Devotion helps Danish chart hearty comeback
KOZHIKODE: Life has come full circle for singer Mohammed Danish Malappuram, who after getting caught in the crossfire of controversy is now steadily reclaiming his space in Keralas devotional music landscape. A sound engineer and native of Padinjattumuri, Malappuram, Danish shot to fame and notoriety with the viral parody song Pottiye Kettiye Swarnam Chembayi Mattiye, inspired by the popular Swamiye Ayyappa chant. Written by Nadapuram-based expat G P Kunhabdulla Chalappuram, the take-off emerged as a powerful, cost-free campaign tool on social media. But the attention it drew was far from harmless. The song sparked intense public debate, accusations of hurting religious sentiments, and even a legal case. For Danish, the backlash was swift and deeply personal. Professional opportunities dried up, criticism mounted, and the singer found himself questioning his future in music. That phase tested me in every possible way, Danish recalls. There were days when I wondered whether music would still have a place in my life. Yet, time and faith appear to have rewritten his story. Today, Danish is back in the spotlight for reasons he never imagined during his darkest days. He is now busy lending his voice to Ayyappa devotional songs, with his first such recording dedicated to Sree Muthukurussikkavu Ayyappa temple. The temple committee has announced that the song will be played every morning as part of its daily rituals. Ironically, the very genre that once placed Danish at the centre of controversy has now become his bridge to renewal. His voice is now in demand for both traditional and contemporary Ayyappa bhajans, and other Hindu devotional songs, with many recognising a new emotional depth in his singing. This feels like a blessing, Danish says. To sing Ayyappa songs after everything that has happened feels like healing. Music has a way of correcting paths. Devotion is universal, he says. Whether its an Ayyappa song or any other religious hymn, the emotion is the same: Surrender, faith and hope. Fellow artists say Danishs journey mirrors a fragile reality in the age of viral fame and instant backlash. He has matured as a singer and as a person, says a composer who recently collaborated with him. Theres sincerity to his voice now that connects deeply with devotional music.
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