I.M. Vijayan was 17 years and six months old when he was selected to the Kerala Police football team. But, he could not be given a job till he turned 18 and unless he worked for the force, he could not play for its team. He was told to stay back for six months and that he would be appointed as soon as he turned 18.
It was a confusing time for the wiry teenager. For, it was the season of seven-a-side tournaments in Kerala. "You get good money by playing in the seven's tournaments; you know, Rs 30, Rs 40 and Rs 100," he said in an exclusive interview with Antony John, chief of bureau, Malayala Manorama, Kochi. And money was a big factor for young Vijayan. But, in the end, he decided to stay. "It was a turning point," he said. Personally, it gave him financial security. "My mother used to collect scrap and waste paper from homes and sell it. After getting a job in Kerala Police, I told her she does not have to work again. It was a blessing—getting that job in the police," he said.
Professionally, Vijayan believes that he would not have made it as a footballer had it not been for the opportunity to play for the legendary Kerala Police team of the early 1990s. It is not then an overstatement to say Indian football benefited from the teenage Vijayan's reluctant choice.
India's most complete attacker, Vijayan is widely regarded as the most skilled player of his generation and one of Indian football's all-time greats. Kalo Harin (black buck) to Bengalis, the Karuthe Muthhu (black pearl) to Malayalis, and a three-time Indian Player of the Year, Vijayan's endearing story is akin to a fairytale—one that highlights the importance of humility and work ethic.
In the three-part interview, now available on THE WEEK's YouTube channel, and which was released by AIFF president Praful Patel, the former India captain talks in depth about his football career, his icons, his trademark bicycle kicks, and the on-field partnerships he forged with his teammates, most notably Jo Paul Ancheri and the 'Sikkimese Sniper' Bhaichung Bhutia. "I and Bhaichung played together for a long time," Vijayan said. "I was there when he broke into the senior team. The partnership between us was a major factor. Everyone says that: Bhaichung Bhutia and I.M. Vijayan. It is because there was no jealousy between us. When I was in a position from which I could not score, I would set him up 100 per cent. And he would do the same. We did not care who grabbed the headlines. That is why we formed such an effective partnership." Just like Bhutia's partnership with Sunil Chhetri, he added. "Chhetri came after I retired," he said. "Great player."
After retiring from international football (the 51-year-old still plays and holds his own against much younger opponents), the Arjuna awardee went on to establish a moderately successful acting career. In fact, his first movie Shantam, in which he was the protagonist, won the National Award. He delved into behind-the-scenes stories from his acting gigs and his interactions with superstars. As with football, he approached acting with complete dedication, though, by his own admission, he was not a natural at it.
The enduring takeaway from Vijayan's career and achievements is simple: Keep your head down and work hard. He said that if success and fame had ever gone to his head, he would have been finished. "See it as your good fortune. The result of your hard work. I was not interested to strut around saying I am I.M. Vijayan. Football is a game that is played with your legs. It should not go to your head. There is no point in you saying you are a big person. Spectators should say how good you are. You take happiness in hearing that. But don't start becoming arrogant towards them. Then, they will pull you down."
His message to young aspiring footballers is also characteristically simple: “Work hard, listen to your coaches, go through the proper channels. Take sufficient rest, practise well. Practise, practise, practise. Aim for the stars, you will get somewhere. We should always set the bar high."