Showing posts with label S P Balasubrahmanyam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label S P Balasubrahmanyam. Show all posts
Priyadarshan on musical drama with Mohanlal: "He has sung before, but I won’t make him sing"
10:08 AM
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; April 18, 2026)
Priyadarshan is nearing a career milestone few filmmakers do — his 100th film. Now that Bhooth Bangla has released and Haiwaan is in post-production, it’s time for the director to focus on the project that will team him up with his long-time friend and frequent collaborator Mohanlal. What will the duo give us this time around? A musical drama revolving around a father and his son, Priyadarshan revealed to mid-day.
“I will start my film with Mohanlal sir in November. It’s a complicated film because it’s a musical and will take me a lot of time to put together,” the director said.
A clash of egos and conflicting ideologies on music between the father and son, both renowned Carnatic singers, will form the backbone of the Malayalam movie.
Revealing that Mohanlal will portray the son, Priyadarshan added, “It’s a commercial entertainer with action, 12 songs, and a family drama at its heart. Both are Carnatic singers, and I would want the father to be a newcomer, an elderly person with a background in Carnatic and Hindustani music, and Kathakali. Usually Kathakali performers are actors and singers. It’s a challenge to cast the father. If S P Balasubrahmanyam was alive, I would have requested him to play the father’s role. Mohanlal sir sings very well. He has sung for movies before, but I won’t make him sing in this film as it involves classical singing on a high [octave].”
Audiences in the south have showered love on Chammak Challo, Om Shanti Om-Shekhar Ravjiani
8:16 AM
Fahad Hussain (BOMBAY TIMES; March 19, 2025)
“Music, for me, is about freedom and expression. It’s a way to cut through challenges, to meditate, to emote. I’ve been fortunate to listen to diverse musical styles from across India and the world,” says singer and music director Shekhar Ravjiani, who is part of the popular Bollywood composer duo Vishal-Shekar and is known for hit songs like Chammak Challo, Ishq Wala Love, Meherbaan, among others.
The composer, who was in Chennai recently, shares his fond memories of the city, his perspective on the divide between the north and south music, his favourite South Indian musicians, and more...
The popular notion these days seems to be that Bollywood music’s golden era is over. What’s your take on this?
I don’t believe Bollywood music’s golden era is over. Our films and music are still celebrated globally. Look at Chhaava — it has broken all box office records. If a film is honest and well-made, it will always be successful, and the same applies to music. If music is truthful and heartfelt, the audience will always connect with it.
Why do composers from the north find it difficult to break into south Indian films?
I don’t see music as north vs south or east vs west. Music transcends all boundaries. If you go to dance classes in Mumbai, Tamil songs are hugely popular. People don’t think of them as ‘South songs’ — they just enjoy the music. Similarly, audiences in the south have showered love on my songs like Chammak Challo and Om Shanti Om.
Do you think the role of music directors will change with the rise of AI-generated music?
AI can make things more convenient and speed up certain processes, but it can never replace human emotions. AI doesn’t have a heartbeat, it doesn’t feel pain, and it doesn’t fall in love — so how can it write a song? I might use AI for research or administrative tasks, but never for creativity. That’s where human beings excel.
How do you approach composing a song? What’s your creative process?
For film music, I start with the director’s vision — understanding the character, their emotions, and the scene where the song fits. Once I have that clarity, I build the melody, rhythm, and ragas accordingly. For independent music, the process is entirely different. Here, I am my own director. I decide the theme, the emotions, and the lyrics. It’s a personal expression — there is no screenplay, no restrictions, just pure creativity. I love learning, experimenting, and collaborating with different musicians.
As someone who has been to Chennai several times, what are your fond memories of the city?
I have been coming to Chennai since Om Shanti Om (2007) for string recordings and arrangements. Many songs for Chennai Express (2013) and Home Delivery (2005) were produced here, too. One of the highlights of my career was recording at S P Balasubrahmanyam sir’s studio. That moment felt like a milestone in my life — like I had achieved something in life. Chennai’s musicians, people, and food are truly special. On every visit, I look forward to stopping by this popular hotel chain just to have podi idli!
I wasn’t the first choice for Nayak-Anil Kapoor
2:30 PM
M A Fahad Hussain (BOMBAY TIMES; February 24, 2024)
In an exclusive interview with us, Animal star Anil Kapoor, who was in the city recently, talks about his memories of Chennai, cherished moments with Tamil film stars like Rajinikanth, and more...
Talking about his interest in working on Tamil films, Anil says, “I’ve acted in Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam films, but I haven’t had the chance to do a Tamil film yet, and it has always been on my bucket list. I’m surprised that while there are so many talented directors in Tamil cinema, no one has offered me a role till date.”
He also expressed , “I’m open to working with directors of all levels of experience. Sometimes, filmmakers have chosen me and sometimes, I have made a choice. My journey in films has been diverse, ranging from newcomers to well-established and successful filmmakers. When I hear a compelling story and all the pieces fall into place with the right people involved, that’s when I decide to take on a film.”
‘I HAVE NO ISSUES IN ASKING FILMMAKERS FOR WORK’
I’ve gone out of my way to approach filmmakers whose work I admire, and express my interest in collaborating with them. I have no issues asking for work. For instance, when the Hindi adaptation of Shankar’s Mudhalvan (Nayak) was being made, and K Viswanath ji was planning the Hindi version of Swathi Muthyam, initially, they had other actors in mind. However, I approached them and asked why I couldn’t be part of these projects. Despite not being their first choice, I’m glad I pursued them and requested that they cast me in those films — Nayak and Eeshwar, respectively. I’m so happy that I did those films, because they went on to become cult films in Hindi.
‘TAMIL FILMS PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN SHAPING MY CAREER’
The foundation of my career was built on successful Tamil films, many of which had great stories written by the legendary K Bhagyaraj ji. Movies like Woh 7 Din (Andha 7 Naatkal), Beta (Enga Chinna Raasa) and Mohabbat (Thooral Ninnu Pochhu) were particularly successful. I also shared one of Bhagyaraj ji’s scripts, which my friend took from me, and they made a successful film out of it. These Tamil films played a major role in shaping up my career.
I also have many memories and friends from Mumbai, particularly younger actresses I worked with. Some of them, like Kushboo, Jyotika, and Nagma, chose to settle down and get married in Chennai.
ON HIS MEMORIES OF DAYS SPENT IN CHENNAI
I have fond memories of being friendly with Balu Mahendra ji. He introduced me to Pratap Pothen, and we often visited his house. Exploring the studios in Chennai — AVM, Gemini, and Vijay Vahini — was quite interesting. Staying at the Chola Hotel and having dinner with Rajini ji there are some of my cherished moments in Chennai.
I feel fortunate that the music for my film, especially the songs from Pallavi Anu Pallavi, turned out to be the best. I’ve also spent a good amount of time in A R Rahman’s studio. Working with Rahman ji on iconic films like Pukar, Taal, Slumdog Millionaire, and, of course, Nayak was a great experience. Also, my favourite Ilaiyaraaja’s music in Virasat.
‘SPB JI WAS ONE OF THE NICEST HUMAN BEINGS I’VE EVER MET’
One of my most favourite memories is meeting S P Balasubrahmanyam saheb. I’ve done a Telugu film (Vamsa Vruksham, in 1980), and he dubbed for me in Telugu and Kannada. We became very close, and I admired him a lot. He was one of the nicest human beings I’ve ever met in my life — talented and humble. I learned about staying grounded and being down-to-earth from him. He was truly a gift from God.
On the controversy around Animal
In anything creative, there will always be people who agree and disagree — that’s the nature of creativity. It’s rare for everyone to love something completely. This applies to all creative endeavours. Having seen it all, nothing surprises me anymore; these things happen. The key is to enjoy success, learn from the past, and focus on the future. Forget about what’s behind you and concentrate on the present for a hopefully good future.
Raam-Laxman loved to play the harmonium and mimic people-Lata Mangeshkar
8:03 AM
Lata Mankeshkar remembers composer Raam Laxman aka Vijay Patil as a musician who didn’t seek inspiration from others to create compositions
As told to Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; May 23, 2021)
Our first interaction was when we had to collaborate for a song. I don’t recall which track it was. I had gone for the rehearsals, and he told me that he had been wanting to work with me for several days. My sister, Usha Mangeshkar, who had been working with him since long, often praised him—for his skill and kindness. He was a simple man, with simple means. Despite being famous, he lived like a common man. He never thought twice before saying what he wished to. I remember him as a jovial man, who loved to play the harmonium and mimic people. I enjoyed his mimicry.
I asked him why he kept his name Raam Laxman. He said that initially, there were two of them [referring to his partner, Surendra Kadam]. He was Laxman, and his partner was Raam. When his partner passed away [in 1976], he decided to retain the name, like composers Shankar Jaikishan did.
He had a distinct style of music, and wasn’t one who copied from others or sought inspiration from elsewhere. He created his own melodies, a lot of which, like Dil Deewana and Didi Tera Devar Deewana, were among ones that I found to be very special. He had an album called 100 Days. The track, Le Le Dil, was one that I enjoyed [rendering]. He had roped in S P Balasubrahmanyam to be [the voice of] Salman Khan. There was a time when neither SPB, nor I was [available] to sing his song, and he was upset. He said that while the work had to be done, he didn’t enjoy creating music if I wasn’t involved in it, because I understood his songs, and sang it [as I desired]. He treated me like his older sister.
Composer Laxman of Raam-Laxman fame dies
8:01 AM
Chaitanya Deshpande (THE TIMES OF INDIA; May 23, 2021)
Nagpur: Music director Vijay Patil, popularly known as the Laxman of the Raam-Laxman duo, whose frisky tunes enlivened Dada Kondke’s Marathi superhits and the early Salman Khan blockbusters, passed away following a heart attack on Saturday. He was 78.
His chartbusters came in films such as Tarana, Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Patthar Ke Phool and Pandu Havaldar (Marathi).
Among those who mourned his demise on social media were the peerless Lata Mangeshkar and Bollywood star Salman Khan. Production house Rajshri, for whom the music director was a regular, also posted their condolences. “Rajshri will always remember him for his immense contribution to the music industry,” it tweeted.
Apart from Khan, Raam-Laxman’s music also boosted the early career of Mithun Chakraborty films such as Tarana and Hum Se Badhkar Kaun and gave a second wind to S P Balasubrahmanyam as Salman’s playback in late 1980s and early ’90s Bollywood.
The music of Raam-Laxman was based on the basics of orchestra and took the legacy of Laxmikant-Pyarelal forward. Melody, even in foot-tapping numbers, was a special feature of their music. Use of traditional Indian instruments along with the typical orchestra set-up made their songs popular.
Patil, born and brought up in Nagpur, started as a singer and instrumentalist in the city’s popular orchestra groups. Later, he shifted to Mumbai to become a music director. With his friend Surendra ‘Raam’ Kadam, Patil formed a team which was given the sobriquet ‘Raam-Laxman’ by Kondke. It was the well-known Marathi filmmaker-cum-actor who gave them their break in the film industry with ‘Pandu Havaldar’ in 1975.
Even after the death of Kadam, soon after the pair bagged its first Hindi film ‘Agent Vinod’, Patil continued to provide melodies to more than 75 Hindi, Marathi and Bhojpuri films as ‘Raam-Laxman’. Rajshri Productions’ songs in ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ (Filmfare award), ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’ (many awards) and ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain’ proved to be super-duper hits.
‘Lovleena aa gaya main’ from ‘Agent Vinod’ in 1977 and ‘Deva ho deva, Ganapati Deva’ from ‘Humse Badhkar Kaun’ in 1981 stand out in his oeuvre.
Patil composed several chartbusters during the 1980s and 1990s before the advent of Nadeem Shravan and Anu Malik.
Ten years ago, a brain stroke made it difficult for Patil to sing and compose. He shifted to Nagpur and lived with son Amar who too is into music.
Patil kept away from the media and lived a quiet life in the Untkhana area of the city.
Family members said Patil was not a Coronavirus patient and had taken both doses of the vaccine. On Friday night, he complained of chest pain. Before he could be shifted to a hospital, he got a severe cardiac arrest and died at home around 2 am.
People from Nagpur’s music industry were the first to pay tribute to Patil. “He was a dear friend. I will remember his association with Kader Orchestra. When we started a music academy, I had invited him to inaugurate it. Despite being unwell, he came,” said singer M A Kader.
Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar said, “Felt very sad hearing the news about talented and popular composer Raam Laxman ji (Vijay Patil). He was a nice person. Many songs composed by him and sung by me became very popular. My sincere tributes to him.”
In 2018, Raam-Laxman were bestowed the Lata Mangeshkar Puraskar.
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BOMBAY TIMES (May 23, 2021)
Music composer Vijay Patil — Laxman of the Raam-Laxman duo — passed away on Saturday at his residence in Nagpur. Patil, 79, suffered a heart attack, his son Amar informed. “He had taken the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine six days ago. There was no problem at that time... But when he came home, he developed weakness. His parameters were dropping. Doctors were attending at home. He passed away at around 2 am on Saturday. He had a cardiac arrest,” Amar said.
Patil, along with his partner Surendra (Raam), had composed music for many Hindi and Marathi films in the past over four decades. Surendra passed away in 1976, but Patil continued to compose under the same name in the memory of his friend. He scored the music for films like Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Agent Vinod, Taraana, 100 Days and Hum Se Badhkar Kaun, among others.
Legendary playback singer Lata Mangeshkar paid tribute to Patil on social media. “Mujhe abhi pata chala ki bahut guni aur lokpriya sangeetkar Ram Laxman ji (Vijay Patil) ji ka swargwas hua. Ye sunke mujhe bahut dukh hua. Wo bahut acche insaan the.Maine unke kai gaane gaaye jo bahut lokpriya hue. Main unko vinamra shraddhanjali arpan karti hun (sic),” she wrote.
I have done so many live gigs in my life that I am not missing it-Hariharan
8:08 AM
Shamayita C (BOMBAY TIMES; February 7, 2021)
Hariharan recently completed the shoot of a music project that he has developed with tabla maestro Bickram Ghosh. In a chat with us, the musician spoke about his current projects, plans for Colonial Cousins and more. Excerpts:
You swung into action even amid the Coronavirus pandemic...
I kept myself busy with masterclasses in the lockdown and even started working on this album, Ishq, with Bickram during that time. There is another album that I’m doing with my elder son, Akshay, who’s a music producer. So yes, I’ve been working a lot lately (laughs!).
And how much are you missing live music concerts?
I have done so many live gigs in my life that I’m not really missing it (laughs!).
So will you be doing only digital concerts now on?
No, no! I’m doing my recordings now. I did a few online concerts, too. What I’m trying to say is that certain things have changed and you don’t feel desperate anymore.
Colonial Cousins did a digital concert after the lockdown. What’s next for the duo?
We are in talks to record an album. The music will be fusion — something that Colonial is known for.
Last year, we lost the legendary S P Balasubrahmanyam. Tell us about your fondest memory with him...
I first met anna in Laxmikant ji’s (of Laxmikant–Pyarelal duo) Mumbai studio. He was recording there. I just went there to hang out and barely anyone knew me back then. Laxmi ji said, ‘Arre baitho. Suno, Balu ga raha hai.’ So, I waited there to listen to his recording. He then came out, smiled at me and I smiled back. And then to my surprise, he said, ‘Hariharan, how are you?’ My jaw dropped. He was a big name then and I was nothing. I couldn’t believe that he knew my name. Then he said, ‘I heard you on a Chennai TV channel. You sing really well. I loved it.’ He then started talking about my music with Laxmikant ji. I have been in awe of him since that very moment. After that, I got several opportunities to work with him. We travelled together for a lot for A R Rahman concerts. We even did playbacks for the same albums in many films.
Do you think that the pandemic has made us more sensitive towards art?
It is not about being sensitive. We all have learnt a lesson and I just hope that we don’t forget this one easily. More importantly, you and I do not make much of a difference to this world. What matters is the 20 per cent of the population who is involved in lawmaking and taking decisions that shape our future, understand the need of the hour, and act accordingly.
What is your take on music being used as therapy and how it is becoming increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Music has a calming effect on your mind and body. It’s all science. Specific combinations of notes and rhythm help. There have been experiments on how certain ragas like Bhimpalasi are very good for us. Music therapy has been there for years. It is just becoming more relevant now because people are spending a lot of time at home.
Rajinikanth-starrer Annaatthe makers postpone shoot for the safety of the actor
12:30 PM
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 10, 2020)
In December last year, Rajinikanth had kicked off his 168th film at the Ramoji Filmcity in Hyderabad. Soon after, the Siva directorial was titled Annaatthe, and he was joined by Nayanthara, Keerthy Suresh and Prakash Raaj and they filmed together till February before the shoot was abruptly halted following the Coronavirus-triggered lockdown. The makers were targeting a Diwali release but their plans were hit for a six. With things slowly opening up, the team was gearing up to resume work from October 23 in Hyderabad. They had started constructing the set and getting SOPs in place, but once again the shoot has hit a roadblock.
“Around 40 days of shoot remains. The idea was to complete the film by year-end to get it ready for a summer release. However, days before getting back to work, producer Kalanithi Maran has called off the shoot keeping Rajinikanth’s safety in mind,” revealed a source, pointing out that the 69-year-old actor is all charged up about returning to action after a long break, but the maker doesn’t want to expose him to a crew of 200-plus people.
“The South film industry is still shocked by the untimely demise of singer S P Balasubrahmanyam and don’t want to risk the life of any actor who’s in the vulnerable age bracket, as cases are on the rise. A lot of money has already been invested on the set, but the producer is willing to take the financial hit,” the source added. Incidentally, S P Balasubrahmanyam has sung the introductory song for Rajinikanth in the film, and it is among the last few songs that the legendary singer recorded.
It’s an emotional action drama with Nayanthara as Rajini’s wife and Keerthy Suresh as his sister. The first half has been shot and edited. What remains are some dramatic action scenes and the climax action which will now happen once it is safer. No one is in a hurry to complete and release the film. After finishing Annaatthe, Rajinikanth will move to Lokesh Kanagaraj’s next.
S P Balasubrahmanyam sir had a mind like a computer-Hariharan
8:23 AM
As told to Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; September 26, 2020)
As a young singer, I had been called to Mehboob Studios by Laxmikant ji [of Laxmikant-Pyarelal] where SPB sir was dubbing a song. I had never met him, but he turned to me and smiled with a sense of familiarity. I was happy, but surprised as well. He asked me, 'Are you the boy who sang at a youth channel in Madras for 45 minutes?' I said yes. He praised me, expressed his love and told Laxmikant ji that he must give me a lot of [songs].
As a person, he was humble, lovable, and caring. As a singer, he dominated the South Indian film industry for years. He also had a great stint in Bollywood and often dabbled in spiritual [songs] too. Tirupati channel features six-hours worth of music [rendered] by him.
We travelled the world while performing in A R Rahman's shows. He would always tell me to be friendly with colleagues and fans. SPB sir had a mind like a computer, and could easily remember tunes. I recall, during a rehearsal, I kept forgetting the tune of a [earlier] song of mine. He would remind me my lines. He was nice to everyone, and that's why he had such a long-running [career].
Nobody has ever seen S P Balasubrahmanyam angry-Priyadarshan
8:21 AM
As told to Upala KBR (MID-DAY; September 26, 2020)
I have known SPB sir [SP Balasubrahmanyam] for more than 27 years and created over 40 songs in four different languages — Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi — with him. I recorded with him when songs were not composed in bits and pieces like now. Back then, songs were recorded in one shot. SPB sir once sang the song Mannil Indha Kaadhal from Keladi Kanmani [1990], without pausing for breath. A man who once sang in one breath is lying breathless today.
I first met him back in 1983 at his recording theatre, Kothandapani Studio, named after his guru, P Kothandapani. I remember waiting outside his recording studio when an old-time violinist approached him for financial help. [In gratitude], the violinist touched his feet and SPB got upset. It is probably the only time I have seen him without a smile. SPB shouted at him and said, 'Although I am elder to you, never touch anybody's feet except your parents or guru.' He had a childlike smile. Nobody has ever seen him angry or get into a squabble with anyone. During music sittings, he would joke, smile, sing with everybody, that is the kind of warmth he spread.
I have collaborated with Ilaiyaraaja and SPB sir on some great numbers for my South films. Music directors are strict with singers and don't give them the liberty to switch from the setting, but Raja sir gave SPB freedom with his composition. They created magic with their music. He sang from his heart, irrespective of the language he managed to connect with the audience. That's why his voice and songs are remembered till date. I would often go by his studio to catch up with him while he was recording. SPB sir had an amazing sense of humour.
S P Balasubrahmanyam would often pull my cheeks-Kamal Haasan
8:19 AM
Celebrating the life of S P Balasubrahmanyam, Kamal Haasan on his friendship with the late singer
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; September 26, 2020)
"He was like family," says Kamal Haasan, yet to come to terms with the death of brother-friend S P Balasubrahmanyam, who breathed his last on the afternoon of September 25, in a Chennai hospital where he was being treated for Coronavirus since August. Commemorating their friendship that lasted over 50 years, the actor who addressed him as brother says, "[Coming to terms with his death] is not going to happen in a day."
SPB, as people lovingly called him, and Haasan shared a mutual admiration. "Even when I was just a beginner, he was proud of me. He has been a part of my romance, happiness, melancholy, first love and marriage as well," reminisces the actor, adding, "He was an unabashed fan of Kamal Hassan, and was vocal about it, [which] embarrassed me. He would often pinch my cheeks, compliment me for my work and ask me to get back to work. I never spoke about his singing, the world did. I would just be there, brimming with tears, proud of my brother."
Balasubrahmanyam had recorded over 40,000 songs in 16 languages over a period of five decades. Haasan believes that had it not been for the virus he would "still be singing and recording every day. He died with his boots on". The singer broke barriers and created a name for himself in every industry. "He is not just a Tamil or Telugu singer. He is a national voice," says Haasan, adding that the singer never carried his fame and encouraged new talent. "When he completed 30,000 songs, I wanted to speak about it, but he refused. He took criticism and applause in the same way. He always wanted to improve, he supported new talent and worked with them generously. His humility was not a mask."
S P Balasubrahmanyam: The man who took our breath away
8:16 AM
SPB Was A Voice For All Seasons And Regions. A Naturally Gifted Singer, He Was At Ease Whether Acting, Dubbing Or Composing
Avijit Ghosh & Neeraja Ramesh | TNN (THE TIMES OF INDIA; September 26, 2020)
Apart from being top film stars, what’s common to Kamal Haasan and Salman Khan? The unlikely answer is S P Balasubrahmanyam. The singer with the effortlessly soaring voice first commanded Bollywood attention in Kamal Haasan’s Ek Duuje Ke Liye and later became synonymous with the early Salman Khan (Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun).
After Yesudas, SP was the second male singer from the South to attain major success in Bombay. He sang one solo and four duets in Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981), each a chartbuster. ‘Tere mere beech mein’ (with Lata) finished no. 5 in Binaca Geetmala’s annual countdown show.
Over the next few years, he became a regular, especially in Southern productions. Jeetendra’s Ek Hi Bhool further showcased his range. His gift for infusing pathos (‘Bekhudi ka bada sahara hai’) and his sense of fun (‘Hey Raju, Hey Daddy’) endeared him to music lovers. The singer went through a trough before making a comeback with Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). In fact, his Bombay career can be divided into two phases — pre and post -- ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’. The Salman Khan super-hit, with the feather-friendly ‘Kabutar ja ja ja’ track, kickstarted his second innings which turned out to be more bountiful than the first. His voice became identified with Salman Khan’s in the 90s like Kishore Kumar with Rajesh Khanna in the 70s.
In 1991, ‘Dekha hai pehli baar’ (with Alka Yagnik, music: Nadeem-Shravan, film: Saajan) became Binaca Geetmala’s no. 1 song of the year. The astounding success of Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994) further solidified his status. For almost a decade, SPB recorded regularly in Bombay.
After a hiatus of 15 years, he made a comeback to Hindi cinema in 2013 by singing the Chennai Express title track, ‘Nikal Na Jaaye Chennai Express’.
S P Balasubrahmanyam, golden voice for generations, dies due to Covid complications
8:14 AM
Pushpa Narayan & D Govardan | TNN (THE TIMES OF INDIA; September 26, 2020)
Chennai: Legendary playback singer S P Balasubrahmanyam, popularly known as Balu and SPB, who enthralled millions of people with his youthful voice, died at 1.04 pm on Friday while being treated for complications arising from Coronavirus at a Chennai hospital. He was 74. He had recovered from the viral infection.
“In a further setback this morning, despite maximum life support measures and the best efforts of the clinical team, his condition deteriorated further, and he suffered a cardio-respiratory arrest. With profound grief, we regret to inform that he passed away…” a release issued by hospital assistant director Anuradha Baskaran said.
SPB’s son, singer S P Charan, thanked everyone who prayed for his father. “I thank doctors and nurses who took care of him. He is everyone’s property. My dad will be alive until you are there,” he said.
SPB, who sang more than 40,000 songs in a career spanning nearly 55 years, had been undergoing treatment at MGM Healthcare since August 5 after being admitted with “mild” symptoms. The same day, the singer posted a video on his social media page, saying, “Last two to three days, I have been having a little discomfort. Discomfort means little chest congestion, which for a singer is nonsense… I am perfectly all right except the cold and fever… In two days, I will be discharged, and I will be home. Lot of people have been calling me. I couldn’t attend all the calls. I have come here… so there won’t be any disturbance to me, and to take medication. Don’t bother calling me. I am fine. I will be fine.” Those were the last words his fans heard from him.
Sripathi Panditaradhyula Balasubrahmanyam, who was born in a Telugu Brahmin family in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh on June 4, 1946, made his debut as a playback singer in 1966 with the Telugu film “Sri Sri Maryadha Ramanna.”
A versatile singer, languages were no barrier for him. He commanded a fan following across 16 languages, especially in all four southern languages besides Hindi, where he made a name for himself in the 1980s and 1990s — starting with the songs in “Ek Duje Ke Liye”, which also marked the start of his tryst with the National Award for playback singing.
His fans had given him the title of Paadum Nila (Singing Moon).
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BOMBAY TIMES (September 26, 2020)
Legendary singer S P Balasubrahmanyam, 74, who had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Chennai after testing positive for COVID-19 during the first week of August, passed away yesterday after a long battle with the Coronavirus. On August 5, SPB, as he was fondly called, announced through a video recording, which he posted on his Facebook page, that he had tested positive for COVID-19, and had gotten admitted in a hospital.
While his health had deteriorated during the second week in hospital, he was gradually making progress, with his son, S P Charan diligently updating on his health status. In fact, Charan’s last update, on September 22, said he was making steady progress even though he was on Ecmo/ventilator, and was eager to leave the hospital. Unfortunately, the acclaimed singer’s health deteriorated, and he passed away yesterday.
SPB, who made his singing debut in 1966 with the Telugu film Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna, was the most prolific singer the country has ever seen. The veteran was called Salman Khan’s voice in the 90s after he sang several popular tracks in the actor’s films such as Maine Pyar Kiya, Saajan, Pathar Ke Phool and Hum Aapke Hai Koun..!.
He was an admired character actor, who also played the lead in Tamil films like Keladi Kanmani and Sigaram. He is survived by his wife Savithri and two children — daughter Pallavi and son S P Charan.
Veteran singer S P Balasubrahmanyam critical; remains on life support
7:55 AM
Gladwin Emmanuel (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 25, 2020)
The condition of six-time National Award-winning playback singer, S P Balasubrahmanyam, has taken a turn for the worse. On Thursday, a press release from Chennai’s MGM hospital stated that SPB, who has been under treatment since August 5, when he tested positive for Coronavirus, is “extremely critical”.
The press release said, “His condition in the last 24 hours has deteriorated further warranting maximal life support and he is extremely critical. The team of experts at MGM Healthcare are closely monitoring his health condition.”
On September 22, his son, S P Charan, had posted that the singer was “making steady progress towards getting better”, adding that he was eager to get back home. The 74-year-old even celebrated his wedding anniversary at the hospital.
S P Balasubrahmanyam tests negative for Coronavirus, informs son S P Charan
8:22 AM
The singer’s still on ventilator support as his lungs need to heal
Gladwin Emmanuel (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 8, 2020)
Six-times National Award-winning singer S P Balasubrahmanyam has tested negative for Coronavirus, claims his son S P Charan. However, he continues to be on the ventilator as his lungs need to heal, he added.
“Negative or positive (for Covid-19) it doesn’t matter right now because we are all hoping and expecting the lungs to heal fast. They’re healing but it is taking some time. Other than that, over the weekend, there was a celebration over dad and mom’s anniversary. Dad is watching a lot of cricket and tennis on his iPad,” Charan said in a video released on Monday, adding that over the weekend the family was expecting SPB to be taken off the ventilator but that didn’t happen. However, he is writing and communicating lot and physiotherapy is going on as planned.
The hospital MGM Healthcare has not released any bulletin.
On August 24, there were reports quoting Charan that SPB had tested negative. Charan later denied having said so and requested not to spread rumours about his dad’s health.
The 74-year-old singer was admitted to MGM Healthcare in Chennai on August 5 with mild Covid-19 symptoms. His condition had deteriorated on the night of August 6 and he was moved a to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He has been on a ventilator and ECMO support since.
MGM Hospital says S P Balasubrahmanyam is still critical, on life support
8:26 AM
Gladwin Emmanuel (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 18, 2020)
According to a health bulletin released by MGM Healthcare, Chennai, the condition of S P Balasubrahmanyam, who has been on life support system, remains critical. They further added that the expert medical team treating him is closely monitoring his vital parameters.
The 74-year-old six-time National Award-winning playback singer was admitted on August 5 with mild Coronavirus symptoms. He has been on life support system since his condition turned critical upon his hospitalization. Earlier on Monday, Rajinikanth said that he was happy to hear that SPB, as he is fondly adressed, while still in intensive care is no longer critical. In a short clip released to wish the singer a speedy recovery, the actor noted that he has sung in several Indian languages for over 50 years and brought joy to crores of people across the country through his voice. “Get well soon dear Balu sir,” he urged.
SPB’s son Charan had informed that his father was responding well to the treatment and had communicated with them with a thumbs up. The singer-producer added that his mother, who is also undergoing treatment for Covid-19 in the same hospital, would be discharged in a couple of days and he is hopeful his father would also follow her back home soon.
DMK president M K Stalin also expressed happiness upon hearing that the singer’s health was improving.
S P Balasubrahmanyam critical; on life support
8:52 AM
Gladwin Emmanuel (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 15, 2020)
S P Balasubrahmanyam is on life support and his condition remains critical, according to a health update released by a private hospital in Chennai where the 74-year-old playback singer was admitted on August 5 with mild Coronavirus symptoms. “There has been a setback in the health of S P Balasubrahmanyam,” the bulletin released by MGM Healthcare stated.
According to the hospital, the six time National Award-winning singer’s condition deteriorated in a late night development on Thursday and based on the advice of the expert medical team attending to him, he has been moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He is currently under observation and his haemodynamic and clinical parameters are being closely monitored.
On the day he was hospitalised, SPB had released a video on the social media, saying, “I was diagnosed with a mild case of Covid-19,” and explained that he had been down for the past couple of days with chest congestion, cold and intermittent fever. Following this, he sought the help of health professionals and was asked to go into home quarantine. But he chose to get admitted to a private hospital in Choolaimedu instead.
Assuring his fans and well-wishers that he was fine, SPB had informed that his fever had subsided and that he hoped to recover in a few days. He also requested them to refrain from calling him and enquiring about his health.
Incidentally, a few months ago, SPB, who has sung over 40,000 songs in 16 languages, had joined hands with lyricist Vairamuthu for a song on Coronavirus and the precautions to be taken to beat it.
On Friday, A R Rahman tweeted urging all the music fans to pray for the legend along with him. “He has given us so much joy with his amazing voice!” he added. Within minutes, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur replied to the maestro, saying he was praying for the great singer.
Asha Bhosle, S P Balasubrahmanyam, Sonu Nigam & others come together to raise funds for relief work
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Eighteen singers have joined forces to raise funds for relief work with a three-day virtual concert
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 11, 2020)
After actors, filmmakers and film bodies, 18 singers, including Asha Bhosle, S P Balasubrahmanyam, Udit Narayan, Kumar Sanu, Sudesh Bhosle, Hariharan, K J Yesudas, Sonu Nigam, Kailash Kher, Salim Merchant, Shankar Mahadevan, Anup Jalota, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Alka Yagnik, Pankaj Udhas, Shaan and Talat Aziz, have joined forces to fight the Coronavirus pandemic.Sudesh, whose line-up includes Amitabh Bachchan hits like “Shava Shava” and “Jumma Chumma”, informs that the decision to hold a digital concert from their respective houses to raise funds for PM-CARES was taken a week ago. “The PM’s Office is supporting us in this concert, and we are appealing to the people to contribute in whatever way possible, even if it’s just a rupee,” says the veteran singer.
He goes on to share that Akshay Kumar was the host of the opening show, which started with the blessings of Lata Mangeshkar. “The performers have been divided in batches of six. We have all done our bit to help those in need, but that’s just a small contribution. Through this concert, we will raise donations for the government. When it’s (the pandemic) behind us, we will do more concerts to raise funds for rehabilitation,” Sudesh added.Sonu, who will perform from Dubai, is yet to choose his setlist. “There are so many stalwarts (participating in the show) that I don’t want to talk about my own set. Lataji and Ashaji will be there to bless us. It wouldn’t be a long session, but more like a T-20 match,” he signs off.
S P Balasubrahmanyam was our choice for Ek Duuje Ke Liye though he didn't know Hindi-Pyarelal
8:18 AM
A still from Ek Duuje Ke Liye; Laxmikant-Pyarelal (right)
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 8, 2018)
When Lata Mangeshkar and S P Balasubrahmanyam were recording “Hum Tum Donon Jab Mil Jayenge, Ek Naya Itihaas Banayenge” for K Balachander’s 1981 tragic romance Ek Duuje Ke Liye, under Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s baton, little did they know that they were on their way to creating box-office history. Even though Vasu and Sapna’s prem kahaani did not have the happily ever after ending, it still resonates in our collective memory 37 years later.
His Bollywood debut, bagged SPB his second National Award, after K Viswanath’s Sankarabharanam in 1980, and Pyarelal bhai confides that whenever the singer came home, his wife would request a song or two from the Telugu musical. Buzz is, Carnatic vocalist-musician-composer-actor M Balamuralikrishna was the first choice for the male playback given the score’s largely classical content, but composer K V Mahadevan had insisted on SPB.
Reports suggest that in the case of Ek Duuje Ke Liye too, it was Balachander who pushed for the singer despite L-P’s initial misgivings. Pyarelal bhai refutes this gossip strongly, pointing out that despite being die-hard Kishore Kumar fans, they had convinced Do Raaste’s leading man Rajesh Khanna to move away from Kishore’s voice which after Aradhana had become synonymous with his, and experiment with Mohd. Rafi’s. “And after listening to 'Yeh Reshmi Zulfen' Khanna sahab acknowledged that we’d made the right choice,” the music director reminisces, pointing out that SPB too had been their choice even though like Kamal Haasan’s character Vasu, he barely knew Hindi at the time. “He would do exactly what they told him to and his accent and pronunciation added to the credibility of the character.”
Ek Duuje Ke Liye was a remake of K Balachander’s 1978 Telugu film, Maro Charitra, and revolved around Vasu, a Tamil boy, who woos Sapna, his neighbour in Goa, with “Mere Jeevan Saathi Pyaar Kiye Jaa”, an innovative medley of Hindi film titles. The song was picturised in the cramped elevator of a five-star hotel in Chennai and Rati Agnihotri who at 16 was too young to understand the wild passion that sweeps the lovers along, simply surrendered to her director who gently steered her through the emotional highs and lows. “The only problem was that I didn’t speak a word of Tamil so when Balachander sir suddenly veered from English to Tamil while explaining a scene to me, I’d look at him blankly till Prasad ji (producer L V Prasad) took over as interpreter and guide,” Rati informs with a laugh.
There’s an interesting story behind how Anup Jalota came to sing “Solah Baras Ki Bali Umar Ko Salaam, Pyaar Teri Pehli Nazar Ko Salaam”. Pyarelal bhai recalls that while they were rehearsing, L V Prasad came into the studio and delighted with the lyrics, offered his salaam to Anand Bakshi. Smiling at their exchange the composer stepped out and found Madan Mohan’s daughter waiting with a young man whom she introduced as a good singer, Anup Jalota, who wanted to see a song being recorded and Pyarelal bhai invited them inside. The Lata melody was preceded by a two-line doha-— “Koshish kar ke dekh le dariya sare nadiya sari/ Dil ki lagi nahi bujhati, bujhati hai har chingari” — and the composers wanted a voice other than SPB’s for this prelude. “Laxmi ji suggested we record it with Anup whose father, Purshottam Das Jalota, he knew to be a respected bhajan singer,” he informs.
The film was a blockbuster and made Kamal Haasan, Rati and Madhavi, household names across the country. Rati continued her star trek, going on to feature in a number of hits, including Farz Aur Kanoon, Coolie and Tawaif. Kamal Haasan moved from strength to strength down South with films like Moondram Pirai, Nayakan, Pushpak and Thevar Magan.
“Around five-six years after Ek Duuje Ke Liye, he came to us for a film he wanted to produce. The film had great scope for music but we weren’t sure if the pan-India audience would accept a classical Indian dancer for a hero and pointed it out to him. That film was never made but Ek Duuje Ke Liye or as Sapna explains to Vasu in the film, ‘We are made for each other, samjhe?’ proved that love, like music, speaks a language of its own that’s universal and timeless,” Pyarelal bhai sums up.
I'm embarrassed to know how ancient I am-S P Balasubrahmanyam
7:51 AM
SP Balasubrahmanyam on his Centenary Award, Korean filmmaker Im Kwon-Taek fanboys over SRK and 'Nari' power at 47th IFFI
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 21, 2016)
Girl power and cinema root
ed in reality were buzzwords at the inaugural cer emony for the 47th
edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on
Sunday. Hosted by actresses Surveen Chawla and Suhasini Maniratnam, the
show kicked off with the theme, “Nari - The changing face of women in
Indian cinema over the years“. Union Minister for Information &
Broadcasting, Venkaiah Naidu, said, “Cinema can be an effective tool of
social change and needs to coexist with reality, to pass the test of '2Rs', reason and reality.“
Chief guest Ramesh Sippy who kept calling
IFFI 'IIFA' joined playback singer SP Balasubrahmanyam to felicitate
South Korean filmmaker Im Kwon-Taek with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The father of Korean cinema, Kwon-Taek who has made over a 100 films in
five decades, revealed that he is a fan of Shah Rukh Khan and films
like 3 Idiots and Slumdog Millionaire. “I'm inspired by Indian thought
when I make films on Buddha and Buddhism,“ he admitted, adding that he's
looking forward to working on India co-productions.
Balasubrahmanyam was conferred the Centenary Award for Indian Film
Personality of the Year by Naidu, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar,
chairman of the Children's Film Society of India Mukesh Khanna and Goa
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar. “I'm embarrassed to know how ancient I
am. I don't know how 50 years have passed and I'm still working. I'm
thankful to the entire industry, everyone who glorified my work
onscreen,“ he said.
Actor Sushant Singh Rajput and I & B secretary, Ajay Mittal,
felicitated this year's jury, chaired by Czech-born American
writer-director Ivan Passer and comprising Moroccan filmmaker Leila
Kilani,
Indian filmmaker Nagesh Kukunoor, Brit cinematographer Larry Smith and
Yugoslav filmmaker Lordan Zafranovic.Opening with the Polish film, After Image, IFFI 2016 is marked with several firsts: A system for the visually impaired by UNESCO and NGO Saksham, wherein films have been audio-described, Barco's laser projection technology that offers superior image quality, Best Directorial Debut in Feature category, and a UNESCO Gandhi medal for films that preach nonviolence. A package of films that were awarded at the Swachch Bharat event on October 2 are also scheduled to be screened.
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