‘His voice united music lovers across regions’: Tributes pour in for SPB

Renowned singer SP Balasubrahmanyam passed away in a Chennai hospital on Friday. He was 74.

According to the medical bulletin released by the MGM Hospital where he was being treated, he breathed his last at 1.04pm. He was put on life support measures since August 14 for ‘severe COVID-19 pneumonia’. He tested negative for COVID-19 on September 4.

The hospital informed that the singer’s condition deteriorated further on Friday morning and he suffered a cardio-respiratory arrest.

SPB’s son SP Charan told reporters at MGM Healthcare, “SPB belongs to everyone. He will live on in his songs. My dad passed away at 1.04 pm.”

Tributes and condolences started pouring in as soon as the news broke. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a tweet, said that his death has left the cultural world a lot poorer. He tweeted: “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.”

Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed his condolences to SPB’s family. In a statement, the CM said, “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.”

Telugu actor Puneet Rajkumar tweeted: “Deeply saddened to know that Dr.SPB is no more. His melodious voice will always be remembered.”

Bollywood producer Boney Kapoor said SPB’s voice united music lovers across generations and regions. “We lost a legend today #SPBalasubrahmanyan. Over 17,000 songs across 17 languages, his voice united music lovers across generations and regions. Your legacy of songs shall always keep your memories alive. Deepest condolences to the family. #ripspb”, he tweeted.

Singer Chinmayi called it the end of an era. “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.”