On SPB’s Death Anniversary, Tamil Nadu Announces SP Balasubrahmanyam Road Where He Lived (image: x.com/mkstalin)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced today on the death anniversary of legendary Indian playback singer SP Balasubrahmanyam a road has been named after him. “As one of the millions of fans of Balu, I am happy and proud to announce that on SP Balasubrahmanyam’s death anniversary, the main road of Kamdar Nagar, where he lived, will be named SP Balasubrahmanyam Road,” Stalin wrote on X.
SP Balasubrahmanyam, popularly known as SPB, was one of the most iconic playback singers in Indian cinema. Born on June 4, 1946, in Andhra Pradesh, SPB became a legendary figure in the music industry, with his deep, versatile voice transcending linguistic and regional barriers. He sang in over 16 languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi, recording an estimated 40,000 songs over his five-decade-long career.
SPB made his singing debut in 1966 with the Telugu film Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna. His rise to fame began in the 1970s, when his collaborations with legendary composers like M. S. Viswanathan and Ilaiyaraaja captivated audiences. The 1980s and 1990s saw him dominating Bollywood playback singing, particularly after his immense success with Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), for which he won his first National Award in Hindi.
He won numerous accolades throughout his career, including six National Film Awards, several Filmfare Awards, and civilian honours like the Padma Shri (2001) and Padma Bhushan (2011). His ability to modulate his voice for various actors, coupled with an unmatched vocal range, made him a beloved figure across generations.
Apart from singing, SPB was also an actor, voice actor, and music director, showcasing his all-encompassing passion for the arts. His friendly demeanor and down-to-earth personality endeared him to fans and colleagues alike.
SPB passed away on September 25, 2020, due to complications from COVID-19, leaving behind an irreplaceable legacy. His voice continues to resonate in the hearts of millions, a testament to his immense contribution to Indian music.
