Journalism of Courage
SP Balasubrahmanyam: Rare photos of the singer-actor
In his five-decade long career, SP Balasubrahmanyam lent his voice to 40,000 songs in a staggering 16 languages, including Tamil, Telugu Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and others.
Updated: September 25, 2020 16:26 IST
1 / 16Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam, better known as S P Balasubrahmanyam, passed away on Friday following coronavirus complications. In a career of more than five decades, SPB crooned 40,000 songs in a staggering 16 languages, including Tamil, Telugu Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and others. He made an unparalleled contribution to the musical landscape without even receiving a formal education in music. (Photo: Express archive)
2 / 16SP Balasubrahmanyam was born in Nellore on June 4, 1946. (Photo: Express archive)
3 / 16For his work, SPB was bestowed with six National Film Awards. He won those words in four different languages. (Photo: Express archive)
4 / 16Balasubrahmanyam also won seven Filmfare Awards. (Photo: Express archive)
5 / 16SP Balasubrahmanyam made his singing debut with 1967 Telugu film Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna. (Photo: Express archive)
6 / 16In north India, SPB was known for being the voice of Salman Khan in Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Saajan and other movies in the 1990s. (Photo: Express archive)
7 / 16Balasubrahmanyam's last Hindi film gig was Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone starrer Chennai Express, in which he sang the title track. (Photo: Express archive)
8 / 16In this photo, SPB can be seen posing with Lata Mangeshkar. (Photo: Express archive)
9 / 16SP Balasubrahmanyam also acted in several films like Keladi Kanmani, Thiruda Thiruda, Kadhalan, Ullaasam and so on. (Photo: Express archive)
10 / 16SP Balasubrahmanyam received the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan in 2001 and 2011, respectively. (Photo: Express archive)
11 / 16SPB is survived by his wife Savitri, and two children. (Photo: Express archive)
12 / 16In this photo, SP Balasubrahmanyam can be seen honouring veteran singer KJ Yesudas.
13 / 16SPB and Yesudas collaborated on many songs.
14 / 16SP Balasubrahmanyam and KJ Yesudas' families pose together.
15 / 16SP Balasubrahmanyam and KJ Yesudas performing together on stage.
16 / 16SPB bows in front of KJ Yesudas as a mark of respect.
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