As he listened to Yesudas songs on Akashvani, Abdul Razak had a wish - to meet the legendary singer in person. In his early 20s, he made that wish a reality. Meeting Yesudas at the age of 22 or 23, speaking with him, and getting close sparked a bond that has endured for decades.

Now, as Yesudas celebrates his 86th birthday on 10 January, Abdul Razak reflects with joy on their long-standing friendship, though he admits his only regret is not being able to see him this year.

VC Abdul Razak, of Puthhanveettil, Mahe, first met Yesudas in 1973. “The songs I heard on the radio stayed with me always. Then, when Yesudas had a programme in Vadakara, I met him among the crowd. I got his address and started attending wherever he performed,” Razak recalled, speaking of how the singer had made a home in his heart.

After moving to Dubai for work, Razak tried to bring Yesudas there. As a Customs Accountant at the airport, he spent years planning, and in 1984, successfully organised a musical programme featuring the singer.

“Dasettan has also visited our home in Dubai, and we have visited his home in Chennai. That love continues, untouched by time,” Razak said. He last saw Yesudas a few years ago during a visit to Kollur.

Razak enjoys songs such as Manikyaveenayumayi… and Alliyambalkadavil…. Unable to find CDs, he stores all his favourite tracks on his phone. He has also been close to K.S. Chithra and S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, but his affection for Yesudas remains unparalleled.

He calls Yesudas at least once a month and stays in touch via WhatsApp. Recently, he even teased him for not visiting his hometown. Razak splits his time between ‘Amani’ in Chungam, Kozhikode, and Thalassery, holding onto the hope of seeing his dear friend again soon.