SPB was one of the most coveted voices in the country. Through his melodious voice he had earned fans across borders. S P Balasubrahmanyam died on Friday at a Chennai hospital and now old videos of him is doing rounds on social media.
He came into the music industry so long ago that the only record of his Tamil debut Hotel Ramba (1969) never released. He recounted the same in a conversation for Doordarshan Podhigai, decades later. Watch it here:
To be a complete artiste, one should be a human first. SPB always had a compassion towards his fellow beings and his younger generation. In one of the video during a stage show, when his flutist couldn't play, SPB showed us how he managed to cheer him up.
In yet another video, SPB is heard telling young singers how to be grounded always. He is heard saying in the video how important it is to appreciate each other even as we compete among ourselves.
During SIIMA, when SPB was given away special jury award, many of the South stars spoke highly of him.
“Luckiest to have been born when he's around. He has entralled, given meaning and joy to my life. And I am so lucky that once I had the greatest pleasure when just both us sitting inside a carvan near a sea and I was the only audience. He sang for me for three hours. You all can be jelous about that. Love you for having been born, for giving us joy and making our lives happy,” said Prakash Raj.
“You sang in my debut movie. What more do I need,” said Saritha.
“I started listening to Tamil songs with SBP songs. He is a gem. We listen to his songs even as we go for work,” said Khushboo.
“SPB had been there at every turning point in my life. There are days when you feel low, but after listening to SPB's voice, we feel energised and happy. And on such occasions, I do message him and tell him that we are blessed to have in our lives,” said Suhasini.
Suhasini then further went on to reveal that she made SPB her model for her first ever shot as cinematogapher. She also added that he first acted in a Tamil movie alongside him. Watch it here:
