A. T. Ummer

Anjukandy Thalakal Ummer also known as A.T. Ummer was an Indian music director who worked predominantly in Malayalam movies. He was born in Arjukandy, Kannur district, Kerala. He made his debut on the silver screen from the film Thalirukkal (1967). Director A. Vincent discovered his talent in music. He offered him a chance to compose music for a film he directed called Almaram in 1969. Later, after two years, he gave a hit Abhijathyam, in a movie directed by A.T. Ummer, and this became a turning point in his life as he got recognition in the Malayalam industry through this project. After that, in the 1970s, he collaborated with lyricist Bich Thirumula. They directed some phenomenal tracks together.

Apart from this, he has composed music for the writings of various poets like O.N.V Kurup and P. Bhaskaran. He has won the Best Music Director in the Kerala State Film Award for the film Aalingaman directed by I.V. Sasi. The song Thushaara Bindhukalle composed by him won the Best Female Singer Award for S. Janaki in the Kerala State Film Award. Some of the famous songs directed by him include Oru Mayil Peeliyay Njan, Neela Jalashayathil, Marivill Panthalitta, Devi Nin Cheriyil, Vakappoo Maram Choodum, Chemapakappoonkavanathile, Ninnepunaran Neettiya Kaikalil, Vrishchika Rathri Than, Pottikkaranjukondomane, Thushara Bindukkale, Unni Aarariro, and Oru Nimisham Thaaru.

The movies for which his famous songs were composed include Thalirukal (1967), Kaliyalla Kalyanaam (1968), Villakkapetta Bandhangal (1969), Aalmaram (1969), Jalakanyaka (1971), Aabhijathyam (1971), Theerthayaathra (1972), Preethi (1972), Thekkankaattu (1973), Oru Pidi Ari (1974), College Girl (1974), Madhurappathinezhu (1975), Ulsavam (1975), Aaranyakaandam (1975), Chief Guest (1975), Abhimaanam (1975), Aalinganam (1976), Amrithvahini (1976) and many more. He died at quite an early age of 68 after suffering from a chronic illness. In 2015, M.S. Nazeem made a documentary about A.T. Ummer. It was called Pattinte Neelajalashayathil.