Kamal Haasan, Akshay Kumar, Anupam Kher, other celebs mourn SP Balasubrahmanyam's demise

On Friday, legendary playback singer SP Balasubrahmanyam breathed his last at MGM Healthcare in Chennai. He was 74.

Soon after the new of his death was confirmed by son SP Charan,who came and announced at the gates of the hospital that SP Balasubrahmanyam passed away at 1:04 pm and thanked all those who prayed for the singer’s recovery, celebrities from the Hindi and Malayalam film industry extended their condolences and mourned the former's demise.

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan, in a one-minute clip with his voice-over over a collage of his pictures with the veteran singer, praised the late singer and thanked him for sharing his voice with him. 

"During their lifetime, very few legendary artistes get name and fame that matches their level of talent, one among the few is my elder brother from another mother S.P. Balasubrahmanyam. As an SPB fan myself, I bow my head down to his fans who have showered him with their love all through. I thank him for allowing me, as a brother, to bask (a little) in the glorious rain of his fame and greatness," said Haasan.

He captioned the tweet and wrote, "It's my good fortune that I was the shadow image of SPB's voice for a long time. SPB's name and fame would live for seven generations.

அன்னைய்யா S.P.B அவர்களின் குரலின் நிழல் பதிப்பாக பல காலம் வாழ்ந்தது எனக்கு வாய்த்த பேறு.

ஏழு தலைமுறைக்கும் அவர் புகழ் வாழும். pic.twitter.com/9P4FGJSL4T

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) September 25, 2020

Ace director Priyadarshan said SPB would go down as one person who never had any enemies. "We first interacted when he came to sing for my film `Kilukkam`(1991) and after that he sang for my films in various languages. He was a happy go lucky person and never had any airs. A huge loss for all," said Priyadarshan.

SPB sang for numerous Malayalam films and was always a frequent visitor to the state to participate in musical events. Popular singer Sujatha said she just cannot express her feelings as he was such a great human being . "In the industry, he was like a parent to all, as he could gel with all without any issues. Am at a loss to say more," said Sujatha.

M.G.Sreekumar was at a loss to find words to express his emotions about SPB and said he does not wish to believe this news. "I am speechless and feel that the world of music has come to an end. We sang so many songs together. He was such a down to earth human being and that was what people will never ever forget, just like his songs," said Sreekumar.

Actor and singer Krishna Chandran said that it was in 1982 that he first came to meet SPB. " We were part of musician Illayaraja`s music troupe and used to travel by train. Those journeys will always remain etched in my memory as he was such a great human being. In June this year, my daughter who is in Canada sent me a SPB song which she sang. I thought I will send it to SPB. I forwarded it to him with my voice clip, introducing me, as I felt he would have forgotten me. Instantly I got a reply, recalling our old times. I was flattered by his simplicity and humility. SPB was a full package and will go down as the most versatile playback singer as his range was unbelievable," said Chandran.

Hindi film industry stars including Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Apuman Kher, Ajay Devgn too mourned his loss. 

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, 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

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 

— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) September 25, 2020

एस पी बालासुब्रमण्यम जी के जाने का सुनकर मन की गहराइयों तक एक दर्द भरी टीस उठी।एक दो बार उन्हें मिलने का सौभाग्य प्राप्त हुआ था।उनकी आवाज़ में तो जादू था ही था। उनकी मुस्कुराहट भी आत्मा तक पहुँचती थी। प्रभु उनकी आत्मा को शांति प्रदान करें।भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली। ओम शान्ति ओम। pic.twitter.com/Suzjo47rpc

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) September 25, 2020

A  Guinness World Record holder, he has six national awards to his credit. A musician, playback singer, music director, actor, dubbing artist and film producer who worked has worked in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi and Malayalam, he is survived by wife Savithri and two children, daughter Pallavi and a son S. P. B. Charan.

(With inputs from IANS)