The way he lived and treated people is an example to follow. Even though he is physically no more, his voice will continue to live with us. The kind of expression he brought to his singing was incredible. He recorded an entire pallavi, or a charanam, in one take. He was a born genius he wasn’t a trainer singer when he entered the industry. To hear that such a man is no more with us, is saddening. He was a great human: simple, grounded, downto- earth, professional. SP BALASUBRAHMANYAM, YOUR MEMORIES WILL REST IN MUSIC These memories will be etched in my mind.
He placed his hand over my head, chanted a sloka and blessed me. In October 2015, on my birthday, I had the chance to meet him on the sets of Vijay TV’s Super Singer, where I was a contestant. My all-time favourite songs are Ilamai ennum poonkaatru and Minnale nee vantha thenadi. My father, a big fan of Ilayaraaja sir, used to play his songs and that’s when I was exposed to SPB sir’s music too. SP Balasubrahmanyam sir is the reason I developed an interest in film music singing and ventured into it full-time. He has left behind a meaningful message on how one can be a beautiful human being even at the pinnacle of one’s career and success. He was born for a purpose and he did it with elan. I have grown up listening to his songs - be it from the movies, light or devotional. His Aayarpaadi Maligaiyil from Krishna Ganam album was yet another childhood song that I cherish till date and play it on Janmashtami every year. He played a big role in my small musical journey. Manasa Sancharare from the film Shankarabharanam was my first introduction to SPB sir’s golden voice. All his songs are legendary but here are a few favourites: Konji Konji from Veera, Sundari from Thalapathi, Thanga Thamarai from Minsara Kanavu. The emotions he put into his songs and the ease with which he sang in different styles for different heroes is something that I’ve always admired. When I wanted to be a singer as a teenager, I tried to emulate SPB the most. Kadhal Rojave from Roja was one of my go-to songs when growing up. The first song of his that I remember listening to as a kid, which I then recorded on tape, is Enna satham from Punnagai Mannan. SPB’s songs have been an integral part of my childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Most of the iconic songs in our cinema were sung by him. I found him to be extremely gentle and humble. It was a fantastic experience for someone like me to work with him. Ayyayyo turned out to be a huge hit as well. He was really happy about it because he got to team up with his son, SPB Charan, for the song. We first collaborated for the Ayyayyo track from Aadukalam. He was a simple, humble man but extremely intelligent, and had a great sense of humour. He never carried his achievements on his shoulders.
He was a legend, but he never had the air of a celebrity. SPB was a great human being and such a pleasant person. On all the stages he performed in, he always remembered to mention me few artistes would have the heart to do something like that. It’s hard enough to excel in one industry and in one language, but he made his mark in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi film industries. The heights he reached are something no one else can reach anymore. I’ve known him from childhood when he started to work with my father. My relationship with him is something I cannot describe. I doubt if there can be a sorrow deeper than this. He considers his time in front of the mic extremely important. He might take his time to rehearse, but his recording sessions never last more than 10-15 mins. SPB sir cannot be replaced, not only with respect to soul and tone, but also in terms of recording techniques. Despite being a veteran, he never said no to retakes.
#SPB TAMIL SONGS PROFESSIONAL#
He is a thorough professional who always gave his 100 per cent. I consider these experiences as priceless. And now, to think that his final song would be in my is hard to describe the emotion.
It has always been special to have SPB sir sing a Rajini introduction number. He has sung for my upcoming film with Rajinikanth, Annaththe, as well. I had the opportunity to record both SPB sir and Shankar Mahadevan for the film, Jilla. SPB sir was a positive person, a wonderful human being.