CHENNAI, Sep 25: Noted Singer-actor S P Balasubrahmanyam, whose immortal play-back songs in the Hindi film “Hum Aapke Hain Kaun?” made him a household name, passed away on Friday following coronavirus complications. He was 74.
He died at a Chennai hospital after testing positive for Corona in August. His son, S P Charan, confirmed the news of his death.
Born on June 4, 1946, Balasubrahmanyam was revered by fans across age groups for his unparalleled contribution to Indian music. He held a Guinness World record for singing over 40,000 songs. Besides singing in movies across 16 languages including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi, SP Balasubrahmanyam also played significant roles in many films. His major movies include Keladi Kanmani (1990), Thiruda Thiruda (1993), Kadhalan (1994), Ullaasam (1996) and others. In a career spanning over five decades, SPB won six National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer and 25 Nandi Awards. The Government of India honoured the singer-actor with Padma Shri in 2001 and Padma Bhushan in 2011.
The president Ram Nath Kovind, the prime minister Narendra Modi and a large number of political and social leaders and people from the cultural world have condoled his untimely demise.
Mourning the loss of one of the most melodious voices in the country, Kovind wrote on Twitter, “In the passing away of music legend SP Balasubrahmanyam Indian music has lost one of its most melodious voices. Called ‘Paadum Nila’ or ‘Singing Moon’ by his countless fans, he was honoured with Padma Bhushan and many National Awards. Condolences to his family, friends and admirers,”
Modi said with the passing away of the legendary singer, the cultural world had become 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,” Modi said in a tweet.
Tributes from across the political spectrum poured in after the death of Padma Shri awardee singer with several political leaders mourning India’s loss of cultural voice.
“My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and friends of Mr SP Balasubrahmanyam. His songs touched millions of hearts in many languages. His voice will live on,” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted.
(Manas Dasgupta)