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Ironically, before he tested positive for coronavirus, singer S P Balasubrahmanyam had composed and sung a Tamil song to create awareness about the deadly pathogen. He had shown mild symptoms of Covid-19 initially, and despite being advised home quarantine, had chosen to be admitted to the hospital for the health of his family. The singer had posted a video on his official Facebook page at the time, stating that he had chest congestion for a few days, along with cold and fever. About two weeks later, he was put on the ECMO support, a heart-lung assistance machine, after he had suffered a setback in his health. Common people as well as members of the film fraternity had got together to organize mass prayers hoping for his recovery. From Lata Mangeshkar to Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, celebs across India had sent in their well wishes for the Tamil singer.
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Film personalities from Bengali cinema, including singer-turned-politician Babul Supriyo, singer Srikanto Acharya and filmmaker Srijit Mukherji, have paid homage to legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyan. Supriyo remembered the veteran singer as a humble soul. “I had first listened to his music when I studied in class 11 and my love for his meliflous voice which added a new life to lyrics only grew in subsequent years, he told a Bengali TV channel.
The member of parliament recalled a chance meeting with Balasubrahmanyam in San Francisco. “When he learnt that I was staying in same hotel he sent a note requesting me to meet him. And it was an important day for me. He was a great and humble soul,” he said. Acharya said Balasubrahmanyam’s death is great loss of Indian film industry.
“I was so happy to know he was recovering couple of days back. But our hopes were dashed as his condition worsened in last few days. It is a great loss. We need such personalities as guardians who will show us right path, he said. Mukherji shared the lyrics of his popular song from Roja. Singer Iman Chakraborty tweeted ‘RIP Sir.” .
Late playback singer SP Balasubrahmanyam and veteran actor Kamal Haasan have been a popular combination of the audience for long. Stating that Balasubrahmanyam is a national voice, Kamal Haasan noted how the departed icon was an artiste who celebrated talent.
SP Balasubrahmanyam, popularly known as SPB, died on Friday afternoon in a Chennai hospital where he was being treated for Covid-19 since August.
Remembering his “brother”, Kamal Haasan said during a virtual press conference later in the afternoon: “When the bond gets really close, you actually forget the first meeting. He is part of my life. I had heard him first before seeing him. He had been part of my romance, first love, melancholy.”
Balasubrahmanyam had recorded over 40,000 songs in 16 languages over a period of five decades.
“He was a national voice. You can’t restrict him to just Tamil language. He was a huge fan of Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar. I think it’s the duty of the younger generation to learn from the older generation and excel. It’s not a competition but it’s a natural growth. SPB was able to do that,” said Kamal Haasan, who had visited the hospital a day before the singer’s death.
Actress Kajol offered condolences to SPB’s family and dear ones.
Yet another legendary artist lost in this year. Really saddened to hear about the passing of S.P Balasubrahmanyam sir. My condolences to his family and dear ones🙏🏻#RIPSPB
— Kajol (@itsKajolD) September 25, 2020
SP Balasubrahmanyam lent his voice to several Rajinikanth numbers like “Balleilakka” in the film “Sivaji The Boss”, “Konji konji” in “Veera”, and “Vanthenda palkaran” in “Annamalai” and many more. In his tribute, the Thalaiva said, “Today is a very sad day for everybody. SPB struggled till the last minute. I am in deep pain. Today, all music lovers, people who knew him and everyone, are in deep sorrow. His voice and songs are loved by people across the country. His nature was such that he was very respectful towards everyone, be it a person younger or older than him, be it rich or poor. He always tried to help people seeking new opportunities. That’s why he was loved by all. Indian cinema has created many great singers. But SPB is special because all the other singers sang in their own languages but SPB has sung almost 42,000 songs in his life in 16 languages. His songs will continue to win hearts for more than 100 years. He was a great soul and a great singer. May his soul rest in peace. I offer my condolences to his family.”
Condolences to SP Balasubrahmanyam sir’s family and friends on the loss. May the legendary singer’s soul Rest In Peace… Will miss his soothing voice.
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) September 25, 2020
SPB’s mortal remains will be taken to his farmhouse in Red hills on the outskirts of Chennai tonight at 9pm. He will be laid to rest at his farmhouse post 10:30am tomorrow.
Music maestro Ilayaraja paid an emtional tribute to SPB: “‘Balu, Get up soon. In waiting to see you’ – were the words I told you before. But you didn’t listen. You left us. Where did you go? The world has become a vacuum. I don’t know what to say. I don’t have words to describe my feelings. There is a limit to sadness. But in your case, there is none.”
The point is not about living, but it is about what the person contributed to other people’s lives when he was living ..The physical entity of #SPBalasubrahmanyam ended, but his voice will live as long as music lives 🙏💐💐💐
— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) September 25, 2020
Actor Kamal Haasan said, “SPB was like my brother and advised me all the time. He has always complimented me. I was the one who made him act in films. He is always in my thoughts. He had no enemies. He is part of my life. It’s because of his songs that I decided to get married. He is a national voice and that is how we should celebrate him.”
Ironically, before he tested positive for coronavirus, singer S P Balasubrahmanyam had composed and sung a Tamil song to create awareness about the deadly pathogen with the lyrics brimming with confidence that mankind would eventually win over the pandemic. “I composed this number. Let us listen to this… it is not more musical, it is more lyrical,” he had said months ago in his foreword to the song, penned by renowned lyricist Vairamuthu. Popularly known as ”SPB”, he had in the three-minute plus video post urged his fans to pay attention to the depth and import of the words and act accordingly to help prevent the virus spread.
Music composer Anirudh Ravichander called him “the voice of the nation.”
The voice of the nation is no more.. deeply saddened.. unforgettable and precious memories in the studio with you.. will miss you and your love sir..#RIPSPBalaSubramanyam pic.twitter.com/iPCQEugNKs
— Anirudh Ravichander (@anirudhofficial) September 25, 2020
Kamal Haasan, who had visited the hospital on Thursday night as news of SPB’s being crititcal spread, paid a video tribute to the singing legend after his passing.
அன்னைய்யா S.P.B அவர்களின் குரலின் நிழல் பதிப்பாக பல காலம் வாழ்ந்தது எனக்கு வாய்த்த பேறு.
ஏழு தலைமுறைக்கும் அவர் புகழ் வாழும். pic.twitter.com/9P4FGJSL4T
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) September 25, 2020
Director Priyadarshan said SPB would go down as one person who never had any enemies. “We first interacted when he came to sing for my film ‘Kilukkam'(1991) and after that he sang for my films in various languages. He was a happy go lucky person and never had any airs. A huge loss for all,” said Priyadarshan.
SPB sang for numerous Malayalam films and was always a frequent visitor to the state to participate in musical events.
Singer Asha Bhosle, in a statement, said, “This year has seen a lot of unfortunate events. And the news of SP Balasubramaniam’s demise that I have heard just now makes me even sadder. He was an amazingly versatile artiste. His first songs after South, in Hindi with Lakshmikant Pyarelal were amazing. His duet with Lata didi was very memorable. Balu sang a lot of songs for RD Burman and was his friend. He had helped me a lot with my Tamil pronunciation in my song for Ilayaraja. The loss of such a great artiste has left a huge void in the music world. I wish his soul to rest in peace in this musical journey to be one with the almighty. RIP Balu.”
Actor Venkatesh Daggubati said, “Extremely sad to hear the news of SP Balasubramaniam Garu’s passing. We have lost a legend today.”
Extremely sad to hear the news of SP Balasubramaniam Garu’s passing. We have lost a legend today. I’ve had the privilege to work with him in some of my best movies like Prema and Pavitra Bandham. Your legacy will live on Sir!
My heartfelt condolences to the family. RIP🙏 #RIPSPB pic.twitter.com/NjjcdSg2l1— Venkatesh Daggubati (@VenkyMama) September 25, 2020
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Sri YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has expressed profound grief over the passing away of SP Balasubrahmanyam garu, renowned playback singer, artiste, and composer. Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam, popularly known as SPB, has been the refreshing notation of film music spanning over five decades enthralling the connoisseurs and common people alike through his multifaceted talent, the Chief Minister said and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members.
Rajinikanth,who had organised prayers for SPB’s recovery and kept a regular check on his health, put out a video message condoling his death.
#RIP Balu sir … you have been my voice for many years … your voice and your memories will live with me forever … I will truly miss you … pic.twitter.com/oeHgH6F6i4
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) September 25, 2020
Salman Khan, who has lip-synced to several hit songs of SPB in his early films, said he is heartbroken to hear about his death.
Heartbroken to hear about #SPBalasubrahmanyam sir… you will forever live on in your undisputed legacy of music! condolence to the family #RIP
— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) September 25, 2020
Actor-filmmaker Venkat Prabhu put of the time of death of SPB on Twitter.
#RIPSPB 1:04pm
— venkat prabhu (@vp_offl) September 25, 2020
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his condolences, said that with the unfortunate demise of SP Balasubrahmanyam, our cultural world is a lot poorer.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 25, 2020
Singer Chinmayi Sripadaa said, “Your art will live for aeons and I’ll always celebrate you.”
Oru Sahabdham samaptam.
Thank you for the memories. Thank you for showing that a singer can be a fantastic singer, act, voice act, produce, compose & more. You lived and how! Your art will live for aeons and I’ll always celebrate you. #SPB— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) September 25, 2020
Akshay Kumar recalled his virtual interaction with SPB during the lockdown.
Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Balasubrahmanyam ji.Just a few months back I’d interacted with him during a virtual concert in this lockdown..he seemed hale,hearty & his usual legendary self…life is truly unpredictable. My thoughts & prayers with his family🙏🏻#RIPSPB pic.twitter.com/NytdM7YhBL
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) September 25, 2020
Pratibhashaali gayak,madhurbhashi ,bahut nek insan SP Balasubrahmanyam ji ke swargwas ki khabar sunke main bahut vyathit hun.Humne kai gaane saath gaaye,kai shows kiye.Sab baatein yaad aarahi hain.Ishwar unki aatma ko shanti de.Meri samvedanaayein unke pariwar ke saath hain.
— Lata Mangeshkar (@mangeshkarlata) September 25, 2020
The official statement from MGM Healthcare said that despite maximum life support, the singer died of a cardio-respiratory arrest. He had tested negative for Covid-19 on September 5.
Unable to process the fact that #SPBalasubramaniam garu is no more. Nothing will ever come close to that soulful voice of his. Rest in peace sir. Your legacy will live on. Heartfelt condolences and strength to the family 🙏
— Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) September 25, 2020
