India’s famed playback singer S.P. Balasubrahmanyam breathed his last on Friday afternoon. The six-time National Film Award winner died of lung failure days shortly after contracting Covid-19.
The 74-year-old found, called "Paadum Nila" (Singing Moon) by his multitudes of fans, found fame singing such hits as “Aaja Shaam Hone Aayi”, “Pehla Pehla Pyar” and “Tumse Milne Ki Tamanna” which was part of the soundtrack for Bollywood blockbuster Saajan, starring Salman Khan.
He is survived by his wife Savitri Balasubrahmanyam, his son SP Charan and daughter Pallavi Balasubrahmanyam.
He tested positive for Covid-19 on 5 August and had been moved to Chennai's MGM Healthcare hospital. After his health deteriorated, he was put on life support on Thursday.
The singer started his career as a playback singer in 1966. He provided voiceovers for various artists, including Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, Vishnuvardhan, Salman Khan, K. Bhagyaraj, Mohan, Anil Kapoor and many others.
His death has left his millions of fans heartbroken and social media has been overwhelmed by the emotional outpourings from his admirers, including politicians and celebrities from both Bollywood and the Southern Film Industry.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 25, 2020
அன்னைய்யா S.P.B அவர்களின் குரலின் நிழல் பதிப்பாக பல காலம் வாழ்ந்தது எனக்கு வாய்த்த பேறு.
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) September 25, 2020
ஏழு தலைமுறைக்கும் அவர் புகழ் வாழும். pic.twitter.com/9P4FGJSL4T#RIP Balu sir ... you have been my voice for many years ... your voice and your memories will live with me forever ... I will truly miss you ... pic.twitter.com/oeHgH6F6i4
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) September 25, 2020
#ripspb ...Devastated pic.twitter.com/EO55pd648u
— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) September 25, 2020
Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Balasubrahmanyam ji. Just a few months back I’d interacted with him during a virtual concert in this lockdown..he seemed hale, hearty & his usual legendary self...life is truly unpredictable. My thoughts & prayers with his family🙏🏻#RIPSPB pic.twitter.com/NytdM7YhBL
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) September 25, 2020
Heartbroken to hear about #SPBalasubrahmanyam sir... you will forever live on in your undisputed legacy of music! condolence to the family #RIP
— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) September 25, 2020Great 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... pic.twitter.com/bdQWiuXlQD
— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) September 25, 2020Rip SPB sir 💔💔the voice which will echo in everyone’s house forever, a family member in every household. Ur voice and U will continue to live with us for generations to come. My condolences to his family and dear ones. Thank you sir for everything sir. you will be dearly missed
— Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) September 25, 2020
Unable to process the fact that #SPBalasubramaniam garu is no more. Nothing will ever come close to that soulful voice of his. Rest in peace sir. Your legacy will live on. Heartfelt condolences and strength to the family 🙏
— Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) September 25, 2020Heartbroken💔💔💔 #SPBalasubrahmanyam sir...thank you for all the wonderful songs you sang and made us love you even more💔 you will forever live on💔😭 #RIP
— Priyamani Raj (@priyamani6) September 25, 2020
Indian President Ram Nath Kovind also expressed his condolences on the death of the singer, who was the recipient of the country's third-highest civilian award Padma Bhushan.
In the passing 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.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 25, 2020
A true loss to the world of Music...Heart breaking ... May his soul Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/3KG1JOcGLG
— Mohanlal (@Mohanlal) September 25, 2020
