ABU DHABI Dr Vimal Kumar is a specialist endodontist at a private clinic in Dubai’s International City. When he is not toting a dental drill, he is striking a different note. A leading playback singer and music composer, he has over 100 hits to his credit, including the award-winning Malayalam album Varuvadaru.
Dr Thompson Anthony, an internal medicine specialist at a private clinic in Muhaisnah, is equally talented. When he breaks into song, his fans are invariably on their feet.
Like them, there are at least 10 doctors from the UAE who can claim to be high-calibre musicians with their family members. And thanks to the initiative of dermatologist Dr T.C. Satish, they are now part of a home-grown music group called The Signatures.
Hidden talent
“We launched a year ago and have given several performances, the last being a concert at the Indian Consulate on October 2,” said Sumitha Satish, group coordinator and Dr Satish’s wife.
She said her husband founded the group as he wanted to give expression to his fellow doctors’ rich musical talent which was dormant in the face of their rigorous medical studies and practice.
“It was heartening to see that a latent passion for singing existed amongst us, it just needed the right expression,” said Dr Satish.
Dr Kumar said he was a trained classical and Carnatic singer. “I learnt music during my childhood and have been fortunate to be in the company of musical greats ever since. It is a wonderful feeling to sing with other like-minded doctors under the guidance of Dr Satish,” said the endodontist.
The group prides itself on having a UAE-wide presence, with one of its members, Dr Shiju Baburaj, a dentist, even coming from Al Ain. “He is the rockstar of our group and is known for his peppy numbers. He has mastered the art of yodelling,” said Sumitha.
Dr Satish said the doctors’ commitment to singing was noteworthy. “Dr Baburaj sometimes leaves Al Ain at 11pm after he finishes practice to be with us for a rehearsal and drives all the way back at 2am.”
The other regulars in the group include Dr Mohammad Shakeel, a physician cum ghazal singer; Dr Ajith Kumar Menon, another physician who prefers to sing Bollywood numbers, paediatricians Dr Manoj Chandran and Dr Babu Rafiq; dentists Dr Shalini George and Dr Roshini Bhaskar; Abhirami Ajai, award-winning playback singer and daughter of ophthalmologist Dr Ajaikumar; Reshma Menon, daughter of dermatologist Dr Satish Kumar; and Sushant Satish and Sucheta Satish, children of Sumitha and Dr Satish.
Themed concerts
Sumitha said the group has its own orchestra which accompanies the singers at concerts.
“The Signatures is unique in that its performances are theme-based. The October 2 show for example revolved around India’s patriotism,” said Sumitha, adding the group performs at public concerts and private functions.
She said her role iincludes selection of themes, songs and scripting. “We do different genres. Our singers are as good with Hindi songs as they are with Tamil, Malayalam and other regional music. I do the research and screen projections to provide background information. I also anchor the shows.”
Dr Satish said the group is now planning to cut its own album. He said Signatures is also associated with SWATANTARA, an initiative of the Indian Consulate which stands for Students Working Against Tobacco, Alcohol, NarcoTic And Related Abuses.
“The aim is to take our music forward for a noble cause like SWATANTARA which consists of volunteers who are out to raise awareness about the ill effects of tobacco, alcohol and drugs in the community,” he added.
