SP Balasubrahmanyam Passes Away, PM Narendra Modi, Rajinikanth Mourn Loss of Legend | LIVE Updates

Ironically, before he tested positive for coronavirus, singer S P Balasubrahmanyam had composed and sung a Tamil song to create awareness about the deadly pathogen with the lyrics brimming with confidence that mankind would eventually win over the pandemic. “I composed this number. Let us listen to this… it is not more musical, it is more lyrical,” he had said months ago in his foreword to the song, penned by renowned lyricist Vairamuthu. Popularly known as ”SPB”, he had in the three-minute plus video post urged his fans to pay attention to the depth and import of the words and act accordingly to help prevent the virus spread.

Music composer Anirudh Ravichander called him “the voice of the nation.”

The voice of the nation is no more.. deeply saddened.. unforgettable and precious memories in the studio with you.. will miss you and your love sir..#RIPSPBalaSubramanyam pic.twitter.com/iPCQEugNKs

— Anirudh Ravichander (@anirudhofficial) September 25, 2020

Kamal Haasan, who had visited the hospital on Thursday night as news of SPB’s being crititcal spread, paid a video tribute to the singing legend after his passing.

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

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.

Singer Asha Bhosle, in a statement, said, “This year has seen a lot of unfortunate events. And the  news of SP Balasubramaniam’s demise that I have heard just now makes me even sadder. He was an amazingly versatile artiste. His first songs after South, in Hindi with Lakshmikant Pyarelal were amazing. His duet with Lata didi was very memorable. Balu sang a lot of songs for RD Burman and was his friend. He had helped me a lot with my Tamil pronunciation in my song for Ilayaraja. The loss of such a great artiste has left a huge void in the music world. I wish his soul to rest in peace in this musical journey to be one with the almighty. RIP Balu.”

Actor Venkatesh Daggubati said, “Extremely sad to hear the news of SP Balasubramaniam Garu’s passing. We have lost a legend today.”

Extremely sad to hear the news of SP Balasubramaniam Garu’s passing. We have lost a legend today. I’ve had the privilege to work with him in some of my best movies like Prema and Pavitra Bandham. Your legacy will live on Sir!
My heartfelt condolences to the family. RIP🙏 #RIPSPB pic.twitter.com/NjjcdSg2l1

— Venkatesh Daggubati (@VenkyMama) September 25, 2020

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Sri YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has expressed profound grief over the passing away of SP Balasubrahmanyam garu, renowned playback singer, artiste,  and composer. Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam, popularly known as SPB, has been the refreshing notation of film music spanning over five decades enthralling the connoisseurs and common people alike through his multifaceted talent, the Chief Minister said and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members.

Rajinikanth,who had organised prayers for SPB’s recovery and kept a regular check on his health, put out a video message condoling his death.

#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

Salman Khan, who has lip-synced to several hit songs of SPB in his early films, said he is heartbroken to hear about his death.

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

Actor-filmmaker Venkat Prabhu put of the time of death of SPB on Twitter.

#RIPSPB 1:04pm

— venkat prabhu (@vp_offl) September 25, 2020

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his condolences, said that with the unfortunate demise of SP Balasubrahmanyam, our cultural world is a lot poorer.

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

Singer Chinmayi Sripadaa said, “Your art will live for aeons and I’ll always celebrate you.”

Oru Sahabdham samaptam.
Thank you for the memories. Thank you for showing that a singer can be a fantastic singer, act, voice act, produce, compose & more. You lived and how! Your art will live for aeons and I’ll always celebrate you. #SPB

— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) September 25, 2020

Akshay Kumar recalled his virtual interaction with SPB during the lockdown.

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

The official statement from MGM Healthcare said that despite maximum life support, the singer died of a cardio-respiratory arrest. He had tested negative for Covid-19 on September 5.