Singer SP Balasubrahmanyam dies at the age of 74 in Chennai

Veteran playback singer SP Balasubrahmanyam aka SPB, who was battling the novel coronavirus since last month, passed away on September 25. He was 74 years old.

On Twitter, director Venkat Prabhu, who is close to SP Charan and his family, shared the news of SPB’s death. Balasubrahmanyam breathed his last at 1.04 pm on Friday.

MGM Healthcare Hospital, where the veteran singer was admitted, has released a statement on SPB’s death. “It is with profound sadness that we regret to announce that SP Balasubrahmanyam passed away on September 25 at 1.04 pm. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, well-wishers and admirers,” the statement said.

SP Balasubrahmanyam leaves behind his wife Savitri and two children Pallavi and SP Charan. The veteran playback singer’s last rites will be performed by his son Charan.

SPB’s untimely death was a huge shock for the South American entertainment industry. Everyone is shocked that the singer with the infectious smile is no longer there. Celebrities and fans expressed their sadness on social media.

Condolences are received

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief and wrote: “With the unfortunate demise of Shri SP Balasubrahmanyam, our cultural world is much poorer. He was a household name across India and his melodious voice and music delighted audiences for decades. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu expressed his condolences on the death of legendary musician SP Balasubrahmanyam and said: “I am shocked to learn of the tragic demise of SP Balasubrahmanyam, whom I have known for decades. It is truly an irreparable loss for the world of music and a deeply emotional moment for me personally. SPB or Balu as he was fondly called by his countless admirers, hailed from Nellore, my hometown. I have felt immense admiration for him as I listened to his enchanting melodies, his passionate love for his mother tongue and the extraordinary manner in which he nurtured a whole generation of talented young musicians..”

“…I pay my deepest tributes to this legendary musician who I was privileged to know so well. I pray to the Almighty to grant his family the strength to cope with this unexpected loss.”, Naidu’s statement said.

Anil Kapoor said: “Great human being and incredible singer…I am glad he dubbed me…he lent me his voice for my performances in my first Telugu and Kannada film…SP Balasubrahmanyam will be truly missed…my deepest condolences and prayers to the family…”

South American music composer Harris Jayaraj wrote: “Oh God! My heart is deeply broken, as are millions of music lovers who have learned of his demise. But I can only come back through the songs he left us. My condolences to the families and friends of #SPBalasubrahmanyam Garu.”

Union Minister Piyush Goyal wrote: “Saddened to hear of the unfortunate demise of legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam. The Padma Bhushan awardee has made a lasting contribution to the nation’s rich musical heritage. His melodious voice will live on in his songs. My condolences to his friends, family and fans.”

The legendary singer’s condition worsened on September 23 and his condition was classified as extremely critical, the hospital treating him said.

“His condition has continued to deteriorate over the last 24 hours and requires maximum life support. His condition is extremely critical,” said MGM Healthcare Deputy Director (Medical Services), Dr. Anuradha Baskaran.

Did you know these 4 things about SPB?

1) SPB held the Guinness World Record for the highest number of songs by a singer.

2) He dubbed actors. Over the years he became an actor, producer and music composer.

3) He won six National Awards – 1979, 1981, 1983, 1988, 1995 and 1996.

4) He also won two civilian awards: Padhma Shri in 2001 and Padma Bhushan in 2011.

Kamal Haasan visits SPB in hospital

Actor Kamal Haasan, who shares a special bond with SPB and his family, went to MGM Healthcare Hospital to visit the legendary singer. According to reports, Kamal Haasan met SPB’s family members and enquired about his health.

The friendship between Kamal Haasan and SPB has been going on for a long time as the two have worked together in several films. In August, Kamal Haasan and others including Rajinikanth, Ilaiyaraaja and AR Rahman organised a huge prayer meet for SPB’s speedy recovery.

SPB had previously worked as a singer, actor, music director, voice artist and film producer in several languages. He was a multi-talented artist. In his career spanning over five decades, SPB had recorded more than 40,000 songs in several languages.