His small tailoring shop in Ongallur near Pattambi has become a preferred destination for politicians across party lines
Pattambi: Mohammed Ashraf is not a politician, but some of Kerala's best-known political leaders regularly turn to him for something important: their shirts.
Ashraf, known locally as Muthu, runs a tailoring shop called Liberty in Ongallur, near Pattambi. Over the years, the small shop has become a favourite among ministers, MPs and MLAs from different political parties.
Among his customers are ministers OJ Janeesh and PC Vishnunath, and Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas.
Minister AP Anil Kumar, MLAs VT Balram and Muhammed Muhsin, and former minister MB Rajesh are also regular clients.
Many of them first came to know about the shop through MP Shafi Parambil, who is from the area.
Measurements stored in a diary
Ashraf keeps a record of his customers' measurements in a diary. This allows him to stitch shirts even when politicians are unable to visit the shop in person.
The 45-year-old has been in the tailoring business for around 25 years.
He learned the trade at a shop run by his elder brother, Manutti. When his brother moved abroad, Ashraf took over the business and continued running it.
According to him, political leaders often place orders for four or five shirts at a time.
Helping leaders choose new styles
Ashraf says he has occasionally influenced the clothing choices of some of his customers.
"Vishnuchettan and Anilettan did not wear Chinese-collar shirts earlier. They started wearing them regularly after I stitched one for them," he said.
He also helps customers choose colours and fabrics, encouraging them to try different shades instead of sticking only to white khadi shirts.
Ashraf said many people wrongly assume politicians always wear expensive clothing.
According to him, several leaders prefer fabrics that are reasonably priced.
Memory of Oommen Chandy
One of Ashraf's most memorable experiences was taking measurements and stitching a shirt for former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
Today, many politicians simply call him to discuss shirt designs and colours.
Using the measurements stored in his diary, Ashraf stitches the shirts and sends them by parcel or through people travelling to their destinations.
Ashraf's wife is Sumayya. The couple have four daughters: Fathima Shahana, Fathima Hana, Fathima Hiba and Aisha Hashil.
Published: 03 Jun 2026, 03:10 pm IST
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