S.P. Balasubrahmanyam (1946–2020)
Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam, popularly known as S.P. Balasubrahmanyam (SPB), was a legendary Indian playback singer, music director, and actor. He was one of the most celebrated singers in Indian cinema, known for his versatility and melodious voice.
Early Life & Career Beginnings
- Born on June 4, 1946, in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India.
- Developed an interest in music from a young age and trained in classical music.
- Made his playback singing debut in 1966 with the Telugu film Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna.
Musical Legacy
- Languages: Sang over 40,000 songs in 16 languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, and more.
- Worked with legendary composers like Ilaiyaraaja, A.R. Rahman, M.S. Viswanathan, and R.D. Burman.
- Gained nationwide fame with songs in films like Sankarabharanam (1980) and Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981), marking his Hindi film debut.
- A frequent collaborator of legendary actors such as Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, Chiranjeevi, Salman Khan, and many others.
- Dubbed for actors in several films and composed music for a few projects.
Awards & Recognition
- 6 National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer.
- 25 Nandi Awards (Andhra Pradesh) and several Filmfare Awards across languages.
- Padma Shri (2001) and Padma Bhushan (2011) from the Government of India.
- Guinness World Record for recording the most songs by a singer.
Later Years & Passing
- Continued singing and performing until his last days.
- Tested positive for COVID-19 in August 2020 and was hospitalized.
- Passed away on September 25, 2020, at the age of 74, leaving behind an unparalleled musical legacy.
Legacy
SPB remains one of the most cherished voices in Indian music history. His songs continue to be loved by millions, and his contribution to Indian cinema is irreplaceable.