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In the world of Indian music, there are voices that go beyond generations and touch the hearts of millions. Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam, affectionately known as SPB or Balu, was undoubtedly one such remarkable voice. With a career spanning many years, SPB made an unforgettable mark in the music world, earning a reputation as one of the greatest Indian playback singers ever. SP Balasubrahmanyam’s songs and heartfelt performances graced Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi movies, making him a versatile and beloved artist throughout the subcontinent. Join us as we take a melodious journey through some of the timeless Bala Subrahmanyam songs that still resonate with music lovers of all ages.
Early Life & Background:
Bala Subrahmanyam, born in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, came from a Telugu Brahmin family. His father, S. P. Sambamurthy, was a Harikatha artist and actor, while his mother, Sakunthalamma, passed away in 2019. He had two brothers and five sisters, including singer S. P. Sailaja. His son, S. P. Charan, is also a renowned South Indian singer, actor, and producer. Although Bala Subrahmanyam initially aimed to become an engineer as per his father’s wish, he had a deep passion for music from a young age. He started learning music and even pursued engineering studies but had to discontinue them due to illness. He continued to excel in music, winning awards in singing competitions. In 1964, he secured the first prize in a music competition organized by the Telugu Cultural Organization in Madras. He was known for his versatile singing abilities in multiple languages and was recognized as the best singer in competitions judged by esteemed figures like S. P. Kodandapani and Ghantasala.
Music Career:
Bala Subrahmanyam, fondly known as SPB, had a prolific music career that spanned over five decades, leaving an indelible mark in the world of Indian music. Here are some highlights from his illustrious journey:
1960s-1970s:
SP Balasubrahmanyam made his playback singing debut in 1966 with the Telugu song ‘Emiyee Vinta Moham’ for the film ‘Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna.’
He ventured into Kannada music with the song ‘Nakkare Ade Swarga’ just eight days after his Telugu debut.
In Tamil cinema, he sang ‘Athaanodu Ippadi Irundhu Eththanai Naalaachu’ for the film ‘Hotel Ramba.’
His rendition of ‘Medante Meda Kaadu’ in ‘Sukha Dukhalu’ (1968) earned him recognition in Telugu cinema.
Balasubrahmanyam had the distinction of recording the most songs on a single day by any singer.
He collaborated with renowned composers like M. S. Viswanathan and Ilaiyaraaja.
1980s:
Bala Subrahmanyam gained international recognition with the film ‘Sankarabharanam’ (1980), which marked a shift towards Carnatic music in Telugu cinema.
He won his first National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for this film.
His Hindi playback singing career took off with ‘Ek Duuje Ke Liye’ (1981), earning him another National Film Award.
He continued his successful partnership with Ilaiyaraaja, contributing to acclaimed movies like ‘Saagara Sangamam’ and ‘Rudraveena.’
His voice played a significant role in the success of actor Chiranjeevi.
1990s:
In the 1990s, Balasubrahmanyam worked with various composers, including A. R. Rahman, Vidyasagar, and Hamsalekha.
His collaboration with Rahman started with ‘Roja,’ and he recorded several memorable songs for Rahman.
His association with Hamsalekha in Kannada cinema was notable, earning him his fourth National Film Award.
Balasubrahmanyam continued to be a prominent playback singer in the Indian music industry.
2000-2020:
In 2013, he returned to Hindi cinema with the title song for ‘Chennai Express,’ marking a 15-year hiatus.
Balasubrahmanyam’s enduring career lasted 54 years, where he recorded at least two songs per day, even in his later years.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he paid tribute to frontline workers with the song ‘Bharath Bhoomi,’ composed by Ilaiyaraaja.
Bala Subrahmanyam’s remarkable contributions to Indian music continue to be cherished by music enthusiasts worldwide.
Top 15 S. P Balasubrahmanyam Songs:
Saathiya Tune Kya Kiya
Singer: S P Balasubramaniam & Chitra
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: Anand- Milind
Starring: Salman Khan, Revathi, Shafi Inamdar, Amjad Khan.
Produced: Shyam Bajaj
Directed: Suresh Krissna
Roja (Version 1)
Song – Roja (Version, 1)
OST – Roja (Hindi)
Artist – S.P. Balasubrahmanyam & K.S. Chithra
Lyrics – P K Mishra
Music – A.R. Rahman
Pehla Pehla Pyar Hai
Movie: Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994),
Singers: S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music: Raamlaxman
Lyrics: Dev Kohli
Cast: Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit
Director: Sooraj R. Barjatya
Mere Rang Mein Rangne Wali
Movie: Maine Pyar Kiya (1989)
Singer: S P Balasubramaniam
Music: Ram Laxman
Lyrics: Dev Kohli
Cast: Salman Khan, Bhagyashree
Director: Sooraj Barjatya.
Hum Aapke Hain Koun
Movie: Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994),
Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, S.P. Balasubrahmanyam,
Music: Raamlaxman,
Lyrics: Dev Kohli,
Cast: Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit,
Director: Sooraj R. Barjatya
Didi Tera Devar Deewana
Movie: Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994)
Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, S. P. Balasubramaniam
Music: Raamlaxman
Lyrics: Dev Kohli
Cast: Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit
Director: Sooraj R. Barjatya
Mausam Ka Jaadu
Movie: Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994)
Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music: Raamlaxman
Lyrics: Ravinder Rawal
Cast: Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit
Director: Sooraj R. Barjatya
Tere Mere Beech Mein
Film: Ek Duje Ke Liye
Mood: Sad
Artist: S.P Balasubramaniam
Music Director: Laxmikant Pyarelal
Lyricist: Anand Bakshi
Film Star: Kamaal Hassan, Rati Agnihotri, Madhavi, Shubha Khote
Director: K. Balachander
Hum Bane Tum Bane
Film: Ek Duje Ke Liye
Mood: Happy
Artist: S.P Balasubramaniam, Lata Mangeshkar
Music Director: Laxmikant Pyarelal
Lyricist: Anand Bakshi
Film Star: Kamaal Hassan, Rati Agnihotri, Madhavi, Shubha Khote
Director: K. Balachander
Joote Do Paise Lo
Movie: Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994)
Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music: Raamlaxman
Lyrics: Ravinder Rawal
Cast: Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit
Director: Sooraj R. Barjatya
Roop Suhana Lagta Hai
Film: The Gentleman
Song: Roop Suhana Lagta Hai
Artist: S.P Balasubramaniam & Chitra
Music Director: Anu Malik
Lyricist: Indeewar
Filmstar: Chiranjeevi, Juhi Chawla, Dipak Tijori, Paresh Rawal, Heera Rajgopal
Director: Mahesh Bhatt
Wah Wah Ramji
Movie: Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994),
Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music: Raamlaxman
Lyrics: Ravinder Rawal
Cast: Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit
Director: Sooraj R. Barjatya
Aaya Mausam Dosti Ka
Movie: Maine Pyar Kiya (1989)
Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam
Music: Raamlaxman
Lyrics: Dev Kohli
Cast: Salman Khan, Bhagyashree
Director: Sooraj Barjatya.
Kabootar Ja Ja Ja
Film: Maine Pyar Kiya
Artist: Lata Mangeshkar, S.P Balasubramaniam
Music Director: Raamlaxman
Lyricist: Asad Bhopali
Film Star: Salman Khan, Bhagyashree, Alok Nath, Mohnish Behl, Reema Lagoo
Director: Sooraj Barjatya
Conclusion:
Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam, or SPB, will always remain a revered figure in the world of Indian music. SP Balasubrahmanyam’s songs have soul-stirring melodies that have woven their way into our hearts, and his versatile voice has transcended language barriers. As we remember this musical legend on his death anniversary, we invite you to immerse yourself in the magic of his songs. From heartwarming romantic tunes to foot-tapping classics, SPB’s voice has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. So, press play and let the timeless melodies of SPB take you on a journey through the rich tapestry of Indian music.
On this day, we pay our heartfelt tribute to the legendary SPB, a true maestro whose music will forever echo in our hearts.
