Musician Bombay S. Kamal passes away

Bombay S. Kamal, a Hindustani and ghazal singer who also composed music for 13 Malayalam films, died at a private hospital here, his family said on Tuesday. He was 82.

The last rites of the musician will be held here at a mosque in the evening. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Even though he was born in Mumbai, Kamal was invited to Kerala in the late 1950s by the then well known composer and music maestro Baburaj.

Since the 60s, Kamal, who first settled in Kozhikode, was a hugely popular singer and used to perform at numerous music stage shows.

Baburaj, who was more like a mentor, asked him to compose music for 13 Malayalam films.

Known for his humility and genial manners, Kamal had no airs about being a popular talent. He maintained a low profile even when as a composer he had singers such as K.J. Yesudas sing for him.

Since 2000, Kamal had again shifted base and moved to the capital city. He was often spotted taking a stroll on the streets here.