Ka. Mu. Sheriff

Ka. Mu. Sheriff was a writer and poet who wrote mainly in the Tamil language. He was a popular Tamil film lyricist during the 1950s and 60s. His lyrics Chittukuruvi Chittukuruvi Sedhi Theriyuma?, Yerikaraiyin Maele Poravale Penn Mayile are ever-green in the minds of Tamil film song lovers. He has also written screenplays and dialogues to some films. Born on 11 August 1914 at Abhivirutheeswaram in East Thanjavur district as the only son to Kadershah Ravuthar and Pathuma amma, he lived an exemplary life. Though he was a Muslim by birth, he respected other faiths and was a vegetarian throughout his life. He never smoked or drank. He did not have a regular school education but was tutored privately in Tamil language till he was 14 years of age. Encouraged by his father, he learned Tamil grammar and literature. He started writing poetry when he was young.