SPB’s son SP Charan shared the news of his father's demise. (Express archive photo)Singer-actor SP Balasubrahmanyam succumbed to coronavirus on Friday. The 74-year-old actor was admitted to MGM Healthcare in Chennai in the first week of August after testing positive for coronavirus.
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.”
A statement from the hospital read, “Thiru S P Balasubrahmanyam had been admitted at MGM Healthcare on August 5th and commenced on life support measures since August 14th for severe COVID-19 pneumonia. He continued to be closely monitored by our multidisciplinary team in the critical care unit. He tested negative for COVID-19 on September 4th. In a further setback this morning, despite maximal life support measures and the best efforts of the clinical team, his condition deteriorated further and he suffered a cardio-respiratory arrest. With profound grief, we regret to inform that he has passed away on September 25th at 13:04 Hours. We express our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, well-wishers and admirers at their loss during this time of anguish and sorrow.”
The passing away of the legendary singer has left his fans saddened. Many celebrities are paying their tribute to him on social media.
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.”
Ajay Devgn tweeted, "SP Balasubrahmanyam Sir’s voice dominated my initial years of cinema. He, of course, had been a legend from long before. Sad to learn of his passing. Condolences to his family. #RIPSPB sir."
Chess legend Viswanathan Anand shared on Twitter, "Really sad to hear about the passing away of such a great yet simple person. He was my first sponsor! He sponsored our team Chennai Colts in the national team championship in 1983. One of the nicest persons I have met. His music gave us such joy #RIPSPB."
Shah Rukh Khan's posted on Twitter, "Condolences to SP Balasubrahmanyam sir’s family and friends on the loss. May the legendary singer’s soul Rest In Peace... Will miss his soothing voice."
Nagarjuna Akkineni took to Twitter and wrote, "As the memories and conversations with Balu Garu come flooding back so do the tears... I still remember the call I got from him after my film Annamayya He was such a unsaid integrable part of my life… దాచుకో స్వామి మా బాలుని జాగ్రత్తగా దాచుకో ! #ripspb."
Sharing a photo of himself and SP Balasubrahmanyam, A. R. Rahman's son A R Ameen wrote on Twitter, "It’s a huge loss for us we’ll miss you, may your soul rest in peace #ripspb uncle"
Zareen Khan shared, "Rest In Peace SP Balasubrahmanyam Ji. You will live in our hearts eternally through your beautiful music. #RIPSPBalasubrahmanyamJi #Legend."
"Extremely saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary S. P. Balasubrahmanyam sir. His generous contribution to the world of music is something that shall forever be cherished. #RIPSPB," Sidharth Malhotra said via Twitter.
Sharing an old photo, Director Rajiv Menon tweeted, "Gutted by the demise of S P Balasubramanian.. he was the voice of three generation of composers from MSV to Ilayaraja to AR Rahman.Musical taste and composing styles changed , but SPB sir’s voice was ever youthful miss you big time! #ripspbalasubramaniyam https://youtu.be/IwARVZCNHA8."
Asha Bhosle released a statement sharing her grief on the death of legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam. She said, "This year has seen a lot of unfortunate events. And the news of SP Balasubramaniam's demise that I have heard just now makes me even sadder. He was an amazingly versatile artiste. His first songs after South, in Hindi with Lakshmikant Pyarelal were amazing. His duet with Lata didi was very memorable. Balu sang a lot of songs for RD Burman and was his friend. He had helped me a lot with my Tamil pronunciation in my song for Ilayaraja. The loss of such a great artiste has left a huge void in the music world. I wish his soul to rest in peace in this musical journey to be one with the almighty. RIP Balu."
Manchu Manoj took to Twitter to express his condolences to SPB’s family. "Deeply saddened & heartbroken to hear that the legendary singer #SPBalasubrahmanyam garu is no more. Great loss to Indian cinema. May his soul rest in peace 🙏 My deepest condolences to his family! Sir you will always be in our hearts and souls 🙏 #ripspb" he tweeted.
Aamir Khan expressed his grief as SPB passed away on Friday. He wrote on Twitter, "Deeply saddened to hear of the demise of Shri S P Balasubrahmanyam. My heartfelt condolences to the family. We have lost one of the most talented artistes of our times. Rest in Peace sir."
Former cricketer Anil Kumble is 'shattered' to hear about the demise of SP Balasubrahmanyam. He tweeted, "Shattered to hear about passing of SPB sir. A Legend of Indian Cinema. His songs will reverberate forever. His friendship, love for the game and our chennai meetings will be cherished forever. My heartfelt condolences to Sudakar, Sailaja, Charan and rest of family and fans."
"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," read a tweet by PM Narendra Modi.
"An irreparable loss that has left a deep void...It was a blessing and an honour to have worked with SPB sir...learnt so much from him. Rest in peace Sir. Love you. My prayers and strength to the family...Om Shanti," singer-composer Shekhar Ravjiani said via Twitter.
Shankar Mahadevan released a video message as he condoled SPB's demise.
Filmmaker Vasan Bala recalled his memory of SP Balasubrahmanyam and wrote on Twitter, "My strongest and most cherished childhood memories of Tamil Nadu are the long never-ending bus rides and Raja Sir and SPB Sir on the Bus's speakers."
Actor Mohan Babu penned a long note as SPB passed away on Friday. He shared, "S. P. Balasubramanyam is my dearest friend. We used to stay together in Sri Kalahasthi in our childhood. As time passed by, both of us entered the film industry, he as a singer and every major event at Vidyanikethan, he was the chief guest. I am deeply saddened and devasted by the death of my good friend. During the times when I worked as an Assistant Director in Chennai, I had borrowed 100 rupees from him. Till recent times, Balu used to remind me of the debt and used to make fun of me for interest to pay. Balu is a world-famous singer. His demise will be a great loss not just to the film industry but to the entire nation. I wish that his soul rest in peace and my deepest condolences to his family members."
Sai Dharam Tej shared an older video of SPB singing at an event and wrote, "A voice which made us laugh,which made us cry, you’ll live with us forever, my deepest condolences to the family Folded hands you’ll be missed SPB sir."
"RIP... the heavens are lucky SPB sir," Madhavan shared on Twitter.