Singer-actor SP Balasubrahmanyam succumbed to coronavirus on Friday. The 74-year-old actor was admitted to MGM Healthcare in Chennai in the first week of August after testing positive for coronavirus.
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SPB’s son SP Charan told reporters at MGM Healthcare, “SPB belongs to everyone. He will live on in his songs. My dad passed away at 1.04 pm.”
A statement from the hospital read, “Thiru S P Balasubrahmanyam had been admitted at MGM Healthcare on August 5th and commenced on life support measures since August 14th for severe COVID-19 pneumonia. He continued to be closely monitored by our multidisciplinary team in the critical care unit. He tested negative for COVID-19 on September 4th. In a further setback this morning, despite maximal life support measures and the best efforts of the clinical team, his condition deteriorated further and he suffered a cardio-respiratory arrest. With profound grief, we regret to inform that he has passed away on September 25th at 13:04 Hours. We express our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, well-wishers and admirers at their loss during this time of anguish and sorrow.”
The passing away of the legendary singer has left his fans saddened. Many celebrities are paying their tribute to him on social media.
Read | SPB: A voice that nurtured millions of hearts | Films in which SPB delivered as an actor | SPB: A pictorial tribute
Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed his condolences to SPB’s family. In a statement, the CM said, “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.” Read less
SPB had an illustrious career in showbiz. He won six National Film Awards and 25 Nandi Awards. The Government of India honoured the singer-actor with the Padma Shri in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2011. Besides holding a Guinness World record for singing over 40,000 songs, the music maestro acted in many films. His major movies include Keladi Kanmani (1990), Thiruda Thiruda (1993), Kadhalan (1994), Ullaasam (1996) and others.
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Kangana Ranaut shared on Twitter, "#SPBalasubrahmanyam 90’s kids will never get over this legend. His voice seems such an inseparable part of our growing up years. You will remain in us as a part of us."
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Pawan Kalyan wrote a heartfelt tribute to legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam, who died on Friday.
Ilaiyaraaja has composed a song for late singer SP Balasubrahmanyam. The song was shared by Jagapati Babu on Twitter.
(Photo: Ilaiyaraaja/Facebook)
On Saturday, maestro Ilaiyaraaja paid his respects to legendary late singer SP Balasubrahmanyam at Thiruvannamalai.
Ghibran tweeted, "We'll deeply miss you #SPBalasubramaniam sir. My deepest condolences and prayers. An era has come to an end today yet SPB sirs voice will remain within us forever. May his soul rest in peace."
Filmmaker Sampath Nandi shared how in 10th standard he won a singing competition because of SP Balasubrahmanyam's song.
Ravi Shastri wrote on Twitter, "The nightmare continues - so very sad to hear about the passing away of #SPBalasubramanyam. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and fans. He loved music and music loved him back. Om Shanti"
Sharing a video, Anil Kapoor wrote, "#SPBalasubramanyam’s magical voice made so many careers of leading men and I am one of them... still can’t get over that he’s no more but his songs will live on forever... a tribute to the magic of #SPBalasubramanyam and Illiaraja..."
SPB sang a staggering 40,000 songs in his career in 16 languages. Safe to say, he was an incredibly versatile artiste. Here is a playlist of some of his best songs. PLAYLIST: Evergreen SP Balasubrahmanyam songs
AR Rahman shared a moving video on Saturday, remembering the legendary late singer SP Balasubrahmanyam. In the video, Rahman revisited some of his fondest memories with the singer, who sang over forty-one thousand songs in his career.
Also Read | AR Rahman: SP Balasubrahmanyam is part of our culture, victories, devotion and love
SP Balasubrahmanyam was laid to rest at his farm house near Chennai on Saturday with a 24-gun salute by Tamil Nadu police.
Also Read | SP Balasubrahmanyam buried at his farmhouse with state honours
Sadhguru tweeted, "#SPB – one of the most versatile & mellifluous voices that brought joy to millions. A much celebrated prolific artist, he endeared himself as much for his art as his humility & affability. Our condolences to his family, friends & his legion of fans. –Sg."
Nagarjuna Akkineni paid his last respects to legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam. In a video, the Bigg Boss Telugu 4 host said, “We no longer have the blessing to be able to hear his voice but I am sure the celestial beings are enjoying his music. Keep him safe dear Lord, keep our Balu safe.” The video features SPB’s photos with his songs playing in the backdrop while Nagarjuna pays his tribute."
Also Read | Bigg Boss Telugu 4: Nagarjuna Akkineni pays tribute to SP Balasubrahmanyam
(Photo: Janardhan Koushik/Twitter)
SP Balasubrahmanyam has been laid to rest. It was a befitting send-off to the legendary singer.
SPB is given official gun salute by the Tamil Nadu Police by firing 72 shots in the air.
Actor Vijay pays his last respects to SP Balasubrahmanyam. He also gave his condolences to SP Charan.
SP charan, the son of SP Balasubrahmanyam, has completed performing last rites of his late father. The legendary singer will now be buried in the farmhouse with gun salute by Tamil Nadu Police.
Chief Minister K Palaniswami had already announced police honours for the singer and a team of police personnel are ready to give the departed star singer a gun salute, according to PTI.
Actor Suriya Sivakumar tweeted, "Feel a hole in my heart! It's like loosing a lifetime of happy moments! SPB Sir you’re Eternal.. Your achievements are irreplaceable! Thank you for showing us, what humility means. Will always treasure your work for life! Prayers and Peace...?? #RIPSPBSir."
As per reports, the funeral of SP Balasubrahmanyam will be held in Thamaraipakkam village, Thiruvallore district, on Saturday at 11 am. The funeral will take place at their farmhouse, where SPB's mortal remains will be kept for the public to pay their last respects.
The official Twitter handle of Prasar Bharti shared videos of SP Balasubrahmanyam's live performances and interviews.
Singer Shreya Ghoshal took to her Twitter handle and wrote, "Rest in peace #SPB garu. Very sad to hear this devastating news of the greatest, the legendary #SPBalasubrahmanyam passing away. We were so hopeful that he was on the path to recovery."
Actor Surjith Ansary tweeted, "Legends have no death. #SPBalasubrahmanyam sir only left his body, but his voice will be remained until the last day of earth. This is #Blackday for the world of music. My deepest condolences to #SPB sir family. #OmShantiSPB #RIPSPBalasubramanyam. We Miss you sir #RIPSPB"
Ram Gopal Varma wrote on Twitter, "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"
Salman Khan tweeted, "Heartbroken to hear about #SPBalasubrahmanyam sir... you will forever live on in your undisputed legacy of music! condolence to the family #RIP."
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "Saddened to know about the passing away of legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam ji. Condolences to the family and millions of fans of legendary voice. May God bless his soul. #RIPSPB.
Sharing a photo, Allu Arjun wrote, "Respect Forever."
Abhishek Bachchan took to Twitter and wrote, "Very sad to hear of the passing of the legendary SP Balasubrahmanyam ji. A doyen of our industry. Condolences to his family and millions of fans. May his soul rest in peace."
"One of the most iconic voices of all time... RIP SPB Sir ?. Devastated. My heart goes out to his family and the millions of heartbroken fans who I mourn with right now ?. Truly blessed to have shared my debut song in Bollywood with this legend... Through his voice, he shall live on forever in our hearts ???," tweeted Jonita Gandhi.
Composer D. Imman revealed in a video that SPB's last song is for Rajinikanth-starrer Annaatthe.
Ram Pothineni tweeted, "Heartbroken ...the singer who made me realise that you could act/express so much through your voice...you shall still be an inspiration for many generations to come...Thank you sir! #ripspb garu!"
Yuvraj Singh shared on Twitter, "The nation has lost an iconic artist with the passing of #SPBalasubrahmanyam. His soul and legacy shall live on forever through his music. My condolences to his family and loved ones. #RIPSPB."
Armaan Malik mentioned on Twitter, "I’m really very sad to hear about S.P Balasubrahmanyam garu’s demise. With his passing away, we have lost yet another gem of our Indian music industry. May his soul rest in peace. #RIPSPB."
Boney Kapoor posted on Twitter, "We lost a legend today #SPBalasubrahmanyan. Over 17,000 songs across 17 languages, his voice united music lovers across generations and regions. Your legacy of songs shall always keep your memories alive. Deepest condolences to the family. #ripspb."
Venkatesh Daggubati shared on Twitter, "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."
Tamannaah Bhatia mentioned on Twitter, "Unable to fathom the news of the unfortunate demise of SP Balasubrahmanyam garu. Your divine music will remain unparalleled. Your legacy will live on forever. Heartfelt condolences to the family #RIPSPB."
Ajay Devgn tweeted, "SP Balasubrahmanyam Sir’s voice dominated my initial years of cinema. He, of course, had been a legend from long before. Sad to learn of his passing. Condolences to his family. #RIPSPB sir."
Chess legend Viswanathan Anand shared on Twitter, "Really sad to hear about the passing away of such a great yet simple person. He was my first sponsor! He sponsored our team Chennai Colts in the national team championship in 1983. One of the nicest persons I have met. His music gave us such joy #RIPSPB."
Shah Rukh Khan's posted on Twitter, "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."
Nagarjuna Akkineni took to Twitter and wrote, "As the memories and conversations with Balu Garu come flooding back so do the tears... I still remember the call I got from him after my film Annamayya He was such a unsaid integrable part of my life… ?????? ?????? ?? ?????? ?????????? ?????? ! #ripspb."
Sharing a photo of himself and SP Balasubrahmanyam, A. R. Rahman's son A R Ameen wrote on Twitter, "It’s a huge loss for us we’ll miss you, may your soul rest in peace #ripspb uncle"
Zareen Khan shared, "Rest In Peace SP Balasubrahmanyam Ji. You will live in our hearts eternally through your beautiful music. #RIPSPBalasubrahmanyamJi #Legend."
"Extremely saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary S. P. Balasubrahmanyam sir. His generous contribution to the world of music is something that shall forever be cherished. #RIPSPB," Sidharth Malhotra said via Twitter.
Sharing an old photo, Director Rajiv Menon tweeted, "Gutted by the demise of S P Balasubramanian.. he was the voice of three generation of composers from MSV to Ilayaraja to AR Rahman.Musical taste and composing styles changed , but SPB sir’s voice was ever youthful miss you big time! #ripspbalasubramaniyam https://youtu.be/IwARVZCNHA8."
Asha Bhosle released a statement sharing her grief on the death of legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam. She 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."
Manchu Manoj took to Twitter to express his condolences to SPB’s family. "Deeply saddened & heartbroken to hear that the legendary singer #SPBalasubrahmanyam garu is no more. Great loss to Indian cinema. May his soul rest in peace ? My deepest condolences to his family! Sir you will always be in our hearts and souls ? #ripspb" he tweeted.