Singer SP Balasubrahmanyam dies at 74 in Chennai
3 min read . Updated: 25 Sep 2020, 02:56 PM IST
Premium- Legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam breathed his last on Friday
- SPB was in hospital for around 2 months after being diagnosed with coronavirus in August
Veteran playback singer SP Balasubrahmanyam aka SPB, battling the novel coronavirus since last month, passed away on 25 September. He was 74.
Taking to Twitter, Director Venkat Prabhu, who is close to SP Charan and his family, shared SPB's death news. Balasubrahmanyam breathed his last at 1:04 pm on Friday.
MGM Healthcare Hospital, where the veteran singer was admitted, has released a statement about SPB's death. "With profound grief, we regret to inform that S P Balasubrahmanyam had passed away on September 25 at 13:04 hours. We express our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, well-wishers and admirers," read their statement.
SP Balasubrahmanyam is survived by wife Savitri and his two kids, Pallavi and SP Charan. The Veteran playback singer's last rites will be performed by his son, Charan.
SPB's untimely death has come as a huge shock for the South entertainment industry. Everybody is shocked to know that the singer with an infectious smile is no more. Celebs and fans took to social media to express their grief.
Condolences pour in
Expressing grief, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, "With the unfortunate demise of Shri SP Balasubrahmanyam, our cultural world is a lot poorer. A household name across India, his melodious voice and music enthralled audiences for decades. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti."
Condoling the demise of legendary musician, SP Balasubrahmanyam, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said, "I am shocked to learn of the tragic demise of S.P. Balasubrahmanyam whom I have known for a number of decades. It is truly an irreparable loss to the world of music and a deeply emotional moment for me personally. SPB or Balu as he was fondly called by his innumerable admirers came from Nellore, my native place. I have had immense admiration for him as I heard his rapturous melodies, his passionate love for his mother tongue and the extraordinary manner in which he groomed a whole generation of talented, young musicians."
"...I pay me reverential homage to this legendary musician whom I have had the pleasure of knowing so closely. I pray to the Almighty to give his family the strength to cope with this most unexpected loss," read Naidu's statement.
Anil Kapoor said, "Great human being and an incredible singer...lucky to have had him dub for me...give his voice to my performances in my first Telugu and Kannada film...SP Balasubrahmanyam will be missed truly...my heartfelt condolences & prayers to the family..."
South music composer Harris Jayaraj wrote, "Oh, God! My heart is broken to pieces along with crores of music lovers hearing his demise. But, I may get back only by the songs he left for us. My condolences to families, Friends of #SPBalasubrahmanyam Garu."
Union Minister Piyush Goyal wrote, "Saddened at unfortunate demise of legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam. The Padma Bhushan awardee has made lasting contribution to nation's rich musical legacy. His melodious voice will live on through his songs. My condolences to his friends, family & fans."
The legendary singer's condition deteriorated on 23 September and he was deemed extremely critical, the hospital treating him said.
"His condition in the last 24 hours has deteriorated further warranting maximal life support and he is extremely critical," Assistant Director (Medical Services), MGM Healthcare, Dr Anuradha Baskaran earlier stated.
Did you know these 4 things about SPB?
1) SPB held Guinness World Record for highest number of songs by a singer.
2) He dubbed for actors. Over the years, he turned an actor, producer, and a music composer.
3) He won six National Awards - in 1979, 1981, 1983, 1988, 1995, and in 1996.
4) He also won two civilian awards Padhma Shri in 2001, Padma Bhushan in 2011.
Kamal Haasan visits SPB at hospital
Actor Kamal Haasan, who shares a special bond with SPB and his family, went to the MGM Healthcare Hospital to visit the legendary singer. Kamal Haasan reportedly met SPB's family members and enquired about his health condition.
Kamal Haasan and SPB's friendship go back a long way as the two have worked in several films. In the month of August, Kamal Haasan and others including Rajinikanth, Ilaiyaraaja, AR Rahman organised a mass prayer meet for SPB's speedy recovery.
SPB had earlier worked as a singer, actor, music director, dubbing artist and film producer in several languages. He was a multi-talented person. Throughout his career that spanned for over five decades, SPB had recorded more than 40,000 songs in several languages.
