Vilayil Faseela, veteran singer known for her contribution in popularizing Mappilapattu worldwide, passed away in Kozhikode on Saturday.
She was 63.
Faseela suffered a heart attack in her residence in Velliparamba in Kerala’s Kozhikode district, which eventually led to her death.
The late 80s marked the golden era for Faseela, who graced compositions by renowned music creators with her melodious voice.
Throughout her career spanning over four decades, Faseela sang more than 5,000 Mappilapattu.
Her collaboration with legendary singer V M Kutty garnered widespread appreciation. Eventually, she married VM Kutty and converted to Islam, having been known previously as Vilayil Valsala.
Her life took a difficult turn after VM Kutty’s passing in 2021. Born in Vilayil, Eranad Taluk, Malappuram district, Faseela initiated her Mappilapattu journey in 1970, even while she was in fifth grade.
Faseela who has also rendered songs for movies including Mailanchi and 1921, is also a recipient of Kerala Mappila kala academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
