SPB, S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, was a celebrated Indian playback singer, actor, and music director whose remarkable career lasted for more than fifty years. Born in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, on June 4, 1946, SPB became a well-known personality in Indian music thanks to his melodic voice and adaptable singing style. With almost 40,000 songs recorded in various languages like Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi, he broke the record for the most songs recorded by a single artist in the Guinness World Records.
Because of his innate talent and dedication, SPB started his musical career at a young age. His career took off in the late 1960s, and he soon found himself lending his voice to some of the most iconic songs in Indian movie history. His partnerships with well-known composers such as A.R. Rahman and Ilaiyaraaja resulted in timeless masterpieces that still have an impact on listeners today.
S.P. Balasubrahmanyam was not only a talented singer but also a respected actor in the music business. He received multiple honors for his services, including the Government of India’s coveted Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.
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Early Life Of S.P. Balasubrahmanyam
Telugu Brahmins made up the family where S. P. Balasubrahmanyam was born. His mother was Sakunthalamma, and his father, S. P. Sambamurthy, was a Harikatha artist. He had five sisters and two brothers. Popular South Indian singer, actor, and producer S. P. Charan is also his son. From a young age, Balasubrahmanyam showed an interest in music, studied notation, and acquired his musical skills. At the JNTU College of Engineering in Anantapur, he enrolled. His goal is to become an engineer and work for the government. Balasubrahmanyam kept up his musical endeavors while studying engineering.
He performed “Nilave Ennidam Nerungadhe” on his first audition.
Profile Of S.P. Balasubrahmanyam
- Full Name: Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam
- Nickname(s): S.P. Balu, S.P.B. Balu
- Date of Birth: June 4, 1946
- Birth Place: Nellore, Madras Presidency, British India
- Father’s Name: S.P.Sambamurthy
- Mother’s Name: Sakuntalamma
- Zodiac sign: Gemini
- Nationality: Indian
- Religion: Hinduism
- Hobbies: Singing, Playing the Guitar
- Marital status: Married
- Spouse: Savithri
- Children: Son: S.P.B. Charan; Daughter: Pallavi
- Occupation(s): Singer, actor, music director, voice actor, producer
- Genres: Playback
- Died: September 25, 2020 (aged 74), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Years active: 1966–2020
S.P. balasubrahmanyam’s Personal Life & Death
In 1969, Balasubrahmanyam tied the knot with Savithri. His two kids are a son named S. P. Charan and a daughter named Pallavi. In addition, they produce movies and sing playback. During his early career, S. P. Kodandapani served as his first singing tutor. He regarded me as his spiritual guide. Throughout his life, he would think back on him, and he named his recording studio and film production company in his honor. He was also a Mohammed Rafi fan.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Balasubrahmanyam tested positive for the virus on August 5, 2020. He was admitted to Chennai’s MGM Healthcare. His diabetes was one of several comorbidities that made his illness worse. Balasubrahmanyam tested negative on September 7, 2020. On September 25, 2020, Balasubrahmanyam passed away from cardio-respiratory arrest. At his farm residence in Thamaraipaakkam, he was laid to rest.
S.P. Balasubrahmanyam’s Career
“Emiyee Vinta Moham” was Balasubrahmanyam’s playback singing debut. The first song that wasn’t Telugu was recorded in Kannada for the Nakkare Ade Swarga movie in 1966. In Telugu cinema, the song “Medante Meda Kaadu” helped him get prominence. Twenty-one Kannada songs were recorded by Balasubrahmanyam for the composer Upendra Kumar. He used to sing throughout South India in his early years. Balasubrahmanyam’s film Sankarabharanam brought him international acclaim. A couple of his early Hindi films were Ek Duuje Ke Liye.
Balasubrahmanyam sang the playback for star Salman Khan in the Maine Pyar Kiya film in 1989. A Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer went to Dil Deewana for the soundtrack. For most of the next decade, Balasubrahmanyam remained the “romantic singing voice” on Khan’s film soundtracks. His well-known songs include “Thanga Thaamarai,” “July Maadham,” and “Mannoothu Manthayilae.”
Awards
National Film Awards
| Year | Category |
| 1996 | Minsaara Kanavu |
| 1995 | Sangeetha Sagara Ganayogi Panchakshara Gavai |
| 1988 | Rudraveena |
| 1983 | Saagara Sangamam |
| 1981 | Ek Duuje Ke Liye |
| 1979 | Sankarabharanam |
Filmfare Awards South
| Year | Award |
| 2010 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 2007 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 2006 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 2005 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 2003 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 2002 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 2000 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 1983 | Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award-South |
South Indian International Movie Awards
| Year | Award |
| 2021 | Special Appreciation Award |
| 2017 | Lifetime Achievement Award |
Nandi Awards
| Year | Award |
| 2012 | Special Jury Award |
| 2009 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 2005 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 2003 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 2002 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 2000 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 1997 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 1997 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 1996 | Best Supporting Actor |
| 1994 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 1993 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 1992 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 1991 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 1989 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 1989 | Special Jodi Award |
| 1987 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 1985 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 1984 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 1983 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 1981 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 1979 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 1978 | Best Male Playback Singer |
Karnataka State Film Awards
| Year | Award |
| 2007-2008 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 2004-2005 | Best Male Playback Singer |
| 1997-1998 | Best Male Playback Singer |
Filmfare Awards
- 1989 Maine Pyar Kiya, “Dil Deewana”
Other awards and honors
- “A.P. Cinegoers Association Award for Best Singer” for Sri Bhagavatham (serial on ETV) in 2007
- “Sangeetha Saagra” from Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, Kanchipuram, in 2008
- “Karnataka Rajyotsava Prasasthi” from the Government of Karnataka on November 1, 2008
Innumerable awards from magazines and associations fostering films - “Lifetime Achievement Award,” presented by the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) in a Chicago session in 2009
- “P. Susheela Trust National Award” Presented on November 29, 2009
- “Kopparapu Kavula Puraskaram” from Kopparapu Kala Peetam, Visakhapatnam, on September 9, 2009
- “Sangeeta Ganga award” in 2001
- Delhi Telugu Academy’s Rashtriya Vikas Shiromani Award (Lifetime) in 2002
- “Dr. Bezawada Gopala Reddy Award”, given during a function in Nellore in 2002
- “Lifetime Achievement Award” conferred during “TVS Victor Aalaapana Music Awards” function for the years 2001 and 2002, in Hyderabad in 2002
- “Swaralaya-Kairali-Yesudas” award in 2002
- “Rani Rao Balasaraswathi Award” in 2003
- “Arya Bhata Prasasthi” in 2003
- “Kalasri Award” in 2004
- ANR Lifetime Achievement Award from Akkineni Nageswara Rao in 2010
- “Pride Of Indian Cinema” from Yuvakalavauhini, Hyderabad, on June 30, 2010
- “Best Playback Singer” award from “Gemini TV Ugadi Awards” 2010 for the serial “Kotha Bangaram”
- Vamsee Film Awards 2010 “Best Playback Singer (male)” for the film “Mestry”
- “BIG Kannada Entertainment Awards” for the most entertaining “TV host of the year” and the program “Yede Tumbhi Haaduvenu” was declared as the most entertaining reality show of the year
- “Santosham Awards 2010”:: Best Playback Singer (male) for the film “Mahatma”
- “Lifetime Achievement Award” (2011), presented by Lux Sandal CineMAA Awards on 19, 2011 in Hyderabad
- “Isai Thendral,” a Title conferred on S P Balasubrahmanyam by Botswana Tamil Cultural Association –
- Executive Committee (2011-2012) on 14 April 2012 in recognition of his continuous dedication, contribution, and commitment to the Indian Music and Film Industry
Upshot
The life and career of S.P. Balasubrahmanyam represent the classic path of a great artist who overcame linguistic and cultural obstacles to make a lasting impression on the music industry. His contributions to Indian music and film are unmatched, and during a career spanning more than five decades, he has won multiple honors, including the esteemed Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. Millions of admirers throughout the world have grown to love him for his melodic voice, adaptable singing style, and prodigious output in many different languages.
In addition to his extensive record, Balasubrahmanyam’s legacy can be seen in his impact on vocalists and musicians of later generations. His technical mastery and ability to bring heart to every song established a new standard for playback singing. In addition to his musical accomplishments, prospective artists are continually motivated by S.P. Balasubrahmanyam’s modesty, commitment, and love for his work.
S.P. Balasubrahmanyam’s voice will continue to reverberate for years to come throughout the annals of Indian music history as we honor his life and contributions. His long legacy is demonstrated by his remarkable career and timeless melodies, which guarantee that music lovers all over the world will always remember him.
FAQs
1. S.P. Balasubrahmanyam: who is he?
A: SPB, also known as S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, was a well-known Indian playback vocalist, music director, and actor. Born in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, on June 4, 1946, he rose to prominence as one of India’s most renowned and talented vocalists, contributing to the development of several Indian languages.
2. What noteworthy accomplishments does S.P. Balasubrahmanyam have?
A: Throughout his distinguished career, SPB has received many honors. With almost 40,000 songs under his belt, he holds the Guinness World Record for most songs recorded by a performer. In addition to other state honors, he received six National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer. The Indian government awarded him the Padma Shri in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2011 in recognition of his achievements.
3. What impact did S.P. Balasubrahmanyam have on Indian film?
A: The impact S.P. Balasubrahmanyam has had on Indian cinema is incomparable. He provided his voice to many great actors, like Salman Khan, Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, and many more. His voice became associated with many well-known songs. He became a national hero due to his unique voice and ability to sing in several Indian languages.
4. What was the career launchpad for S.P. Balasubrahmanyam?
A: In 1966, SPB embarked on his musical career with the Telugu film “Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna.” The song “Aayiram Nilave Vaa” from the 1969 Tamil film “Adimai Penn” marked his debut. This was the start of an incredible career spanning more than fifty years.
5. How old was S.P. Balasubrahmanyam when he died?
A: On September 25, 2020, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, S.P. Balasubrahmanyam passed dead following complications resulting from COVID-19. His passing signaled the end of a chapter in Indian music history and left a legacy that now serves as motivation for young singers and musicians.
6. What is S.P. Balasubrahmanyam’s legacy?
A: S.P. Balasubrahmanyam left behind a lasting and significant legacy. Fans and musicians alike appreciate his contribution to Indian music, and his compositions never fail to strike a chord with listeners. He continues to be a legendary character whose compositions endure beyond the ages and represent the diverse cultural heritage of Indian music.