Condolences pour in for SPB from film industry, political spectrum

Numerous celebrities from the Indian film industry such as veteran singer Lata Mangeshkar, music composer AR Rahman, actors Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor and Ramya Krishnan paid tributes to legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam and remembered his contribution in the field of music.

Other political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi too paid tributes to the 74-year old veteran singer.

SP Balasubrahmanyam, popularly known as SPB, died on Friday (September 25) after a two month-long battle with COVID-19. The singer breathed his last at around 1.04 pm, his son and filmmaker S P Charan told reporters.

Balasubrahmanyam, who captivated millions of hearts by his supreme singing talent for over five decades, was admitted to the MGM Healthcare here on August 5 after testing positive for COVID-19.

Condoling the death of the celebrated playback singer, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was a household name across the country and that his melodious voice and music enthralled audience for decades. “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.”

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

My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and friends of Mr S. P. Balasubrahmanyam. His songs touched millions of hearts in many languages. His voice will live on.#RIPSPB

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 25, 2020

Meanwhile, President Ram Nath Kovind said Indian music has lost one of its melodious voices in the passing of S P Balasubrahmanyam, who was also called ‘Singing Moon’ by his countless fans.

“In the passing of music legend SP Balasubrahmanyam Indian music has lost one of its most melodious voices. Called Paadum Nila or Singing Moon by his countless fans, he was honoured with Padma Bhushan and many National Awards. Condolences to his family, friends and admirers,” the president tweeted.

In the passing of music legend SP Balasubrahmanyam Indian music has lost one of its most melodious voices. Called ‘Paadum Nila' or ‘Singing Moon’ by his countless fans, he was honoured with Padma Bhushan and many National Awards. Condolences to his family, friends and admirers.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 25, 2020

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “Deeply saddened by the passing away of legendary musician and playback singer Padma Bhushan, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam ji. He will forever remain in our memories through his melodious voice & unparalleled music compositions. My condolences are with his family & followers. Om Shanti.”

Deeply saddened by the passing away of legendary musician and playback singer Padma Bhushan, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam ji. He will forever remain in our memories through his melodious voice & unparalleled music compositions. My condolences are with his family & followers. Om Shanti

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 25, 2020

Hailing Balasubrahmanyam as a “brilliant singer” and a “kind human being”, Lata Mangeshkar reminiscenced working with him. “I’m very disturbed by the demise of SP Balasubrahmanyam. We have recorded many song together and did a lot shows. My condolences to his family,” the veteran singer wrote.

Pratibhashaali gayak,madhurbhashi ,bahut nek insan SP Balasubrahmanyam ji ke swargwas ki khabar sunke main bahut vyathit hun.Humne kai gaane saath gaaye,kai shows kiye.Sab baatein yaad aarahi hain.Ishwar unki aatma ko shanti de.Meri samvedanaayein unke pariwar ke saath hain.

— Lata Mangeshkar (@mangeshkarlata) September 25, 2020

AR Rahman shared his photo with Balasubrahmanyam and posted, “#ripspb …Devastated”.

#ripspb …Devastated pic.twitter.com/EO55pd648u

— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) September 25, 2020

Balasubrahmanyam’s voice played a huge role in establishing Salman Khan as a romantic hero in the 1990s with songs “Mere rang main”, “Pehla pehla pyaar hai”, “Mausam ka jaddu”, and “Hum aapke hain koun” among others. 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.

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

Akshay Kumar said he is “deeply saddened” by the news of Balasubrahmanyam’s death. “Just a few months back Id 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,” he wrote.

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

Filmmakers Madhur Bhandarkar, Bejoy Nambiar and Sujoy Ghosh also offered their condolences. “Extremely saddened on hearing the demise of the Veteran Prolific Versatile Singer #SPBalasubramaniam Sir , who redefined singing. My deepest condolences to his family members & millions of admirers globally. #OmShanti” Bhandarkar tweeted.

Extremely saddened on hearing the demise of the Veteran Prolific Versatile Singer #SPBalasubramaniam Sir , who redefined singing. My deepest condolences to his family members & millions of admirers globally. #OmShanti 🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/TSMVx6aNWC

— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) September 25, 2020

The health condition of the singer, who was admitted to the hospital with mild symptoms, deteriorated for the first time on August 13 after which he was put on life support and moved to the Intensive Care Unit. On August 19, he was put on ECMO (Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) besides ventilator and a day after, when he remained critical, people from all walks of life, including celebrities and the general public, came together to pray for his early recovery.

https://twitter.com/immancomposer/status/1309439745647239171

On Thursday, he was put on ventilator and ECMO after his condition deteriorated.