Nenmara: For Sheikh Shabeer of Kuruppukulambu, Nenmara in Palakkad, support for Brazil is not limited to World Cup seasons or the times when football rolls on the pitch.
His passion for the South American football giant is a year-round affair. So much so that when he built his house, he painted it in the colours of the Brazilian flag.
The construction of the house was completed in 2018. Shabeer chose the iconic yellow and green of his dream team, Brazil, for the exterior. Ahead of every FIFA World Cup, he refreshes the paintwork. This year too, he has joined in the football fever by repainting the walls, stairs, and exterior surfaces and displaying a miniature replica of the World Cup trophy.
In the early years, large cut-outs of Neymar wearing the famous No. 10 jersey were installed on the rooftop. Even his motorcycle would be repainted in yellow and green during World Cup seasons. Shabeer also makes arrangements at home for football fans to gather and watch matches.
Shabeer says he is a devoted admirer of Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário. He believes Brazil will make a strong comeback under new coach Carlo Ancelotti and go on to win a record-extending sixth World Cup title.
A civil engineer by profession, Shabeer is joined in his passion by wife Shamna and children, Shanoon and Shayan, all ardent supporters of the Yellow Canaries. Photos of the "Brazil House" have gone viral on social media, turning it into a popular selfie spot for Brazil fans visiting the area.