Singer of 'Dil Deewana,' SP Balasubrahmanyam dies aged 74
After being diagnosed with COVID-19 earlier in August, the singer — popularly known as SPB — breathed his last on Friday afternoon, his son and filmmaker S P Charan said.
In the 90s', the song "Mere rang mein," from the movie "Maine Pyar Kiya," starring Salman Khan and Bhagyashree, topped the music charts. Behind this romantic number was the voice of legendary veteran singer SP Balasubrahmanyam, who captured varied human emotions and presented it with grace.
Alas, the 74-year-old, a six-time National Award winner, passed away today. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 earlier in August, the singer — popularly known as SPB — breathed his last on Friday afternoon, his son and filmmaker SP Charan told reporters.
His demise has sent huge shockwaves to the Indian film and music industry. Legendary veteran singer Lata Mangeshkar hailed Balasubrahmanyam as a "brilliant singer" and a "kind human being."
The veteran singer wrote, "I'm very disturbed by the demise of SP Balasubrahmanyam. We have recorded many songs together and did a lot shows. My condolences to his family."
Musician and singer AR Rahman shared his photo with Balasubrahmanyam, and simply posted, "#ripspb ...Devastated."
With a music career spanning over five decades, SPB has sung over 40,000 songs in as many as 16 Indian languages, including in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi. In fact, his voice played a huge role in establishing actor Salman Khan as a romantic hero in the 90s through songs such as "Pehla pehla pyaar hai," "Mausam ka jaddu," and "Hum aapke hain koun," among others.
Salman Khan — who on Thursday wished the legendary singer a speedy recovery — said he was heartbroken by the news of his demise.
"Heartbroken to hear about #SPBalasubrahmanyam sir... you will forever live on in your undisputed legacy of music! condolence to the family #RIP," he tweeted.
Akshay Kumar said he is "deeply saddened" by the news of Balasubrahmanyam's death.
"Just a few months back I'd interacted with him during a virtual concert in this lockdown. He seemed hale, hearty, and his usual legendary self... life is truly unpredictable. My thoughts & prayers with his family," he wrote.
Bejoy Nambiar said Balasubrahmanyam's legacy will live on through his music. "Rest In Peace SPB Sir," he added.
Sujoy Ghosh wrote, "A true legend. Nothing but respect for S P Balasubrahmanyam."
Aditi Rao Hydari said Balasubrahmanyam will forever remain "the voice of eternal love." "My condolences and prayers to the family and fans..." she added.
The health condition of the singer, who was admitted to a private hospital in Chennai with mild COVID-19 symptoms, deteriorated for the first time on August 13, after which he was put on life support and moved to the Intensive Care Unit.
The Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan winner started his career in 1966 with Telugu movie Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna.
(With inputs from PTI)