attend one of the 50 Above 50 auditions in Kozhikode for the second edition. I saw the excitement and hope on the faces of new participants. I truly appreciate the organisers for creating such a platform for seniors like me, who might otherwise never get the chance to show their talent in public.
Through this journey, I also became part of the Khyaal community, which has been a very meaningful experience for me. To me, Khyaal truly means care. Caring for elders is something sacred, and Khyaal has been doing this with sincerity and heart. I am part of the Kerala Khyaal community, where I can sing and share my songs. I am thankful to Khyaal for creating such a platform and for consistently standing by seniors with genuine intention.
My message to my fellow senior citizens is simple. Never let go of what you love. Whether it is singing, dancing, acting, or anything else, do not hold yourself back. Do not wait for permission or feel shy. When you do what your heart loves, life feels lighter. And with Khyaal, your passion will always find a place to grow.” - Dr Suresh Nambiar (Khyaal Club Member)