Board Profile: Syed Bilgrami
**Board Member:** Syed Bilgrami, Director
**Co-op Board Member Since:** I am in my second three-year term as a Co-op Board member.
**History with Co-op:**
I have been driving a cab with Co-op for 38 years!
**What is it that you like to do most?**
Everyone at Co-op knows that I am very passionate about singing. I come from Mumbai, India and have been singing since I was 10 years old. When I moved to Toronto I found that many people were longing for the sounds of India so we started a band called the Indian Tops to bring the sounds of South Asia to Toronto. Our music spread across multiple diasporas throughout the country and even in the U.S. Music is a big part of my life and I love to perform. I even have my own CD!
**What is it about Co-op that you like?**
It a good business, a reputable business, every day is a new page and I learn something every day.
**What is your greatest memory driving a cab?**
I have experienced the good, the bad and the ugly. You learn a lot from people while driving a cab and I am happy to have had many experiences. From meeting stars to hearing interesting stories from regular Torontonians I have too many memories to list.
**If you had one message you could convey what would it be?**
It is important to keep your chin up in the cab industry. Some days you make money and some days you dont. It is continuously a learning experience and you wont get roses all the time you will always have a few thorns. Keeping a positive attitude is the key to success.
**What have you been working on lately?**
My latest endeavour has been acting. I am a character actor in a feature film called Chhal. I am also working on a CD in the memory of my great mentor, the late Muhammad Rafi.