Legendary playback singer SP Balasubrahmanyam, popularly known as SPB, who won millions of hearts with his youthful voice, passed away on September the 25th, 2020 while undergoing treatment for of Covid-19 in a hospital at Chennai, India. 

He was 74 at the time of his passing. 

S.P. Balasubrahmanyam has recorded over 40,000 songs in multiple languages. One of the greatest and most versatile singers of the century, the man at the peak of his career, is believed to have recorded as many as 15-20 songs in a single day!

“Don’t bother calling me. I am fine. I will be fine,” he said. 

Those were the last words his fans heard from him in a video he posted on his social media.

On September 25th, the hospital treating the legend said Balasubrahmanyam was “extremely critical”. 

Doctors said the singer, who was on road to recovery, suffered a brain hemorrhage and was put on maximal life support. But that could not save his life. 

In memory of the legendary singer, here are our pick of his 3 top songs:

1. Mannil Indha - Keladi Kanmani (1990)

Written and directed by Vasanth, Keladi Kanmani was a huge box office success. S.P. Balasubrahmanyam himself played the lead role in the film and his single breath song, “Mannil Indha Kaathalandri”, became one of the highlights of the film. SPB sang both the stanzas of the song, in a single breath.

2.  Enna Satham Indha nerum – Punnagai Mannan (1986)

The beauty of SPB’s soft vocals in the backdrop of a tragic event, sets the tone of this 1986 blockbuster starring Kamal Hasan, Revathi and Radha. Kamal and Radha are enjoying their few seconds of life to the fullest before tragedy awaits. In such a dark backdrop, this song is nothing short of a classic.

3. Una nenachi paatu padichen – Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989)

If you face a heartbreak, this is the song for you. Sadness was expressed brilliantly by SPB in this classic performance from Apoorva Sagodharargal. Kamal in the movie had lost the love of his life and was unable to react, deciding to express his pain through song. The expressions of this song are given a new dimension by the tone and brilliance of SPB. The versatility in this film from SPB is mind-blowing.

With such an incredible volume of work, we’ve no doubt there’ll be Top 3 variations of SPB’s work in the thousands. 

Nevertheless, we are all equally grateful for the over 40,000 pieces of musical legacy he left behind. 

SPB, you will forever be in our hearts.

Tell us your favourite Top 3 in the comments !

Written By Thineshkan