NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, SEPT 25
National awardee and veteran playback singer SP Balasububrahmanyam who had been hospitalized since August 5 after testing positive for the coronavirus, breathed his last on Friday afternoon at MGM Health Care hospital in Chennai at the age of 74, his son has said.
“SPB belongs to everyone. He will live in hearts of millions through his songs. My dad passed away at 1.04 pm,” he told reporters.
After showing signs of recovery over the last few weeks, his health deteriorated. A medical bulletin from the hospital said “he was on extreme life support” on Thursday. SPB, as he was fondly called, is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.
Sad and a heartbreaking day #SPBalasubrahmanyam . Lived his life beautifully, contributing to society his passion and music. His voice will live on forever. May he rest in peace 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
— Radikaa Sarathkumar (@realradikaa) September 25, 2020
A legend, Balasubrahmanyam gave his voice to thousands of songs spanning across languages and genres. Winner of six National awards, he sang from actors ranging from MGR, Sivaji Ganesan, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Salman Khan. His fans had given him the title of Paadum Nila (Singing Moon).
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…”
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. @KTVTAMIL @SunTV @sunnewstamil @Tv_thanthi @news18dotcom pic.twitter.com/KQQiSr1HJN
— Harris Jayaraj (@Jharrisjayaraj) September 25, 2020
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.”
Kamal visits SPB on Thursday evening
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.
Over the last few weeks, several members of the Tamil film fraternity came together to pray for the speedy recovery of the legendary singer. A mass prayer was organised in which several Tamil celebrities prayed for SPB’s recovery while playing one of his songs.
