Misplaced Pages

S. P. Balasubrahmanyam: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 23:41, 10 June 2013 editBbb23 (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Administrators270,189 edits Reverted 1 edit by Haleveldzc (talk): Stop adding this unsourced fan cruft. (TW)← Previous edit Latest revision as of 05:53, 17 November 2024 edit undoMaheshk9 (talk | contribs)1 editNo edit summaryTags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Indian playback singer (1946–2020)}}
{{Family name hatnote|Sripathi Panditaradhyula|lang=Telugu}}{{Advert|date=May 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist {{Infobox musical artist
| name = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | name = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
| image =S._P._Balasubrahmanyam.jpg | image = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam at the 'Gurkha' Audio Launch.jpg
| caption = Balasubrahmanyam at the Gurkha Audio Launch
| image_size =
| native_name_lang = బాలు
| caption =
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=y|1946|06|04}}
| birth_name = Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam
| birth_name = Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1946|06|04|df=y}}
| alias = Gaana Gandharva, Paadum Nila<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kolappan |first=B. |date=26 September 2020 |title='Paadum Nila' S.P. Balasubrahmanyam no more |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/paadum-nila-sp-balasubrahmanyam-no-more/article32693844.ece |access-date=22 September 2021 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
| birth_place = Konetammapeta, Nagari Mandal, ], ] (now ] in ].)
| birth_place = Konetammapeta, ], ], ]<ref name="MN 2020">{{cite web | last=MN | first=Samdani | title=Settled in Chennai, SP Balasubrahmanyam's heart yearned for his native Nellore - Vijayawada News | website=The Times of India | date=26 Sep 2020 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/settled-in-chennai-balus-heart-yearned-for-his-native-nellore/articleshow/78322381.cms | access-date=4 Jun 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Naidu |first=M. Venkaiah |date=25 September 2020 |title=Press Information bureau of India |language=en-IN |work=Press Bureau of India |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1658959 |access-date=25 September 2020 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=8 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008202333/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1658959 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sp-balasubrahmanyam-the-end-of-an-era/article32695994.ece |title=S.P. Balasubrahmanyam: The end of an era |website=The Hindu |first=Murali |last=S. |date=25 September 2020 |access-date=25 September 2020 |archive-date=26 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926020903/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sp-balasubrahmanyam-the-end-of-an-era/article32695994.ece |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="timesofindia">{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/veteran-singer-sp-balasubrahmanyam-donates-his-ancestral-home-to-shri-kanchi-kamakoti-math/articleshow/74132294.cms |title=SPB donates his ancestral home in Nellore to kanchi math |website=The Times of India |date=14 February 2020 |access-date=25 September 2020 |archive-date=9 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309201340/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/veteran-singer-sp-balasubrahmanyam-donates-his-ancestral-home-to-shri-kanchi-kamakoti-math/articleshow/74132294.cms |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=V |first=Narayana |date=24 September 2020 |title=SPB: The voice that captivated millions will never be stilled |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/variety/spb-the-voice-that-captivated-millions-will-never-be-stilled/article32694156.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927024138/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/variety/spb-the-voice-that-captivated-millions-will-never-be-stilled/article32694156.ece |archive-date=27 September 2020 |access-date=25 September 2020 |website=The Hindu Businessline |language=en}}</ref>
| origin = ], India
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=y|2020|09|25|1946|06|04}}
| residence = ], ], India
| death_place = ], ], ]
| genre = ]
| genre = ]<ref name="timesofindia" />
| occupation = ], ], ], ]
| occupation = {{hlist|Singer|actor|music director|voice actor|producer}}
| awards = ], ], ]
| years_active = 1965–present | years_active = 1966–2020
| module = {{Infobox person
| website =
| embed = yes
| background = solo_singer
| honours = {{plainlist|
* ] (2021) (posthumously)
* ] (2011)
* ] (2001)
}}
}}
}} }}


'''Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam''' (4 June 1946 – 25 September 2020), commonly known as '''SPB''' or '''Balu''', was an Indian ], television presenter, actor, music composer, ], and film producer.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Demu |first1=Blessey |title=SPB was not just a singer, but a multifaceted personality |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/spb-was-not-just-a-singer-but-a-multifaceted-personality/article32699795.ece |newspaper=The Hindu |date=26 September 2020 |access-date=26 September 2020 |archive-date=26 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926013719/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/spb-was-not-just-a-singer-but-a-multifaceted-personality/article32699795.ece |url-status=live}}</ref> He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian singers of all time.{{Refn|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Balachandran |first=Logesh |date=25 September 2020 |title=SP Balasubrahmanyam: A gifted South Indian singer who ruled Bollywood for decades |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/sp-balasubrahmanyam-a-gifted-south-indian-singer-who-ruled-bollywood-for-decades-1725323-2020-09-25 |access-date=2022-08-09 |website=] |language=en |quote=SP Balasubrahmanyam was undoubtedly one of the greatest singers the Indian sub-continent has ever produced.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-04 |title=Remembering S.P Balasubrahmanyam on his birth anniversary: Some of his best Hindi songs |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/remembering-s-p-balasubrahmanyam-on-his-birth-anniversary-some-of-his-best-hindi-songs-10755611.html |access-date=2022-08-09 |website=Firstpost |language=en |quote=S. P. Balasubrahmanyam is regarded as one of the greatest Indian singers of all time.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=P. K. Ajith |date=2020-09-25 |title=The best of S.P. Balasubrahmanyam |language=en-IN |work=] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/the-best-of-sp-balasubrahmanyam/article32697234.ece |access-date=2022-08-09 |issn=0971-751X |quote=S.P. Balasubrahmanyam was one of the greatest playback singers of all time in Indian cinema.}}</ref>}} He predominantly worked in ], ], ], ], and ] films and sang in a total of 16 languages.<ref name=":2" />
'''Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam''' ({{Audio|balu.ogg|pronunciation}}; born 4 June 1946) is an ]n ], ], ], ] and ]. He is sometimes referred to as '''S. P. B.''' or '''Balu'''. He won the ] six times and the ] in ] ] 25 times from ].


Balasubrahmanyam was born into a Telugu family with a strong musical background in ], ]. Despite initially pursuing engineering, his passion for music led him to a successful career in playback singing, starting with his debut in the Telugu film '']'' in 1966, composed by his mentor, ]''.<ref name=":0" />'' Over his career, he received six ] for his performances in ], ], ], and ], along with 25 ] state ] for his work in Telugu cinema. Additionally, he was honoured various state awards from ] and ] governments,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/spb-to-be-honoured-news-telugu-kkfsm1ehhja.html |title=SPB to be honoured |website=] |date=24 March 2009 |access-date=1 May 2011 |archive-date=29 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130429190247/http://www.sify.com/movies/spb-to-be-honoured-news-telugu-kkfsm1ehhja.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> four ] and a ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/08/08/stories/2008080850380200.htm |title=Friday Review Hyderabad / Events : The stars shimmered bright |date=8 August 2008 |access-date=1 May 2011 |archive-date=29 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629053409/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/08/08/stories/2008080850380200.htm |newspaper=] |url-status=dead}}</ref> According to some sources, he held the ] for recording the highest number of songs by a singer with over 50,000 songs in 16 languages.{{Refn|<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=25 September 2020 |title=SP Balasubrahmanyam: Legendary Indian singer dies |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-53789574 |access-date=25 September 2020 |archive-date=25 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925180510/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-53789574 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 November 2016 |title=Have lost count of songs sung, says record holder S.P. Balasubrahmanyam |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-briefs/have-lost-count-of-songs-sung-says-record-holder-s-p-balasubrahmanyam/ |access-date=25 September 2020 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327161410/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-briefs/have-lost-count-of-songs-sung-says-record-holder-s-p-balasubrahmanyam/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=SP Balasubrahmanyam Dies at 74: 5 Facts About The Guinness Record Holder |url=https://www.forbesindia.com/article/coronavirus/sp-balasubrahmanyam-dies-at-74-5-facts-about-the-guinness-record-holder/62937/1 |access-date=25 September 2020 |website=Forbes India |language=en |archive-date=27 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927085809/https://www.forbesindia.com/article/coronavirus/sp-balasubrahmanyam-dies-at-74-5-facts-about-the-guinness-record-holder/62937/1 |url-status=live}}</ref>}} On 8 February 1981, he set a record by recording 28 songs in Kannada in a single day, along with 19 songs in Tamil and 16 in Hindi, which has also been called a record.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Murali |first=S. |title=S.P. Balasubrahmanyam: The end of an era |date=25 September 2020 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sp-balasubrahmanyam-the-end-of-an-era/article32695994.ece#:~:text=He%20has%20the%20rare%20distinction,pm%20on%208%20February%2C%201981 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926020903/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sp-balasubrahmanyam-the-end-of-an-era/article32695994.ece#:~:text=He%20has%20the%20rare%20distinction,pm%20on%208%20February%2C%201981 |archive-date=26 September 2020 |access-date=26 September 2020 |website=The Hindu}}</ref>
He has sung over 40,000 songs in various Indian languages. He is the only playback singer in India to have won ] across four languages. He has also won a ], three ] and numerous state awards from ] and ]. He is a recipient of civilian awards such as ] (2001) and ] (2011) from the government of India.<ref>{{cite web|author=January 26, 2011 DC Correspondent New Delhi |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/chennai/spb-wins-padma-bhushan-no-bharat-ratna-year-615 |title=SPB wins Padma Bhushan, no Bharat Ratna this year |publisher=Deccan Chronicle |date=2011-01-26 |accessdate=2011-05-02}}</ref>


In recognition of his contributions, Balasubrahmanyam received the ] from the ] in 2012,<ref>{{cite news |last=Correspondent |first=Special |date=5 April 2017 |title=S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, Hema Malini bag NTR awards |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/spb-hema-malini-bag-ntr-awards/article17821614.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405062557/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/spb-hema-malini-bag-ntr-awards/article17821614.ece |archive-date=5 April 2017 |access-date=5 April 2017 |newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref> the Harivarasanam Award from the ] in 2015,<ref>{{cite web |date=21 June 2015 |title=Devotional Songs |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/devotional-songs/article7338521.ece |access-date=20 February 2022 |quote=Mr. Balasubrahmanyam was addressing a function at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam on Saturday after receiving the Harivarasanam Award instituted by the State government. |newspaper=]}}</ref> and was named the ] at the ] in 2016.<ref name=":3">{{cite news |date=20 November 2016 |title=SP Balasubrahmanyam honoured with centenary award |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/sp-balasubrahmanyam-honoured-with-centenary-award-116112000607_1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121114429/http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/sp-balasubrahmanyam-honoured-with-centenary-award-116112000607_1.html |archive-date=21 November 2016 |access-date=21 November 2016 |newspaper=Business Standard India |agency=Press Trust of India}}</ref> The Government of India honored him with the ] in 2001, the ] in 2011, and the ] ] in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |author=DC Correspondent |date=26 January 2011 |title=SPB wins Padma Bhushan, no Bharat Ratna this year |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/chennai/spb-wins-padma-bhushan-no-bharat-ratna-year-615 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430053926/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/chennai/spb-wins-padma-bhushan-no-bharat-ratna-year-615 |archive-date=30 April 2011 |access-date=2 May 2011 |work=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Priyanka |date=25 January 2021 |title=SPB honoured with Padma Vibhushan posthumously; KS Chithra gets Padma Bhushan |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/spb-padma-vibhushan-ks-chitra-padma-bhushan-7161363/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125174519/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/spb-padma-vibhushan-ks-chitra-padma-bhushan-7161363/ |archive-date=25 January 2021 |access-date=25 January 2021 |website=]}}</ref> He died on 25 September 2020 in ] after complications from ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kolappan |first=B. |date=25 September 2020 |title='Paadum Nila' S.P. Balasubrahmanyam no more |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/paadum-nila-sp-balasubrahmanyam-no-more/article32693844.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925164732/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/paadum-nila-sp-balasubrahmanyam-no-more/article32693844.ece |archive-date=25 September 2020 |access-date=25 September 2020 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
==Early life and background==
{{BLP sources section|date=May 2012}}
Balasubrahmanyam was born to S. P. Sambamurthy in Konetammapeta of ], present day ] in ].<ref>{{cite news|author= C. Narayana Rao |title= Rice-rich but no major industry |url= http://www.hindu.com/2004/03/13/stories/2004031304990400.htm |work= The Hindu |date= March 13, 2008|accessdate=2009}}</ref> Balasubrahmanyam's father was a ] artist who had also acted in plays.<ref name="Early life">{{cite web|author=Suganthy Krishnamachari |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/music/article595994.ece |title=Arts / Music : Motivating, musically |publisher=The Hindu |date=2010-08-26 |accessdate=2011-05-02}}</ref> He has two brothers and five sisters. He is the elder brother of singer ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/12/05/stories/2005120501970200.htm |title=Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : S.P.Balasubramaniam shares memories with music buffs |publisher=The Hindu |date=2005-12-05 |accessdate=2011-05-02}}</ref> He is married to Savitri and has two children, Pallavi<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2003/09/19/stories/2003091901160200.htm |title=Unnai Charan Adainthaen |publisher=The Hindu |date=2003-09-19 |accessdate=2011-05-02}}</ref> and ] who is a playback singer and film producer as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/lf/2004/01/13/stories/2004011300950200.htm |title=The cup of joy called friendship |publisher=The Hindu |date=2004-01-13 |accessdate=2011-05-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/11/26/stories/2009112651250400.htm |title=Metro Plus Madurai / Events : A medley of sorts |publisher=The Hindu |date=2009-11-26 |accessdate=2011-06-12}}</ref>


== Early life and background ==
Balasubrahmanyam developed an interest towards music at an early age, studied notations and learned to play instruments such as the ] and ] on his own while listening to his father. His father wanted him to become an engineer, which brought him to ], where he enrolled for the Engineering course at ]. Later he discontinued the course due to typhoid, and then joined as an Associate Member of the Institution of Engineers, ]. Meanwhile, he also pursued his hobby and won awards at many singing competitions. In 1964, he won the first prize in a music competition for amateur singers organised by the Madras-based Telugu Cultural Organisation, and earned his first opportunity from music director ].
]
S. P. Balasubrahmanyam was born in Konetammapeta in ] of ] into a ] family.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=26 September 2020 |title=SPB was not just a singer, but a multifaceted personality |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/spb-was-not-just-a-singer-but-a-multifaceted-personality/article32699795.ece |access-date=26 September 2020 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=26 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926013719/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/spb-was-not-just-a-singer-but-a-multifaceted-personality/article32699795.ece |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Murali |first=S. |date=25 September 2020 |title=S.P. Balasubrahmanyam: The end of an era |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sp-balasubrahmanyam-the-end-of-an-era/article32695994.ece |access-date=25 September 2020 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=26 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926020903/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sp-balasubrahmanyam-the-end-of-an-era/article32695994.ece |url-status=live}}</ref> His father, S. P. Sambamurthy, was a ] artist who also acted in plays.<ref name="Early life">{{cite news |author=Suganthy Krishnamachari |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/music/article595994.ece |title=Arts / Music : Motivating, musically |newspaper=The Hindu |date=26 August 2010 |access-date=2 May 2011}}</ref> His mother was Sakunthalamma, who died on 4 February 2019.<ref name="indiatimes.com">{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/sp-balasubrahmanyam-loses-his-mother/articleshow/67847082.cms |title=SP Balasubrahmanyam loses his mother |website=The Times of India |date=5 February 2019 |access-date=6 February 2019 |archive-date=6 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206212203/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/sp-balasubrahmanyam-loses-his-mother/articleshow/67847082.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> He had two brothers and five sisters, including singer ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/12/05/stories/2005120501970200.htm |title=Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : S.P.Balasubramaniam shares memories with music buffs |date=5 December 2005 |access-date=2 May 2011 |archive-date=4 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004235506/http://www.hindu.com/2005/12/05/stories/2005120501970200.htm |newspaper=] |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2014/03/25214939/SP-Balasubramaniam-world-recor.html |title=Tamil Cinema news&nbsp;– Tamil Movies&nbsp;– Cinema seithigal |access-date=1 April 2014 |archive-date=1 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140401061354/http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2014/03/25214939/SP-Balasubramaniam-world-recor.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mirchi9.com/movienews/rumours-rife-s-p-balasubrahmanyam-health/ |title=Rumours Rife on SPB Health |date=8 September 2017 |access-date=30 September 2017 |archive-date=30 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330170814/https://www.mirchi9.com/movienews/rumours-rife-s-p-balasubrahmanyam-health/ |url-status=live}}</ref> His son ] is also a popular South Indian singer, actor and producer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 September 2020 |title=SP Charan on SPB's health: He's eager to leave the hospital as early as possible |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/spb-is-eager-to-leave-the-hospital-as-early-as-possible-6606658/ |access-date=25 September 2020 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=23 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923093944/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/spb-is-eager-to-leave-the-hospital-as-early-as-possible-6606658/ |url-status=live}}</ref>


Balasubrahmanyam developed an interest in music at an early age, studied musical notations and learned music on his own. He enrolled at the ] with the intention of becoming an engineer. He said that at the time his only dream was to fulfil his father's ambition and become an engineer and get a government job.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vivan |first=Sridhar |date=25 September 2020 |title=SP Balasubrahmanyam: The Accidental Singer |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/news/india/sp-balasubrahmanyam-the-accidental-singer/articleshow/78314117.cms |access-date=2022-08-09 |website=Bangalore Mirror |language=en}}</ref>''<ref name=":1" />''
After dropping out of engineering, Balasubrahmayam used to regularly visit music composers seeking for opportunities to sing. The first song that he sang for an audition was, "Nilave Ennidam Nerungadhe", a melody rendered by veteran playback singer ]. It was P. B. Srinivas who used to write and give him some multi-lingual verses in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Sanskrit, English and Urdu.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/music/article786498.ece |title=Arts / Music : An unsung genius |publisher=The Hindu |date=2010-09-23 |accessdate=2011-06-12}}</ref>


Balasubrahmanyam continued to pursue music during his engineering studies and won awards at singing competitions. He discontinued his studies early due to ] and joined as an associate member of the Institution of Engineers, ].<ref name="TheHinduAward2012">{{cite news |last=Murali |first=S. |date=25 September 2020 |title=S.P. Balasubrahmanyam: The end of an era |journal=] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sp-balasubrahmanyam-the-end-of-an-era/article32695994.ece |url-status=live |access-date=27 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926020903/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sp-balasubrahmanyam-the-end-of-an-era/article32695994.ece |archive-date=26 September 2020}}</ref><ref name="67thBirthdayBlurb">{{cite web |date=4 June 2013 |title=SP.Balasubrahmanyam's 67th Birthday |url=http://www.andhra365.in/2013/06/spbalasubrahmanyams-67th-birthday.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407081546/http://www.andhra365.in/2013/06/spbalasubrahmanyams-67th-birthday.html |archive-date=7 April 2014 |access-date=22 July 2013 |quote=Today, S.P. Balasubrahmanyam is celebrating his 67th birthday. He was born on 4 June 1946 into a Telugufamily in Nellore. Balasubrahmanyam started singing from a very young age. After dropping out from an engineering program in JNTU, he got his first break in 1966, when he sang for ''Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna'' and he has sung over 40,000 songs. The State Government of AP presented the Nandi Award to Balasubrahmanyam 25 times. The Government of India honoured him with a Padma Bhushan award in 2011 and also presented him with six National Awards.}}</ref> In 1964, he won the first prize in a music competition for amateur singers organized by the Madras-based Telugu Cultural Organization.
==Playback singing career==
]
Balasubrahmanyam has sung more than 40,000 songs in different Indian languages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/08/08/stories/2008080850380200.htm |title=Friday Review Hyderabad / Events : The stars shimmered bright |publisher=The Hindu |date=2008-08-08 |accessdate=2011-05-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/spb-to-be-honoured-news-telugu-kkfsm1ehhja.html |title=SPB to be honoured |publisher=Sify.com |date=2009-03-24 |accessdate=2011-05-01}}</ref><ref name="Most no of songs">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/02/03/stories/2006020301430200.htm |title=Entertainment Hyderabad / Events : In honour of a legend |publisher=The Hindu |date=2006-02-03 |accessdate=2011-05-02}}</ref><ref>http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=21181</ref>


He was the leader of a light music troupe composed of Anirutta (on the harmonium), ] (on guitar and later on harmonium), Baskar (on percussion) and ] (on guitar).<ref>''Dinathanthi'', Nellai Edition, 11 August 2006, p. 11.</ref> He was selected as the best singer in a singing competition which was judged by ] and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.artistopia.com/s-p-balasubrahmanyam |title=SP Balasubrahmanyam |publisher=Artistopia.com |access-date=1 May 2011 |archive-date=19 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719013528/http://www.artistopia.com/s-p-balasubrahmanyam |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.networkbase.info/pageS._P._Balasubramanyam.html |title=S. P. Balasubramanyam&nbsp;– Photos and All Basic Informations |publisher=Networkbase.info |access-date=1 May 2011 |archive-date=31 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331220511/http://www.networkbase.info/pageS._P._Balasubramanyam.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Often visiting music composers seeking opportunities, his first audition song was "Nilave Ennidam Nerungadhe". It was rendered by veteran playback singer ], who used to write and give him multi-lingual verses in ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/music/article786498.ece |title=Arts / Music : An unsung genius |newspaper=The Hindu |date=23 September 2010 |access-date=12 June 2011 |archive-date=7 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607045952/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/music/article786498.ece |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Early career: 1960s===
Before becoming a cinema singer, Balasubrahmanyam was the leader of a light music troupe composed of Anirutta (on the harmonium), ] (on guitar and later on harmonium), Baskar (on percussion), and ] (on guitar).<ref>''Dinathanthi'', Nellai Edition, 11 August 2006, p. 11.</ref> Balasubrahmanyam made his debut as a playback singer on 15 December 1966 with '']'',<ref name="RLA">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/08/15/stories/2006081505050400.htm |title=Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Raja-Lakshmi award for S.P. Balasubrahmanyam |publisher=The Hindu |date=2006-08-15 |accessdate=2011-06-12}}</ref> a ] film scored by his mentor, ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/04/14/stories/2011041452160500.htm |title=Andhra Pradesh / Ongole News : Telugu will thrive forever, says Balu |publisher=The Hindu |date=2011-04-14 |accessdate=2011-05-02}}</ref> He was selected as the best singer in a singing competition which was judged by ] and the legendary singer ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.artistopia.com/s-p-balasubrahmanyam |title=SP Balasubrahmanyam |publisher=Artistopia.com |date= |accessdate=2011-05-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.networkbase.info/pageS._P._Balasubramanyam.html |title=S. P. Balasubramanyam – Photos and All Basic Informations |publisher=Networkbase.info |date= |accessdate=2011-05-01}}</ref>


== Music career ==
He recorded his first Tamil song in the 1969 film ''Shanthi Nilaiyam'' starring ] and the song is " Eyarkai ennum illaya kanni". He sang "Aayiram Nilavae Vaa" for ] in the Tamil film ''Aadimai Penn''which released first before Shanthi nilayam could release. He was introduced to Malayalam film industry by ] in the film ''Kadalppalam'' in 1969 he sang "Ee Kadalum Marukadalum" <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/07/12/stories/2010071250650400.htm |title=Metro Plus Kochi / Columns : KADALPAALAM 1969 |publisher=The Hindu |date=2010-07-12 |accessdate=2011-06-12}}</ref>
{{See also|List of Hindi songs recorded by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam}}
{{See also|List of Telugu songs recorded by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam}}
{{See also|List of Tamil songs recorded by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam}}


=== 1960s–1970s ===
===Prominence in south: 1970s===
] and his wife]]
He received his first ] in 1980 for the ] film '']'', a film directed by ]. In 1976, he recorded up to 23 songs, including 15 duets with P. Susheela in a single day. For Kannada composer ], Balasubrahmanyam recorded 16 songs in just 6 hours. Again for ], he recorded six songs in 4 hours in ]. Between three recording theatres in Mumbai, he sang 17 songs in a day for ].<ref>{{cite web|author=T. Krithika Reddy |url=http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/article77605.ece |title=Life & Style / Metroplus : Swinging sixties |publisher=The Hindu |date=2010-01-08 |accessdate=2011-05-02}}</ref>
Balasubrahmanyam debuted as a playback singer on 15 December 1966 with the song "Emiyee Vinta Moham" for '']'', a ] film scored by his mentor, ].<ref name=":1">{{cite web |date=14 April 2011 |title=Andhra Pradesh News : Telugu will thrive forever, says Balu |url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/04/14/stories/2011041452160500.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110419211913/http://www.hindu.com/2011/04/14/stories/2011041452160500.htm |archive-date=19 April 2011 |access-date=2 May 2011 |work=]}}</ref><ref name="RLA">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/08/15/stories/2006081505050400.htm |title=Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Raja-Lakshmi award for S.P. Balasubrahmanyam |date=15 August 2006 |access-date=12 June 2011 |archive-date=5 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805044235/http://www.hindu.com/2006/08/15/stories/2006081505050400.htm |newspaper=] |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=5 October 2020 |title=A very RARE picture of SP Balasubrahmanyam goes viral |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/a-very-rare-picture-of-sp-balasubrahmanyam-goes-viral/articleshow/78487419.cms |access-date=2022-08-09 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> The first non-Telugu song that he recorded was in ] in 1966 for the film '']'', starring ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/201139/of-soulful-strains.html |title=Of soulful strains |work=Deccan Herald |date=29 October 2011 |access-date=14 November 2013 |archive-date=10 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610223509/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/201139/of-soulful-strains.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.alkahera-alyoum.com/viewvideo/17160/wikispeaks/s-p-balasubrahmanyam-wiki-article |title=S. P. Balasubrahmanyam&nbsp;– Wiki Article |access-date=14 November 2013 |archive-date=10 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610202944/http://www.alkahera-alyoum.com/viewvideo/17160/wikispeaks/s-p-balasubrahmanyam-wiki-article |url-status=live}}</ref> He recorded his first ] song "Athaanodu Ippadi Irundhu Eththanai Naalaachu", a duet with ] under the musical direction of ] for the film ''Hotel Ramba'', which never released. The song "Medante Meda Kaadu" from the film '']'' (1968) composed by Kondandapani brought him recognition in Telugu cinema.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2020-09-26 |title=మేడంటే మేడా కాదు |url=https://www.sakshi.com/telugu-news/movies/sp-balasubramanyam-first-song-introduced-his-relative-sp-kodandapani-1317532 |access-date=2022-08-09 |website=Sakshi |language=te}}</ref>


Other early songs he sang were duets with P. Susheela, "Iyarkai Ennum Ilaya Kanni" in the 1969 film '']'', starring ], and "Aayiram Nilavae Vaa" for ] in '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2014/03/26213901/mgr-introduce-sp-balasubramani.html |title=Tamil Cinema news&nbsp;– Tamil Movies&nbsp;– Cinema seithigal |access-date=1 April 2014 |archive-date=30 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330004704/http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2014/03/26213901/mgr-introduce-sp-balasubramani.html |url-status=live}}</ref> His first song with S. Janaki was "Pournami Nilavil Pani Vizhum Iravil" in Kannippenn. He was then introduced to the Malayalam film industry by ] in the film ''Kadalppalam''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/07/12/stories/2010071250650400.htm |title=Metro Plus Kochi / Columns : KADALPAALAM 1969 |date=12 July 2010 |access-date=12 June 2011 |archive-date=29 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629045317/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/07/12/stories/2010071250650400.htm |work=] |url-status=dead}}</ref> As per Balasubrahmanyam, "Ye Divilo Virisina Parijathamo" from the 1973 Telugu film '']'' composed by ] gave an amazing turning point to his singing career.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Narasimham |first=M. L. |date=2020-03-06 |title=S. P. Balasubrahmanyam in nostalgic mode: 'I sat under a mango tree and cried' |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/s-p-balasubrahmanyam-in-nostalgic-mode-i-sat-under-a-mango-tree-and-cried/article30998378.ece |access-date=2022-08-09 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
He is the first recipient of the "Ghantasala National Award" named after the famous and legendary singer ], and whom Balasubrahmanyam admires a lot. He has often referred to himself as "Ekalavya Sishya" (untutored disciple) of Ghantasala<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/04/15/stories/2011041554220500.htm |title=Andhra Pradesh / Ongole News : Ghantasala national award presented to Balu |publisher=The Hindu |date=2011-04-15 |accessdate=2011-06-12}}</ref>


Balasubrahmanyam recorded the most songs on a single day by any singer.<ref>{{Cite news |title=SPB has recorded the maximum number of songs in a single day – The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know/SPB-has-recorded-the-maximum-number-of-songs-in-a-single-day/articleshow/47564790.cms |access-date=15 August 2020 |website=The Times of India |date=6 June 2015 |language=en}}</ref> He had recorded 21 songs in Kannada for the composer ] in Bangalore from 9:00&nbsp;am to 9:00&nbsp;pm on 8 February 1981 and 19 songs in Tamil, 16 songs in Hindi in a day.<ref name="entertainment.oneindia.in">{{cite web |title=S P Balasubramaniam |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/celebs/s-p-balasubramaniam/biography.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707131909/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/celebs/s-p-balasubramaniam/biography.html |archive-date=7 July 2014 |access-date=14 November 2013 |work=FilmiBeat}}</ref> In his words, "There were days when I used to record 15–20 songs, but only for ]. And I would take the last flight back to Chennai."<ref name="MumbaiMirrorSalsVoice">{{cite news |last=Thakkar |first=Mehul S |title=Salman's voice now belongs to Shah Rukh |url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/entertainment/bollywood/Salmans-voice-now-belongs-to-Shah-Rukh/articleshow/20236261.cms |access-date=22 July 2013 |newspaper=Mumbai Mirror |date=24 May 2013 |archive-date=8 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608034806/http://www.mumbaimirror.com/entertainment/bollywood/Salmans-voice-now-belongs-to-Shah-Rukh/articleshow/20236261.cms |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=T. Krithika Reddy |url=http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/metroplus/article77605.ece |title=Life & Style / Metroplus : Swinging sixties |newspaper=The Hindu |date=8 January 2010 |access-date=2 May 2011 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011195305/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/Swinging-sixties/article16836714.ece |url-status=live}}</ref> In the 1970s, he also worked with ] in Tamil movies for actors such as M. G. Ramachandran, ] and Gemini Ganesan. He recorded duets with ], ], ] and ]. Balasubrahmanyam's association with ] began even before Ilaiyaraaja came to the cine field. In the early days, he used to sing in towns and villages all over south India and Ilaiyaraaja, then an unknown harmonium and guitar player accompanied him in his concerts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vignessh |date=16 August 2020 |title=The story of an enduring friendship for 5 decades – SPB and Ilayaraja |url=https://thefederal.com/news/the-story-of-an-enduring-friendship-for-5-decades-spb-and-ilayaraja/ |access-date=25 September 2020 |website=The Federal |language=en-US |archive-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006133251/https://thefederal.com/news/the-story-of-an-enduring-friendship-for-5-decades-spb-and-ilayaraja/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Bollywood entry: 1980s===
Balasubrahmanyam's first break in Hindi films was '']'' (1981), for which he received the ].<ref name="Most no of songs"/> He was playback singer for ] actor ] in most of his movies from 1989 to 1995.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print/218530.aspx |title=HindustanTimes-Print |publisher=Hindustantimes.com |date=2007-04-26 |accessdate=2011-06-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print/364116.aspx |title=HindustanTimes-Print |publisher=Hindustantimes.com |date=2009-01-07 |accessdate=2011-06-12}}</ref>
For example, in movies like '']'' and '']'', all songs pictured on Salman Khan are sung by him. They were very well received and remembered even to this day due to his voice's apt setting with Salman Khan.<ref>http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/sp-balasubramaniam-biography-4164.html</ref><ref>http://allaboutsalmankhan.blogspot.in/</ref>


===1990s=== === 1980s ===
Balasubrahmanyam gained international recognition with the 1980 film '']''. The film is considered to be one of the best films ever to emerge from the ] film industry.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm8IIFAAward.aspx?PdfName=8IIFA.pdf |title=Directorate of Film Festival |publisher=Iffi.nic.in |access-date=1 January 2013 |archive-date=1 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101233112/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm8IIFAAward.aspx?PdfName=8IIFA.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref> Directed by ], the film's soundtrack was composed by ] and led to an increase in the usage of ] in Telugu cinema as well as in other languages. Not a classically trained singer, he used a "film music" aesthetic in recording the songs.<ref name="CAMBRIDGE">{{cite book |editor-last=Dalmia |editor-first=Vasudha |title=The Cambridge companion to modern Indian culture |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge |isbn=978-0-521-73618-3 |page=248 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1hyIWIe4T0YC&q=Balasubramaniam+singer&pg=PA248 |author1=Sadana, Rashmi |date=5 April 2012}}</ref> Balasubrahmanyam received his first ] for his work. His first work in Hindi films was in the following year, in '']'' (1981),<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/news/india/sp-balasubrahmanyam-the-accidental-singer/articleshow/78314117.cms |title=SP Balasubrahmanyam: The Accidental Singer |website=Bangalore Mirror}}</ref> for which he received another ] for Best Male Playback Singer.<ref name="Most no of songs">{{cite news |date=3 February 2006 |title=Entertainment Hyderabad / Events : In honour of a legend |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/02/03/stories/2006020301430200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101225852/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/02/03/stories/2006020301430200.htm |archive-date=1 January 2014 |access-date=2 May 2011 |newspaper=]}}</ref>
In the 1990s he worked with composers like ], ], ], but his association with ] turned out be a major success.


Balasubrahmanyam began to record more songs in Telugu and other South Indian languages, especially for ] with ], the trio considered to be highly successful in the ] film industry from the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s. The songs were based on classical music, such as in '']'' (1983) and '']'' (1988), for which Ilaiyaraaja and Balasubrahmanyam won ] for ] and Best Male Playback Singer respectively.<ref name="carnatic">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/03/06/stories/2010030652600300.htm |title=Metro Plus Visakhapatnam / Music : Balu live and lively |date=6 March 2010 |access-date=2 May 2011 |archive-date=5 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505173807/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/03/06/stories/2010030652600300.htm |newspaper=] |url-status=dead}}</ref> South Indian actor ] said that SPB's voice is one of the main reasons for his success.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Chiranjeevi: It's the darkest day for the world of music |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/chiranjeevi-its-the-darkest-day-for-the-world-of-music/articleshow/78313567.cms |access-date=24 September 2021 |website=The Times of India |date=25 September 2020 |language=en}}</ref>
The song "Umandu Ghumandu" from the ] film '']'' (1995) was based on ], for which he received his 4th National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer.<ref name="carnatic"/>


In 1989, Balasubrahmanyam was the playback singer for actor ] in '']''.<ref name="KnewToddler">{{cite news |last=Kadam |first=Prachi |title=I knew Rahman as a toddler: SP Balasubrahmanyam |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/1352465/report-i-knew-rahman-as-a-toddler-sp-balasubrahmanyam |access-date=22 July 2013 |newspaper=DNA India |date=25 February 2010}}</ref> The ] for the film won a ] for the song ''Dil Deewana''. For much of the next decade, Balasubrahmanyam continued as the "romantic singing voice" on the soundtracks of Khan's films.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print/218530.aspx |title=HindustanTimes-Print |work=Hindustan Times |date=26 April 2007 |access-date=12 June 2011 |archive-date=29 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929083614/http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print/218530.aspx |url-status=dead}}</ref> Notable among these was '']'' which became the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=350&catName=QmlnZ2VzdCBCbG9ja2J1c3RlcnMgRXZlcg== |title=The Biggest Blockbusters Ever in Hindi Cinema |publisher=Box Office India |access-date=4 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021185350/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=350&catName=QmlnZ2VzdCBCbG9ja2J1c3RlcnMgRXZlcg%3D%3D |archive-date=21 October 2013}}</ref> Balasubrahmanyam's duet with ], "]", was very popular.<ref name="TheBeat">{{cite journal |title=The Beat |journal=The Beat |year=1992 |volume=11 |page=71 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FAk5AQAAIAAJ&q=playback+Balasubrahmanyam |publisher=Bongo Productions |location=University of California |access-date=27 August 2017 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011195309/https://books.google.com/books?id=FAk5AQAAIAAJ&q=playback+Balasubrahmanyam&dq=playback+Balasubrahmanyam&hl=en |url-status=live}}</ref> SP Balasubrahmanyam became identified as Salman Khan's voice in the 90s just like ] became ]'s voice through the 70s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/2015/06/04/sp-balasubrahmanyam-the-voice-that-introduced-us-to-salman-khan |title=B'day Jukebox: SP Balasubrahmanyam Was Salman Khan's 90s Voice |date=4 June 2015 |website=The Quint |access-date=18 April 2019 |archive-date=3 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160503014717/http://www.thequint.com/entertainment/2015/06/04/sp-balasubrahmanyam-the-voice-that-introduced-us-to-salman-khan |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=S P Balasubramanyam: The voice that made Salman Khan sing&nbsp;– Nishad N |url=https://www.saddahaq.com/s-p-balasubramanyam-the-voice-that-made-salman-khan-sing |website=saddahaq.com |access-date=14 December 2017 |archive-date=14 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214182943/https://www.saddahaq.com/s-p-balasubramanyam-the-voice-that-made-salman-khan-sing |url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Association with composers==
{{BLP sources section|date=May 2012}}


=== 1990s ===
] used S.P.B's voice in various 1970s Tamil movies. Under his composition S.P.B sang for senior actors like ], ] and ]. He recorded numerous duets with ], ], ] and ].
] performing at ''Celebrating 50 years of musical journey of S. P. Balasubrahmanyam'' on 9 December 2016 at Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Dubai]]
In the 1990s, he worked with composers such as ], ], ], ] and ] among others, but his association with ] turned out be a major success.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 September 2020 |title=#RIPSPB: The journey of a legend |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ripspb-the-journey-of-a-legend/photostory/78312190.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925140532/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ripspb-the-journey-of-a-legend/photostory/78312190.cms |archive-date=25 September 2020 |access-date=25 September 2020 |website=]}}</ref>


Balasubrahmanyam recorded three songs for ] in the latter's debut film '']''. He had a long-time association with Rahman right from ''Roja''. Other popular songs include "July Maadham" from '']'', which also marked the debut of singer ],<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 February 2002 |title=Singer with style |work=] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-life/singer-with-style/article28593191.ece |access-date=25 September 2020}}</ref> "Mannoothu Manthayilae" from '']'' which was a folk number and he almost sang all songs in the musical love story '']'' and "Thanga Thaamarai" from '']'' which fetched him, the sixth and latest of his ] to date.<ref>{{Cite web |title=S P Balasubrahmanyam, Thank You for the Music |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/s-p-balasubrahmanyam-thank-you-for-the-music-2300905 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926053018/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/s-p-balasubrahmanyam-thank-you-for-the-music-2300905 |archive-date=26 September 2020 |access-date=25 September 2020 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=40,000 songs in 16 languages: Here are some rare pictures of legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/galleries/entertainment/2020/jun/04/40000-songs-in-16-languages-here-are-some-rare-pictures-oflegendary-singer-sp-balasubrahmanyam-102884.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929105527/https://www.newindianexpress.com/galleries/entertainment/2020/jun/04/40000-songs-in-16-languages-here-are-some-rare-pictures-oflegendary-singer-sp-balasubrahmanyam-102884.html |archive-date=29 September 2020 |access-date=25 September 2020 |website=]}}</ref>
Balasubrahmanyam recorded many songs with ] throughout the 1970s, mostly in Telugu. The duo worked in a film called '']'' in 1979 which was based on ]. He got his first National Film Award through this film.


Balasubrahmanyam's association with ] began after the latter's successful venture '']'' in Kannada. Balasubrahmanyam sang the most songs for Hamsalekha in Kannada. He received his fourth National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the song "Umandu Ghumandu" from the Kannada film '']'' (1995), which was a ]-based composition by Hamsalekha.<ref name="carnatic" />
Balasubrahmanyam's association with ] began in the late 1970s when the latter made his cinematic debut. Balasubrahmanyam began to record more songs in Tamil especially for Ilaiyaraaja. The Ilaiyaraaja-S.P.B-S. Janaki trio was considered to be highly successful in the Tamil film industry from the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s. The trio went on to work in Telugu films based on classical music like '']'' (1983), for which both Ilaiayaraaja and S.P.B won ], '']'' (1986) and '']'' (1988) which again fetched National Awards for Ilaiyaraaja and S.P.B<ref name="carnatic">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2010/03/06/stories/2010030652600300.htm |title=Metro Plus Visakhapatnam / Music : Balu live and lively |publisher=The Hindu |date=2010-03-06 |accessdate=2011-05-02}}</ref>


=== 2000–2020 ===
Balasubramanyam's association with ] began after the latter's successful venture premalokha in Kannada. Balasubramanyam sung most number of songs for Hamsalekha in Kannada. He also got National Award for the song 'Umandu Gumundu' of the movie ''Ganayogi Pachakshari Gavayi'' composed by Hamsalekha.
]
In 2013, Balasubrahmanyam recorded the title song for '']'', singing for the lead actor ], under the music direction of ], breaking his 15-year hiatus from ] music.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/chennai-express-ttitle-track-teaser-released-shah-rukh-khan-deepika-padukone/1/272636.html |title=Balasubramaniam returns with Chennai Express title track |work=India Today |date=23 May 2013 |access-date=19 July 2013 |archive-date=9 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709230031/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/chennai-express-ttitle-track-teaser-released-shah-rukh-khan-deepika-padukone/1/272636.html |url-status=live}}</ref>


SPB is the only singer having a long spanning career of 54 years having at least two songs to record per day, even in his last days.<ref>{{Cite web |last=India |first=The Hans |date=27 September 2020 |title=Was hospitalisation of SPB needed? |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/my-voice/was-hospitalisation-of-spb-needed-648130 |access-date=24 September 2021 |website=www.thehansindia.com |language=en}}</ref>
Balasubrahmanyam recorded three songs for ] in his debut film '']''. He had a long time association with Rahman right from ''Roja'', the latter's debut film. Other popular songs include "July Maadham" from '']'', which also marked the debut of singer ], "Mannoothu Manthayilae" from '']'' which was a folk number and he almost sang all songs in the musical love story '']'' and "Thanga Thaamarai" from '']'' which fetched his sixth and latest of his ] till date.


In May 2020, SPB crooned a song on humanity titled "Bharath Bhoomi" which was composed by ] as a tribute to the people such as police, doctors, nurses and janitors who have been significantly working amid ].<ref>{{Cite news |author=The Hindu Net Desk |date=30 May 2020 |title=Ilaiyaraaja and SPB join hands for 'Bharath Bhoomi' |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/ilaiyaraajas-tribute-song-on-covid-19/article31709650.ece |access-date=15 August 2020 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629064035/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/ilaiyaraajas-tribute-song-on-covid-19/article31709650.ece |url-status=live}}</ref> The video song was officially unveiled by Ilaiyaraaja through his official ] account on 30 May 2020 in both Tamil and Hindi languages.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 May 2020 |title=A song of tribute: Ilayaraja's salute to COVID-19 warriors |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/310520/a-song-of-tribute-ilayarajas-salute-to-covid-19-warriors.html |access-date=15 August 2020 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en |archive-date=14 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814093713/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/310520/a-song-of-tribute-ilayarajas-salute-to-covid-19-warriors.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Maestro Ilaiyaraaja pays tribute to COVID-19 warriors, releases song sung by SPB |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2020/may/30/maestro-ilaiyaraaja-pays-tribute-to-covid-19-warriors-releases-song-sung-by-spb-2149984.html |access-date=15 August 2020 |website=The New Indian Express |archive-date=19 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819230248/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2020/may/30/maestro-ilaiyaraaja-pays-tribute-to-covid-19-warriors-releases-song-sung-by-spb-2149984.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
== Love for Karnataka and Kannadigas==
He has sung thousands of songs in ] for all the actors and stars of the industry, mainly for ].


== Other work ==
In an interview to ] news paper on August 27th 2001, SPB said, "The love and affection shown to him by people of Karnataka was unparalleled, which no other state had given him since the last 35-years as a film playback singer". This was when he received the annual ‘Sangeeta Ganga’ award for his contribution to Kannada music. He also said that, the award presented to him was more prestigious than several other awards given to him. <ref>http://www.spbala.com/DeccanHerald-Aug27.asp</ref>
{{See also|S. P. Balasubrahmanyam filmography}}


=== Voice acting ===
In the musical show that he hosts in ETV Kannada called ‘Ede Thumbi Haduvenu’, he said "People of Karnataka have forgotten that I am from other state and have accepted me as a Kannadiga. They have made me a part and parcel of Karnataka and I am overwhelmed by their love towards me. I have always told the public and the press of all languages that the love Kannadigas can give no others can give and that's motherly love. This is something extra-ordinary. I am scared too because people will not be able to take it if a very small mistake happens from a person they love. For the love they have given me, I have to go to each one’s house in Karnataka, wash their feet with water and sprinkle it on my head. If god gives me another Janma (Life), I want to be born in Karnataka as a Kannadiga and I proudly say it. Tomorrow the press and media may say, I am from Andhra and I have sung songs in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi and many other languages, but why such a statement. But that is the kind of love Kannadigas have showered on me". <ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXV8fQJlV-M</ref> In another episode of the show he said, "In any state or Language, I have seen people’s behavior changing a lot once they taste success, but in Karnataka, whether it is Vishnu (Dr.Vishnuvardhan), Raj (Dr.Rajkumar), Ambi (Dr.Ambareesh), Srinath or any actor for that matter, there is not a single change in them despite the heights they have reached till date. They are all still like children and our friendship remains the same. These gentlemen of Karnataka have never forgotten their past. I haven’t been respected in such a way in any other language in India". <ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7VX7vFXoGE</ref>
Balasubrahmanyam accidentally became a dubbing artist with K. Balachander's film ''Manmadha Leela'' (1976), the dubbed Telugu version of '']'', providing voice-over for ].<ref>{{cite web |author=sales@andhravilas.net |url=http://andhravilas.com/movienews.asp?id=90961&curPage=18 |title=Chit chat with S. P. Balasubramaniam&nbsp;– Andhravilas.com -Telugu Cinema, Telugu Movies, India News & World News, Bollywood, Songs |date=26 March 2009 |access-date=2 May 2011 |archive-date=7 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707141241/http://andhravilas.com/movienews.asp?id=90961&curPage=18 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He has also provided ]s for various artists, including Kamal Haasan, ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] in various languages. He was assigned as the default dubbing artist for Kamal Haasan in Telugu-dubbed versions of Tamil films. For the Telugu version of '']'', he gave voice to seven characters (including the female character) out of ten characters played by Kamal Haasan.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707141241/http://andhravilas.com/movienews.asp?id=90961&curPage=18 |date=7 July 2011 }} 26 March 2009. Retrieved 7 January 2012.</ref> He was awarded the ] for the films '']'' and ''Sri Sai Mahima''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/nandiawards2000.html |title=Telugu Cinema Etc |website=www.idlebrain.com |access-date=9 February 2014 |archive-date=15 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015051332/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/nandiawards2000.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He dubbed for ] for the Tamil version of the movie '']'' in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tamilcinemanews123.blogspot.in/2012/04/spb-and-chinmayi-voice-for-balakrishna_02.html |title=SPB and Chinmayi voice for Balakrishna and Nayanthara in Sri Rama Rajyam movie&nbsp;– Tamil Cinema News&nbsp;– Latest News on Kollywood |date=2 April 2012 |access-date=23 September 2014 |archive-date=14 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814215535/http://tamilcinemanews123.blogspot.in/2012/04/spb-and-chinmayi-voice-for-balakrishna_02.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> He also dubbed for ] in the Telugu-dubbed version of '']''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/SPB-naturally/article15937688.ece |title=SPB, naturally |newspaper=The Hindu |date=27 March 2009 |access-date=4 April 2017}}</ref>


=== Television shows and films ===
He mentioned in a function that he was a 'Sevaka' (a servant) of all the ]. He said that the second song he recorded in his career was in Kannada, while the first was in Telugu, but both in the same year. "I don't know why I have become the Servant of Kannadigas. I have been singing from decades in all other languages and in all other states, but the kind of love, affection and respect Karnataka and Kannadigas have given me, no other state or people could give. Though I have sung in all the languages, the place given to the Kannadigas in my heart can never be given to any one else". <ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXV8fQJlV-M</ref>
]]]
]
Balasubrahmanyam hosted and judged Telugu musical ] show '']'', which marked his television debut. Starting from 1996, the show is credited for unearthing singing talents from ] and ]. Singers like ], ], ], ], ], ], ] etc., have debuted in the show.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 September 2020 |title='పాడుతా తీయ‌గా' ప్రోగ్రాంకు ఊపిరి పోసేదెవ‌రు? |url=https://www.ntnews.com/cinema/padutha-teeyaga-programme-by-sp-balu-83347 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011195315/https://www.ntnews.com/cinema/padutha-teeyaga-programme-by-sp-balu-83347 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |access-date=27 September 2020 |website=] |language=te}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 September 2020 |title=RIP SPB: A household name in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/rip-spb-a-household-name-in-andhra-pradesh-telangana-892776.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929020217/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/rip-spb-a-household-name-in-andhra-pradesh-telangana-892776.html |archive-date=29 September 2020 |access-date=27 September 2020 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> He also hosted and judged Kannada musical reality TV show '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 February 2021 |title=Sandalwood Remembers SPB With Yedhe Tumbi Haduvenu, Colors Kannada Viewers Emotional |url=https://english.sakshi.com/news/sandalwood/sandalwood-remembers-spb-yedhe-tumbi-haduvenu-colors-kannada-viewers-emotional |access-date=25 February 2021 |website=Sakshi Post |language=en}}</ref> Balasubrahmanyam also appeared in other shows such as ''Paadalani Undi, Endaro Mahanubahvulu'' and ''Swarabhishekam.''<ref>{{Cite news |title=SP Balasubramanyam is no more; From Paadutha Teeyaga to his last show Samajavargamana, here's a look at his TV shows |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/telugu/sp-balasubramanyam-is-no-more-from-paadutha-teeyaga-to-his-last-show-samajavargamana-heres-a-look-at-his-tv-shows/articleshow/78314494.cms |access-date=27 September 2020 |website=The Times of India |date=25 September 2020 |language=en}}</ref>


== Personal life ==
He started singing for Vishnu from the film '']'' (his first film as a full fledged hero) in 1972 and their very first song 'Haavina Dwesha Hanneradu Varusha' composed by ] and written by ]. From then he has sung thousands of songs for the actor. He has sung numerous songs for Vishnu and his love for the actor continued when SPB marked his first Kannada film as a Music Director and composed all songs for Vishnuvardhan's film ''Sowbhagyalakshmi'' directed by Bhargava. In every film of the late actor, he had to sing couple of songs and Vishnu would insist. S.P.B sung 5 songs in the actor's last Kannada film '']'' and won the best play back singer Film Fare Award South for the song "Gharane Ghara Gharane". When he went to receive the award, he said "This award belongs to Vishnu. I sang for him from his first film till the last film. This shows our friendship. It is his award". After the demise of the actor, SP Balasubrahmanyam, who has sung most of the songs for the late actor, paid tribute to him in a musical night in Bangalore.<ref>http://www.bangaloremirror.com/article/25/201109172011091719245753948523770/%E2%80%98Vishnu-still-tells-me-what-to-do%E2%80%99.html</ref> In the concert he emotionally said, "Vishnu was a lovely friend of mine. Though I stopped celebrating my birthday, he never missed any of my birthdays. But when I used to celebrate, I haven’t celebrated a single birthday in Vishnu’s absence. I used to sing and he used to dance. He always used to tell me, you keep coming to Bangalore so many times and it’s been ages since you came home.’ He never liked me staying in a hotel. He always used to complain and ask me, ‘don’t you have one minute’s time to come home’. I didn’t find time, but he found it, to depart. It was too early for him to leave all of us. I don’t know why he took such a decision. This can never be digested. Great people like this friend of mine shouldn’t have left us. We are really unfortunate to have lost him. I cannot talk more, I feel like crying."<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mg6d1DlldcA</ref>
Balasubrahmanyam was married in 1969 to Savithri and has two children, a daughter Pallavi, and a son ], also a playback singer and film producer.


Balasubrahmanyam considered ], who gave him his first singing offer and mentored him in his early career, to be his ]. He would reminisce about him throughout his life and would often pay tributes to him.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":5" /> He named his ] after him. He also named his film ] after him as 'Sri Kodandapani Film Circuits'.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-11-07 |title=Happy Birthday Kamal Haasan: Legendary Telugu films of the legendary actor |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/happy-birthday-kamal-haasan-legendary-telugu-films-of-the-legendary-actor/photostory/66537624.cms |access-date=2022-08-09 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> He also idolised ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Rafi, the singer SPB idolised |date=10 Sep 2020 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/rafi-the-singer-spb-idolised/articleshow/78323737.cms |work=India Times |last=Sitapathi |first=Rao |archive-date=4 October 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231004224605/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/rafi-the-singer-spb-idolised/articleshow/78323737.cms?frmapp=yes&from=mdr}}</ref><ref>{{cite video |title=SP Bala Subramanyam Explaining Deewana Hua Badal Song By Mohammed Rafi to Sonu Nigam |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsE5muS7fog |via=YouTube |access-date=20 March 2021 }}</ref>
==Non-singing career==
{{BLP sources section|date=May 2012}}


== Illness and death ==
===Actor===
On 5 August 2020, Balasubrahmanyam tested positive for ] during the ] and was admitted to MGM Healthcare in ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 September 2020 |title=Renowned Singer SP Balasubrahmanyam's health deteriorates; moved to ICU on life support |publisher=Mumbai Live |agency=Mumbai Live |url=https://mumlive.co/jhfM1yD |access-date=14 August 2020}}</ref> Subsequently, his health deteriorated and he was shifted to the ] in a critical state. He required a ventilator and ] (ECMO) support. It is stated that it was due to his age (74 years) and multiple comorbidities he had (like ]) that his condition worsened.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 August 2020 |title=Covid-19: SP Balasubrahmanyam remains critical after testing positive, put on life support |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/sp-balasubramaniam-who-tested-positive-remains-critical-singer-put-on-life-support/articleshow/77546328.cms |url-status=live |access-date=14 August 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011195314/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/sp-balasubramaniam-who-tested-positive-remains-critical-singer-put-on-life-support/articleshow/77546328.cms}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Manveena Suri and Amy Woodyatt |title=Famed Indian film singer SP Balasubrahmanyam on life support |url=https://www.cnn.com/2070/08/14/entertainment/sp-balasubrahmanyam-life-support-covid-19/index.html |access-date=15 August 2020 |website=CNN}}</ref> His son Charan provided periodic updates over social media, while members of the ] engaged in a mass prayer via ] on 20 August and candlelight vigils were held by fans outside the hospital.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tamil Nadu comes together, prays for singer SP Balasubrahmanyam's recovery |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2020/aug/20/tamil-nadu-comes-together-prays-for-singer-sp-balasubrahmanyams-recovery-2186125.html |website=The New Indian Express |access-date=20 August 2020 |archive-date=21 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821203358/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2020/aug/20/tamil-nadu-comes-together-prays-for-singer-sp-balasubrahmanyams-recovery-2186125.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Similarly many actors of ] urged people to pray for his life, many ] music composers also organised virtual mass prayers. Members of the ] got together for another mass prayer on 4 September 2020 in Bengaluru.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/bangalore/mass-prayer-meet-organised-by-sandalwood-for-sp-balasubrahmanyam-in-bengaluru/articleshow/77927004.cms |title=Mass prayer meet organised by Sandalwood for SP Balasubrahmanyam in Bengaluru |website=The Times of India|date=4 September 2020 }}</ref> On 7&nbsp;September 2020, Balasubrahmanyam tested negative for the coronavirus, although he remained using a ventilator and ECMO. He started showing signs of recovery, including light speech and physical activities.<ref name="Tests negative">{{Cite web |last=K |first=Janani |date=7 September 2020 |title=SP Balasubrahmanyam health update: Singer tests coronavirus negative, still on ventilator |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/sp-balasubrahmanyam-health-update-singer-tests-coronavirus-negative-still-on-ventilator-1719475-2020-09-07 |access-date=7 September 2020 |website=] |archive-date=7 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907140829/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/sp-balasubrahmanyam-health-update-singer-tests-coronavirus-negative-still-on-ventilator-1719475-2020-09-07 |url-status=live}}</ref> However, the hospital released a statement on 24 September stating that he became "extremely critical" and was on "maximal life support".<ref>{{Cite news |title=SP Balasubrahmanyam's health extremely critical; doctors claim he his on 'maximal life support' |publisher=Mumbai Live |url=https://mumlive.co/3czY88e |access-date=25 September 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011195317/https://www.mumbailive.com/en/music-dance/sp-balasubrahmanyam-health-condition-extremely-critical-and-doctors-say-he-is-on-maximal-life-support-in-chennai-55846 |url-status=live}}</ref>
As an actor he played in films like ''Muddina Mava'', ''Hethare Hennanne Herabeku'', ''Mangalyam Thanthunana, '']'', ''Parvathaalu Paanakalu'', ''Pelli Varamandi'', ''Kalyanathasava'', ''Malle Pandiri'', ''Raja Hamsa'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', ''Kanmani'', ''Sigaram'', ''Maya'', '']'', '']'', ''Nandhini'', '']'', ''Prema Maha Yedabidargi'', ''Maya Bazaar''. He received the ] for the Telugu movie '']'' (1996) from the ].
Recently he worked in a telugu film called Mithunam directed by Tanikella Bharani. Mithunam got a critical acclaim from various people


Balasubrahmanyam died on 25 September 2020 at 1:04&nbsp;pm (]) of ] after over a month-long hospitalisation.<ref name="spb death">{{Cite web |last=Abishek Jerold |title=SP Balasubramahmanyam dies at age 74 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/legendary-singer-sp-balasubrahmanyam-dies-at-74-in-chennai-1725054-2020-09-25 |access-date=25 September 2020 |archive-date=25 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925175400/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/legendary-singer-sp-balasubrahmanyam-dies-at-74-in-chennai-1725054-2020-09-25 |url-status=live}}</ref> He was buried at his farm house in Thamaraipaakkam, ] with state honours on 26 September 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 September 2020 |title=SP Balasubrahmanyam buried at his farmhouse with state honours |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/sp-balasubrahmanyam-buried-at-his-farmhouse-with-state-honours-6616597/ |access-date=28 September 2020 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=28 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928102347/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/sp-balasubrahmanyam-buried-at-his-farmhouse-with-state-honours-6616597/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Music composer===
He has composed music for around 40 films and albums like ''Seethamma Pelli'', ''Bharyamani'', ''Sandarbha'', ''Bangaru Chilaka'', ''Mayuri'', ''Ramanna Shyamanna'', ''Ksherasaagara'', ''Devaralle Dane'', ''Belliyappa Bangarappa'' beside few films like ''Muddina Maava'', ''Sigaram'', ''Unnai Charanadaithaen'', '']'' in Telugu, Hindi Tamil and Kannada languages. He also owns a production company called ''Kodandapani Film Circuits'' (now Captain cine creations) and produces film under this banner. Films like '']'', ''Bhamane Satya Bhamane'' were produced by him.


== Awards and nominations ==
===Television career===
] presenting the centenary award to S.P. Balasubrahmanyam]]
He began a Tamil serial with actress ] called ''En Jannal Vandha'' directed by ]. He hosts many music shows in Telugu television including ''Paadutha Theeyaga'' on ], ''Paadalani Undi'' on ], a very popular ] show called ''Ede Thumbi Haaduvenu'' on E-TV Kannada, and the Tamil shows ''Ennodu Paattu Paadungal'' on ]<ref name="hindu2003">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2003/11/14/stories/2003111401310800.htm |title=Enjoy a musical sojourn: An evening with SPB |publisher=The Hindu |date=2003-11-14 |accessdate=2011-05-02}}</ref> and ''Vaanampaadi'' on ].<ref name="hindu2003"/> He also anchors a music show called ''Sunada Vinodini'' on TTD Channel. He is a judge on ETV Telugu's Paduta Teeyaga. This is a semi-classical music competition airing on Monday evenings.
{{Main article|List of awards and nominations received by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam}}
Throughout his career, Balasubrahmanyam has won awards not only for playback singing, but also for music direction, acting, dubbing and producing. He has won six ]. He was also awarded the ] in 2001 and the ] in 2011 and ] in 2021 (]).
{{clear}}


===Voice actor=== == References ==
{{Reflist}}
Balasubrahmanyam accidentally became a dubbing artist with ]'s film ''Manmadha Leela'', the dubbed version of '']''.<ref>{{cite web|author=sales@andhravilas.net |url=http://andhravilas.com/movienews.asp?id=90961&curPage=18 |title=Chit chat with S. P. Balasubramaniam – Andhravilas.com -Telugu Cinema, Telugu Movies, India News & World News , Bollywood , Songs : |publisher=Andhravilas.com |date=2009-03-26 |accessdate=2011-05-02}}</ref> He has also provided ]s for various artists, including ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] in various languages. He was assigned as the default dubbing artist for ] in Telugu dubbed versions of Tamil films and vice versa. For the Telugu version of '']'' he gave voice to 7 characters (including the female character) out of 10 characters played by ].<ref>. Andhravilas.com (2009-03-26). Retrieved on 2012-01-07.</ref> He was awarded ] for the films '']'' and ''Sri Sai Mahima''.


== External links ==
==Filmography==
{{Commons category|S. P. Balasubrahmanyam}}
{{BLP sources section|date=April 2012}}
{{See also|List of awards and nominations received by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam}} * {{Facebook | id= SPB | name= S. P. Balasubrahmanyam }}
* {{Instagram | id= ispbofficial | name= S. P. Balasubrahmanyam }}
* {{YouTube|c=UCrSit4ra9GmGH6Z0SczTATg}}
* {{IMDb name}}


{{National Film Award Best Male Playback Singer}}{{Nandi Award for Best Supporting Actor}}{{Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer – Telugu}}{{IFFI - Indian Film Personality of the year Award}}
===As actor===
{{NTR National Award}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{{Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer}}
|-
{{SIIMA Lifetime Achievement Award}}
! Year
{{Nandi Award for Best Music Director}}
! Film
{{Padma Vibhushan Awards}}
! Language
{{Padma Bhushan Award recipients 2010–2019}}
! Director
{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Art}}
! Producer
{{Authority control}}
! Role
|-
| 1969 || ''Pellante Noorella Panta'' || ] || Muthyala Subbaiah || ||
|-
| rowspan="1"|1971 || '']'' || ] || ] || || Guest role in a song
|-
| 1980 ||''Pakkinti Ammayi'' || Telugu || K. Vasu || A. Sarathy || Bala Raju
|-
| rowspan="2"|1982 || ''Baalondu Chaduranga'' || ] || Dore Bhagavan || ||
|-
| ''Malle Pandiri'' || Telugu || ] || Challa Venkatramaiah || Sheik Moses Murthy
|-
| rowspan="2"|1983 || ''Bharat 2000'' || Kannada || || ||
|-
| ''Tirugu Bhana'' || Kannada || ] || ||
|-
| 1987 || '']'' || Tamil || ] || Kavithalaya Films || As a doctor
|-
| rowspan="2"|1988 || '']'' || Telugu || ] || ||As an advisor to Venkatesh
|-
| ''Vivaha Bhojanambu'' || Telugu || ] || ||Guest role as a police
|-
| rowspan="4"| 1990 || '']'' || Tamil || ] || || A. R. Rangaraj
|-
| ''Palai Vanna Ragangal'' || Tamil || || ||
|-
| ''Sigaram'' || Tamil || Ananthu || Kavithalaya Films || As a music director
|-
| ''Thalai Vaasal'' || Tamil || ] || || As a college principal
|-
| rowspan="4"|1992 || ''Koteswaran'' || Tamil || || || Father of hero
|-
| ''Thyagu'' || Tamil || || ||
|-
| '']'' || Tamil || || || Police officer
|-
| ''Parvataalu Paanakalu'' || Telugu || Muthyala Subbaiah || V. Vijay Kumar Varma || Lead role friend of Parvathalu (Dasari Narayana Rao)
|-
| rowspan="2"|1993 || '']'' || Tamil || ] || S. Sriram || Lakshmi Narayanan CBI
|-
| '']'' || Kannada || Om Sai Prakash || K. Prabhakar || Ramayya
|-
| rowspan="2"|1994 || ''Jolly'' || Telugu || || || Teacher
|-
| '']'' || Tamil || ] || ] || As Father of Prabhu Deva – Policeman
|-
| 1995 || ''Raja Hamsa'' || Telugu || || || As doctor, family friend
|-
| rowspan="8"|1996 || ''Drohi'' || Telugu || || ||
|-
| '']'' || Tamil || ] || ] || Divya's father
|-
| '']'' || Tamil || ] || M. Balasubramaniam, ], ] || Thangadurai
|-
| ''Myna'' || Telugu || || ||
|-
| ''Nandini'' || Tamil/Telugu || || || Friend of Prakash Raj
|-
| '']'' || Telugu || Muthyala Subbaiah || || Venkatesh`s Father
|-
| '']'' || Tamil || ] || R. Ravindran, K. P. Hari || As a doctor
|-
| '']'' || Tamil || ] || Raveendran (Wig Maker Ravi)|| As a Police officer
|-
| rowspan="6"|1997 || ''Devullu'' || Telugu || ] || Haribabu Chegondi, Rambabu Karatam || Lord Vinayaka
|-
| ''Pellivaramandi'' || Telugu || K. Veeru || V. Jayasri, A. Prakash ||As hero's father
|-
| ''Prena'' || Telugu || || ||
|-
| '']'' || Tamil || ] || ] || As a bus driver – Ajith Kumar's father
|-
| '']'' || Tamil || Praveen Gandhi || ], Francis Joseph || LIC Padmanabhan, Nagarjuna's father
|-
| '']'' || Telugu || ] || ] || As Vineeth's grandfather
|-
| rowspan="6"|1998 || ''Bharathan'' || Tamil || || ||
|-
| ''Paattu Paadavaa'' || Tamil || || || Giridharan
|-
| ''Sandhrba'' || Kannada || || ||
|-
| ''Uyala'' || Telugu || ] || || As a doctor
|-
| ''Pelladi Chupista'' || Telugu || || ||As himself and mentor of Roja
|-
| ''Mangalyam Tanthu Naanena'' || Kannada || || || Ravichandran's father
|-
| rowspan="5"|1999 || ''Aaro Pranam'' || Telugu || || K. Veeru || Father of hero (Vineeth)
|-
| ''Deergha Sumangali Bhava'' || Telugu || ] || ||As a family friend to Dasari's family
|-
| ''Mechanic Maavaiah'' || Telugu || || ||As a scientist
|-
| ''Paaduta Teeyaga'' || Telugu || || || Father of heroine(Heera)
|-
| ''Pedda Manushulu'' || Telugu || || ||
|-
| rowspan="4"|2000 || '']'' || Telugu || ] || Nandamuri Rama Krishna || Balakrishna's father
|-
| ''Manasu Paddanu Kanni'' || Telugu || || ||As father of Rasi
|-
| ''Maya'' || Tamil || || ||
|-
| '']'' || Tamil || K. Selvabharathi || C. Venkata Raju, G. Sivaraju || Vishwanath
|-
| 2001 || ''Chirujallu'' || Telugu || Shriram Balaji || G. V. G Raju ||As father of Richa
|-
| rowspan="3"|2002 || '']'' || Telugu || B. Gopal || Vyjayanthi Movies || As Himself
|-
| ''Padharella Ammayi'' || Telugu || Krishna Mohan Reddy || ||
|-
| '']'' || Tamil || S. S. Stanley || V. Gnanavelu, V. Jayaprakash || As himself
|-
| rowspan="3"|2003 || '']'' || ] || Jose Punnoose || Navodaya || Acharya
|-
| ''Fools'' || Telugu || ] || Ravindra Babu || Guest role
|-
| ''Maha Yedabidangi'' || Kannada || || ||
|-
| 2004 || ''Royela'' || Telugu || || ||
|-
| rowspan="2"|2006 || ''Mayabazaar'' || Telugu || Mohana Krishna || RKK Films Banner || As Lord Kubera
|-
| ''Roommates'' || Telugu || ] || Visu Films Pvt Ltd || As himself
|-
| rowspan="6"|2007 || ''Yen Uyirinum Melana'' || Tamil || K. R. Jaya || N. Thirumuragan ||
|-
| ''Astram'' ||Telugu || ] || Raju Hirwani ||
|-
| ''Kallu'' || Telugu || M. V. Raghu || ||
|-
| ''Kalyanothasava'' || Kannada || || || Retired army captain
|-
| ''Malle Pandiri'' || Telugu || || ||
|-
| ''Hetthare Hennanne Herabeku'' <ref>http://www.sify.com/movies/kannada/review.php?id=14566245&ctid=5&cid=2427</ref><ref>http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/kannada/review/9113.html</ref> || Kannada || ] || Sukku || Dr.Dasari Narayana Rao
|-
|2010 || '']'' || Tamil || Shakthi S.Rajan || ] || CEO Viswanath
|-
| 2011 || '']'' || Telugu || ] || ] || Mahadevaraya's father
|-
| 2012 || '']'' || Telugu || Janardana Maharshi || Ammanni Narayan || Sambamurthy
|-
| 2012 || '']'' || Telugu || ]||Anand Muvida Rao ||Appa Dasu
|-
|}


===Television career===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
| '''Name'''
| '''Language'''
| '''Notes'''
|-
| ''Nadhi Enge Pogirathu'' || ] || Serial
|-
| ''Jannal'' || Tamil || TV Serial
|-
| ''Vaanam Paadi'' || Tamil || Music show
|-
| ''Paadutha Theeyaga'' || ] || Music show
|-
| ''Paadalani Undhi'' || Telugu || Music show
|-
| ''Endaro Mahanubhavulu'' || Telugu || Serial
|-
| ''Ennodu Pattu Paadungal'' || Tamil || Music show
|-
| ''Edhe Thumbi Haaduvenu'' || ] || Music show
|}

===As music composer===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
| '''Year'''
| '''Film'''
| '''Language'''
| '''Director'''
| '''Producer/banner'''
|-
| 1977
|''Kanya Kumari''
| ]
| ]
| Sarigama Arts
|-
| 1978
| ''Sandarbha''
| ]
|
|
|-
| rowspan="3"|1979
| ''Captain Krishna''
| Telugu
| ]
|
|-
| ''Ra Ra Krishnayya''
| Telugu
|
|
|-
| '']''
| Telugu
| ]
|
|-
| ]
| '']'' (Background Score)
| ]
| ]
| S.K. Films
|-
| rowspan="3"|1981
| ''Ohamma Katha''
| Telugu
| Vasanta Sen
|
|-
| ''Sangeeta''
| Telugu
|
|
|-
| ''Thaiyyalkaaran''
| Tamil
|
| Kalaipuli International
|-
| rowspan="2"| 1983
|'']''
| ]
| Sridhar
| K. R. Gangadharan
|-
| ''Uranta Sankranti''
| Telugu
| ]
|
|-
| rowspan="3"|1984
| ''Bharyamani''
| Telugu
| ]
| Srinivasa Productions
|-
| ''Mantri Gaari Viyyankudu''
| Telugu
| ]
|
|-
| ''Seetamma Pelli''
| Telugu
| ]
| Muddu Art Movies
|-
| rowspan="9"|1985
| ''Bangaru Chilaka''
| Telugu
|
| Maheswari Movies
|-
| ''Bullet''
| Telugu
|
|
|-
| ''Devaralledane''
| Kannada
|
| Chamundi Production
|-
| ''Dongallo Dora''
| Telugu
|
|
|-
| ''Jockey''
| Telugu
|
| Muddu Art Movies
|-
| ''Kongumudi''
| Telugu
| ]
| Raghavendra Cine Creations
|-
| '']''
| Tamil
| ]
| B.R. Creations in association with ushakiran movies
|-
| '']''
| Telugu
| ]
| Usha Kiran Movies
|-
| ''Muddula Manavaralu''
| Telugu
| ]
| Muddu Art Movies
|-
| rowspan="5"|1986
| ''Bete''
| Kannada
|
| Vajragiri Films
|-
| ''Maghadeerudu''
| Telugu
|
| Shyam Prasad Arts
|-
| ''Naach Mayuri''
| ]
|
| Lakshmi Productions
|-
| '']''
| Telugu
| ]
| Gummaluri Sastry, Meer Abdulla
|-
| ''Sowbhagyalakshmi''
| Kannada
| Bhargava
| Vasu Chitra
|-
| rowspan="4"|1987
| ''Gouthami''
| Telugu
|
| Radha Madhava Films
|-
| ''Lawyer Suhasini''
| Telugu
| ]
| Jayakrishna Combines
|-
| ''Pratima''
| Telugu
|
|
|-
| ''Ramu''
| Telugu
|
| Suresh Productions
|-
| rowspan="7"|1988
| ''Chinnodu Peddodu''
| Telugu
| Relangi Narasimha Rao
| Sridevi Movies
|-
| '']''
| Telugu
| ]
| Mahashakthi Films
|-
| ''Neeku Naaku Pellanta''
| Telugu
| ]
| J.J. Movies
|-
| ''Oh Bharya Katha''
| Telugu
| Mouli
| Ushakiron Movies
|-
| ''Premayanam''
| Telugu
|
| Ushakiron Movies
|-
| ''Ramanna Shyamanna''
| Kannada
| B. Subbarao
| Vasu Chitra
|-
| ''Vivaaha Bhojanambu''
| Telugu
| ]
| J.J. Movies
|-
| 1990
| ''Siddartha''
| Telugu
|
|
|-
| rowspan="3"|1991
| ''Mahayagnam''
| Telugu
|
|
|-
| ''Sigaram''
| Tamil
|]
| Kavithalaya Productions
|-
| '']''
| Telugu
|
| Sravanti Movies
|-
| rowspan="2"|1992
| ''Belliyappa Banagarappa''
| Kannada
| Poorna Prajna
| Madhu Bangarappa
|-
| ''Ksheera Saagara''
| Kannada
| ]
|
|-
| 1993
| '']''
| Kannada
| Om Sai Prakash
| Vijaya Sridevi Combines
|-
| 2003
| '']''
| Tamil
|]
|Capital Cine Works
|}

==References==
{{Reflist|35em}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb name|id=0004416}}

{{National Film Award Best Male Playback Singer}}
{{FilmfareAwardBestMaleSinger}}

{{Authority control|VIAF=33682929}}

{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see ]. -->
| NAME =Balasubrahmanyam, S. P.
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION =SPB
| DATE OF BIRTH =4 June 1946
| PLACE OF BIRTH = ], ], India
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Balasubrahmanyam, S. P.}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Balasubrahmanyam, S. P.}}
]
] ]
] ]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
]
] ]
] ]
]
]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
] ]
] ]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 05:53, 17 November 2024

Indian playback singer (1946–2020) In this Telugu name, the surname is Sripathi Panditaradhyula.
This article contains promotional content. Please help improve it by removing promotional language and inappropriate external links, and by adding encyclopedic text written from a neutral point of view. (May 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Balasubrahmanyam at the Gurkha Audio LaunchBalasubrahmanyam at the Gurkha Audio Launch
Background information
Birth nameSripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam
Also known asGaana Gandharva, Paadum Nila
Born(1946-06-04)4 June 1946
Konetammapeta, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh, India
Died25 September 2020(2020-09-25) (aged 74)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
GenresPlayback
Occupations
  • Singer
  • actor
  • music director
  • voice actor
  • producer
Years active1966–2020
Honours
Musical artist

Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam (4 June 1946 – 25 September 2020), commonly known as SPB or Balu, was an Indian playback singer, television presenter, actor, music composer, dubbing artist, and film producer. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian singers of all time. He predominantly worked in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi films and sang in a total of 16 languages.

Balasubrahmanyam was born into a Telugu family with a strong musical background in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. Despite initially pursuing engineering, his passion for music led him to a successful career in playback singing, starting with his debut in the Telugu film Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna in 1966, composed by his mentor, S. P. Kodandapani. Over his career, he received six National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer for his performances in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi, along with 25 Andhra Pradesh state Nandi Awards for his work in Telugu cinema. Additionally, he was honoured various state awards from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu governments, four Filmfare Awards South and a Filmfare Award. According to some sources, he held the Guinness World Record for recording the highest number of songs by a singer with over 50,000 songs in 16 languages. On 8 February 1981, he set a record by recording 28 songs in Kannada in a single day, along with 19 songs in Tamil and 16 in Hindi, which has also been called a record.

In recognition of his contributions, Balasubrahmanyam received the NTR National Award from the Government of Andhra Pradesh in 2012, the Harivarasanam Award from the Government of Kerala in 2015, and was named the Indian Film Personality of the Year at the 47th International Film Festival of India in 2016. The Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri in 2001, the Padma Bhushan in 2011, and the Padma Vibhushan posthumously in 2021. He died on 25 September 2020 in Chennai after complications from COVID-19.

Early life and background

Balasubrahmanyam in 1986

S. P. Balasubrahmanyam was born in Konetammapeta in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh into a Telugu Brahmin family. His father, S. P. Sambamurthy, was a Harikatha artist who also acted in plays. His mother was Sakunthalamma, who died on 4 February 2019. He had two brothers and five sisters, including singer S. P. Sailaja. His son S. P. Charan is also a popular South Indian singer, actor and producer.

Balasubrahmanyam developed an interest in music at an early age, studied musical notations and learned music on his own. He enrolled at the JNTU College of Engineering Anantapur with the intention of becoming an engineer. He said that at the time his only dream was to fulfil his father's ambition and become an engineer and get a government job.

Balasubrahmanyam continued to pursue music during his engineering studies and won awards at singing competitions. He discontinued his studies early due to typhoid and joined as an associate member of the Institution of Engineers, Chennai. In 1964, he won the first prize in a music competition for amateur singers organized by the Madras-based Telugu Cultural Organization.

He was the leader of a light music troupe composed of Anirutta (on the harmonium), Ilaiyaraaja (on guitar and later on harmonium), Baskar (on percussion) and Gangai Amaran (on guitar). He was selected as the best singer in a singing competition which was judged by S. P. Kodandapani and Ghantasala. Often visiting music composers seeking opportunities, his first audition song was "Nilave Ennidam Nerungadhe". It was rendered by veteran playback singer P. B. Sreenivas, who used to write and give him multi-lingual verses in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Sanskrit, English and Urdu.

Music career

See also: List of Hindi songs recorded by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam See also: List of Telugu songs recorded by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam See also: List of Tamil songs recorded by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam

1960s–1970s

Balasubrahmanyam and his wife being congratulated by K. J. Yesudas and his wife

Balasubrahmanyam debuted as a playback singer on 15 December 1966 with the song "Emiyee Vinta Moham" for Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna, a Telugu film scored by his mentor, S. P. Kodandapani. The first non-Telugu song that he recorded was in Kannada in 1966 for the film Nakkare Ade Swarga, starring T. R. Narasimharaju. He recorded his first Tamil song "Athaanodu Ippadi Irundhu Eththanai Naalaachu", a duet with L. R. Eswari under the musical direction of M. S. Viswanathan for the film Hotel Ramba, which never released. The song "Medante Meda Kaadu" from the film Sukha Dukhalu (1968) composed by Kondandapani brought him recognition in Telugu cinema.

Other early songs he sang were duets with P. Susheela, "Iyarkai Ennum Ilaya Kanni" in the 1969 film Shanti Nilayam, starring Gemini Ganesh, and "Aayiram Nilavae Vaa" for M. G. Ramachandran in Adimaippenn. His first song with S. Janaki was "Pournami Nilavil Pani Vizhum Iravil" in Kannippenn. He was then introduced to the Malayalam film industry by G. Devarajan in the film Kadalppalam. As per Balasubrahmanyam, "Ye Divilo Virisina Parijathamo" from the 1973 Telugu film Kannevayasu composed by Satyam gave an amazing turning point to his singing career.

Balasubrahmanyam recorded the most songs on a single day by any singer. He had recorded 21 songs in Kannada for the composer Upendra Kumar in Bangalore from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm on 8 February 1981 and 19 songs in Tamil, 16 songs in Hindi in a day. In his words, "There were days when I used to record 15–20 songs, but only for Anand Milind. And I would take the last flight back to Chennai." In the 1970s, he also worked with M. S. Viswanathan in Tamil movies for actors such as M. G. Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan and Gemini Ganesan. He recorded duets with P. Susheela, S. Janaki, Vani Jayaram and L. R. Eswari. Balasubrahmanyam's association with Ilaiyaraaja began even before Ilaiyaraaja came to the cine field. In the early days, he used to sing in towns and villages all over south India and Ilaiyaraaja, then an unknown harmonium and guitar player accompanied him in his concerts.

1980s

Balasubrahmanyam gained international recognition with the 1980 film Sankarabharanam. The film is considered to be one of the best films ever to emerge from the Telugu film industry. Directed by K. Viswanath, the film's soundtrack was composed by K. V. Mahadevan and led to an increase in the usage of Carnatic music in Telugu cinema as well as in other languages. Not a classically trained singer, he used a "film music" aesthetic in recording the songs. Balasubrahmanyam received his first National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for his work. His first work in Hindi films was in the following year, in Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981), for which he received another National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer.

Balasubrahmanyam began to record more songs in Telugu and other South Indian languages, especially for Ilaiyaraaja with S. Janaki, the trio considered to be highly successful in the Tamil film industry from the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s. The songs were based on classical music, such as in Saagara Sangamam (1983) and Rudraveena (1988), for which Ilaiyaraaja and Balasubrahmanyam won National Awards for Best Music Director and Best Male Playback Singer respectively. South Indian actor Chiranjeevi said that SPB's voice is one of the main reasons for his success.

In 1989, Balasubrahmanyam was the playback singer for actor Salman Khan in Maine Pyar Kiya. The soundtrack for the film won a Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the song Dil Deewana. For much of the next decade, Balasubrahmanyam continued as the "romantic singing voice" on the soundtracks of Khan's films. Notable among these was Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! which became the highest-grossing Hindi film of all time. Balasubrahmanyam's duet with Lata Mangeshkar, "Didi Tera Devar Deewana", was very popular. SP Balasubrahmanyam became identified as Salman Khan's voice in the 90s just like Kishore Kumar became Rajesh Khanna's voice through the 70s.

1990s

Balasubrahmanyam and K. S. Chitra performing at Celebrating 50 years of musical journey of S. P. Balasubrahmanyam on 9 December 2016 at Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Dubai

In the 1990s, he worked with composers such as Vidyasagar, M. M. Keeravani, Hamsalekha, S. A. Rajkumar and Deva among others, but his association with A. R. Rahman turned out be a major success.

Balasubrahmanyam recorded three songs for A. R. Rahman in the latter's debut film Roja. He had a long-time association with Rahman right from Roja. Other popular songs include "July Maadham" from Pudhiya Mugam, which also marked the debut of singer Anupama, "Mannoothu Manthayilae" from Kizhakku Cheemayile which was a folk number and he almost sang all songs in the musical love story Duet and "Thanga Thaamarai" from Minsara Kanavu which fetched him, the sixth and latest of his National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer to date.

Balasubrahmanyam's association with Hamsalekha began after the latter's successful venture Premaloka in Kannada. Balasubrahmanyam sang the most songs for Hamsalekha in Kannada. He received his fourth National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the song "Umandu Ghumandu" from the Kannada film Ganayogi Panchakshari Gavayi (1995), which was a Hindustani classical music-based composition by Hamsalekha.

2000–2020

S. P. Balasubrahmanyam performing in Singapore

In 2013, Balasubrahmanyam recorded the title song for Chennai Express, singing for the lead actor Shah Rukh Khan, under the music direction of Vishal–Shekhar, breaking his 15-year hiatus from Hindi cinema music.

SPB is the only singer having a long spanning career of 54 years having at least two songs to record per day, even in his last days.

In May 2020, SPB crooned a song on humanity titled "Bharath Bhoomi" which was composed by Ilaiyaraaja as a tribute to the people such as police, doctors, nurses and janitors who have been significantly working amid COVID-19 pandemic. The video song was officially unveiled by Ilaiyaraaja through his official YouTube account on 30 May 2020 in both Tamil and Hindi languages.

Other work

See also: S. P. Balasubrahmanyam filmography

Voice acting

Balasubrahmanyam accidentally became a dubbing artist with K. Balachander's film Manmadha Leela (1976), the dubbed Telugu version of Manmadha Leelai, providing voice-over for Kamal Haasan. He has also provided voice-overs for various artists, including Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, Vishnuvardhan, Salman Khan, K. Bhagyaraj, Mohan, Anil Kapoor, Girish Karnad, Gemini Ganesan, Arjun Sarja, Nagesh, Karthik and Raghuvaran in various languages. He was assigned as the default dubbing artist for Kamal Haasan in Telugu-dubbed versions of Tamil films. For the Telugu version of Dasavathaaram, he gave voice to seven characters (including the female character) out of ten characters played by Kamal Haasan. He was awarded the Nandi Award for Best Male Dubbing Artist for the films Annamayya and Sri Sai Mahima. He dubbed for Nandamuri Balakrishna for the Tamil version of the movie Sri Rama Rajyam in 2012. He also dubbed for Ben Kingsley in the Telugu-dubbed version of Gandhi.

Television shows and films

S. P. B with K. J. Yesudas
Balasubrahmanyam in 2019

Balasubrahmanyam hosted and judged Telugu musical reality TV show Padutha Theeyaga, which marked his television debut. Starting from 1996, the show is credited for unearthing singing talents from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Singers like Usha, Kousalya, Gopika Poornima, Mallikarjun, Hemachandra, N. C. Karunya, Smita etc., have debuted in the show. He also hosted and judged Kannada musical reality TV show Ede Thumbi Haaduvenu. Balasubrahmanyam also appeared in other shows such as Paadalani Undi, Endaro Mahanubahvulu and Swarabhishekam.

Personal life

Balasubrahmanyam was married in 1969 to Savithri and has two children, a daughter Pallavi, and a son S. P. Charan, also a playback singer and film producer.

Balasubrahmanyam considered S. P. Kodandapani, who gave him his first singing offer and mentored him in his early career, to be his guru. He would reminisce about him throughout his life and would often pay tributes to him. He named his recording theatre after him. He also named his film production company after him as 'Sri Kodandapani Film Circuits'. He also idolised Mohammed Rafi.

Illness and death

On 5 August 2020, Balasubrahmanyam tested positive for COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic in India and was admitted to MGM Healthcare in Chennai. Subsequently, his health deteriorated and he was shifted to the intensive care unit in a critical state. He required a ventilator and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. It is stated that it was due to his age (74 years) and multiple comorbidities he had (like diabetes) that his condition worsened. His son Charan provided periodic updates over social media, while members of the Tamil film industry engaged in a mass prayer via Zoom on 20 August and candlelight vigils were held by fans outside the hospital. Similarly many actors of Telugu film industry urged people to pray for his life, many Tollywood music composers also organised virtual mass prayers. Members of the Kannada film industry got together for another mass prayer on 4 September 2020 in Bengaluru. On 7 September 2020, Balasubrahmanyam tested negative for the coronavirus, although he remained using a ventilator and ECMO. He started showing signs of recovery, including light speech and physical activities. However, the hospital released a statement on 24 September stating that he became "extremely critical" and was on "maximal life support".

Balasubrahmanyam died on 25 September 2020 at 1:04 pm (IST) of cardio-respiratory arrest after over a month-long hospitalisation. He was buried at his farm house in Thamaraipaakkam, Thiruvallur district with state honours on 26 September 2020.

Awards and nominations

Then Vice President Venkaiah Naidu presenting the centenary award to S.P. Balasubrahmanyam
Main article: List of awards and nominations received by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam

Throughout his career, Balasubrahmanyam has won awards not only for playback singing, but also for music direction, acting, dubbing and producing. He has won six National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer. He was also awarded the Padma Shri in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2011 and Padma Vibhushan in 2021 (Posthumously).

References

  1. Kolappan, B. (26 September 2020). "'Paadum Nila' S.P. Balasubrahmanyam no more". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  2. MN, Samdani (26 September 2020). "Settled in Chennai, SP Balasubrahmanyam's heart yearned for his native Nellore - Vijayawada News". The Times of India. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  3. Naidu, M. Venkaiah (25 September 2020). "Press Information bureau of India". Press Bureau of India. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 8 October 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  4. S., Murali (25 September 2020). "S.P. Balasubrahmanyam: The end of an era". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 26 September 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  5. ^ "SPB donates his ancestral home in Nellore to kanchi math". The Times of India. 14 February 2020. Archived from the original on 9 March 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  6. V, Narayana (24 September 2020). "SPB: The voice that captivated millions will never be stilled". The Hindu Businessline. Archived from the original on 27 September 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  7. Demu, Blessey (26 September 2020). "SPB was not just a singer, but a multifaceted personality". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 26 September 2020. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
  8. Balachandran, Logesh (25 September 2020). "SP Balasubrahmanyam: A gifted South Indian singer who ruled Bollywood for decades". India Today. Retrieved 9 August 2022. SP Balasubrahmanyam was undoubtedly one of the greatest singers the Indian sub-continent has ever produced.
  9. "Remembering S.P Balasubrahmanyam on his birth anniversary: Some of his best Hindi songs". Firstpost. 4 June 2022. Retrieved 9 August 2022. S. P. Balasubrahmanyam is regarded as one of the greatest Indian singers of all time.
  10. Kumar, P. K. Ajith (25 September 2020). "The best of S.P. Balasubrahmanyam". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 9 August 2022. S.P. Balasubrahmanyam was one of the greatest playback singers of all time in Indian cinema.
  11. ^ "SP Balasubrahmanyam: Legendary Indian singer dies". BBC News. 25 September 2020. Archived from the original on 25 September 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  12. ^ Murali, S. (25 September 2020). "S.P. Balasubrahmanyam: The end of an era". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 26 September 2020. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
  13. "SPB to be honoured". Sify. 24 March 2009. Archived from the original on 29 April 2013. Retrieved 1 May 2011.
  14. "Friday Review Hyderabad / Events : The stars shimmered bright". The Hindu. 8 August 2008. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 1 May 2011.
  15. "Have lost count of songs sung, says record holder S.P. Balasubrahmanyam". The Indian Express. 20 November 2016. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  16. "SP Balasubrahmanyam Dies at 74: 5 Facts About The Guinness Record Holder". Forbes India. Archived from the original on 27 September 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  17. Correspondent, Special (5 April 2017). "S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, Hema Malini bag NTR awards". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 5 April 2017. Retrieved 5 April 2017. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  18. "Devotional Songs". The Hindu. 21 June 2015. Retrieved 20 February 2022. Mr. Balasubrahmanyam was addressing a function at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam on Saturday after receiving the Harivarasanam Award instituted by the State government.
  19. ^ "SP Balasubrahmanyam honoured with centenary award". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 20 November 2016. Archived from the original on 21 November 2016. Retrieved 21 November 2016.
  20. DC Correspondent (26 January 2011). "SPB wins Padma Bhushan, no Bharat Ratna this year". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 30 April 2011. Retrieved 2 May 2011. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  21. Sharma, Priyanka (25 January 2021). "SPB honoured with Padma Vibhushan posthumously; KS Chithra gets Padma Bhushan". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 25 January 2021. Retrieved 25 January 2021.
  22. Kolappan, B. (25 September 2020). "'Paadum Nila' S.P. Balasubrahmanyam no more". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 25 September 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  23. "SPB was not just a singer, but a multifaceted personality". The Hindu. 26 September 2020. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 26 September 2020. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
  24. Murali, S. (25 September 2020). "S.P. Balasubrahmanyam: The end of an era". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 26 September 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  25. Suganthy Krishnamachari (26 August 2010). "Arts / Music : Motivating, musically". The Hindu. Retrieved 2 May 2011.
  26. "SP Balasubrahmanyam loses his mother". The Times of India. 5 February 2019. Archived from the original on 6 February 2019. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  27. "Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : S.P.Balasubramaniam shares memories with music buffs". The Hindu. 5 December 2005. Archived from the original on 4 October 2013. Retrieved 2 May 2011.
  28. "Tamil Cinema news – Tamil Movies – Cinema seithigal". Archived from the original on 1 April 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  29. "Rumours Rife on SPB Health". 8 September 2017. Archived from the original on 30 March 2019. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
  30. "SP Charan on SPB's health: He's eager to leave the hospital as early as possible". The Indian Express. 22 September 2020. Archived from the original on 23 September 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  31. Vivan, Sridhar (25 September 2020). "SP Balasubrahmanyam: The Accidental Singer". Bangalore Mirror. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  32. ^ "Andhra Pradesh News : Telugu will thrive forever, says Balu". The Hindu. 14 April 2011. Archived from the original on 19 April 2011. Retrieved 2 May 2011.
  33. Murali, S. (25 September 2020). "S.P. Balasubrahmanyam: The end of an era". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 26 September 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  34. "SP.Balasubrahmanyam's 67th Birthday". 4 June 2013. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 22 July 2013. Today, S.P. Balasubrahmanyam is celebrating his 67th birthday. He was born on 4 June 1946 into a Telugufamily in Nellore. Balasubrahmanyam started singing from a very young age. After dropping out from an engineering program in JNTU, he got his first break in 1966, when he sang for Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna and he has sung over 40,000 songs. The State Government of AP presented the Nandi Award to Balasubrahmanyam 25 times. The Government of India honoured him with a Padma Bhushan award in 2011 and also presented him with six National Awards.
  35. Dinathanthi, Nellai Edition, 11 August 2006, p. 11.
  36. "SP Balasubrahmanyam". Artistopia.com. Archived from the original on 19 July 2012. Retrieved 1 May 2011.
  37. "S. P. Balasubramanyam – Photos and All Basic Informations". Networkbase.info. Archived from the original on 31 March 2012. Retrieved 1 May 2011.
  38. "Arts / Music : An unsung genius". The Hindu. 23 September 2010. Archived from the original on 7 June 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2011.
  39. "Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Raja-Lakshmi award for S.P. Balasubrahmanyam". The Hindu. 15 August 2006. Archived from the original on 5 August 2011. Retrieved 12 June 2011.
  40. "A very RARE picture of SP Balasubrahmanyam goes viral". The Times of India. 5 October 2020. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  41. "Of soulful strains". Deccan Herald. 29 October 2011. Archived from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
  42. "S. P. Balasubrahmanyam – Wiki Article". Archived from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
  43. ^ "మేడంటే మేడా కాదు". Sakshi (in Telugu). 26 September 2020. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  44. "Tamil Cinema news – Tamil Movies – Cinema seithigal". Archived from the original on 30 March 2014. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  45. "Metro Plus Kochi / Columns : KADALPAALAM 1969". The Hindu. 12 July 2010. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 12 June 2011.
  46. Narasimham, M. L. (6 March 2020). "S. P. Balasubrahmanyam in nostalgic mode: 'I sat under a mango tree and cried'". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  47. "SPB has recorded the maximum number of songs in a single day – The Times of India". The Times of India. 6 June 2015. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  48. "S P Balasubramaniam". FilmiBeat. Archived from the original on 7 July 2014. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
  49. Thakkar, Mehul S (24 May 2013). "Salman's voice now belongs to Shah Rukh". Mumbai Mirror. Archived from the original on 8 June 2013. Retrieved 22 July 2013.
  50. T. Krithika Reddy (8 January 2010). "Life & Style / Metroplus : Swinging sixties". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 2 May 2011.
  51. Vignessh (16 August 2020). "The story of an enduring friendship for 5 decades – SPB and Ilayaraja". The Federal. Archived from the original on 6 October 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  52. "Directorate of Film Festival" (PDF). Iffi.nic.in. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 January 2018. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
  53. Sadana, Rashmi (5 April 2012). Dalmia, Vasudha (ed.). The Cambridge companion to modern Indian culture. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 248. ISBN 978-0-521-73618-3.
  54. "SP Balasubrahmanyam: The Accidental Singer". Bangalore Mirror.
  55. "Entertainment Hyderabad / Events : In honour of a legend". The Hindu. 3 February 2006. Archived from the original on 1 January 2014. Retrieved 2 May 2011.
  56. ^ "Metro Plus Visakhapatnam / Music : Balu live and lively". The Hindu. 6 March 2010. Archived from the original on 5 May 2014. Retrieved 2 May 2011.
  57. "Chiranjeevi: It's the darkest day for the world of music". The Times of India. 25 September 2020. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  58. Kadam, Prachi (25 February 2010). "I knew Rahman as a toddler: SP Balasubrahmanyam". DNA India. Retrieved 22 July 2013.
  59. "HindustanTimes-Print". Hindustan Times. 26 April 2007. Archived from the original on 29 September 2011. Retrieved 12 June 2011.
  60. "The Biggest Blockbusters Ever in Hindi Cinema". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 21 October 2013. Retrieved 4 October 2012.
  61. "The Beat". The Beat. 11. University of California: Bongo Productions: 71. 1992. Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  62. "B'day Jukebox: SP Balasubrahmanyam Was Salman Khan's 90s Voice". The Quint. 4 June 2015. Archived from the original on 3 May 2016. Retrieved 18 April 2019.
  63. "S P Balasubramanyam: The voice that made Salman Khan sing – Nishad N". saddahaq.com. Archived from the original on 14 December 2017. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  64. "#RIPSPB: The journey of a legend". The Times of India. 25 September 2020. Archived from the original on 25 September 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  65. "Singer with style". The Hindu. 12 February 2002. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  66. "S P Balasubrahmanyam, Thank You for the Music". NDTV. Archived from the original on 26 September 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  67. "40,000 songs in 16 languages: Here are some rare pictures of legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 29 September 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  68. "Balasubramaniam returns with Chennai Express title track". India Today. 23 May 2013. Archived from the original on 9 July 2013. Retrieved 19 July 2013.
  69. India, The Hans (27 September 2020). "Was hospitalisation of SPB needed?". www.thehansindia.com. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  70. The Hindu Net Desk (30 May 2020). "Ilaiyaraaja and SPB join hands for 'Bharath Bhoomi'". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 29 June 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  71. "A song of tribute: Ilayaraja's salute to COVID-19 warriors". Deccan Chronicle. 31 May 2020. Archived from the original on 14 August 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  72. "Maestro Ilaiyaraaja pays tribute to COVID-19 warriors, releases song sung by SPB". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 19 August 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  73. sales@andhravilas.net (26 March 2009). "Chit chat with S. P. Balasubramaniam – Andhravilas.com -Telugu Cinema, Telugu Movies, India News & World News, Bollywood, Songs". Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 2 May 2011.
  74. Chit chat with S. P. Balasubramaniam – Andhravilas.com -Telugu Cinema, Telugu Movies, India News & World News, Bollywood, Songs : Archived 7 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine 26 March 2009. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
  75. "Telugu Cinema Etc". www.idlebrain.com. Archived from the original on 15 October 2014. Retrieved 9 February 2014.
  76. "SPB and Chinmayi voice for Balakrishna and Nayanthara in Sri Rama Rajyam movie – Tamil Cinema News – Latest News on Kollywood". 2 April 2012. Archived from the original on 14 August 2017. Retrieved 23 September 2014.
  77. "SPB, naturally". The Hindu. 27 March 2009. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
  78. "'పాడుతా తీయ‌గా' ప్రోగ్రాంకు ఊపిరి పోసేదెవ‌రు?". Namasthe Telangana (in Telugu). 25 September 2020. Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  79. "RIP SPB: A household name in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana". Deccan Herald. 25 September 2020. Archived from the original on 29 September 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  80. "Sandalwood Remembers SPB With Yedhe Tumbi Haduvenu, Colors Kannada Viewers Emotional". Sakshi Post. 22 February 2021. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  81. "SP Balasubramanyam is no more; From Paadutha Teeyaga to his last show Samajavargamana, here's a look at his TV shows". The Times of India. 25 September 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  82. "Happy Birthday Kamal Haasan: Legendary Telugu films of the legendary actor". The Times of India. 7 November 2018. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
  83. Sitapathi, Rao (10 September 2020). "Rafi, the singer SPB idolised". India Times. Archived from the original on 4 October 2023.
  84. SP Bala Subramanyam Explaining Deewana Hua Badal Song By Mohammed Rafi to Sonu Nigam. Retrieved 20 March 2021 – via YouTube.
  85. "Renowned Singer SP Balasubrahmanyam's health deteriorates; moved to ICU on life support". Mumbai Live. Mumbai Live. 25 September 2020. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
  86. "Covid-19: SP Balasubrahmanyam remains critical after testing positive, put on life support". The Economic Times. 14 August 2020. Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
  87. Manveena Suri and Amy Woodyatt. "Famed Indian film singer SP Balasubrahmanyam on life support". CNN. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  88. "Tamil Nadu comes together, prays for singer SP Balasubrahmanyam's recovery". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 21 August 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  89. "Mass prayer meet organised by Sandalwood for SP Balasubrahmanyam in Bengaluru". The Times of India. 4 September 2020.
  90. K, Janani (7 September 2020). "SP Balasubrahmanyam health update: Singer tests coronavirus negative, still on ventilator". India Today. Archived from the original on 7 September 2020. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
  91. "SP Balasubrahmanyam's health extremely critical; doctors claim he his on 'maximal life support'". Mumbai Live. Archived from the original on 11 October 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  92. Abishek Jerold. "SP Balasubramahmanyam dies at age 74". Archived from the original on 25 September 2020. Retrieved 25 September 2020.
  93. "SP Balasubrahmanyam buried at his farmhouse with state honours". The Indian Express. 27 September 2020. Archived from the original on 28 September 2020. Retrieved 28 September 2020.

External links

National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer
1967–1980
1981–2000
2001–2020
2021–present
Nandi Award for Best Supporting Actor
Nandi Awards
1981–1990
1991–2000
2001–2010
2011–present
Category
Filmfare Award for Best Telugu Male Playback Singer
1997–2010
2011–2018
2020–present
IFFI Indian Film Personality of the Year Award
2013–present (Film personality)
2023–present (Special recognition in Bharatiya cinema)
2019 (Golden Jubilee ICON)
NTR National Award
Nandi Awards
1996–2000
2001–2010
2011–present
Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer
1960–1980
1981–2000
2001-2020
2021–present
SIIMA Lifetime Achievement Award
2011–2020
Nandi Award for Best Music Director
1977–1980
1981–1990
1991–2000
2001–2010
2011–present
Recipients of Padma Vibhushan
Arts
Civil service
Literature and
education
Medicine
Other
Public affairs
Science and
engineering
Social work
Sports
Trade and industry
Padma Bhushan award recipients (2010–2019)
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
# Posthumous conferral
Recipients of Padma Shri in Art
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
Categories: