S. P. Balasubrahmanyam

2023-02-13T15:37:23Z

2406:7400:61:E928:6C09:3E7A:BEC2:F350:

{{Short description|Indian playback singer (1946–2020)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
| image = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam at the 'Gurkha' Audio Launch.jpg
| caption =
| native_name_lang = బాలు
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=y|1946|06|04}}
| birth_name = Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam
| alias = Gaana Gandharva, Paadum Nila<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kolappan |first=B. |date=25 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 = [[Nellore]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[India]]<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 web |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 |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>
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=y|2020|09|25|1946|06|04}}
| death_place = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]
| genre = [[Playback singer|Playback]]<ref name="timesofindia" />
| occupation = {{hlist|Singer|actor|music director|voice actor|producer}}
| years_active = 1966–2020
| module = {{Infobox person
| embed = yes
| honours = {{plainlist|
* [[File:Padma Vibhushan Ribbon.svg|20px]] [[Padma Vibhushan]] (2021) (posthumously)
* [[Padma Bhushan]] (2011)
* [[Padma Shri]] (2001)
}}
}}
}}

'''Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam''' (4 June 1946 – 25 September 2020), also referred to as '''SPB''' or '''SP Balu''' or '''Balu''', was an Indian [[playback singer]], television presenter, actor, music composer, [[Voice acting|dubbing artist]], 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><ref name=":0" /> He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian singers of all time.<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=[[India Today]] |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=[[The Hindu]] |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 predominently worked in [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Kannada]], [[Malayalam]], and [[Hindi]] films and sang in a total of 16 languages.<ref name=":2" />

S. P. Balasubrahmanyam debuted as a playback singer on 15 December 1966 with the Telugu film ''[[Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna]]'' scored by his mentor, [[S. P. Kodandapani]]''.<ref name=":0" />''<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> In career spanning over five decades, he has won six [[National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer|National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer]] for his works in four different languages – Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi; 25 [[Andhra Pradesh]] state [[Nandi Awards]] for his work in Telugu cinema; and numerous other state awards from [[Government of Karnataka|Karnataka]] and [[Government of Tamil Nadu|Tamil Nadu]] governments.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/spb-to-be-honoured-news-telugu-kkfsm1ehhja.html |title=SPB to be honoured |website=Sify.com |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><ref name="Most no of songs">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/02/03/stories/2006020301430200.htm |title=Entertainment Hyderabad / Events : In honour of a legend |date=3 February 2006 |access-date=2 May 2011 |archive-date=1 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101225852/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/02/03/stories/2006020301430200.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead}}</ref> In addition, he won six [[Filmfare Awards South]] and a [[Filmfare Award]].<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=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead}}</ref> According to some sources, he held the [[Guinness World Records|Guinness World Record]] for recording the highest number of songs by a singer with over 50,000 songs in 16 languages.<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 created a record by recording 27 songs in Kannada from 9 am to 9 pm. In addition, he recorded 19 songs in Tamil, and 16 songs in Hindi in a day, 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>

In 2012, he received the state [[NTR National Award]] for his contributions to Indian cinema.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/spb-hema-malini-bag-ntr-awards/article17821614.ece |title=S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, Hema Malini bag NTR awards |first=Special |last=Correspondent |newspaper=The Hindu |date=5 April 2017 |access-date=5 April 2017 |archive-date=5 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405062557/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/spb-hema-malini-bag-ntr-awards/article17821614.ece |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015, he received the Harivarasanam Award from the Government of Kerala.<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=[[The Hindu]]}}</ref> In 2016, he was honoured with the [[International Film Festival of India#Indian Film Personality of the Year|Indian Film Personality of the Year]] award at the [[47th International Film Festival of India]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iffigoa.org/indian-film-personality-iffi2017/ |title=Who will be the Indian Film Personality of the Year at IFFI 2017? |date=8 November 2017 |access-date=29 November 2017 |archive-date=29 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129234420/http://www.iffigoa.org/indian-film-personality-iffi2017/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite news |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/sp-balasubrahmanyam-honoured-with-centenary-award-116112000607_1.html |title=SP Balasubrahmanyam honoured with centenary award |agency=Press Trust of India |date=20 November 2016 |newspaper=Business Standard India |access-date=21 November 2016 |archive-date=21 November 2016 |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 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/news-briefs/have-lost-count-of-songs-sung-says-record-holder-s-p-balasubrahmanyam/ |title=Have lost count of songs sung, says record holder S.P. Balasubrahmanyam |date=20 November 2016 |access-date=21 November 2016 |archive-date=22 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122071055/http://indianexpress.com/article/news-briefs/have-lost-count-of-songs-sung-says-record-holder-s-p-balasubrahmanyam/ |url-status=live}}</ref> He was a recipient of the [[Padma Shri]] (2001), [[Padma Bhushan]] (2011), and [[Padma Vibhushan]] ([[Posthumous award|posthumously]]) (2021) from the [[Government of India]].<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=live |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=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref>

On 25 September 2020, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam died in [[Chennai]] after being hospitalized for over a month for complications due to [[COVID-19]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kolappan |first=B. |date=25 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=25 September 2020 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=25 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925164732/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/paadum-nila-sp-balasubrahmanyam-no-more/article32693844.ece |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Early life and background ==
[[File:S. P. Balasubrahmanyam.jpg|thumb|Balasubrahmanyam in 1985]]
Balasubrahmanyam was born in [[Nellore]], in present-day [[Andhra Pradesh]] into a [[Telugu Brahmin]] family.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite news |others=Special Correspondent |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 [[Harikatha]] 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 web |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 |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 [[S. P. Sailaja]].<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=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2014/03/25214939/SP-Balasubramaniam-world-recor.html |title=Tamil Cinema news – Tamil Movies – 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 [[S. P. Charan]] 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. He enrolled at the [[JNTU College of Engineering Anantapur]] with the intention of becoming an [[engineer]]. He often 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" />''

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]].<ref name="TheHinduAward2012">{{cite news |last=Murali |first=S. |date=25 September 2020 |title=S.P. Balasubrahmanyam: The end of an era |journal=[[The Hindu]] |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.

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).<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 [[S. P. Kodandapani]] and [[Ghantasala (musician)|Ghantasala]].<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 – 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 [[P. B. Sreenivas]], who used to write and give him multi-lingual verses in [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Hindi]], [[Kannada]], [[Malayalam]], [[Sanskrit]], English and [[Urdu]].<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>

== Music career ==
{{See also|S. P. Balasubrahmanyam discography}}

=== 1960s–1970s ===
[[File:SP Balasubrahmanyam Felicitates KJ Yesudas.jpg|thumb|SP Balasubrahmanyam and his wife being felicitated 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 cinema|Telugu]] film scored by his mentor, [[S. P. Kodandapani]].<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=[[The Hindu]]}}</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=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":4" /> The first non-Telugu song that he recorded just eight days after his debut Telugu song was in [[Kannada]] in 1966 for the film ''[[Nakkare Ade Swarga]]'', starring Kannada comedy stalwart [[Narasimharaju (Kannada actor)|T. R. Narasimharaju]].<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 – 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 [[Tamil language|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.<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 ''[[Shanti Nilayam]]'', starring [[Gemini Ganesh]], and "Aayiram Nilavae Vaa" for [[M. G. Ramachandran]] in ''[[Adimaippenn]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2014/03/26213901/mgr-introduce-sp-balasubramani.html |title=Tamil Cinema news – Tamil Movies – 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 [[G. Devarajan]] 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=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead}}</ref> As per Balasubrahmanyam, "Ye Divilo Virisina Parijathamo" from the 1973 Telugu film ''[[:te:కన్నెవయసు|Kannevayasu]]'' composed by [[Satyam (composer)|Satyam]] 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>

Balasubrahmanyam had the distinction of rendering the most songs on a single day by any singer.<ref>{{Cite web |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 |language=en}}</ref> 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.<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 [[Anand–Milind|Anand Milind]]. 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 [[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.<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>

=== 1980s ===
Balasubrahmanyam came to international prominence with the 1980 film ''[[Sankarabharanam (1980 film)|Sankarabharanam]]''. The film is considered to be one of the best films ever to emerge from the [[Telugu language|Telugu]] 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 [[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.<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 [[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),<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 [[National Film Awards|National Film Award]] for Best Male Playback Singer.<ref name="Most no of songs" />

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 Language|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 (film)|Rudraveena]]'' (1988), for which both Ilaiyaraaja and Balasubrahmanyam won [[National Film Awards|National Awards]] for [[National Film Award for Best Music Direction|Best Music Director]] 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=[[The Hindu]] |url-status=dead}}</ref> South Indian actor [[Chiranjeevi]] admits that <nowiki>'''SPB'''</nowiki> voice is one of the main reasons of his success.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chiranjeevi: It's the darkest day for the world of music - Times of India |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 |language=en}}</ref>

In 1989, Balasubrahmanyam was the playback singer for actor [[Salman Khan]] in the blockbuster ''[[Maine Pyar Kiya]]''.<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 [[Maine Pyar Kiya#Soundtrack|soundtrack]] for the film was very successful and he 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.<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 ''[[Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!]]'' which became the [[List of highest-grossing Bollywood films#Highest-grossing Bollywood films throughout history|highest-grossing Hindi film of all time]].<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 [[Lata Mangeshkar]], "[[Didi Tera Devar Deewana]]", was very popular. This solidified Balasubrahmanyam as one of the biggest playback singers in India.<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 [[Kishore Kumar]] became [[Rajesh Khanna]]'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 – 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>

=== 1990s ===
[[File:S P Balasubrahmanyam K S Chithra.jpg|thumb|left|S. P. 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 (composer)|Vidyasagar]], [[M. M. Keeravani]], [[Hamsalekha]], [[S. A. Rajkumar]] and [[Deva (composer)|Deva]] among others, but his association with [[A.R.Rahman]] 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=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>

Balasubrahmanyam recorded three songs for [[A. R. Rahman]] in the latter's debut film ''[[Roja (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 (singer)|Anupama]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 February 2002 |title=Singer with style |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-life/singer-with-style/article28593191.ece |access-date=25 September 2020}}</ref> "Mannoothu Manthayilae" from ''[[Kizhakku Cheemayile]]'' which was a folk number and he almost sang all songs in the musical love story ''[[Duet (1994 film)|Duet]]'' and "Thanga Thaamarai" from ''[[Minsara Kanavu]]'' which fetched him, the sixth and latest of his [[National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer|National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer]] 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=[[NDTV]]}}</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=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref>

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.<ref name="carnatic" />

=== 2000–2020 ===
[[File:Singer Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubramanyam.jpg|thumb|SPB performing in Singapore in 2017 while on world tour titled SPB 50 to commemorate 50 years of his singing career]]
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 [[Bollywood|Hindi cinema]] 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>

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]].<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 [[YouTube]] 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>

== 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 (1976 film)|Manmadha Leelai]]'', providing voice-over for [[Kamal Haasan]].<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 |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 [[voice-over]]s for various artists, including Kamal Haasan, [[Rajinikanth]], [[Vishnuvardhan (actor)|Vishnuvardhan]], [[Salman Khan]], [[K. Bhagyaraj]], [[Mohan (actor)|Mohan]], [[Anil Kapoor]], [[Girish Karnad]], [[Gemini Ganesan]], [[Arjun Sarja]], [[Nagesh]], [[Karthik (actor)|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.<ref>[http://andhravilas.com/movienews.asp?id=90961&curPage=18 Chit chat with S. P. Balasubramaniam – Andhravilas.com -Telugu Cinema, Telugu Movies, India News & World News, Bollywood, Songs :] {{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 [[Nandi Award for Best Male Dubbing Artist]] for the films ''[[Annamayya (film)|Annamayya]]'' 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 [[Nandamuri Balakrishna]] for the Tamil version of the movie ''[[Sri Rama Rajyam]]'' 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 – Tamil Cinema News – 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 [[Ben Kingsley]] in the Telugu-dubbed version of ''[[Gandhi (film)|Gandhi]]''.<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 ===
[[File:SP Balasubrahmanyam and KJ Yesudas at Abbas Cultural’s Kalaivizha 2017 – 25 Years of Celebrating Art Event.jpg|thumb|S. P. B with [[K. J. Yesudas]]]]
[[File:SP Balasubrahmanyam Felicitates KJ Yesudas-1.jpg|thumb|right|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 (singer)|Usha]], [[Kousalya (singer)|Kousalya]], [[Gopika Poornima]], [[Mallikarjun]], [[Vedala Hemachandra|Hemachandra]], [[N. C. Karunya]], [[Smita]] 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=[[Namasthe Telangana]] |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=[[Deccan Herald]] |language=en}}</ref> He also hosted and judged Kannada musical reality TV show ''[[Ede Thumbi Haaduvenu]]''.<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 web |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 |language=en}}</ref>

== 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.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":5" /> He named his [[Recording studio|recording theatre]] after him. He also named his film [[production company]] 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>

== 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.<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 [[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.<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 [[Tamil cinema|Tamil film industry]] engaged in a mass prayer via [[Zoom (software)|Zoom]] 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 [[Telugu cinema|Telugu film industry]] urged people to pray for his life, many [[Telugu cinema|Tollywood]] music composers also organised virtual mass prayers. Members of the [[Kannada cinema|Kannada film industry]] got together for another mass prayer on 4 September 2020 in Bengaluru.<ref>{{Cite web |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 - Times of India |website=The Times of India}}</ref> 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.<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=[[India Today]] |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>

Balasubrahmanyam died on 25 September 2020 at 1:04 pm ([[Indian Standard Time|IST]]) of [[cardio-respiratory arrest]] 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, [[Thiruvallur district]] 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>

== Awards and nominations ==
[[File:M. Venkaiah Naidu presents the centenary award to the Legendary Singer, Shri S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, at the inauguration of the 47th International Film Festival of India (IFFI-2016), in Panaji, Goa.jpg|thumb|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.
{{clear}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|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}}
{{IFFI - Indian Film Personality of the year Award}}
{{NTR National Award}}
{{Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer}}
{{SIIMA Lifetime Achievement Award}}
{{Nandi Award for Best Music Director}}
{{Padma Vibhushan Awards}}
{{Padma Bhushan Award recipients 2010–2019}}
{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Art}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Balasubrahmanyam, S. P.}}
[[Category:S. P. Balasubrahmanyam| ]]
[[Category:1946 births]]
[[Category:2020 deaths]]
[[Category:Male actors in Telugu cinema]]
[[Category:Telugu playback singers]]
[[Category:Male actors from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Singers from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Telugu film score composers]]
[[Category:People from Nellore district]]
[[Category:Telugu male actors]]
[[Category:Deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic in India]]
[[Category:Bhajan singers]]
[[Category:Bollywood playback singers]]
[[Category:Indian male film actors]]
[[Category:Male actors in Tamil cinema]]
[[Category:Male actors in Kannada cinema]]
[[Category:Indian male voice actors]]
[[Category:Indian male singers]]
[[Category:Indian male playback singers]]
[[Category:Kannada playback singers]]
[[Category:Tamil playback singers]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts]]
[[Category:Malayalam playback singers]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Bhushan in arts]]
[[Category:Tamil film score composers]]
[[Category:Kannada film score composers]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards winners]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]]
[[Category:Nandi Award winners]]
[[Category:Film musicians from Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Tamil Nadu State Film Awards winners]]
[[Category:Indian television presenters]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian male actors]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian singers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian composers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian composers]]
[[Category:Best Male Playback Singer National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Rajyotsava Award 2008]]
[[Category:Male film score composers]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Vibhushan in arts]]
[[Category:Sanskrit-language singers]]
[[Category:South Indian International Movie Awards winners]]
[[Category:People from Nellore]]

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S. P. Balasubrahmanyam