Indian Cinema's legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam left us all a year ago. SPB passed away on September 2020 at the age of 74. The voice artist held the Guinness World Record for recording the highest number of songs by a singer with over 40,000 songs. He was a recipient of the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.

SPB stays in the hearts of the Indian audience by rendering his voice in thousands of classic songs. Today, Cine Musician's Union has conducted a special event marking the first memorial day of SPB at the union building. The function was held at 10.30 AM and lead by Padma Vibushan Isai Gnani Ilayaraja. Raja made an emotional speech in the session.

It is well-known that Ilayaraja and Balasubrahmanyam shared a great bond of friendship rooting back to their initial days in Tamil cinema. But Ilayaraja shared that they were great friends even before he became a music director. Raja stated that the duo always kept friendship and work apart, so nothing came between them. He also recalled some of the heartfelt memories with SPB.

Ilayaraja said, "SPB's love for me is incomparable. We had always praised each other at every stage we stood. I am so fond of him. He respected and liked me since when I was playing harmonium in Orchestra. He gave me a special place in his heart." He shared a touching incident from last year about their bond.

Raja further added, "When SPB was in serious condition in hospital, I released a video clip saying that Get well soon Balu, Come back to me soon. His son Charan said that he showed the video to Balu when he was conscious. SPB got emotional on watching the video and kissed the screen with Raja's picture. Also, SPB wanted to meet Ilayaraja when he was asked if he wants to meet somebody. That one word is enough to prove our friendship."

Isai Gnani concluded by saying, "Balu and I will be there in every song you listen. It won't change at any time. People are listening to songs in our hard work. It has been a year since SPB left us but it actually feels like a minute. Time and tide wait for no one. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to speak here." Then, the musician paid floral tribute to SPB's portrait. Many fans and celebrity friends of SBP are paying tribute to this legend by trending hashtags #SPBalasubrahmanyam and #SPB on social media since early morning.

“மக்கள் கேட்கும் ஒவ்வொரு பாடலிலும் நானும், எஸ்.பி.பி-யும் இருப்போம்; அது எந்த காலத்திலும் மாறாது”

நண்பனை நினைத்து நெகிழ்ந்த இளையராஜா#SunNews | #RememberingSPB | #Ilayaraja pic.twitter.com/CsUr17ORGt

— Sun News (@sunnewstamil) September 25, 2021