ALAPPUZHA: As if asking for a favorite song on the radio, the locals would go to Anil's shop and says," Anil, please sing a song."

Anil will soon pick up the mic and start singing.

45-year old Anil,owner of Aashan Stores, in Kaithath Aryadu, Alappuzha is also a singer. From the opening of the shop at 6 am to its closing at 10 pm, Anil always sings as per people's request.

Anil used to sing film songs from school days. A few years ago, he sung at the local Onam celebrations and the locals who liked his performance invited him to sing at small events. He also started a music troop along with his friends 'Kaithathil Beats'.

Meanwhile, through a friend, he became a member of the WhatsApp group 'Beats of the Gulf', a group of music lovers. During the group reunion in Ernakulam, friends presented Anil with a box, amplifier, mixer and mic. Thus, the free song festival is set in a his shop near the house.

Four months ago, Anil got married to Bindhu, a resident of Alappuzha. Anil's small shop, which was started by his father Palani Asan 70 years ago, was renovated five years ago by Asan Stores. Mother Kanakamma.