COVID-19 Did To SPB What Ice Creams, Chilled Water Could Not Do To His Voice!

Singing legend SP Balasubrahmanyam is no more and it is very difficult to digest the fact. The 74-year-old singer left for heavenly abode on September 25th. SPB was laid to rest with full state honours on Saturday.

Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam will be remembered forever. He was known for his strong determination and hardworking nature. SPB said that he had never learnt Carnatic music. After winning his second national award for “Ek Duje Ke Liye”(1981), SPB confessed that he doesn't know Hindi. What helped SPB overcome all these barriers? His endearing natural charm of being always ready and loads of talent to back his fabulous voice? Yes... 

Legendary composer, MS Viswanathan once said that, "Balu would listen to the tune just once and would be ready for the take. Such was his ability to grasp by just listening." He climbed the pinnacle of film music and won accolades from all the corners.

SP Balasubrahmanyam always considered himself as a singer by accident. SP Sailaja in an interview said that except SPB, all her family members have been trained in classical music. SP Balasubrahmanyam many times said that he never stayed away from ice-creams, beverages, curd, etc. Another lesser known fact is that SPB was a smoker for many years. But as wisdom prevailed over him, he had quit it later to preempt any possible health complications. SPB underwent two surgeries to his vocal cords but his voice was never affected. The voice remained intact. It's only an irony of fate that the dangerous coronavirus has claimed the life of legendary singer in this fashion. More hatred for COVID-19.

On August 5, SPB was admitted to MGM Healthcare Hospital after he tested positive for the coronavirus. He was undergoing treatment and was on life support throughout. After showing signs of recovery over the last few weeks, the health condition of SPB deteriorated on Thursday. He passed away on Friday after suffering a cardio-respiratory arrest.

In Tollywood, SPB was the voice for the songs of actors right from legendary NTR, ANR, Sobhan Babu and Krishna of the older generation and Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh, Balakrishna and Nagarjuna in the next generation. Is there any need to say about SPB and Rajinikanth's combination? Obviously, a big No. SPB also sang for the young generation actors like Prabhas and Jr NTR. SPB sang more than 40,000 songs in 16 languages and won six National Awards. He was a recipient of the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan. Balu, the multi-talented personality and his enchanting voice will sorely be missed..!